How George Floyd’s death led these two South Jersey brothers to make a change in Lumberton
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The summer of 2020 was unlike any other summer for Generation Z. When the video of then-police officer and now-convicted murderer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck went viral, youth across America felt a call-to-action.
Some went to protests, others created petitions, and still more took to social media activism. In Lumberton, brothers Jaivien and Jadon Kendrick created clothing lines to uplift youth amidst the solemnity felt by the Black community following Floyd's death.
Now just two years later, the pair is looking to make a change in their own community — getting lights on at the Village Green basketball courts and bringing people together through the game.
Jaivien, a college student at Bowie State in Maryland, and Jadon, a student at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, have lived in South Jersey their entire lives. Each has been on the receiving end of not so neighborly anti-Black rhetoric.
"We're in a predominately white area so I didn't see a lot of people like me so of course I was bullied and people would always say things to me. It never really made me question myself but it always made me question well, why, what's the reason," Jaivien said.
Often, Jadon and Jaivien brushed off the hate. But, Floyd's death created a call-to-action moment for the Kendrick brothers.
"I feel like it ignited something in me and that can go for everyone else who has seen the video. I know my brother and I went to protests," Jadon said. "It was nice to see everyone come together for the cause but the main thing is to keep that going, keep fighting for the cause."
After attending local social justice protests, Jadon and Jaivien sought to keep their activism alive. Through their unique clothing lines — "More Life" and "Zero Harm"— they hope to motivate and inspire a generation of youth to live their truth, live a life beyond limitations, and without harm.
The Kendricks' urban streetwear clothing lines, everything from hoodies to hats, each showcase the brothers unique perspectives on shattering societal expectations.
"Today we live in a system that's constantly telling us you have to go to school, go to college, get in debt, go work a nine-to-five, work for 40, 50 years and retire at 60," Jaivien, owner of clothing More Life, said. "I don't judge, if that's what you want to do, then go for it, but I feel like there's so much more to life that you can do. If you have a dream, if you want to fly to the moon, if you want to be the best rapper, go for it. Aim for your dreams because we only get this blessing once and life is such a gift."
Jadon, the youngest of the two and owner of clothing line Zero Harm, describes his brand as one that encourages youth to be their own person.
"Our motto is 'escape the cycle' and what that basically means is to be different and take your own path in life," Jadon said.
When the Kendrick brothers aren't running their businesses, they can be found on the basketball court hooping with friends at Village Green park in Lumberton. For Jaivien, the court also doubles as a boardroom.
"There's this saying that usually for a lot of people who play golf it's like the business room. I've seen for a lot of Black people, especially famous rappers and other people, that basketball is like their place for business," Jaivien said. "So once I get up there to that level I wanted to be able to actually be good at it so I can play and make business transactions amongst these people and Jadon said the same thing."
But with no lights on the court, in the fall and winter months when the sun sets earlier, the de facto boardroom at Village Green goes dark.
The brothers decided to unite their brands to ensure the courts stay open for business longer. The More Life and Zero Harm Hoop Fest hopes to raise money to buy lights.
"We're very excited because we understand what it's like to be a Black business so we wanted to be able to have other Black businesses out there so they can gain support and exposure so we can help uplift our businesses together so we can all get to the next level," said Jaivien.
From brothers to business partners, Jaivien and Jadon agree that they've grown a closer sibling relationship working together.
"It definitely has because its something we can connect on and no matter our age gap, we're still helping each other out. Jaivien will help me with packaging and I'll give him ideas," said Jadon. "Being that we're brother we're always together so I feel like we're always evolving and working on our craft together."
As Jadon's older brother, Jaivien reflects on the journey of their relationship from the time they were little.
"It's crazy because I was talking about this with someone just the other week because this kid is driving now. I remember growing up when we were little kids we use to go at it all the time then there was just a switch so it's been a privilege working with my brother and just to see him grow into the man he is today," Jaivien. "I've loved it, I've enjoyed it and I wouldn't want to work with anyone else."
In the future, Jaivien and Jadon hope to host more community events and leverage their businesses to lift up the community.
"We want to give back to the community because we both believe no matter how small you are you can still make an impact," Jaivien said.
Find out more
To register for the More Life and Zero Harm Hoop Fest visit the official event link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/more-life-x-zero-harm-hoop-fest-fundraiser-tickets-348820981947
The hoop fest is set to take place on July 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Village Green Park, 75 Chestnut Street, Lumberton, NJ, 08048. The main event will consist of a day-long basketball tournament. Admission for spectators is free and first and second place winners of the basketball tournament will receive a trophy and a prize.
To shop from the More Life clothing line: https://wearemorelife.com/collections/collection-genesis?utm_source=linktree&utm_medium=social
To shop from the Zero Harm clothing line visit: https://0-harm.com/
Nicolette White is the Diversity and Inclusion reporter for the Burlington County Times, The Daily Journal and Courier-Post. She is a Temple University graduate with Dallas, Texas roots. Send tips to nwhite@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @nicolettejwhite.Please support local journalism with a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Burlington County Times: South Jersey clothing designers aim to make a difference in Lumberton
