Material Institute
@materialinstitute.bsky.social
New Orleans cost-free art and education nonprofit for music, fashion, and community gardening
Sam wants to communicate his gratitude to his friend and confidant for trusting him throughout the process.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Sam wants to communicate his gratitude to his friend and confidant for trusting him throughout the process.
The jumpsuit was designed to be separated, the sleeves removable, decisions made to prioritize the full autonomy of the individual.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The jumpsuit was designed to be separated, the sleeves removable, decisions made to prioritize the full autonomy of the individual.
Sam chose light blue, Mr. Willie’s favorite color — representing the sky and freedom — and wove the sleeves to symbolize the community that is honored to support Mr. Willie now that he’s free.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Sam chose light blue, Mr. Willie’s favorite color — representing the sky and freedom — and wove the sleeves to symbolize the community that is honored to support Mr. Willie now that he’s free.
Sam and Willie have become close confidants, and after conversations over ice cream in which Mr. Willie described the jumpsuits he was forced to wear while incarcerated, Sam and Willie started sketching out ideas for a jumpsuit that would feel empowering to wear.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Sam and Willie have become close confidants, and after conversations over ice cream in which Mr. Willie described the jumpsuits he was forced to wear while incarcerated, Sam and Willie started sketching out ideas for a jumpsuit that would feel empowering to wear.
Somehow, Willie never gave up and, a half century later, got the attention of a judge who ordered his release in 2021. Mr. Willie and Sam met through his beloved community.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Somehow, Willie never gave up and, a half century later, got the attention of a judge who ordered his release in 2021. Mr. Willie and Sam met through his beloved community.
Willie pled guilty, but never received parole. In the 1970s Louisiana laws changed, requiring mandatory life sentences for certain crimes. As a result, Willie was forgotten. He lost all of his family and grew old in prison with not a single visit or dollar on his books.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Willie pled guilty, but never received parole. In the 1970s Louisiana laws changed, requiring mandatory life sentences for certain crimes. As a result, Willie was forgotten. He lost all of his family and grew old in prison with not a single visit or dollar on his books.
Willie was falsely accused and convicted in Jim Crow New Orleans when he was 24 years old. He was presented two options: plead guilty and try to get parole for good behavior after 10.5 years or go to trial and likely get the death penalty by an all white jury.
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Willie was falsely accused and convicted in Jim Crow New Orleans when he was 24 years old. He was presented two options: plead guilty and try to get parole for good behavior after 10.5 years or go to trial and likely get the death penalty by an all white jury.