Messages––and the signs / symbols they seemingly make a home come when we need ‘em most. Consider them ancestral notes and warnings, confirmations and agreements; what-have-you, if it's meant for you, it finds its way.
Before my first race in NYC, a fellow cyclist dropped a gem of knowledge (and protection) on me: when you’re riding the concrete tide: never cross wheels / don’t look back / don’t stay in positions where your journey is compromised.
Flashforward––2020: I spent a lot of time reflecting and, like a lot of us, investing in firsts with what felt like new time, clarity, and understanding––one, being tattoos. The first ink I ever got, an homage to my roots, was a set of Adinkra symbols: Akoma / AYA / Ananse Ntontan 2 centuries old, that connect and ground me to who we’ve been, who I am, and who I seek to be.
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Ananse Ntontan: Symbol of wisdom, creativity and the complexities of life. Ananse, the spider, is a well-known character in African folktales. |
Over the years, I’ve learned more about these histories, our history––specifically, the threads of signs / symbols throughout the diaspora and Black American culture. Throughout history in Black culture, hair––specifically braided styles, with their functionality and long-lasting nature. Braids served as a canvas for hidden signs / symbols that mapped roads to freedom for our enslaved ancestors throughout the diaspora. Although it’s heavily debated, elders say that when hair wasn’t available, the ancestors with access to various textiles would stitch coded messages, stories, signs / symbols in quilts.
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Crossroads: Keeping Going Travel to the crossroads in Cleveland Ohio Nicknamed "hope" This vibrant Underground Railroad station was the last stop where slaves would board a boat to Canada.
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Some, ironically––Crossroads, Shoofly, and Drunkard’s Path quilt code patterns––are similar to the Never Cross Wheels design. A happy accident. Or a hidden ancestral nudge.
And now––they’re everywhere. In our gear, on our streets, buildings, wayfinding–– signs / symbols create a community of understanding. A common language of where we are, what to do, and where we’re going.
Our unique history with signs/ symbols paired with the cyclist’s philosophy / mantra / warning inspired the Never Cross Wheels design seen throughout the Painters Canvas Collection. When you slip on this kit, I hope you become a moving canvas of hidden messages and codes learned along the way for fellow cyclists.
If you want to go fast––go alone. If you want to go far, go together (just never cross wheels).*
Peace.
*Remixed African Proverb.