Randolph and Brooklyn Circus launch a unique fashion collection celebrating the Golden 13, transforming history into wearable art.
Brooklyn, NY, In celebration of Black History Month, two iconic brands, Randolph Eyewear and The Brooklyn Circus, have joined forces to create an exclusive capsule collection that honors the courage and resilience of the Golden 13—the first Black American officers in the U.S. Navy. This limited-edition capsule collection, launched February 6, with 100 exclusive pairs of glasses, each reflecting the courage and resilience of these trailblazing men.This collection symbolizes American history ingrained within relics of fashion.
Randolph Eyewear, known for its military-spec aviator sunglasses, and The Brooklyn Circus, recognized for its heritage-driven designs, merged their expertise to create an evolutionary homage to greats of the past.
The Golden 13’s commissioning in 1944 marked a defining moment in the country’s military evolution. After decades of racial exclusion in officer ranks, these men shattered barriers during World War II. Though they outperformed their white peers in training, none were given the command roles their counterparts were given without question. Their service, though groundbreaking, was met with resistance and silence. For years, their contributions were largely erased from mainstream history, but their influence lives on in every Black officer who followed in their footsteps.
The eyewear collaboration emerges at a critical time. Recent efforts to erase Black military achievements from education and training materials have ignited national debate. Just last month, the U.S. Air Force attempted to remove instructional materials featuring the Tuskegee Airmen from its training curriculum, citing compliance with an executive order that halted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots, played an integral role in World War II, proving their excellence in the skies despite racism. The Air Force Times reported the removal from training courses which sparked outrage, prompting the Air Force to reverse its decision and reinstate the material after public backlash.
Doug Melville’s author of, The Invisible General unearths similar stories of Black military pioneers, most notably Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first Black general in the U.S. military. Davis, like the Golden 13, faced discrimination at every stage of his career, yet his leadership was instrumental in desegregating the armed forces. Collective efforts are vital to the preservation of critical knowledge.
Ouigi Theodore, founder of The Brooklyn Circus, emphasized the deeper significance of this collaboration: “This collection isn’t just about eyewear; it’s about recognizing the profound impact these pioneers had on the course of American history.”
For Randolph, this project aligns with its long-standing commitment to honoring military history. For more than 40 years, the company has provided the U.S. military with high-spec aviators, a contract that continues today.
The collection features four meticulously crafted frame styles, including the P3 Fusion, finished in a sleek black-gold plating with black onyx acetate and non-polarized nimbus lenses, and the Aviator, which comes in a military-inspired coastal gray. Each pair is a nod to the refined strength and understated sophistication of the Golden 13. Every purchase includes a custom cleaning cloth, PU leather carry case, and exclusive Randolph x The Brooklyn Circus packaging, elevating fashion with historical narrative.
Turning custom relics into wearable fashion is a unique way to preserve history. The limited run of 100 pairs makes this capsule highly collectible. Available online at Randolph USA and The Brooklyn Circus, as well as in Brooklyn Circus retail stores, the collection ensures that those who wear these frames carry forward the story of the Golden 13.
This kind of revisionism makes projects like the Randolph x The Brooklyn Circus collection essential. The erasure of Black contributions to the military, whether intentional or the result of systemic neglect, distorts the full story of American history. Fashion can be a powerful storytelling tool, and incorporating pioneering Black military figures into it keeps their spirit in the public consciousness.
Randolph and The Brooklyn Circus have transformed eyewear into a symbol of recognition for those who fought to serve all Americans to make the country stronger, despite the prejudice they endured. Through innovative approaches to fashion, this memorialization ensures the heroic actions of the Golden 13 live on. To be continued-history.
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