The Story Behind the Scarf...
Lift Every Voice
Scarf
Every Bee Blunt collection begins in the archives.
Long before the first sketch is drawn, we immerse ourselves in history reading, researching, asking questions, and seeking to understand the lives and legacies of those whose stories have shaped our collective culture. The Lift Every Voice Scarf is no exception, and perhaps one of the most meaningful journeys we have undertaken.
Working in partnership with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation, we were granted the extraordinary privilege of accessing James Weldon Johnson’s literary archives and visiting the historic property where he lived and wrote, including his intimate writing cabin. To stand in the very place where one of America’s greatest literary minds created was both humbling and deeply inspiring. It reminded us that history is not distant it is personal, tangible, and alive.
As we explored Johnson’s journals, manuscripts, and personal writings, we gained a deeper appreciation for the care, intention, and artistry that gave birth to Lift Every Voice and Sing. What began as a poem would become one of the most enduring and beloved hymns in American history a work that continues to inspire generations with its message of hope, resilience, faith, and perseverance.
This scarf represents the first chapter in our partnership with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation. It is more than a beautiful accessory; it is a wearable archive. The design thoughtfully brings together Bee Blunt’s signature artistic storytelling with the lyrical beauty of Lift Every Voice and Sing, incorporating passages from James Weldon Johnson’s own handwritten journal as he crafted the literary masterpiece the world has come to know and cherish.
Every detail was created with intention to honor the written word, celebrate Black literary excellence, and preserve a legacy through design.
We are honored to share this inaugural collaboration and look forward to telling many more stories together. Because at Bee Blunt, we believe history deserves to be worn, celebrated, and carried forward one story at a time.
Lift Every Voice Scarf
Created in partnership with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation, this exclusive design honors James Weldon Johnson’s extraordinary literary and cultural legacy. The artwork thoughtfully weaves together elements inspired by Lift Every Voice and Sing, inviting the wearer to celebrate a story of hope, resilience, dignity, and progress.
Crafted from luxurious silk with a timeless square silhouette, the scarf is designed to be worn in countless ways around the neck, tied to a handbag, styled as a head scarf, or displayed as a piece of collectible textile art. Whether worn for everyday elegance or special occasions, it serves as a meaningful reminder that history is something we carry with us.
Bee Blunt Collaborations
Bee Blunt approaches collaborations as powerful storytelling vehicles designed not just to create beautiful garments, but to amplify untold histories and shared cultural legacies. The brand seeks aligned partners museums, mission-driven companies, and cultural institutions who value heritage, artistry, and impact. Each collaboration is rooted in research and narrative, with a focus on honoring the Black experience through fashion. Whether through capsule collections, retail installations, or co-branded campaigns, Bee Blunt ensures that every partnership uplifts community voices, preserves cultural memory, and invites the world to see history through a more inclusive lens.
Nantucket Narratives
A Collection Built on Legacy
Nantucket Narratives is a new collaborative fashion initiative from Bee Blunt and the Museum of African American History (Boston & Nantucket) designed to tell powerful stories of Black heritage through timeless, intentional style. This partnership connects fashion, place, and preservation transforming historical memory into wearable storytelling.
The inaugural capsule collection, Nantucket Narratives, celebrates the resilience, dignity, and craftsmanship of Nantucket’s historically Black community. The pieces honor the neighborhoods, landmarks, and lives that shaped Black identity on the island.
