Fashion meets heritage in Timberland’s Black Pioneer Line, elevating Black cowboy culture

Timberland has unveiled the Black Pioneer Collection in honor of Black History Month and the indelible legacy of Black pioneers in nature. This range is not only a tribute to the history and influence of Black outdoor explorers but also a tangible support to the mission of the Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation. The collection arrives as a symbol of empowerment and continuous inspiration, celebrating the connection between ancestry and the great outdoors.

The Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation is a beacon of hope and transformation in their community, illuminating the path for young Black individuals in Oklahoma by fostering a profound appreciation for cowboy life and equestrian culture. With educational and cultural frameworks serving as their pillars, the foundation is relentlessly bringing awareness to and providing opportunities in horsemanship, aiming to ignite passion and incite curiosity in the next generation of trailblazers.

The Black Pioneer Collection by Timberland extends beyond fashion, embodying the essence of the Oklahoma Cowboys’ work. Each piece tells a story of Black resilience, creativity, and exploration—values deeply ingrained in their commitment to youth. The collection, meticulously curated by Timberland footwear designers Shari-Lee Whyte and Andrew Townes, incorporates premium materials, thoughtful details, and the utility necessary for outdoor lifestyles.

The clothing in the Black Pioneer Collection is replete with nods to tradition and functionality. The range includes an embroidered tree hoodie designed for warmth and comfort and as a symbolic representation of the Timberland brand and the living forests. Utility mixed media joggers and Brookline utility cargo shorts cater to the pragmatic side of the outdoors, offering versatility and robustness for any adventure.

The short-sleeved embroidered pocket tee and anti-UV long-sleeve shirt blend casual wearability with protection from the elements—an essential aspect for any outdoor enthusiast. Each apparel piece features design nods to the outdoors, such as topographic map prints, capturing the essence of the terrain that the Oklahoma Cowboys navigate and cherish.

Continuing with the sturdy and iconic footwear narrative, Timberland’s Premium 6-inch Boot and Euro Hiker boots receive an updated twist, enriched with “hairy” green suede reflecting the great outdoors’s textures and hues. Seam-sealed waterproof leather ensures durability and longevity, while thoughtful details like red laces and black soles add layers of symbolism and practicality to the experience.

The collection doesn’t only pay homage to the aesthetic of the outdoors—the campaign was shot by Jakian Parks, the foundation’s founder and a passionate advocate for Black pioneers in nature. Strategically partnered with the Oklahoma Cowboys, the campaign embodies the collaborative spirit of the collection, underscoring the connection between Timberland and the organization’s equestrian heritage.

Moreover, Timberland’s initiative will ultimately bear fruit for years with the pledge of $50k to the Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation, bolstering the future of prospective cowgirls and cowboys. This donation will contribute to the foundation’s plans to erect an academy to enrich and elevate the lives of its community’s youth.

The Black Pioneer Collection by Timberland stands as an emblem of cultural honor and forward momentum, tangibly supporting the next generation of Black equestrian talent and outdoors enthusiasts. It captures the narrative of community strength, personal growth, and the human spirit’s triumph over past adversities. Through this collection, Timberland asserts its role in championing diversity in outdoor exploration and reinforcing the legacy of the Oklahoma Cowboys.