Cadence Patrick, C’2025, was recently named one of three winners of Target’s 2023 HBCU Design Challenge.
“It has been such an honor to be a part of this campaign alongside Mekenzy and Cameron, the other winners of this year’s HBCU Design Challenge,” said Patrick. “Working with them and the amazing designers at Target to help create this year’s 100% Black owned or designed collection was an incredible experience that I am so thankful for.”
Patrick was just one of a number of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation to submit designs for potential inclusion in its Black History Month collection. For the Oakland, Calif., native, and computer science major, art and technology have been longtime passions – a combination she hopes to use to impact her community.
Patrick’s winning design is available in stores and online, featuring a dark blue graphic of Black man holding glowing orb that reads "Black Futures Are Bright." Her graphic can be seen on a variety of items, including an adult t-shirt, a toddler t-shirt, a onesie and a journal.
In addition to having her design featured as part of this year’s collection, Cadence also had the opportunity to partner with the Target team to learn about all aspects of production – from textile selection to placing the new products in stores.
“Additionally, this year’s HBCU Design Challenge winners were eligible to apply for an apprenticeship with Target’s Multicultural Design team, and I was selected as this year’s apprentice,” said Patrick. “This was such an incredible way to get hands-on experience and work with some amazing designers and creators at Target, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
Despite her impact on how consumers nationwide are commemorating Black History Month, Patrick is still very focused on her time at Spelman and how her creativity and related interests will shape her future.
“When I decided to attend Spelman, I made ‘a choice to change the world’,” said Patrick. “I’m currently a sophomore, so I still have some time before I graduate, but I will continue to connect and collaborate with other Black creatives as I continue my journey at Spelman and beyond!”
To view Patrick’s collection, visit Target’s website.