• 100% Australian Wool Felt
• Grosgrain Band w/ satin lining

Auburn Avenue isn’t just a street — it’s a cornerstone of Atlanta’s soul. Known historically as Sweet Auburn, this stretch once stood as one of the most prosperous Black business districts in America. A sanctuary where Black-owned banks, insurance companies, churches, newspapers, and entrepreneurs flourished when the rest of the world refused to open its doors. It’s the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., home to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and a spiritual, cultural, and economic anchor for generations.

This piece is a tribute to that legacy — but also a confrontation with the truth Dr. King saw long before many were ready to hear it.

“I fear I have integrated my people into a burning house.”

Dr. King’s words, layered with frustration and foresight, challenged us to look deeper than the surface of progress. He understood that integrating into broken, unjust systems would never be enough if the foundation itself was still burning. With this creation, we chose to bring that metaphor to life.

A significant portion of the crown and brim has been intentionally burned — not as an aesthetic choice, but as a symbol. A reminder of the “burning house” our people were ushered into, and the weight we continue to carry even today. Additional design elements subtly reinforce this metaphor, honoring both the triumphs of Sweet Auburn and the ongoing struggles that mirror Dr. King’s warning.

Crafted from 100% Australian wool felt, finished with a classic grosgrain band and satin lining, this piece stands at the intersection of history, artistry, and truth-telling. It is not merely a hat — it’s a wearable remembrance, a conversation starter, and a commitment to continuing the work still unfinished.

May this piece remind us that progress requires more than entry — it demands reconstruction, reimagining, and resolve.