This adult unisex tee features a rare carte-de-visite photograph taken in 1868 of a Freedmen’s School in New Bern, North Carolina—just three years after Emancipation. The image shows a group of Black children standing closely in front of a log-and-plank schoolhouse on a bright day, surrounded by tall, slender trees.
These schools were among the first institutions created to serve newly freed people after the Civil War, often tasked not only with education but with clothing and shelter. On the left, a Black woman stands in a long dark skirt and jacket; on the right, a man in a wide-brimmed hat, bright shirt, and dark trousers anchors the scene. Together, they represent the educators, caretakers, and leaders guiding Black communities into freedom.
This shirt honors their legacy with a clean, archival-style design printed on soft 100% cotton. Ribbed knit collars and tapered shoulders provide structure and comfort, while dual side seams help preserve the fit. Available in multiple sizes and colors, this tee is a tribute to post-Emancipation resilience, Black education, and the quiet revolution of learning.
