Key Insights
- Taliaferro Union clothing honors Booker T. Washington’s legacy through craftsmanship and design.
- Founders' Backgrounds include deep ties to Tuskegee University and its agricultural heritage.
- Collection Inspiration comes from historical campus uniforms and the university’s rich visual archive.
- Community Impact is emphasized as a portion of sales supports Tuskegee University.
Proud sons of Tuskegee shaped by its storied history, Alvin and Alarie Percival and David Banks are honoring Booker T. Washington’s vision with every stitch of their Taliaferro Union clothing line.
Source: Taliaferro UnionThe brand takes its name from Washington’s middle name, “Taliaferro,” derived from the Italian “Tagliaferro,” meaning iron cutter or blacksmith. The Percivals and Banks draw on this symbol of strength and craftsmanship to guide their work, linking their designs to Washington’s teachings on labor, skill, and self-determination.
“We are three sons of Tuskegee, not just the university but the city,” said David Banks, born on campus like his co-founders, whose great-grandfather was named Taliaferro and has a rich family history with the school. “We grew up in the shadow of the school, spending summers at camps, going to all the football games and you’re kind of just itching for your turn because your dream is to one day be at the university.”
