WE STRIVE TO BE A FORCE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
The Washington Mystics support initiatives and policies that promote economic empowerment of our communities, particularly opportunities to uplift women and BIPOC communities.
Launched in 2021, the Washington Mystics District of Change Artist T-Shirt Series was designed to spotlight local artists by introducing and elevating their work within the Mystics community.
The Mystics fanbase, and Greater Washington, DC community made this first year a success! Over 350 shirts were sold and more than $5,000 raised between our two designs.
Designs are created exclusively for the Mystics, and feature artistic expressions of a collective commitment to activism and community engagement reflected in the Mystics’ District of Change platform: Gender Equality, Racial Equality, LGBTQ+ Equality, and Socio and Economic Equity.
Proceeds from the District of Change Artist Collection directly benefit the artist.
PRIDE SHIRT 2022 EDITION
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Keiona Clark is an artist, muralist, entrepreneur and a curator based in the Washington, DC metro area. Clark is Founder and CEO of the DMV League of Artists; an artist collective established in 2018. Establishing “the League” allowed her to live her passion by aligning with similar minds and networks, to build a force in the creative community by providing opportunities, fostering relationships and creating fellowship with an extraordinary league of creative souls. Keiona has not only proven herself to be a force in the “Art of business”; she is also an Artist/Creative inspired by her love for all things involving creativity. Learn more about Keiona.
DC EMANCIPATION DAY 2022 EDITION
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Rose Jaffe is a visual artist, with mediums spanning mural painting, ceramics, printmaking, and digital illustration. Born and raised in the nation’s capital, Rose loves calling Washington, D.C, home. She has painted over 30 murals nationally and internationally, including over 20 in D.C. Her art has been featured in over fifteen publications, including the Washington Post and City Paper as well as NBC, CNN, and Channel 9 among others. She is dedicated to harnessing the power of art to find connections, build community, spark conversation and create social change. Learn more about Rose.
ABOUT THE DESIGN
I have followed the fight for DC to be the 51st state for many years, which would allow representation in Congress and many other benefits that other states enjoy – so I was excited to create something that shed light on this important issue – but make it basketball! Statehood to me looks like breaking a chain from federal oversight in DC, and allows for more freedom and autonomy.
GENDER EQU(AL)ITY 2022 EDITION
ABOUT THE ARTIST
This Chicago native was born of the seasoned and inspiring brush stroke of artist and mother, Dianne Crouch. As a child Rebecca was immediately immersed into the world of art and had no choice but to develop that natural born aptitude. She produces work in varied media using color, texture, movement, and flow. Their pieces are about the impossible and the discovery of promise.
Music, life, limits, and change are just a few themes prevalent in Rebecca’s work. Her poignant pieces are not only beautifully intoxicating stories, but also timeless works of art. Indulge in the art of Rebecca Crouch, where she tells stories, one painting at a time. Learn more about Rebecca.
ABOUT THE DESIGN
The piece is about overcoming barriers that prevent access to advancement. Little girls everywhere must believe they can achieve the impossible. The theme highlights just how important the fight for gender equality is.
The shirt design itself features a female superhero wearing a cape representing the Washington D.C. flag and her ‘breaking through the glass ceiling’ represented as the outline of Washington, D.C.
RACIAL EQU(AL)ITY 2021 EDITION
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Beezy Young (they/she/he) is a queer, non-binary, multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Washington, DC. Beezy is a self-taught painter, digital illustrator, filmmaker, and founder of a hand-made wooden accessories shop called Wood You Wear. Their art is heavily influenced by neo-expressionism and the current political climate, where they utilize mixed media and abstract styles to create their pieces. Their intention is to inspire marginalized individuals to follow their art amidst challenging times, while affirming the beauty in their existence and resilience. Learn more about Beezy.
ABOUT THE DESIGN
The March on Washington marked a critical moment in this country’s history – a time where different people from all over gathered together for racial and voter equity. This piece highlights the fact that we are still marching for justice and liberation today, 58 years later, with intersecting issues like voter suppression, hate crimes, racism, and excessive force from authorities impacting marginalized people. There is no better time to stand together to be the change we want to see than now!
LGBTQIA+ EQU(AL)ITY 2021 EDITION
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Keyonna Jones was born and raised in Washington, D.C., graduated from St. John’s College High School, earned her Bachelor of Arts from Philip Merrill’s College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, and her Master’s in Science Management with a specialization in Public Relations from the University of Maryland. Keyonna received two Edward Murrow Awards for her work as a news producer with News Radio WNEW, 99.1. In 2015, Keyonna founded Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) home of #soufsidecreative located on MLK Ave, SE, with a mission to expose, educate and inspire her East of the River community through art and culture. She’s a tattoo artist, graphic designer, published fashion stylist, photographer, avid gardener and above all, a proud mother of two. Learn more about Keyonna.
ABOUT THE DESIGN
For too long the LGBTQIA+ family has been overlooked, mistreated + forgotten. It’s time we find appreciation in the reflections we find in each other as people – regardless of sexual orientation. It’s time we give each other our flowers. Change is Healing. Healing is Growth. Healing starts within. Plan the seed.
