Her story:
Rachel Izuagbe is a 20 year old African American student majoring in public health. She founded Unapologetic, an activist apparel brand in 2018 and SteadyGo, an educational nonprofit in 2020. She also organized a school walkout in 2018 in response to Parkland Shooting.
How has language served as an empowerment tool for you?
"Speaking has been an empowerment tool for me because it has encouraged my work in promoting intersectionality and creating activist apparel. When I was a senior in high school, I learned about intersectionality and how different aspects of one’s identity influence and shape our experiences. I chose to incorporate that idea in my brand because I felt that it was necessary for people to share their truth and how their identity is something they use to navigate their own life. Speaking has empowered me because I get to learn how to be a better ally as well as better ways to advocate for myself. When I interview people, I get to learn from their experiences and reflect on my own. I think there is a lot of power in the community, so when I create those connections I feel like I’m creating my own unique support system. As a woman of color, I find it really crucial to have a support system in many different aspects of my life. It’s easy to get imposter syndrome at times when I’m growing up figuring out who I want to become, so I’m happy to have a unique way of finding that support.
When I make shirts for my apparel brand, it’s a way to say something powerful without moving your lips. I remember how powerful I felt the first time I wore a shirt that I made. I probably stood up a little straighter and held my head up a little higher, just because I knew everyone could read a statement boldly shown on my shirt. At that moment, I felt really strong because I had a message to share. I just hope other people feel empowered when they wear their shirts too."
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