The Story Behind the "EXPELLED" Hoodie
The "EXPELLED" T-shirt pays tribute to Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine — the brave Black students who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.
Minnijean, along with her peers, faced relentless bullying and abuse from students determined to uphold segregation. Despite the daily torment, she resisted with strength and dignity at every turn. For standing up against the constant harassment, Minnijean was first suspended, and eventually expelled from Central High.
When asked by a journalist years later about the true reason for her expulsion, she answered with immense pride:
"I was expelled because I was tall, beautiful, and proud."
This shirt honors her courage, resilience, and refusal to let racism and hatred break her spirit. It stands as a reminder that telling the truth and standing tall is revolutionary.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Little Rock Nine Foundation to support their continued work in education, empowerment, and justice.
Wear it proudly — for those who resisted, and for those who continue to rise.