Inspired by the amazing life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, the most powerful Black woman during the San Francisco Gold Rush era. Born in 1814, She married a wealthy abolitionist and aided Black Americans in their pursuit of freedom along the Underground Railroad. After her husband’s unexpected passing, Pleasant relocated to California during the height of the Gold Rush. She invested in property, precious metals, and companies like Wells Fargo. She opened laundries and boardinghouses and acquired real estate across San Francisco, Oakland, and Canada. While wealthy, she covertly worked as a housekeeper for some of San Francisco’s most prominent merchants. This provided her with free investment insight gleaned from conversations between rich and powerful clients. Mary Ellen Pleasant amassed substantial wealth, building a grand 30-room mansion in San Francisco that served as the headquarters for her growing empire. She was a generous supporter of the Black press and even funded abolitionist John Brown’s fight against slavery. Learn more…
America’s strength has always been rooted in its diversity. The 1619 Cuff Bracelet honors the enduring legacy, resilience, and cultural impact of Black Americans whose contributions helped shape the nation’s history and identity. Inspired by the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in North America in 1619, this piece serves as a tribute to generations of innovators, creators, leaders, and visionaries whose influence continues to define America.
From Hercules Posey, the first presidential chef, to Benjamin Banneker, whose architectural brilliance contributed to the development of Washington, D.C., Black excellence is woven into the nation’s foundation. Visionaries such as Phillis Wheatley, the first published Black American poet, and Harriet Tubman, a national hero whose courage led hundreds toward freedom, embody the determination that continues to inspire generations. Learn more...
Known for his intelligence and extraordinary skill, the Reeves Wrist Bond honors one of the most legendary lawmen in American history, Bass Reeves. A pioneering figure of the American West, many historians believed Bass was the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. After gaining his freedom during the Civil War, Reeves went on to become one of the first Black deputy U.S. Marshals, West of the Mississippi River. Fluent in multiple languages and recognized as an exceptional marksman, he became renowned for his strategic mind, calmness under pressure, and ability to out-think dangerous fugitives. Reeves had great tracking skills, and even used disguises, earning him legendary respect across the American frontier. Over his three decade career, he was the most successful lawman of the era, capturing over 3,000 fugitives. Bass Reeves challenged stereotypes and proved character could overcome barriers imposed by society. Learn more... d
THADDEUS STEVENS
To tell the story of Black America, the role of white allies is essential. From 1619 through the 19th century, white allies were essential in changing public sentiment, passing bills, and advancing Black liberty in the halls of Congress since Black people had no legal rights. Black Americans championed the moral argument against slavery, while white Americans used institutional power to end slavery legally. Thaddeus Stevens dedicated his life to destroying slavery and securing racial equality. Born in Vermont, Stevens faced disability and poverty which profoundly impacted his lifelong empathy for the marginalized. After moving to Pennsylvania, he established a successful legal practice and became a defender of enslaved runaways, often using his own money to secure their freedom. After becoming a congressman and leader of the Republican party, his fierce wit and mastery of legislative strategy made him a force during the Civil War. Stevens pushed President Abraham Lincoln towards emancipation. He knew the Civil War was not about preserving the Union but dismantling the southern states’ reliance on slavery. After the war and death of Lincoln, Stevens was a driving force behind the Reconstruction Acts and the drafting of the 14th Amendment which guaranteed citizenship and equal protection to Black Americans. Thaddeus Stevens died in 1868, a true ally of Black Americans, for even on his death bed, he requested burial in an integrated cemetery. He refused to have any relationship with racial prejudice or segregation both in life and in death. Learn more…
Named to honor the legacy of Anna Julia Cooper—a visionary author, activist, educator, and public speaker who continues to inspire. The Cooper Chain Bracelet is more than luxury jewelry; it’s a tribute to the pursuit of self-actualization and the commitment to uplifting others. Born in 1858, Anna spent most of her 105 years of life dedicated to the education, freedom and advancement of women in America. Anna earned a PhD from the University of Paris-Sorbonne, publishing influential works in 1892, that championed freedom as an inherent human right. Today, Anna J Cooper’s words of freedom are quoted in every U.S passport, the only Black woman to honored. “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.” Learn more...
The 1865 Necklace is inspired by America’s journey to freedom with the official end slavery on June 19th, 1865, also known as Juneteenth. Over 4 Million Black Americans had hope. If not for themselves, then for their sons, daughters and generations to follow. A monumental fight for freedom happened over 100 years before the end of slavery with the amazing story of Elizabeth Freeman. Born in 1744, Elizabeth spent nearly 40 years being treated as property. Then in 1781, Elizabeth went to court and sued her enslavers for her freedom and won. Fame and good fortune soon followed. Later, when asked what freedom meant to her, she replied…
"Any time… Any time while I was enslaved, if one minute's freedom had been offered to me, and I had been told I must die at the end of that minute, I would have taken it, just to stand one minute on God's earth a free woman. I would." Learn more...
Proof not all heroes wear capes, George Washington Carver is one of the most influential scientists and educators in American history. At a time when opportunities for Black Americans were rare, Carver used his talents to improve the lives of communities across the country. The G.W.C. Bracelet honors a man who gave Americans hope when they needed it most. Carver’s groundbreaking work taught farmers how to restore depleted soil through crop rotation. His research on peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops opened new economic opportunities for struggling farmers by developing hundreds of practical uses for these crops — including flour, cooking oils, livestock feed and other food products helping turn them into profitable agricultural commodities. He taught America how to create value from what others overlooked. His research changed farm productivity and stabilized the American economy. learn more…
So much from so few…
Black Americans are deeply woven into the fabric of the nation. During the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, only 5% of enslaved people came to America. Yet, Black Americans made a way out of no way. They built the country's economy and fought to shape the nation's democratic ideals. They led movements for civil rights, voting rights, and social justice for all Americans. They shaped culture with achievements in science, literature, military service, and invented jazz, blues, and rock and roll.
Asyend was born to tell this story. To elevate style, and celebrate our past, present and future.
