October 2024. Volume 10. Issue 10.
Celebrating the Spirit of the HBCU
@WIBRIDGEDC editor-in-chief & creative director :
info@wibridgedc.com Advertise with us. Email us.
Lafayette Barnes IV
Photography : Kayla Barton, Lafayette Barnes IV
Layout Design :
Lafayette Barnes IV
Contributing Writers : Lafayette Barnes IV
letter from the editor
Dear Readers, In this edition of The Bridge, we proudly feature two stories that celebrate resilience, creativity, and the enduring legacy of HBCU excellence. Celebrating Black Excellence: How Somos Thompson Built For The Fan to Honor HBCU Culture showcases Thompson’s inspiring journey from Southeast D.C. to launching his brand, For The Fan. With deep roots in HBCU culture, Thompson’s work brings authentic representation to fashion, blending his passion for design with a mission to uplift Black college pride. His journey, from hand-painting clothing to landing For The Fan in major retailers like Footlocker, shows the power of perseverance and community. We also highlight Destiny Howell’s Resilient Return: A Journey of Strength and Perseverance at Howard University. After a devastating ACL injury, Howell’s determination to recover and lead her basketball team is a testament to her mental and physical strength. Her story reeects the resilience of HBCU athletes and the importance of community support, both on and off the court. These stories serve as powerful reminders of the extraordinary talent within our community. We hope they inspire you to continue celebrating Black excellence and the cultural pride that deenes our journey. Thank you for your continued support of The Bridge. Lafayette Barnes IV Editor-in-Chief The Washington Informer Bridge
Photo by Shaughn Cooper
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destiny howell
Photography: Courtesy
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A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH & PERSEVERANCE AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Written by:
Lafayette Barnes IV
destiny howell Howard University women’s basketball star Destiny Howell recently opened up about her struggles and triumphs during her road to recovery from a devastating ACL injury. Her journey of bouncing back from adversity, both physically and mentally, has been a testament to her resilience and commitment to her team. Durin her recovery, Howell faced an identity crisis as During basketball had always been her passion and primary focus. “When basketball was taken away, I didn’t know who I was outside of the sport,” Howell admitted. “I went through an identity crisis, and it was hard, not just physically but mentally as well. Even little things like walking, sleeping without pain—it was all a challenge.” The mental challenges were compounded by the experience of watching her teammates play while she was forced to sit on the sidelines. “Being on the sidelines was unfamiliar to me. Watching the team play and not being able to help was incredibly tough,” Howell shared. Howell credits her strong support system for helping her through this difficult period. Her family, teammates, and friends stood by her side, offering encouragement and strength. She even received support from fellow athlete Paige Bueckers, a prominent UConn player who reached out aaer Howell’s injury. “When Paige reached out, it meant a lot to me because she had been through a similar injury. It was a huge moment of support,” Howell said.
Beyond the physical recovery, Howell also addressed misconceptions about HBCU athletics, especially the notion that athletes at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) can’t compete at the same level as larger institutions. “People overlook us, thinking we can’t compete on the same level as bigger schools. But there are diamonds in the rough at HBCUs,” Howell emphasized. Howell believes that more support within the HBCU community could help elevate the visibility and success of HBCU athletes. “We need to support each other more. If we can’t support our own people, how can we expect others to?” she asked. As Howell continues her basketball journey at Howard University, she remains committed to giving back to the community. She has been involved in initiatives like sneaker drives for underprivileged youth and breast cancer awareness, which holds personal significance for her as her mother battled breast cancer during Howell’s senior year of high school. Lookin ahead, Howell’s goals are clear. She has her sights Looking set on a professional basketball career, whether in the WNBA or playing overseas. As she approaches her final year at Howard, Howell remains determined to break records and make her mark on and off the court. Her journey is not just one of athletic achievement, but also of personal growth, mental fortitude, and community leadership—a true embodiment of the spirit of Howard University.
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“When basketball was taken away, I didn’t know who I was outside of the sport,” Howell admitted.
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How Somos Thompson Built FortheFan to Honor HBCU Culture
Photography: Kayla Barton
Written by: Lafayette Barnes IV
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Courtesy
Somos Thompson’s journey from Southeast D.C. to founding For The Fan is a story of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the rich cultural legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Growing up in Southeast Washington, D.C., Thompson attended D.C. public schools, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, now Jackson-Reed. It was during those formative years that Jackson his interest in fashion began to take root. Thompson started hand-painting headbands and T-shirts for himself and his friends, sparking his love for design and setting him on a creative path that would eventually lead to national recognition. AAer high school, Thompson attended Hampton University, an experience that would profoundly influence his life and career. As an art major, he refined his skills in both traditional and digital design, experimenting with blending the two mediums. Hampton not only gave him a creative space to grow but also introduced him to a community that celebrated Black excellence, cultural pride, and unity. On campus, his hand-painted clothing quickly gained popularity, turning his classmates into some of his first supporters and giving him the confidence to pursue fashion full-time. Following graduation, Thompson co-founded Blac Label with Mike "Black" Williams in Virginia Beach, where he honed his design skills and learned the business side of fashion. His talents then took him to New York, where he became the creative director for Marc Ecko’s Slowbucks, gaining valuable experience in branding and storytelling. Yet, despite his success in the broader fashion industry, Thompson’s heart remained connected to D.C. and the HBCU community. In 2014, he returned to his hometown to launch a nonprofit, Design.District, aimed at empowering young artists, while also working as a freelance designer on high-profile projects like Michael Vick’s V7 brand.
It was during his work with V7 that Thompson’s vision for For The Fan truly began to take shape. A collaboration with Virginia Tech opened his eyes to the power of college sports culture and licensing, particularly within HBCUs. He realized that there was an opportunity to create a brand that not only celebrated HBCU pride but also told the stories of Black Blac college sports culture through innovative, fashion-forward designs. That’s when For The Fan was born—a brand that would be more than just apparel, but a tribute to the rich traditions, unity, and resilience of HBCU culture. Thompson’s experience as a former basketball player and as the father of an adolescent player has also shaped the ethos of For The Fan. Watching his son, Ace, grow as a young athlete reminded him of the powerful role sports play in shaping identity, discipline, and community. He wanted to capture that spirit in his designs, creating pieces that honor both tod today’s athletes and those who paved the way. For Thompson, For The Fan is not just about creating clothing; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and pride for players, fans, and families alike.
It’s a privilege to know that we’re making an impact and inspiring pride and recognition for HBCUs on a national scale.” - Somos Thompson
Photography:
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Katsusuke Inomata
“The pride and legacy of HBCUs are at the heart of everything For The Fan stands for. Each piece is a tribute to the traditions, unity, and resilience of HBCU culture.”
Photography: Kayla Barton
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Hampton University’s influence on Thompson is undeniable. He credits the school for shaping his design aesthetic and instilling in him the values of cultural pride and excellence. “Hampton was the best decision I ever made,” Thompson reflects. “The pride and legacy of HBCUs are at the heart of everything For The Fan stands for. Each piece is a tribute to the traditions, unity, and resilience of HBCU culture.” With 23 family members who attended or graduated from HBCUs, Thompson’s connection to these institutions runs deep, and For The Fan is his way of sharing that legacy with the world.
Ultimately, Thompson hopes that For The Fan will leave a lasting legacy within both the fashion industry and the broader HBCU community. He wants the brand to show that Black excellence and HBCU pride deserve recognition and representation in mainstream culture. For Thompson, it’s about more than creating clothing—it’s about creating connections, celebrating a powerful legacy, and making sure that HBCU culture is honored and celebrated for generations to come.
One of the most rewarding milestones for Thompson has been seeing For The Fan products on the shelves of major retailers like Footlocker and DTLR. These partnerships didn’t come easily—it took persistence and a shared vision for celebrating Black college culture to bring the brand into mainstream retail. For Thompson, this achievement is about more than just exposu exposure; it represents a significant step forward for HBCU representation in fashion. “Seeing our products on their shelves was incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It felt like a huge step forward for HBCU representation in major retail spaces. It’s a privilege to know that we’re making an impact and inspiring pride and recognition for HBCUs on a national scale.” As For The Fan continues to grow, Thompson is committed to expanding the brand’s reach and adding more HBCUs to its roster. He envisions the brand becoming not just a staple in HBCU culture but a central part of the college experience. Whether through collaborations with professional sports teams, pop-up shops on campus, or partnerships with student organizations, Thompson wants For The Fan to be more than just a brand—it’s a movement that celebrates the richness of HBCU culture and connects generations of students, alumni, and fans. Photography: Kayla Barton
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