The Protest Mask Project

About

The Protest Mask Project was a response to the murder of GeorgeFloyd and a call to action from the community. Without losing site of the Covid-19 pandemic Makwa quickly switched gears to create masks for protestors. Partnering with artists such as Jaida Grey Eagle, Tyler Hawkinson, Sarah Nassif, Kerri Mulcare and many more, we were able to co-organize a mask making operation that distributed over 6,000 masks within a two week period. Through our own networks we were able to create a team of over 40 sewers who would take home kits of 20 masks to sew overnight. The masks were all precut for sewers and had the words “I Can’t Breathe” screen printed on them to create solidarity while protecting one another from the novel coronavirus. The masks were then distributed daily at different protest sites and were handed out, prioritizing BIPOC community members. The project was funded through donations and money raised through the Ribbon Mask Project.

As protesters began to march across the globe and our project grew, we shared our templates and patterns (found below) so that other artists, printmakers, and sewers could replicate this project in their own cities. An important part of the mission was that the masks were not be sold, but given away in solidarity and support of protestors. Participating places included Los Angeles CA, Santa Fe NM, Ithaca NY, Portland OR, and North Carolina.

This project gave those who were unable to be out protesting another way to participate and support the cause. I believe in times like this we all have skills to contribute and it’s just about thinking creatively to figure out how we can.