Since its launch in 2015, Covry has been rooted in celebrating diversity. The eyewear brand created by Athina Wang and Florence Shin is known for its “Elevated Fit,” that is, frames with longer nose pads, a reduced frame curvature and a narrow nose bridge for an effortless fit (especially for East Asian facial features).
As Asian founders, Wang and Shin recognize the importance of giving back to their community, which is why they’ve launched a limited-edition hat to support Act to Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending bullying among AAPI youth.
“We started Covry in 2015 out of a need for more inclusive eyewear that better fit our diverse face shapes. Our mission has always been rooted in celebrating diversity,” Shin and Wang tell The RepresentASIAN Project. “With the rise in hate crimes against Asians, it’s more important now than ever. As Asian American founders, our Asian heritage is something we value and are incredibly proud of. We’re honoured to have the opportunity to use our small platform to celebrate and empower our community with Act to Change.”
The hats bear the message “We belong here,” a sentiment that hits hard for many Asian Americans and Asian Canadians.
“We’re told to ‘go back to our country’ even though this is our home,” says Shin. “We are proud of our traditions and heritage and that doesn’t make us any less American. We belong here.”
One hundred per cent of the proceeds of the hats will be donated to Act to Change so AAPI youth can thrive in communities that support their identities. Covry is also encouraging the community to register for the 3rd annual AAPI Day Against Bullying + Hate this May 18th, 2021, held on the birthday of Vincent Chin, whose murder in a hate crime in 1982 sparked a national uprising.
This year’s event will include special guests Simu Liu, Hudson Yang, Randall Park, Tan France, Michelle Lee, Momona Tamada, Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, and more.
You can purchase the limited-edition Covry ‘We Belong Here’ hats here for $35 USD. For more information on Act to Change’s AAPI Day Against Bullying + Hate, click here.
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