Albany State University senior visual and performing arts major Cameron Burnam and Spelman College’s Cadence Patrick were two of three winners of the Target HBCU Design Challenge. Burnam and Patrick’s designs will be featured on T-shirts sold in Target stores nationwide.
The third winner of the challenge, which highlights the creative work of students who attend historically Black Colleges and Universities, was Georgia’s Mekenzy Linder, who attends Norfolk State University.
“The entire ASU campus community celebrates Cameron’s national debut and Target’s recognition of his work as part of its Black History Month celebration,” ASU President Marion Fedrick said in a news release. “Our goal is to provide students with access to opportunities that will ensure their success. Cameron is an excellent example of the game-changers and innovators we are preparing to live out their dreams and compete in the global marketplace.”
Burnam’s design, which features an illustration of six women with varying hairstyles and skin tones atop the word “CULTURE,” showcases the power, strength and diversity of Black women, he said.
Patrick’s winning design features a dark blue graphic of a Black man holding glowing orb that reads “Black Futures Are Bright.” Patrick is a sophomore computer science major at Spelman. Her graphic can be seen on an adult short-sleeve T-shirt, a toddler short-sleeve T-shirt, a child bodysuit, and a ruled journal.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
The campaign builds upon the company’s commitment to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025. In addition to the design being added to the retailer’s collection, Burnam and Patrick also received a cash prize, an exclusive one-hour consultation with Target senior design leaders, and the opportunity to apply for a six-week paid virtual apprenticeship with the Target Owned Brands Product Design team.
Burnam credits ASU for preparing him for a successful career as an artist, saying, “All my art professors have been there to guide me and push me creatively. They help me realize my place in the art world. They give me the confidence and support one could only hope for from professors.”
His inspiration, he said, comes from analyzing artwork on social media.
“Seeing all the different styles, techniques, and mediums that these artists use pushes me to improve and helps me find my own style,” Burnam said. “I can use my art to speak on matters that are important to me.”
As a graduating senior, he said he is looking forward to attending graduate school, starting his career, and posting more of his art on social media.
The HBCU Design Challenge is part of Target’s eighth consecutive celebration of Black History Month, an effort that focuses on “celebrating and elevating the voices of Black artists, creators, entrepreneurs, team members and communities through authentic storytelling, content, and products that honor the cultural influence and intersectionality of the Black community.”
The shirts can be purchased at Target retail stores or online.
Credit: Albany Herald
Credit: Albany Herald
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