My closet is full of graphic tees that I pair with jeans and sneakers on the weekend or with a skirt and booties if I am heading out for drinks and want something more casual. Here are nine graphic tees that I have either been eyeing or already own that make a statement for social change in the United States and globally. Some of these purchases will give back to organizations as well.
9 Graphic Tees that Make a Statement
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Bitter Southerner has this Hell Hath No Fury shirt to support women’s right to choose. When you buy a Hell Hath No Fury t-shirt, BS donates $5 to a group of funds/organizations working across the Southeast to help those who seek abortions and other related healthcare. These folks are doing good important work, and Bitter Southerner is happy to support them. The Feminist shirt is create by Phenomenal, a values-driven, 360-degree media company that centers women and historically excluded communities. By lifting up the stories, experiences, and talents of underrepresented groups, Phenomenal is helping to shift culture and build community power.
I added this Read Banned Books tee to my collection from Bitter Southerner. In some states, there are egregious and restrictive censorship laws already in effect on books such as Between the World and Me, Maus, The Bluest Eye, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Lawn Boy. This is a t-shirt to remind us all to read and buy these books. And when you’re done, do pass them along to others. My most worn shirt is my Notorious RBG shirt and this one comes in a few different color options! Another go-to in my closet is my Equality Ain’t Exclusive tee that has a very important message, especially during the time. A purchase of this shirt benefits Higher Heights, an organization building the political power and leadership of Black women from the voting booth to elected office and creating the environment for Black women to run, win and lead.
The 1973 t-shirt, designed by prinkshop, recognizes the freedom granted by Roe v. Wade to choose our own path. It represents the right to control our bodies, lives, and futures. $5 from the sale of every t-shirt is donated to The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) to support their work protecting our right and keeping that promise of freedom alive. This What Would Dolly Do? rainbow tee is such a great tribute to the legend herself.
Another favorite of mine from the Bitter Southerner is this Hell or High Water shirt to make a statement for climate change. Rising waters, raging fires, and unprecedented weather patterns; climate change is impacting cities across the South (and world) we call home. I really love this Women Belong in the House and Senate tee! It’s been on my wish list for a while now and it’s a good reminder to run for something.
Here are five ways to enact social change that, while I wrote during quarantine, are still relevant!