A T-shirt line and live performance build momentum for progress
The 44th, a movement promoting Gen-Xers (ages 36-47) and Millennials (Ages 14-35) to change the world, announced its plans to launch its clothing line. Co-founders Patrice Downey and Bobby Drake began their 15-day tshirt sale on July 1, 2012. Following the t-shirt sale, Drake and Downey will host an event at One Sports Lounge located at 1003 North Old World Third Street on July 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. CDT.
“The 44th is inspired by the 2008 election putting President Barack Obama in office,” says Drake, a well-known spoken word artist from Milwaukee. “After vising Florida during the announcement of his presidency, I was mesmerized by the cultural blend of young Americans fighting to ensure he made it into office. Importantly, it inspired me to realize our generation is impacting and changing the world. The 44th promotes our generation and our ability to make a difference. The t-shirt is intended to help people feel empowered, to join the conversation and take action on issues that are important to them.”
Following Drake’s experience, he and Downey printed a small quantity of t-shirts, which quickly gained interest – for the shirt and the cause. “We decided that the success of the election was just the beginning for The 44th. We couldn’t use one event in history to determine the value of the shirt. It means more. It is a symbol of empowerment to impact the future of history,” states Downey, a well-known artist and business owner from Milwaukee. “People reacted positively to The 44th, which inspired us to expand Drake’s idea and efforts.”
Drake and Downey are marketing and selling the t-shirts nationally with support from major metropolitan cities throughout the United States. Locally, the team will host a series of events to encourage supporters to “Join the Conversation”.
The first of several events will take place on July 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. CDT at One Sports Lounge. This event is called PD & BD at ONE and will feature a live band, spoken word and musical performances by Drake and Downey. There will also be opportunities to “Make the Statement” and “Join the Conversation”.
The 44th t-shirts are being sold at http://the44.eventbrite.com/. The cost of the shirt is $22.00 (SM-XL) and $25.00 (XXL-4X) and includes admission to the social mixer at One Sports Lounge. Without the shirt, admission at the door will be $10.00.
“This is just the beginning. We plan to expand our efforts and activities as our movement gains momentum,” says Drake. “It’s simple. Wear the shirt. Make the statement. The 44th will evolve as the people come together.”
Join the Conversation
Twitter: www.twitter.com/the44thinfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/the44thinfo
