Introducing the Black History Month Design Scholarship

Let my roots be your roots

In recognition of Black History Month, I'm proud to announce the launch of the Maurice Malone Design Scholarship program in conjunction with the online education company Yellowbrick. I will personally select two talented aspiring designers to offer full Scholarships to the Complex x Parsons Streetwear Essentials online certificate program. The scholarship will be awarded based on a denim design submission and a personal essay. Design and essay submissions for this scholarship will end on March 15th.

I started my career in fashion with my first company Hardwear by Maurice Malone on February 15, 1984, and designed the date into the brand's logo. In appreciation for where I started, one scholarship will be provided to an African American young person from Detroit under the age of 23 with a household income of less than $50,000, while the other will be offered African American young people nationwide based on the same criteria. 

As a designer with successes in multiple categories in fashion, following the awarding of the Black History Month scholarships, opportunities will be open to a multitude of talented young people on a rolling basis nationwide, interested in the categories of denim design, streetwear, men's and womenswear fashion design.

I started my career at the age of 19, making and washing jeans in my mom's basement, so I know very well what it's like to want to pursue your passion. I learned everything by asking others in the business and gaining wisdom from painful mistakes. Although I was successful at a young age, I took a very tough up & down path to stardom. If I had an educational program like this, I believe I could have gone further, faster without need to overcome so many setbacks. That's why I'm so proud to work with Yellowbook in this program.