Brujas (founded 2014) are a feminist skate collective and streetwear brand based in the Bronx, New York.
| Formation | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | The Bronx, New York City, United States |
Region served | Worldwide |
Membership | Yes, subscription-based |
Official language | English |
| Website | brujas |
History
The Brujas name (English: witches) is derived and inspired by a 1986 video called Skate Witches.[1][2][3] Brujas was founded by Arianna Gil, Sheyla Grullon, and other skaters in 2014 to host safe meeting places for female skaters of color.[4][5][6] Since its inception, the Brujas collective participates in community organizing and political activism with an interest in challenging oppressive traditions.[7] Brujas hosts community events, making space for marginalized individuals and communities to skateboard.[8] As a women-run brand, the Brujas collective advocates for women and people of color, partially informed by their own experiences as women in skateboarding.[9]
In regards to the name Brujas, Gil explained: "We are intersectional feminists who are interested in spirituality and the tradition of brujería (witchcraft) in our culture. So there was more going on than just that little YouTube video."[1] In 2016 Brujas created Brujas x 1971, a limited edition streetwear line that was funded through Kickstarter.[10] The 1971 in the name refers to Attica prisoner uprising, of 1971. The line raised money for prisoner rights. "We see 1971 as a combination of both the political DIY cultures that we were radicalized in the Lower East Side, anarchist organizing where people sell T-shirts and throw parties to get their friends out of prison, and the really brash street and skate wear aesthetics that have been developing for ages," said Izzy Nastasia a Bruja member.[11][12]
In 2016 the New Museum in New York hosted Scamming the Patriarchy: A Youth Summit that included Brujas as one of the organizers. About their work, Sara O'Keeffe, assistant curator of the New Museum mentioned, "Brujas is a critical voice among an emerging generation of artists, writers and activists who are propelling conversations about politics and forging spaces for empowerment."[11]
In 2017, Brujas presented a pop-up classroom to present their streetwear line as part of New York Fashion Week.[13] The grass-roots presentation received critical acclaim.[13] In 2018, BRUJAS presented an exhibition titled "Training Facility" at Performance Space New York where they turned the art venue into a skatepark.[14] Brujas organizes inclusive parties, including Anti-Prom and SUCIA.[15] In 2019, Brujas hosted the fourth Anti-Prom party in celebration of Pride.[16]