By Angela Giddings —
Senior Graphic Design major Avi McClain, 27, of Brooklyn, NY is the sole proprietor of Contemporary Negro, a product line inspired by an absence of cultural esteem among African Americans.
A year and a half ago, McClain had a vision to make representing black roots and culture cool again. McClain is not only the owner of Contemporary Negro but he also fills the role of designer, promoter, and salesmen.
G.T: What inspired the birth of your Contemporary Negro?
What inspired me to start was basically the lack of direction I was seeing in the majority of African-Americans. You have to know where you came from to know where you are going. \ When I was growing up, the Pro Black movement was so strong. It was seen in art, music, movies, and fashion. It was everywhere! And as I got older, it died out in a sense. At least in terms of it being “mainstream” of course there were people who never left the movement, but a lot did. So I came to a realization that I want to do my part in trying to restore the “old” movement, and I saw that others felt the same.
G.T: What is the goal Contemporary Negro?
To bring back what NEVER should have left and that is representing black roots and culture.
G.T: How do you market yourself and Contemporary Negro?
I market myself through Facebook, blogs, Twitter and business cards.
G.T: What is your target market?
The whole African Diaspora, but for now, African-Americans nationwide.
G.T: What products do you sell?
Right now, I sell buttons, medallions that you can wear as a pin also, and T-Shirts. All my products have to do with significant events and people in Black History or just taking a new twist on representing roots and culture in this modern day.
G.T: What is the price range of your products/services?
My prices range from $3-$20. Even when I expand to jackets, hoodies, sweaters, hats, etc., I still will keep the price attainable, because it’s not about getting rich and overcharging, it’s about having as many people represent as possible.
G.T: What inspires your designs?
I want it to be hip to wear things of black culture again.
G.T: Do you do fashion shows/ events? Are there any coming up?
I’ve done a few small events and flea markets. As of now, there are none coming up, but I always let my customers and fans know what’s going on.
G.T: Do you plan to expand? When, where and how?
I do plan to expand to ship my products Worldwide for starters. I also want to reach out to more people in a position to reach the masses, namely musicians and actors.
G.T: What do you enjoy most about your company?
I enjoy the fact that I get to do something I love in every sense of that statement.
G.T: How much of your life revolves around building your company?
Right now, my company is 50/50 with school and work.
G.T: What sets your company apart from others of its kind?
Personally, the few companies that I did see were in terms of designs and they over charged. They were trying to be a “High Fashion” brand, which is not my motive.
G.T: If you had to be compared to another company what company would it be and why?
If I can be compared, it would be to those companies, trying to break barriers, and do something new with something that got “old.”
G.T: What have been some of the obstacles you have faced with growing your company?
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, and marketing.
G.T: Where do you see your company in a year? In five years?
In a year I hope my company is marketed better. In five years, I hope to be more established and also have a way to give back for all the support.
G.T: Where can your products/services be purchased?
Http://www.contemporarynegro.com
My Blog: http://contemporarynegro.tumblr.com
My Twitter: @ObviouslyAvi
