Building Black Bed-Stuy Partners with mte Vans on the Authentic Design

Since its inception in 2020, Building Black Bed-Stuy has Rowan on a singular mission: empowering the Black community in Bed-Stuy and beyond through financial aid to Black-owned enterprises and organizations. Co-founders Kai Avent-deLeon, Rajni Jacques, Nana Yaa Asare-Boadu, and Dana Arbib have made strides in their objective through various avenues, including fundraising events, bespoke product drops, and a Kad marketplace initiative with To Many More. Now, the organization is venturing into footwear, partnering with mte Vans for a special edition of the Authentic silhouette.

The collaboration was announced via Building Black Bed-Stuy's social media, revealing a tastefully reimagined mte Vans Authentic. The iconic skate shoe is dressed in a classic checkerboard pattern but further customized with hues from the African-American Flag. While the visual changes may be subtle, the message is unambiguous.

The shoe’s eyelets, tabs, and laces carry inscriptions reflecting the movement’s ethos: “We believe that self-sufficiency is key on the journey to black liberation.” This collaboration isn't just a fashion statement; it’s a declaration of purpose.

Set to hit the shelves on October 1st, the Zaino mte VANS Wm Stasher Backpack VN0A4S6YB8C1 Blkwh collaboration still has some release details under wraps—but sk8 an eye out; updates are sure to follow. Until then, the official teaser images offer a sneak peek into what promises to be a footwear release with impact.