The Story Behind the MeWe Collection: Unity, Heritage, and Lov
MeWeFree founder, Ryan “Free” Smith rocking his earliest (now-defunct) iteration of his “MeWe” concept.
At the heart of every brand lies a story—a reason for being that transcends fabric, ink and thread. For MeWeFree, the MeWe Collection embodies more than style; it’s a movement, a philosophy, and a tribute to the beauty of unity amidst diversity.
The Origins: Muhammad Ali and a Shortest Poem That Speaks Volumes
The spark for MeWe came from an unforgettable line in the documentary When We Were Kings, which chronicles Muhammad Ali’s legendary Rumble in the Jungle. In the film, Ali is credited with reciting what might be the shortest poem ever: “Me, We.” These two words pack a punch, echoing an old African adage, “I am we.”
This concept of interdependence, a bond that transcends the individual to embrace the collective, struck a chord. It was powerful. It was simple. And it became the foundation for something deeply personal—a brand rooted in solidarity.
Inspirations from the Ground Up: Occupy Philly and the LOVE Statue
The next layer of inspiration came from the Occupy Movement, particularly the Occupy Philly demonstrations. Standing among the diverse crowd at City Hall, united in frustration and hope, the realization dawned: regardless of background, we all share common struggles. In the MeWe logo, the “Me” represents the individuality of each person—their nationality, race, or heritage—while the “We” stands for our shared identity as Americans. The American flag in the “We” reminds us that, no matter our differences, we’re all part of this tapestry together.
The design itself tips its hat to Philly’s iconic LOVE statue. The blocky, stacked letters are a visual reminder that all we need is love—a sentiment that may sound soft to some but resonates deeply in a world-craving connection.
The earliest (now-defunct) iteration of the MeWe concept.
The Designs: Flags of Identity and Pride
The MeWe Collection doesn’t just talk about unity; it wears it on its sleeve—literally
MeWe Black American Heritage Design
In this design, the Black American Heritage flag graces the “Me,” paired with the Pan-African flag in the “We.” It’s a four-color screen print that celebrates the unique identity of Black Americans while honoring their African roots.
Each t-shirt and hoodie in the collection comes with a 5-inch “Negritude” embroidered patch on the sleeve—a nod to Black cultural pride and resilience.
Why MeWe Matters
In a world where division often takes center stage, the MeWe Collection stands as a reminder of what unites us. It’s a call to embrace our individuality while recognizing our shared humanity. Inspired by icons like Muhammad Ali, movements like Occupy, and the diverse stories of one family, MeWe is more than apparel—it’s a declaration of solidarity, heritage, and love.
When you wear MeWe, you’re not just making a fashion statement. You’re joining a movement that believes in the power of Me and We. Together, we’re better. Together, we’re free.
