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A shirt is a clothing item that can convey a message, but many don't even notice unless someone compliments them in public. Some people wear them to make a statement, others wear them because that's the first piece of clothing they
found in their closet. But clothing can share a powerful one that can put an entire group of people down, such as First Lady Melania Trump and her "I don't really care, do you?" jacket.
Alonzo Knight is a local Cleveland business owner. Cleveland's Finest 216 is his shirt brand and the name of his business. Knight has been making shirts for over one year now and his business has been growing every day. From social media posts made by him to social media posts made by famous players, actors, and singers, Mr. Knight has created his own empire.
Mr. Knight describes himself and his business to us as "challenging work by a local twenty-three years old who makes and packs all his products with the best materials for his customers."
Cleveland's Finest 216 has been creating its own empire around the nation with one of the most popular selling shirts being The Badge Shirt, as described
by Mr. Knight. This shirt shares a message against police brutality without spreading violence or hatred itself. Even though the shirt is peaceful and does not share any violence towards any group of people, Mr. Knight says that it has been a source of stress and concern due to all the Back the Blue members around the city of Cleveland. When asked, he said, "it has me concerned a little when it's being worn, and I come into contact with law enforcement. Nowadays, they can shoot, beat, and harass you over anything"
Mr. Knight's shirt, and members of the Black community who have worn it, have been the target of racist comments due to the message it portrays. The shirt was created after the death of American freedom fighter, George Floyd. Floyd was murdered by four on-duty officers who are now facing charges for the death of Floyd. "I wanted to make a shirt that was powerful, a shirt that was directed at bad law enforcement. I do have respect for law enforcement, the ones that work hard to protect the people and don't abuse their power. The ones that treat everyone equally regardless of color, race, gender, sexual orientation, and/or native language. My shirt has always been directed at the bad apples, not the bunch", Mr. Knight said.
Cleveland's Finest 216 has been banned from a local Ohio group on Facebook. The group, Parma Area Buy & Sell, banned the business after Mr. Knight promoted his shirt. When contacted by us, the admin of the group left no comment about the situation. Mr. Knight mentions that Cleveland's Finest 216 did not break any group rules or Facebook community standards. After being blocked, Mr. Knight was contacted by one of the group administrators who apologized and offered him another chance. No rules or Facebook guidelines had been broken but within a couple of days, he was banned from the group for a second time.
I asked Mr. Knight if race was a factor against him in the Facebook group or with his business. He mentioned how half of his customers are people of color and minorities. Mr. Knight also mentioned how many of his comrades, friends, and even family have been targeted for wearing the shirt in public or to work. "Everyone that has worn the shirts at companies like Home Depot and Amazon has been asked to turn their shirts inside out or go home by management.". This shows how companies ignore the racism problem in our society.
"Your Badge Doesn't Give YOU the Right to MURDER" is not a hate statement. on the contrary, it's a statement of justice and freedom. No law enforcement officer/deputy has the right to take someone's life because of their nationality, skin color, native language, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.
The deaths of George Floyd, Desmond Franklin, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Daunte Wright, Andre Hill, Manuel Ellis, Atatiana Jefferson, Aura Rosser, Stephon Clark, Michelle Cusea, and the many black American lives that have been taken by law enforcement officers shows the real problem in our society. We need to stand up together to assure the safety of our black siblings. Nobody with a badge should have the power to murder and get away with it.
To learn the names of all the victims of police brutality and the aftermath please visit https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2020/know-their-names/index.html
"As long as police continue to abuse their power, I will continue to sell these shirts". Visit https://www.CF216.com and use promo code 4THEFUTURE at checkout to receive 10% off on your Badge Shirt today.
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Editor: Jolie Townsend-Moyer
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