Bringing the Black Community Together in a Unique Way
Yuniform’s exploration of Jump Rock and Viewing Rock in Goshen, Va. Photo courtesy of Youssef Hussein.
Amid our hectic lives, it’s difficult to fully cherish the moment and engage with our surroundings. In the 21st century, most of our time is spent glued to media. With daily responsibilities piling up on us, it’s nearly impossible to get a breath of fresh air. The best way to blow off some steam — to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life — is to get outside.
Blasian Womack and his assistant producer Anthony Bush value that incentive, which is why they decided to spearhead Yuniform.us, an organization operating out of New York City and Virginia that works to provide a space in the community where people can “love to love.”
Despite being friends since high school, Blasian and Anthony have a shared admiration for the outdoors that has brought them closer together than ever before.
Blasian considers his favorite hiking spot to be Hawksbill Mountain, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. The two have literally hiked through thick and thin — having trekked through falling snow on their exploration of the Whiteface Mountains in New York — yet it does not outweigh the nostalgic significance Hawksbill has within their friend group.
Yuniform’s nighttime exploration of Cedar Run at Shenandoah National Park. Photos courtesy of Anthony Bush.
“We were able to talk about actual life — the stresses and nuances — and even mundane things we have to go through,” Blasian said. “Hiking feels like a breath of fresh air, not to sound cliche but literally. It allows people to open up and talk about things that matter and foster real connections among those who join us on this journey. It is about welcoming people and making them feel seen outside of what we do corporately, and that being you is enough of a reason to be heard.”
Connecting with your loved ones outside is a joy meant for everyone, however, Blasian makes it known that within the Black community, spending time outdoors is often ridiculed as being “meant for white people.” Because of that notion, a large amount of the Black community does not feel welcome within that space.
Through Yuniform, Blasian and Anthony aspire to bring the outdoors to Black people who feel uncomfortable in the nature scene. The team has brought people on various hiking trips between Virginia and New York.
“A few things I love about the Black community is the culture, the warmth of the creative industry and how inspiring it is to be a part of,” Blasian said.
He further communicates his pride in his community through the organization’s name.
“Uniform with a ‘Y’ in the beginning makes it your uniform,” Blasian said. “I see people in personal uniforms every day. We are constantly in uniform and expressing ourselves through clothes. Yuniform is a collective/brand focused on bringing the community outdoors. We are creating the uniform we want to see on these hikes.”
“Finding that middle ground between storytelling and functionality,” Blasian said, “The clothes are an accent to our goal of doing good deeds for others.”
“We always try to make people feel included in these spaces and combat anxiety,” Anthony said.
Yuniform is welcoming people from all walks of life keeping the organization unique and driven.
Outdoor culture is heavily celebrated all over the globe and with exciting events that represent many niche interests; Yuniform aims to bring a greater enthusiasm to the United States.
For example, in honor of 4/20, Yuniform held their “PUFF N’ PASS” event, which doubled as a clothing drive for the homeless and a space where people were able to come outdoors, smoke and enjoy each other’s company.
“We wanted to meet people where they were, and since it was 4/20, people were looking for things to do outside,” Blasian said. “The event was a success, with the result being 1,000 articles of clothing [donated]. It was great, and people were smiling because they were good quality clothes.”
Scenes at Yuniform’s 4/20 ‘PUFF N’ PASS’ event in New York City. Photos courtesy of Renee Simone.
Attracting roughly 300-350 people, the event was a huge triumph, further allowing Blasian to honor his passion as a fashion designer.
“Fashion, to me, is an extension of myself,” Blasian said. “Yuniform is about looking and acting the part in a way that doesn’t feel forced, and people can feel comfortable with their clothing. We dress the way we want to dress and invite people to do the same. People can do what they want and not feel ashamed in doing so.”
Blasian and Anthony would like to share their outdoor experiences with their community through events, fashion and genuine connections; to break the seemingly inescapable cycle that daily life brings. Going outside is sometimes the only solution.
Yuniform members walk through the woods at Jump Rock and Viewing Rock. Photo courtesy of Youssef Hussein.
“Stop and smell the roses,” Blasian said in a message to college students. “Those four years fly by. Cherish those moments at 2 a.m. with friends. Just be present in those moments with your loved ones. Take a break and don’t worry about the social aspect of the ‘BS’ that comes with life. You are more than what you produce. Life is bigger than work and the world is too big to not see what it has to offer.”
“Get outside, go look at the trees,” Anthony said. “If I’m stressed I go outside. I come home with a better outlook on life. Don’t take the world for granted, and appreciate it for what it is.”
The mountains of Jump Rock and Viewing Rock. Photo courtesy of Blasian Womack.
The Yuniform team is working to launch an official website this fall. Until then, you can check out their Instagram page or their Discord server if you are interested in joining the organization or just to have a conversation with the team.
The Yuniform team poses for a group photo at Jump Rock and Viewing Rock. Photo courtesy of Youssef Hussein.