TOUCHING LIVES IS A HABIT

TOUCHING LIVES IS A HABIT

Children running and playing in a lively outdoor street scene with shops, umbrellas, and people, in a small town or neighborhood setting.

"Kids enjoying outdoor fun at our Back-to-School event outside FLAVAZ Barbershop in Lithonia, Georgia, which sponsored free haircuts for the day."

In the Community

At Touched Apparel, we’re more than a brand — we’re a movement rooted in service, empowerment, and impact.

From our annual Back-to-School event that equips families with essentials, to our October Bullying Prevention Month initiatives that raises awareness and promote kindness, to our Toys for Tots gift drives that bring joy during the holidays — our work is fueled by love for the people.

We proudly curated Project Voter Pride, an initiative informing and empowering LGBTQIA+ voices at the polls, and the I AM EXPO, a space where culture, business, and identity intersect. Our Too Dope To Bully Experience fosters healing and awareness through interactive learning, emotional intelligence, and youth empowerment.

Whether through volunteering, partnership, or grassroots outreach — everything we do is built on connection, care, and community.

Project Voter Pride

A Nonpartisan Initiative for Civic Education, Equity, and Visibility

Project Voter Pride is a nonpartisan movement committed to civic education and empowerment. Our mission is to amplify the voices of underrepresented and historically marginalized communities—including, but not limited to, LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, youth, immigrants, the formerly incarcerated, and those facing economic or social disenfranchisement.

We believe that every voice matters and that democracy thrives when everyone participates. Through education, outreach, and strategic partnerships, we work to equip communities with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to actively engage in the democratic process.

Our First Event

On August 31st, 2024, we launched Project Voter Pride with our first event at Apache Café, hosted and curated by Touched Apparel and Capone.

This dynamic event brought together activists, influencers, and community leaders for a day of education and empowerment.

The event featured Two-Time Olympian Raven Haulk Saunders, Poet & Speaker Royce Haul, District 75 House Representative Eric Bell, Stylist & Designer Alani Taylor, HERIDE Owner Jillian Anderson, Influencer & Brand Strategist Milatto Shavelle, with music curated by DJ AceStar.

Together, we sparked powerful conversations around civic responsibility, voting rights, and the importance of representation and why it matters.

Text that says 'Project Voter Pride' with 'Voter' in American flag design and 'Pride' in rainbow colors.
Event flyer for Project Voter Pride Brunch featuring a smiling woman with braids and a grill. The background includes an American flag and a rainbow flag. The event details are listed: Saturday, August 31st, 10am to 2pm, at Apache XLR, RSVP via Eventbrite for Project Voter Pride Brunch. The flyer includes logos of various sponsors at the bottom.
Flyer for Project Voter Pride Brunch featuring Jill Gates, with a background of American flag and rainbow pride flag. Details include event date Saturday, August 31, from 10 am to 2 pm at Apache XLR, with RSVP through Eventbrite for Project Voter Pride Brunch. The flyer contains logos of sponsors and organizers at the bottom.
Event poster for Project Voter Pride Brunch features a person wearing a black mask, rainbow-colored hair, sunglasses, and athletic clothing in front of a rainbow flag with an American flag in the background. Details include date, time, location, and speaker Ravin Hulk Saunders.
Flyer for Project Voter Pride Brunch featuring Eric Bell, Georgia State Representative and speaker, with a background of a rainbow pride flag and an American flag. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 31st from 10 am to 2 pm at 393 Marietta Street NW in Atlanta. RSVP via Eventbrite for Project Voter Pride Brunch.
Flyer for Project Voter Pride Brunch on Saturday, August 31st, from 10 am to 2 pm featuring speaker Milatto Shavelle, with a rainbow and American flag background, and logos of sponsors at the bottom.
Flyer for Project Voter Pride Brunch featuring speaker Alani Taylor, scheduled for Saturday, August 31st, from 10 am to 2 pm at ApacheXLR, with a background of an American flag with rainbow Pride colors, and logos of various sponsors at the bottom.

Thank you to our sponsors: Apache cafe, HERIDE, Stud Model Project, DJ Ace Star, and Fazzubrand.

I AM MY ANCESTORS' WILDEST DREAMS EXPO

In 2023, Touched Apparel proudly launched and hosted the “I AM MY ANCESTORS' WILDEST DREAMS EXPO” at the Minneapolis Convention Center in honor of Black History Month. Curated and created by Touched Apparel, this groundbreaking event celebrated the richness, resilience, and brilliance of BIPOC communities.

The expo featured nationally recognized speakers, live music, poets, educational sessions, panel discussions, and informational pop-ups. Attendees experienced workshops from various professions, free vending opportunities for small Black-owned businesses, and a special “Too Dope To Bully” youth activation for ages 4–18.

The I AM EXPO is a platform that honors the Black lived experience while connecting communities with invaluable local resources. It fosters education, awareness, creativity, and engagement—creating spaces where culture, talent, and community spirit thrive.

If your city or organization is interested in bringing the I AM EXPO to your community, email Touchedapparel@gmail.com and join us in continuing a legacy that proves we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.

I AM MY ANCESTORS WILDEST DREAMS EXPO RECAP

Since 2014, Touched Apparel’s annual Back-to-School initiative has been a cornerstone of our community outreach. Launched in Georgia with DJ Ace, the event continues to thrive each year thanks to our incredible partners—from local barbers offering free haircuts to community leaders, food vendors, and generous donors. We equip students with essentials like backpacks, sneakers, and school supplies to help them start the academic year strong.

In 2015, the initiative expanded with a dynamic partnership at the Adidas Store in Lenox Mall, Atlanta. Barbers gave free haircuts in the store window while Adidas contributed backpacks for every $100 purchase. Local nonprofits, including “Camps Giving” led by Shauna MamaCamp, and Atlanta’s own DJ Gregg Street, joined in to foster community spirit and promote education.

In another impactful year, we partnered with Certified Hoops, led by WNBA referee Talisa Green, to further extend our reach and amplify our efforts to empower youth through education, sports, and community support.

Barbershop inside a shoe store with customers getting haircuts, mannequins dressed in Adidas clothing, and a sign that says 'You Dope To Bully' visible through the glass.
Woman smiling and shopping in a clothing store, holding black shopping bags in both hands, wearing a black cap, a black t-shirt, and a teal shoulder bag.
Flyer for a back-to-school block party event with details about date, time, location, activities, and sponsors.
Poster advertising the 2nd Annual Back to School BackSchool Block Party organized by Need-A-DJ & Touched Apparel. The event offers free school supplies, donations, and sponsorship opportunities, with details including contact email, phone number, and a colorful design featuring pens, a globe, and playful graphics.
Group of children and adults gathered around a woman organizing backpacks in a school or community center.
Back to School Drive flyer featuring a blue backpack filled with school supplies and colorful notebooks. The flyer lists free haircuts, school supplies, backpacks, food trucks, and giveaways. Date is August 1st, 2021, from 10:30 am to 4 pm at 6966 Main St., Lithonia, GA 30058. Logos of organizations involved are at the bottom.
A woman and a young girl are smiling and posing together indoors. The woman is wearing a denim jumpsuit, sandals, and has a tote bag. The girl is wearing a black T-shirt with the phrase "TOO DOPE TO BULLY" in bold white and red letters, along with blue jeans and sandals. The background shows store displays and people.
Table with school supplies, glue, and notebooks outside a storefront with signs, including a large banner reading 'TOO DOPE TO BULLY'.
Three women standing on a sidewalk talking, one wearing a white t-shirt with red text that says 'TOO DOP TO BULLY,' another with a head scarf and mask, and the third holding a box of Vans shoes, outdoors in front of a storefront with umbrellas.
Group of people posing together inside a store, some wearing matching black T-shirts with 'Too Dope to Bully' printed on them, smiling and making gestures.
A woman getting a haircut in a salon while a reflection shows three children and a man outside the salon window.
Sign announcing Adidas store donation drop-off in Lenox Mall, Atlanta. Drop-off dates August 8-9, with a Sunday event on August 9 from 2-9 pm. Address: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE.
Flyer for the 3rd Annual Back to School event hosted by Certified Hoops Training Center, featuring basketball, school supplies, and fun activities, scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd from 2 to 5 PM at 1240 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA.
A woman and a young girl are at an event registration table filled with bags and papers. The woman is handing the girl a blue backpack. There are other children and adults nearby, some looking on and some walking in the background.

In October 2015, during Bullying Prevention Month, Touched Apparel held an Open Photoshoot in Atlanta, Georgia, inviting participants who purchased a Too Dope To Bully t-shirt to be photographed and share why they believed they were “Too Dope To Bully.” That same season, visionary photographer Di Thomas took the campaign global—capturing Black androgynous-presenting models in the streets of Paris. At a time when their visibility was nearly nonexistent in fashion, Di used her lens to challenge stigma and amplify authenticity. Together, these moments created a powerful statement: bullying has no place in our communities or our creativity.

A young girl with a bun hairstyle smiling at the camera, wearing a black T-shirt with red and white text that says 'TOO DOP TO BULL', standing in front of a wooden wall. There is a quote on the wall that says, 'I'm too dope to bully because you will get in trouble and it's wrong.'
A woman with curly hair wearing a black t-shirt that reads "Too Dope To Bully" in white and red text, standing in front of a wooden wall.
Woman with styled dreadlocks and dark lipstick wearing a black shirt with white text that says "TOO DOPE TO BULLY," standing against a wooden wall, pointing to her shirt. Overlaid text reads, "I am too dope to bully because I am my OWN person and love every inch of me!!"
Woman with natural hair standing against a wooden wall, wearing a black t-shirt with the words "Too Dope to Bully" and a quote about bullying on the side.
A young girl smiling and pointing at the camera, standing in front of a wooden wall. She is wearing a black T-shirt with bold white and red text that says, 'TO DO TO BULL.' There is a quote on the image that reads, 'I'm too dope to bully because it can hurt others and that's not cool.'
A woman with short curly hair smiling, wearing a black T-shirt with bold white letters stating "TOO DOPE TO BULLY" and a necklace, standing in front of a wooden wall, with a quote in white text reading "I am too dope to bully because my power lies in my ability to bring people together."

In 2019, Touched Apparel had the opportunity to mentor children at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA, focusing on the topic of bullying. It was powerful to witness the empathy these young minds expressed—not just for those being bullied, but also for the bullies themselves.

The experience sparked a shift in how they viewed accountability, behavior, and the importance of speaking up. Together, we explored what it truly means to be Too Dope To Bully, encouraging them to embody that spirit every day.

This impactful community activation was made possible through the efforts of Shar Bates and Breaking The Chains ATL.

Group of young people posing for a photo in an indoor space with a step-and-repeat banner behind them, displaying the YMCA and TIG logos.
Group of people gathered in a room with butterfly-shaped wall art, sitting on a colorful striped carpet, some facing forward and some engaging in conversation.
Three young people standing indoors, two men wearing headphones, and a woman with blonde hair and a white T-shirt in the middle. The setting appears to be a radio or recording studio with a backdrop with logos.
Four young women standing in a room with wooden floors and blue walls, appearing to be part of a group activity or conversation. The room has tables, chairs, and decorations including hanging paper lanterns. A blue couch with a remote control on it is in the foreground.

In 2018, Touched Apparel proudly assumed the role of sponsors for the Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Through this partnership, we aimed to instill in the youth the empowering message that it's acceptable to embrace being Too Dope To Bully. 

 Our dedicated team member, Cori Ellerby, whose coaching and mentorship in youth football span over a decade, played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. Together, we demonstrated our commitment to fostering resilience, self-confidence, and a culture of inclusivity among young athletes.

A black outdoor banner attached to a chain-link fence promoting an apparel company, with the slogan "Too Dope to Bully" and supporting the organization Pryaa. The banner is next to a sports field with green grass and trees in the background.

Touched Apparel forged a meaningful partnership with Certified Hoops Training Center, led by WNBA Referee Talisa Green. Specializing in teaching fundamental basketball skills to athletes of all ages, Certified Hoops provided an invaluable platform for youth development. 

 In 2019, we collaborated to create a safe and festive environment for families to celebrate Halloween while also learning about Certified Hoops programs and Touched Apparel's flagship campaign, Too Dope To Bully. The event featured engaging activities, games, music by DJ Benz Mcrae, and special guest appearances, fostering a sense of community and promoting the values of inclusivity and empowerment.

Halloween kids party poster with pumpkins, ghost, haunted house, and spooky trees. Event details: Saturday October 26th, 5-8 pm at 1240 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA. Features DJ, games, prizes, treats, and kid-friendly activities. Cost $5, free for kids' parents. Organized by Certified Hoops Training Center.
Three women and one young man posing behind a table with promotional items for DJ Benz Mcrae, celebrating Halloween with flyers and decorations, while wearing shirts with political messages and slogans.

On February 6, 2016, Touched Apparel expanded its impact to Los Angeles, partnering with media company Visual Monsters for a powerful photoshoot centered around individuals who embody the spirit of being “Too Dope To Bully.” The campaign also spotlighted anti-bullying activist and author Tensie Taylor, who shared her inspiring journey of resilience featured in her book Bullied: From Terror to Triumph.

In August 2015, Di Thomas took to the streets of Paris with a vision, her camera, and Paris’s own androgynous models. At a time when Black androgynous-presenting individuals were rarely seen—let alone celebrated—in mainstream fashion spaces, Di set out to shift the narrative. She didn’t go alone. Di brought the Too Dope To Bully campaign with her, amplifying voices and visibility in a groundbreaking way. Her lens captured not only powerful images but also a bold statement: there is beauty, power, and pride in authenticity.

In 2015, we launched our “Beautiful She Campaign.”

Touched Apparel’s Beautiful She Campaign is designed for girls ages 6 to 12, with a mission to help them recognize their inner beauty, power, and potential. Through mentorship from women who have overcome challenges and grown personally, the campaign inspires young girls to celebrate their strengths and uplift one another.

At our first event, the girls were treated to manicures by Studio 222, henna art, and a powerful mirror exercise where they spoke affirmations into themselves. Female DJ Sugashae set the vibe, and a lineup of incredible women speakers poured wisdom and encouragement into the room—reminding every girl that she can be anything she dreams of.

Each participant took The Beautiful She Pledge and received a Certificate of Empowerment, marking the beginning of their journey into confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Because at Touched Apparel, we believe in the limitless potential of every girl we reach.