A Letter From Our Founder

The first time I set foot on the continent of Africa, it was 1984, and I was just 10 years old. It felt both strange and familiar. In Ohio, where I lived, I
went to a Catholic school and faced my first experience of racism at just six years old. I remember shaking a girl’s hand, and she wiped it on her clothes as if touching me had soiled her. I didn’t understand why at the time.

Arriving in Cameroon, I experienced something I’d never felt before—a sense of belonging. For the first time, everyone looked like me. Different noses, different hair textures, but the same strength and spirit. That trip was transformative. I visited the gravesite of my paternal grandmother and listened as my grandfather told my siblings and me stories of our people. My father made sure we understood the language of our ancestors, the Bakossi people, and as I learned Akose, I realized—I was home.

Being African, knowing where I come from, has shaped my life in ways that words can barely capture. My name, Makuba, holds meaning. My roots are connected, deep and proud. Despite slavery and colonization attempting to erase over 500 years of my ancestors’ history, I’ve had the gift of reconnecting with my heritage. Africa is a continent of endless beauty and resources, and the world’s perception of it must change.

At AbakwaDesigns, our mission is to shift that narrative. I want to guide my brothers and sisters across the world on a journey of reconnecting to their roots. We, as Africans, are one people, even though we’ve been told otherwise. Our continent’s borders were drawn by colonial powers,
dividing cultures and communities that have shared the same food, stories, and
traditions for centuries. It’s time for the world to awaken to the truth of Africa—a land of unity, strength, and resilience.

The name Abakwa embodies this spirit. It represents a people who stand tall, despite centuries of struggle. Through our T-shirts, you’re not just wearing clothes—you’re wearing wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Our ancestors may not have written their stories, but their words live on in the proverbs and sayings we share. At Abakwa, we’re bringing those voices back, because words carry power.

By becoming part of the Abakwa community, you’re embarking on a journey that reconnects you to African roots. It’s more than just
fashion—it’s education, it’s wellness, it’s empowerment. We’re here to celebrate the past, honor the present, and build the future together.

Thank you for supporting Abakwa. Remember, you’re not just an African—you’re an African. Let’s rise together.

Warm regards,Makuba, Founder of AbakwaDesigns

Abakwa: Wisdom Worn Proudly

Abakwa is more than a T-shirt brand. It’s a celebration of African heritage, a bridge
between generations, and a vibrant tapestry of wisdom that connects people of African descent across the globe.