SWABEARS are collectibles that were originally created on Juneteenth, 2020. These figurines speak to the value of black lives that are disproportionately incarcerated and/or wrongfully convicted with unjust sentencing that the Justice system failed.

The origin of the Teddy Bear comes from President Theodore Roosevelt. He was on a hunting trip and unable to locate a bear. So his assistants captured and tied a black bear to a willow tree and suggested he shoot it. Roosevelt refused to shoot the black bear because it was “unsportsmanlike”. 

Today, society continues to depreciate the value of black people. The symbolism of the four bears represent a disheartening cycle we face as human beings. Bears are symbolic for love, nurture and protection. What if we received that same love and care?

"Do You Care Now?"

-Shane Wolf