Denim Tears' 'Black Yankees' is an Ode to Resistance

Summary

• Denim Tears launched a collection honoring the New York Black Yankees, a team integral to challenging racial segregation in the U.S.
• The 15-piece capsule by Tremaine Emory uses team logos, player names, pinstripes, and a star pattern, dropping on October 24.

For its latest drop, Denim Tears has created a special collection honoring the legacy of New York’s Black Yankees baseball team. Playing a crucial role in challenging the US’s racially segregated past, the team’s impact is highlighted in a 15-piece capsule imbued with Tremaine Emory‘s visual signatures.

Honoring the team’s instrumental part in advancing the foundations of the Civil Rights Movement, the collection reprises Black Yankees team logos, archival imagery, and player names emblazoned on the brand’s streetwear styles. As a nod to baseball uniforms, pinstripes are printed on hooded sweatsuits, trousers, and a distressed leather sports jacket. Denim Tears’ recognizable cotton wreaths are printed over striped pieces, as well as a Black Yankees-brimmed cap.

Another major motif is the navy and white star pattern, evoking the stars found on the American flag. A special baseball shirt features the star print, along with a DT monogram on the front and “Jenkins” on the back side — an homage to Clarence Jenkins, who played for the team from 1931 to 1940. Elsewhere, a gray and black raglan long-sleeve features a dynamic back graphic, including a black and white photo of the team and David Hammon’s African-American flag.

The New York Black Yankees joined the Negro National League (NNL) in 1936, as Black players were barred from participating in Major League Baseball. According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the NNL was formed in 1920 when Hall of Famer Andrew “Rube” Foster established the league in response to Jim Crow laws and ongoing racial tensions.

In addition to playing at baseball’s biggest stage, Yankee Stadium in 1938, players like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, James “Soldier Boy” Semler, Frazier “Slow” Robinson, George Crowe, and Satchel Paige formed a legendary roster for the NY Black Yankees.

Denim Tears’ Black Yankees collection drops on Friday, October 24, at 11 am EST at the brand’s webstore and in-store at Africa Diaspora Goods, 176 Spring St.