CLEVELAND — Originally made with the goal of inspiring youth, one northeast Ohio organization is now expanding into a creative agency to continue its founding mission of helping youth be what they want to be.
What You Need To Know
- A northeast Ohio-based non-profit has teamed up with a clothing store to produce a social-justice themed clothing collection
- The organization Shooting Without Bullets is putting the talents and passions of Cleveland youth in the spotlight
- The clothing is a part of the Inhale/Exhale collection launched by nonprofit Shooting Without Bullets in response to uprisings for racial justice
- 100% of Inhale/Exhale’s proceeds will go to Shooting Without Bullets
When Maurice Philpott first stepped in front of the camera, he was stepping outside of his comfort zone. Years later, the Cleveland teen’s face can be seen in the Van Aken clothing store Xhibition.
“The first thought I had when I first seen it was…this is crazy,” Philpott said.
It’s more than just his face on display. Philpott is modeling clothes he helped design — clothes that amplify bold messages of justice and equity. The clothing is a part of the Inhale/Exhale collection, launched by nonprofit Shooting Without Bullets in response to uprisings for racial justice.
The organization was founded in 2016 by photographer and activist Amanda D. King
Originally focused on photographing and inspiring Cleveland youth, Shooting Without Bullets has expanded into a creative agency and production company allowing young people to use their creativity as an outlet.
“There’s so many lack of access, there’s so many discrimination within the creative economy and arts ecosystem, that it’s almost impossible for young black artists to pursue careers within it,” King said. “So we try and break down barriers within shooting without bullets to allow them opportunities.”
For Philpott and his friend JB Banks, being a part of Shooting Without Bullets not only helped change their lives, they say it inspires them to change the narrative about the capabilities of inner-city youth.
“This is a huge milestone for us, and hopefully we just keep it going,” said Banks.
“I want them to say that no matter what — no matter what you’re doing, no matter where you want to go in life — you can do anything you want to do nothing is impossible,” Philpott said. “Me being on this wall, four years ago I’d never thought I’d be here.”
One hundred percent of Inhale/Exhale’s proceeds will go to Shooting Without Bullets. The collection can be found at Xhibition clothing store located in the Shaker Heights Van Aken district.
