ABOUT
Black & White Unity Creates Powerful Change
Two friends. Two races. One vision.
Transform lives through the power of Affirmations.
Breaking Barriers Through Unity
In a world of division, we choose collaboration. We are a rare Black and White co-owned business in America. Everyday We prove that cooperation is not only possible, but allows us to thrive together. Our friendship spans 30+ years. Our mission spans generations.
We unlock the potential of daily Affirmations to empower people to change their lives.
It started on a soccer field in 1992. Ray, a Black 13 year old, and Todd, a White 14 year old, formed a friendship that would challenge stereotypes and prove what's possible when we work together and value our differences. The bond formed in high school grew through the years. We were starters together on the basketball team; We were lab partners in Advanced Chemistry; and we volunteered together at Special Olympics and as Senior Leaders. Ray continued to hone his skills as an artist and somehow Todd convinced his parents to allow Ray to tag his childhood bedroom with a 6x6 foot square corner mural! (under conditions that Todd would repaint the room when he went to college.) As young adults, we solidified our shared values: strength through diversity, grit, a growth mindset, and a desire to help others. Over time, we both found our life partners and started raising families. One of our greatest joys today is seeing our children's friendship grow, along with sharing experiences like pickup basketball, camping, nature photography, and the pursuit of continuous learning. The same spirit of inclusion and empowerment that drives us to be better parents and people fuels our business and mission to create positive change in the world.
Our Values
Why Our Difference Makes a Difference
Authentic Representation: Black and White co-ownership isn't just our story—it's our lives, and the strength of our company
Unity in Design: Classic black text on white shirts, white text on black shirts—symbolizing the beauty of contrast, clarity of message, and simplicity of focus
Shared Success: Every purchase supports nonprofits who empower equity, value diversity, and practice inclusion
Living Example: We're proof that collaboration across racial lines creates powerful impact
Two Friends, Two Races, One Vision
The Power of Partnership
When Ray and Todd met as teenagers, they didn't see color as a barrier—they saw it as a bridge. Today, as Black and White business partners, they're challenging the status quo of business ownership in America. Less than 3% of businesses in America are Black owned; and of those only a small fraction a black and white co-owned. We're proud to be among the rare few, showing our children, our community and future generations what's possible.
Our Mission
We're more than a clothing brand. We're a living testament to the power of unity. Each affirmation represents our belief that words have power, relationships bridge divides, and business can be a force for positive change.
Our Values
Authentic Unity: Black and White partnership in every decision
Visible Representation: Showing what inclusive business leadership looks like
Intentional Impact: Supporting organizations that bridge racial divides, support inclusion, and value diversity.
Meaningful Design: Our black and white aesthetic reflects our story. Rays HAND DRAWN collection allows Affirmations to become works of art.
Socially Responsible Sustainability: reflected in our choice to work with TeeMill - the first organic, sustainable, carbon neutral, print on demand apparel partner.
Our Commitment to All Communities
We believe environmental justice is racial justice. Our sustainable practices ensure we protect the communities most impacted by climate change:
Selection of supplier partnerships based on shared values to ensure equity throughout our supply chain.
Solar & Wind Powered production, supporting green jobs and reducing carbon emissions.
Zero-waste packaging designed with our planet in mind, with the goal of creating a closed loop system.
B-Corp Journey
Follow our path as we work to become one of the few Black and White co-owned B-Corps in America. Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.