It is Women’s History Month, and Nomi Network has picked out some great brands to feature...alongside a famous woman from history that inspires us! Our picks this week: BRANDED Collective & Harriet Tubman!

BRANDED Collective is just as the name describes...a collective that brands you…for change!

In their letter to their supporters, the founders passionately say: “Thank you for allowing us this gift. Your purchases and your advocacy in spreading the word make this company possible. The more we grow, the more survivors we will hire. How proud we are of this venture. How grateful we are that you make it possible. Thank you.”

I adore companies that appreciate their customers, and I’m eager to buy a bracelet or necklace (wait for those sold out earrings) and know in some way a woman was given control of her life and is proud of her accomplishments.

So, what does this have to do with Harriet Tubman? I think you mean...what doesn’t this have to do with Harriet Tubman? This month is Women’s History Month, and in an effort to learn more about the pivotal women in history whose incredible legacies have paved the way for our current work, we are spending each week in March dedicated to learning about one special woman whose impact has gone on to change the world.

Harriet “was born into slavery in Maryland in 1820, and successfully escaped in 1849”, and beyond her courage, bravery, and resilience to rescue herself, what makes her so powerful is that she went back. She saved hundreds of others, and let me tell you that escaping slavery at any moment in history is no easy feat!

To me, her going back to free other captives…over and over again, is why I believe in our mission to fight human trafficking and find other brands that do the same.

The folks from BRANDED talk about the symbolic nature of their name, “Many victims of human trafficking are BRANDED; their captors physically mark them with a number or symbol. The process is often violent: a forced tattoo, a burn or knife cut. When you receive your item from the BRANDED Collective, you are BRANDED. Each piece contains a unique number that represents one of the millions trapped in the nightmare of trafficking.”

Slaves were, and still are, branded to be someone’s possession, to think they are less than human and an object, but because of organizations like BRANDED Collective, that brand becomes a signal of reclaiming their lives and their identities.

Another thing to note about a brand is that it doesn’t easily get erased. Whether it is physical trauma or emotional scars, human trafficking changes a person. However, by allowing a supporter to wear someone else’s brand,  they can carry the message of reclaiming an identity with them. For the sake of safety and protection, you cannot know these women...but you share in their freedom.

Just as Harriet directed people across state lines, becoming a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, I encourage you to use your gained, earned, or privileged freedom to go back. Whether it is by supporting in donations, volunteering time, or by making a purchase...you can make a difference in this world, and for that...thank you!

As a thank you from me, I want to give you a special discount on our Geo Collection featuring our first ever backpack and matching wallet! This deal is only for this month, so hurry and get yours (because it is a must-have for any modern-day abolitionist).

So make Harriet Tubman proud and use your freedom to give freedom, and support the women of BRANDED Collective by taking back the word “branded” for good.

For more information on BRANDED Collective, check out their Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

For more information on the amazing and astounding woman that Harriet Tubman was, check out this link and learn about how she was a conductor, a successful Union spy, built the Home for the Aged, and I hope to see her on the $20 soon!

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Every effort is made to verify the accuracy of these external resources; however, Diana Mao and Nomi Network cannot guarantee or control the content, usefulness, or appropriateness of these sites or that their products are 100% slave free.