Hatred is only one byproduct of the structures that reinforce racism. #MaskOutHate is a community-centered project that asks the question: “In the midst of a pandemic, how can masks be leveraged as anti-racist messaging tools for BIPOC folks most impacted by profiling and racist violence?” We are a group of artists and designers seeking to empower the voices and businesses of communities of color in finding the answer.
#MaskOutHate is an ongoing series of virtual workshops in which BIPOC folks come together to brainstorm mask designs that respond to the increased racism experienced by our communities during the current pandemic and protests.
Through these workshops, we are creating income generating opportunities for Artists and Designers to facilitate workshop sessions, translating the ideas generated by community participants into finished graphics, Fabrication partners to make masks, and Sellers to distribute masks.
Yes, MaskOutHate is about making masks together. But the more we build and strengthen our social fabric, the more possibilities will reveal themselves. And we are in it for the long haul.
COVID-19 won't be around forever (we hope), and at the heart of this project is a vision for the future. A future where Black communities and communities of color thrive in social and economic justice. A future where the strength of our relationships is a launching pad for entrepreneurs and creatives of color to co-design the products, services, and systems our communities need.
Artwork for masks by Wendi Yuling, designed with participants from APANO Resilience Series Workshop