I first started noticing the enamel pin trend maybe 2 years ago, in and around Chicago’s bar and concert scene. Apparently even then I was on the late bus – according to this Vice article, the pin thing started to blow up online in like 2014. Tasha Burton got into the enamel pin collection as an early adopter and quickly realized what was missing from the scene.

I’ve known and admired Tasha as the creator of Belle Butters, one of my favorite indie bodycare brands. I got really excited when I realized she’d created a new concept, the Black Pin Maker League.

“I began my enamel lapel pin collection last year and quickly realized that there were very little black pin makers receiving exposure or promotion from some of the larger pin communities. Furthermore, I also realized that there were very few pins that referenced black people or if they did, the pop culture icon would be the wrong shade of brown or the pin would look nothing like them. I wanted a place where I could find all of the black pin and patch makers under “one roof” and the idea came to me in October.  I officially launched the page in November.” Via a super cute interview with Quirktastic, I learned this idea came to Tasha while visiting Chicago!

Since inception BPML has grown rapidly, featuring one to three new pin and patch makers each month. According to Tasha, initially there were about ten pin makers and now there are over 30. Tasha sells one pin of her own, the BPML Squad pin.

You can follow BPML here on Instagram  and there’s also a tumblr page which includes pin maker interviews, so you can discover where your fave pins are coming from. Right here right now, I’ll share with you some of the most distinctive all-star artists of the Black Pin Maker League, so you can enhance your collection and adorn your lapels and hats with style.

Coloring Pins 

Standout pins include — The Melatone, Zaria and Don’t Touch My Crown Pins

 

Radical Dreams Pins 

Standout pins include — Angela Davis, Michelle Obama and Shirley Chisholm pins

 

TheBlkMkt 

Standout pins include — Black Girl Magic and Revolutionary Girl pins

DorcasCreates –

Standout pins include — Bantu Queen and Olufunmilay pins
PinLivingColor 

Standout pins include — ATCQ and Aaliyah pins
Adorned by Chi 

Standout pins include — Black & Proud pin

BlvckSupply –

Standout pins include — King and Queen pins
The Pin Twins  –

Standout pins include — Ruby Red Nail and Black Girl Magic pins

 

Peace Prospects  –

Standout pins include — Peace Up Pin set

 

Follow and support the Black Pin Maker League here on Instagram  and tumblr!

COMMENTS

pets says:
April 5, 2017, 10:47 pm
Very collectible! Maybe there can be Afrobella pins?
Kian Furnace says:
August 1, 2017, 7:31 am
knfurnace@gmail.com