Black History Month
Partner of the week
Nia Faith & Justice Faith Betty
Co-founded by sister duo Nia Faith and Justice Faith Betty, Révolutionnaire began with a mission to democratize dance apparel with inclusive colourways that empower all to celebrate the skin they're in. Today, the sisters drive change across social justice causes with a social network for change makers built on self-expression, community, inclusivity, and the power of dreams to create change.
In the past two years, we worked with Révolutionnaire on limited-edition collections, in a unified fit made for everyone, bringing together our shared values of diversity, inclusivity, and individuality.
“We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Roots for a powerful collection that further brings our mission to life.” — Nia Faith
In 2022, we teamed up again to create Meet A Revolutionary. In this six-part series, Nia and Justice sat down with changemakers who continuing to lead efforts to make a difference in their communities, hearing about what inspires them and how you can get involved — including a close Roots friend and a partner of TOGETHER, Saroya Tinker.
Watch Interview
Today, the sisters drive change across social justice causes with a social network for changemakers, built on self-expression, community, inclusivity, and the power of dreams to create change.
"Founded on key pillars of inclusivity, diversity and sustainability, Révolutionnaire’s mission is to ignite change for a better tomorrow.” — Nia Faith
Dr. D'Wayne Edwards
Dr. D'Wayne Edwards is known as the most prominent Black designer in the footwear industry. With over 32 years of his vigorous career, including over three decades from L.A. Gear, Nike and Jordan, Dr. Edwards is credited with paving the way for young Black design talent to have a career in the sneaker industry. In 2010, Edwards founded PENSOLE, the first academy in the U.S. dedicated to footwear design, to provide talented young design students.
In your words, what did we do TOGETHER?
Hopefully, A LOT! Under the idea of "Detroit ROOTS," we will honour the ROOTS founders being from Detroit and how they created ROOTS in Toronto. Our goal through our partnership is to bridge the gap between these 2 amazing cities by reestablishing footwear ROOTS for the next 50 years. Detroit Roots will also introduce design competitions and other educational opportunities for Canadians in Toronto and Detroit.
What is PENSOLE Lewis College?
I retired from the industry in 2011 to launch a footwear design academy named PENSOLE. We successfully placed over 600 students into jobs in 10 years. In 2021, we acquired a Historically Black College(HBCU) and University called Lewis College of Business in Detroit. We merged our academy and the HBCU to create the first design-focused HBCU with the goal of increasing diversity in the design industry.
What is your design background?
I grew up in Inglewood, CA, the youngest of six, raised by a single parent. Born with a gift to draw anything I could see — I started drawing sneakers in 1981. With no money to attend design college, I gave up on my dream of becoming a footwear designer until, in 1988, I had a job at a footwear company named LA Gear as a file clerk. After 6 months of stuffing my sneaker designs into a suggestion box, I was offered a job as a footwear designer at the age of 19. I went on to spend three decades in the industry designing shoes for Hip-Hop royalty Notorious BIG, Tupac, Dr. Dre and Nas. I also designed shoes for the hall of fame athletes Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony and Michael Jordan while working at Nike/Jordan. All my designer dreams come true, but I learned I was blessed to have the career I had, so I can give it all back through PENSOLE Lewis College.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
BHM is a reminder of the impact black PEOPLE have had on this world and hopefully helps everyone understand Black History is HISTORY! It is a shame that we are only celebrated in the shortest month of the year, but it is up to us to ensure everyone understands Black History is every day and more than a month.
February is also the LOVE month. Does the idea of 'love' play
a role in your brand?
Yes, I LOVE what I have been blessed to do for the last 35 years… I feel that when you love what you do and get paid to do it, you have reached your life's purpose.
Saroya Tinker
Saroya Tinker is a defender on the PHF’s Toronto Six who is sparking change, pushing limits, breaking barriers, and creating a more equitable future in hockey. Tinker runs Saroya Strong, a mentorship program for young Black women in sports. She is also the Executive Director of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Black women in ice hockey. Saroya is one of the faces of diversity and inclusion in hockey — she is continuously pushing the boundaries of the sport and improving it for the next generation of players.
In your words, what did we do TOGETHER?
Together, we collaborated to amplify and pay homage to
the Black voices in hockey through the documentary Black Ice.
The Roots and Uninterrupted Canada teams designed and
handcrafted a sweatsuit and jacket that represents and reflects
upon so much of the history of Black Hockey. By bringing
together members of the Saroya Strong and Black Girl Hockey Club
community and the Director, Producer, and cast of Black Ice, we
showcased and highlighted Black hockey history and the fact that
we belong and always have.
For those who don’t know, what is the Black Ice story
about?
Black Ice is about the role of Black players in Canadian hockey
from before the start of the NHL to now. The documentary tells the
story of our struggles against racism that continue to this day
and the accomplishments that we - as Black players - have made
despite them. If you’re a hockey fan, it’s a must-see, not only to
understand the sport’s history but to see where it needs to go.
I offered insight and testimony about my experiences fighting racism in hockey. I also represented Saroya Strong and Black Girl Hockey Club and the girls and women associated with it. The other incredible players included Wayne Simmonds, Sarah Nurse, Akim Aliu, and more, and I was fortunate to witness their bravery and strength.
Learn More
Can you tell us about your charity, Black Girl Hockey
Club?
Black Girl Hockey Club Canada (BGHC) is a non-profit
dedicated to making hockey more inclusive for Black women, their
families, and their friends. We provide resources, events,
leadership and role models, and different activations for the
Black hockey community, the next generation of Women stars, and
other young BIPOC women who want to participate.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month means a time to educate and share
the many stories of the contributions of Black individuals within
our respective communities and worldwide. It is a time for Black
individuals to rest and take time for self-care. A time for allies
to speak up and educate their neighbors, friends, and colleagues.
February is also the LOVE month. Does the idea of 'love' play
a role in your brand?
Love is at the centre of everything I do. I have to love what
I’m doing to be authentically myself. I love being on the ice
and on a team that has a family-first mindset. I love the
feeling of my paintbrush stroking the canvas. I love mentoring
young BIPOC women in sports. And I love each and every aspect of
engaging with my community through Black Girl Hockey Club
Canada!
