Delaware State University is the first HBCU to create independent collegiate apparel – 47abc

DELAWARE – History has been made as Delaware State University has become the first HBCU to own and distribute a clothing line and private label merchandise brand.

DSU’s private label will expand the opportunity to control the products that students and the community wear and purchase. Dr. Dawn Mosley, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications says right now if you want to buy collegiate apparel, you have to click “other” to find an HBCU and that should be. She says their partnership with Everything Collegiate, LLC, a black-owned business based in Atlanta, Georgia, is another way to support black entrepreneurship.

Dr. Mosely says because they own their own merchandise, they have power over the proceeds, and they will be using that for their Lift scholarships dedicated to media-driven students. She says many may not even understand what an accomplishment this is.

“We haven’t owned it, and we should own it. It’s a business model, it’s not known to the collegiate space, but for HBCU’s it’s time for us to own the front of it and the back end of it. and that’s why it’s so significant… I’m seeing a lot of scholarship opportunities for other degree spaces, and I just didn’t see enough for our space, those of us who tell the stories.”

DSU apparel and items will be available on Amazon Marketplace, Walmart.com and on their website. Dr. Mosley says the first round of student scholarships from initial product sales will be awarded in spring 2025.