Latest news with #Morehouse
Fibre2Fashion
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fibre2Fashion
US brand Ralph Lauren launches Oak bluffs-inspired summer collection
Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL) announces the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection, a new limited-edition collection and campaign telling the story of the Oak Bluffs community in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. A coastal haven for Black communities for more than a century, Oak Bluffs has been enjoyed for generations by seasonal beachgoers, close-knit alumni cohorts and families that built and continue to steward the town's many charming cottages year-round. As part of this story, Ralph Lauren takes its ongoing partnership with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges off-campus, weaving products into this collection that celebrate timeless collegiate style and the prestigious legacy of both historically Black colleges (HBCUs). For nearly 60 years, Ralph Lauren has captured the essence of American life and style, showcasing stories of family, heritage, joy and optimism – from the mountains of the American West to the beaches of New England and the storied halls of college campuses. This collection is part of Ralph Lauren's Design with Intent efforts, authentically celebrating heritage and reflecting the many facets of American life that are inspirational and aspirational to the brand. Ralph Lauren unveils the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection, celebrating the rich Black heritage of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, and timeless collegiate style from Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Launching globally on July 24, 2025, the campaign includes a short documentary premiering on YouTube, spotlighting stories of community, legacy and cultural pride. Continuing the brand's stories of the summer following its Ralph's Hamptons campaign, the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection blends classic coastal leisurewear – featuring details that nod to the unique heritage of Oak Bluffs – with off-campus collegiate style through the lens of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Conceptualized and designed by Morehouse and Spelman alumni at Ralph Lauren, the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection speaks to the on-island styles of longtime residents and vacationers alike, who mix collegiate ballcaps and salt-weathered crewnecks in their summer wardrobe of swimwear and sandals. 'This collection is about more than a charming coastal town; it's a story of the American dream,' said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation . 'Oak Bluffs' unique history, traditions and sense of community deeply inspire me and speak to what we are all searching for – a place where you can be free, uncontrived, joyful and truly at home.' Men's and women's styles like the Twill Jacket are adorned with novelty embroidery featuring iconic landscapes and motifs on-island, while classic sport caps in crisp white, red and navy complement the collection's nautical themes. Maritime-inspired stripes and embroidered details throughout the collection speak to pastimes long enjoyed in Oak Bluffs – from a slow bike ride along Sea View Avenue to locals' beloved 'five-to-sevens,' the front porch socials that take place before dusk. Each piece within the Morehouse and Spelman assortments translates from the campus library to the shores of Oak Bluffs, bringing a coastal flair to Ralph Lauren's iconic collegiate sensibility while honoring the sartorial traditions of both institutions. The full collection – which includes sun-faded knits, heirloom sweaters, sailing-worthy jackets, accessories and more – references styles worn by generations of Oak Bluffs residents and vacationers alike. Standout pieces include a maroon-and-white satin varsity jacket with Morehouse's Maroon Tiger adorning the back and an ivory-and-light-blue patchwork cardigan showcasing Spelman's beloved Jaguar mascot alongside distinctive motifs that celebrate the historic landmarks of Spelman's campus. Additionally, a quilted patchwork jacket and matching quilted blanket serve as a visual narrative of the island, with individual patches paying tribute to the town's nautical traditions. The stories of Oak Bluffs come to life in a campaign set against historic backdrops directed in partnership with author, director and producer Cole Brown, who brings decades of memories from summers spent on Martha's Vineyard to this project. Campaign imagery was photographed by Nadine Ijewere with video footage shot by Azariah Bjørvig, both returning after capturing the award-winning Polo Ralph Lauren Exclusively for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges campaign in 2022. This campaign is anchored in a short documentary blending scenic campaign footage with rare archival imagery and featuring stories of life on-island from seasonal visitors; year-round residents; multi-generational homeowners; local business owners; community historians; faculty, students and alumni from Morehouse and Spelman; and more. The full-length documentary, 'A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs,' will premiere on YouTube on July 24, 2025, followed by a special screening and panel discussion on the power of narrative change in racial healing at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 8, 2025. The screening is presented in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which is guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive. The Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection will be available to consumers globally on July 24, 2025, on on the Ralph Lauren App, in Morehouse College and Spelman College Follett campus bookstores and in select Ralph Lauren stores while quantities last. Ralph Lauren is proud to partner with The Cottagers, Inc., a nonprofit organization comprised of 100 Black female homeowners on Martha's Vineyard, to support its historic building restoration, cultural preservation and other community resilience efforts on the island. The Company worked closely with members of The Cottagers, The Martha's Vineyard African American Heritage Trail, The Martha's Vineyard Museum, The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and advisors at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, among others, to source archival footage and historical knowledge – essential elements in telling the story of Oak Bluffs. In line with these efforts, Ralph Lauren is also pleased to continue its longstanding partnership with United Negro College Fund to support scholarships for students at HBCUs and ensure the Company fosters opportunities for recruitment and early talent development with them. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
Hypebeast
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Polo Ralph Lauren Honors Oak Bluffs' Rich Community
Polo Ralph Lauren has just unveiled a limited-edition collection for Oak Bluffs, a coastal sanctuary in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, enjoyed by Black communities for more than a century. Building on its partnership with HBCUs, including Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, the quintessential American label is taking its classic academic wares from the quad to the beachtown, with embroidered twill jackets, sailing-ready coats, sun-faded sweaters, and Maritime-inspired statements referencing pieces worn by the New England town's generations of residents. The island is known to draw close-knit alumni from the aforementioned schools, so the lineup is also filled with collegiate pieces repping both Morehouse and Spelman's mascots, the Maroon Tiger and the Jaguar, respectively. 'This collection is about more than a charming coastal town; it's a story of the American dream,' said Ralph Lauren. 'Oak Bluffs' unique history, traditions and sense of community deeply inspire me and speak to what we are all searching for – a place where you can be free, uncontrived, joyful and truly at home.' The Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection will be available to shoponlineand in select stores, as well as on both Morehouse and Spelman Colleges campuses, on July 24. See the collection in the gallery above.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE From homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes... how Quincy Avery became the NFL's quarterback guru
Football jerseys line the walls where Quincy Avery sleeps. Just as they did nearly two decades ago, when he drove his Mustang out west to California. Avery had graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta when, in 2008, he talked himself into a role as an assistant with the UCLA Bruins. It was a first step. But it was also unpaid. So Avery set up camp in the locker room. 'You got a shower, an air mattress… your whole setup,' the 39-year-old says. He couldn't ask his mom to fund an apartment. He wouldn't have had much time there, anyway.
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU Community Mourns the Loss of Track & Field Icon
The HBCU community is mourning the loss of a legend. Morehouse College has announced the passing of Thomas Wells, affectionately known as T.J., a longtime assistant coach and proud alumnus. Wells was a key figure in the success of Morehouse's track and field and cross-country programs for nearly 40 years. Coach Wells graduated from Morehouse in 1974. He was a two-sport athlete who played football and ran track. In 1987, he returned to campus as a coach. His energy, passion, and leadership helped shape generations of Maroon Tigers. Coach Wells worked closely with Head Coach Willie Hill to build one of the most dominant programs in HBCU history. Together, they led Morehouse to 38 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships. These titles spanned cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track and field. Wells' most recent achievement came in February 2025. The Maroon Tigers won the first-ever SIAC Indoor Track & Field Championship. That victory followed the 2024 SIAC Cross Country title. Under his leadership, Morehouse produced numerous All-SIAC athletes, NCAA qualifiers, and student leaders. "T.J. Wells was more than a coach-he was a cornerstone of our program," said Athletic Director Harold Ellis. "He shared a vision for excellence that went beyond medals and trophies." Coach Willie Hill added, "Anybody can live. No one can live giving like Coach Wells. He was a true giver of life." Wells mentored young men with discipline, love, and purpose. His impact reached beyond athletics. He built a culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, and service. That culture still defines Morehouse athletics today. In addition to coaching, Wells served his community. From 1973 to 1998, he worked as a Center Director for the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. He also volunteered with Scouting America, mentoring youth across Atlanta. Coach Wells lived with humility, dedication, and a belief in the power of education and sport. His commitment to Morehouse and the HBCU tradition was unmatched. Wells gave 38 years to Morehouse. In that time, he touched thousands of lives. His players remember him not just for wins, but for wisdom and heart. Morehouse College will announce memorial details in the coming days. The community extends its deepest condolences to the Wells family, former athletes, and all who knew him. Thomas Wells was a leader, a mentor, and a proud Morehouse Man. His legacy will live on through every athlete he inspired-and through every HBCU program that strives for excellence. The post HBCU Community Mourns the Loss of Track & Field Icon appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Morehouse College coach joins in-conference rival
The post Former Morehouse College coach joins in-conference rival appeared first on ClutchPoints. After departing Morehouse College earlier this year, Douglas Whittler has reemerged in the SIAC with a conference rival. Whitter has been revealed as the head coach of Allen University, per an announcement by the institution. Advertisement 'I would like to thank President McNealey and Director of Athletics Wallace for this opportunity,' Whittler said in a statement. 'It is truly a blessing to me and my family to be a part of the Allen University family. I am looking forward to working with the faculty and staff here at Allen to elevate our men's basketball program to a championship level not only in the SIAC, but nationally, as well.' 'We couldn't be more excited to have Coach Whittler,' said Allen University Athletic Director Phillip Wallace Jr. in a statement. 'I've known him for years. His leadership and coaching are top-notch. I have no doubt he will lead us to a championship.' Whittler had an impressive four-year tenure at Morehouse marked by success. He finished his tenure at Morehouse with a remarkable 76-40 overall record (.655) and a 59-21 conference record (.734). He took over as interim head coach in 2021 following the passing of former head coach Grady Brewer. Under his leadership, Morehouse College claimed three consecutive SIAC East Division Regular Season titles from 2022 to 2024. In his debut season, he guided the Maroon Tigers to a 21-7 record and matched a school record with an 18-game winning streak. His performance earned him the full-time head coach position by March 2022. Perhaps one of his most notable accomplishments in his tenure with the team happened this season, as Morehouse beat Howard University in an MLK Day matchup in a huge upset that had the HBCU sports community buzzing. Advertisement Now, he takes over an Allen University program that finished with a 6-21 record last year. Whittler is familiar with Allen, as his Morehouse team beat them twice last season in huge blowouts. Related: Son of Florida Gators legend transfers to Florida A&M Related: Mo Williams, Jackson State offer scholarship to son of NBA standout
