Inspiration & Journey
Why Buteekh?
The Watermelon as a Symbol of Palestinian Resistance:
Across the tumultuous backdrop of Palestine, Buteekh / meaning Watermelon in Arabic, emerged as a potent symbol of defiance against oppression. The fruit, adorned with the colors of the Palestinian flag, became a tangible expression of sovereignty and protest in the face of relentless suppression in the 80’s. Today, the world witnesses the ingenious ways in which Palestinians have utilized watermelons to amplify their silenced voices and assert their identity amidst adversity.
The Black Experience with Watermelon Symbolism:
Watermelon, initially a symbol of emancipation and self-sufficiency traces its roots back to the Reconstruction Era. It represented newfound freedom and economic independence as newly freed slaves, cultivated and sold watermelons on their own land. It was soon perverted into a tool of racist caricature by white supremacy. Today, efforts are ongoing to reclaim watermelon as a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and solidarity within Black communities, while acknowledging and confronting its fraught history in the context of white supremacy.
Intersecting Narratives and Shared Struggles:
The parallels between the experiences of Black Americans and Palestinians, despite facing different forms of oppression, are striking. The symbolism surrounding The Watermelon transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, weaving together the narratives of two distinct yet interconnected struggles.
Our Journey
Buteekh will delve into the intricate layers of meaning behind The Watermelon's transformation from a simple fruit to a powerful tool of resistance, tracing its evolution in both contexts.
The first design on our website, our logo, features an Arabic rendition of ‘Buteekh’ in calligraphy. We hope to give people the chance to wear resistance on their chest, see our hoodies at every protest, our candles sparking resistance in every Freedom Fighter’s home.
As we unleash new designs, we will take you on a journey exploring the shared narratives of The Watermelon and its symbolism among Palestinians and Black Americans. We endeavor to reclaim the watermelon as a symbol of liberation and self-sufficiency for Black Americans, while amplifying it as a tool of resistance against Zionist suppression of Palestinian identity.
Join us as we uncover a tapestry of resilience, defiance, and shared struggles against oppression, racism, and colonialism. We hope to reflect together on the enduring power of this symbol to bridge cultural divides, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire transformative change.
The charitable contributions we raise from our branded items will direct tax dollars toward supporting human rights initiatives, ranging from providing shelter for conflict afflicted refugees in Gaza, to fostering mentally and physically healthy spaces for disadvantaged children and families in Washington D.C.
