In the heart of Black culture, there exists a sacred bond between generations—a connection that weaves together wisdom, love, and a deep-rooted sense of pride in the community. At Yeaux Mama, we’ve always been about honoring those bonds, whether it’s through our unique collections or the stories we tell through our apparel. Our latest collection, the HBCU Auntie line of t-shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks, is no exception. This collection is a powerful tribute to the Black women who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and now embrace their role as mentors, nurturers, and “aunties” to the next generation of scholars, dreamers, and changemakers.
At the core of this collection is the essence of Black womanhood—a celebration of all that we are, all that we’ve been, and all that we continue to be. Whether it’s the pride of having walked the halls of legendary institutions like Tuskegee University, or the joy of watching nieces, nephews, and younger mentees carry the torch into the future, the HBCU Auntie collection speaks directly to the heart of our community. And nowhere is this sense of pride more alive and tangible than at an HBCU homecoming.
HBCU homecomings are not just events—they are cultural moments, family reunions, and celebrations of legacy all wrapped into one. Homecoming weekends at HBCUs are where past, present, and future generations of Black excellence come together, with aunties, uncles, parents, and grandparents all showing up to support their own and reconnect with the community. For the aunties who’ve watched their nieces, nephews, and godchildren graduate from or currently attend an HBCU, homecoming is a chance to beam with pride, and our collection was made with those moments in mind.
But this isn’t just about fashion. It’s about a movement. A declaration. A tribute to the often unsung heroines who have stood strong in the background while nurturing the success of others. And who better to embody this spirit than our own Brand Ambassador, Alex Crayton?
The Inspiration Behind the Collection
Alex Crayton, a proud alum of Tuskegee University, is more than just our Brand Ambassador—she’s a living embodiment of the values this collection seeks to celebrate. With her passion for mentorship and her dedication to uplifting the community, Alex has always understood the importance of bridging the gap between generations. The idea for the HBCU Auntie collection was born out of countless conversations with her, where we reflected on the unique role Black women play in shaping the future. It’s a role that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but is felt in every corner of our culture—and nowhere more than during the magic of an HBCU homecoming.
When we talk about “aunties” in the Black community, we’re not just talking about biological ties. Aunties are the women who stand as role models, who show up for graduations, who give that extra push when it’s needed most. They are the ones who nurture, guide, and love us into the women and men we are today. And for those who’ve attended an HBCU, this auntie role carries even more weight—because HBCUs are more than just schools, they’re family. They are places where young Black men and women learn not only about their chosen fields but about the power and beauty of their culture.
This collection was designed with those women in mind. The ones who’ve walked the paths of greatness at institutions like Tuskegee, Spelman, Howard, and Fisk, and now look back with pride, not just at their own accomplishments, but at the legacy they’ve helped to build. Whether it’s cheering at homecoming parades, swapping stories of campus life, or proudly wearing the colors of their alma mater, these women are central to the HBCU experience. The HBCU Auntie collection isn’t just a nod to these women—it’s a love letter.
A Celebration of Legacy, Pride, and Homecoming
Yeaux Mama has always been about more than clothing. Every piece we create carries with it a story, a piece of our shared history. The HBCU Auntie collection, in particular, stands as a beacon of pride. Whether you attended an HBCU or are simply proud of the generations who did, this line is for you.
The designs on our t-shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks are a direct reflection of this pride. Each piece is carefully crafted to honor the legacy of HBCUs, from the bold lettering that shouts “Auntie” with pride, to the vibrant colors that mirror the spirit and energy of these storied institutions. Whether you’re wearing your hoodie to keep warm on a crisp homecoming morning or a t-shirt to show out at the tailgate, this collection is made for those moments when community, legacy, and celebration collide.
Homecomings are about more than just football games and step shows. They’re about reconnecting with the past and celebrating the future. For the aunties who’ve been there from day one, cheering on their loved ones through every triumph and challenge, homecoming is a chance to show up and show out. Our collection captures the essence of that pride and love.
For many, being an auntie is a badge of honor, a recognition of the role they play in the lives of their nieces, nephews, godchildren, and mentees. Whether biological or chosen, these relationships are at the core of Black family and community structures. And when those young ones go off to HBCUs, it’s not just their parents who feel the pride—it’s their aunties, too. Our collection is designed for these women—the ones who cheer the loudest at homecomings, who show up with care packages, who make sure that their nieces and nephews know just how special their HBCU experience is.
The Uniqueness of the HBCU Auntie Collection
So, what makes the HBCU Auntie collection unique? It’s more than just another line of apparel. It’s a movement dedicated to honoring the often-overlooked role of Black women in shaping the HBCU experience. Whether you’re a graduate of an HBCU yourself or simply a proud auntie cheering on your niece or nephew, this collection is designed to reflect the joy, pride, and love that comes with being part of the HBCU legacy.
One of the things that sets this line apart is its focus on the idea of aging with pride. In our culture, too often there’s pressure to stay young, to hold on to youth at all costs. But the HBCU Auntie collection flips that narrative on its head. Here, we’re celebrating the beauty of getting older, of embracing the wisdom that comes with time, and of taking pride in the role of mentor and nurturer. It’s about saying, “Yes, I’m an auntie, and I’m proud of it.”
In designing this collection, we wanted to capture the essence of Black womanhood in all its forms. From the sleek and comfortable fit of our hoodies to the bold, unapologetic messaging on our t-shirts, every piece is a celebration of the strength, wisdom, and beauty of Black women. And it’s not just about the aesthetics. The materials we use are carefully selected for their quality and comfort, ensuring that every woman who wears a piece from the HBCU Auntie collection feels not just stylish, but powerful.
A Tribute to Mentorship and Community
Mentorship has always been at the heart of the Black community, especially within the walls of HBCUs. For generations, Black women have taken on the role of mentor, passing down knowledge, wisdom, and love to the younger generation. This tradition of mentorship is deeply ingrained in HBCU culture, where older students often take younger ones under their wing, guiding them through the challenges of academic life and beyond.
The HBCU Auntie collection pays tribute to this rich tradition. It’s a way of honoring the women who’ve given so much of themselves to ensure the success of others. Whether it’s a professor who goes the extra mile to support her students, an alumna who returns to campus to offer advice and guidance, or a family member who provides a listening ear during tough times, the aunties of the HBCU community play a vital role in the success of the next generation.
Alex Crayton, our Brand Ambassador, embodies this spirit of mentorship. As a graduate of Tuskegee University, she has always understood the importance of giving back to the community that shaped her. Through her work of her organization- The Dream Catcher Foundation Inc., she has helped to inspire a new generation of Black women to embrace their role as mentors, to take pride in their legacy, and to continue lifting as they climb.
More Than a Collection—A Movement
At its core, the HBCU Auntie collection is about more than just clothing. It’s about creating a movement, one that honors the contributions of Black women to the HBCU experience, and beyond. It’s about celebrating the role of aunties as nurturers, mentors, and leaders in the Black community. And it’s about embracing the beauty of getting older, of stepping into the role of mentor with pride and grace.
This collection is also a reminder of the importance of community. At Yeaux Mama, we believe that we are stronger together, and the HBCU Auntie collection is a testament to that belief. Whether you’re an alumna of an HBCU, a proud auntie, or someone who believes in the power of mentorship, this collection is for you.
In closing, the HBCU Auntie collection is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a celebration of Black culture, Black legacy, and Black womanhood. It’s a reminder that the role of the auntie is a powerful one, and that Black women, in all their beauty and strength, are the backbone of our community.
We’re proud to have Alex Crayton as the face of this collection, and we’re even prouder of the community of aunties, mentors, and leaders who inspire us.