Our Story
Legacy in Every Thread
The Journey of 1854 & Beyond The story of 1854 & Beyond didn’t begin in a boardroom—it started on the proud campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where tradition, excellence, and community run deep. It began with a vision, shaped over decades and driven by heart.
Michael Bailey, a Lincoln University graduate and lifelong HBCU advocate, has always carried a deep love for these institutions. In 2002, that love turned into action when he and a fellow alum launched a business selling Black college apparel. It wasn’t about chasing trends—it was about honoring the institutions that had shaped their lives and giving other alumni a way to wear their pride. For 15 years, they kept that passion alive, building connections and community one garment at a time.
Then came a turning point. In 2018, after the loss of a close friend, Michael received an unexpected gift: a machine that would change everything. It was a spark—something small, yet full of possibility. Soon after, he bought another machine and began creating handcrafted pillows featuring the colors, names, and symbols of HBCUs. At first, they were gifts for friends and fellow alumni. But what started as small acts of remembrance and pride quickly turned into something more powerful. These items didn’t just fill a space—they told a story. They brought the spirit of HBCUs into people’s homes.
As the product ideas grew, so did the vision. In the fall of 2021, Michael reached out to two close friends and fellow HBCU champions—Terance Johnson, a success coach and Lincoln alum, and Reginald Dillard, a Delaware State University graduate and lifelong entrepreneur. He laid out his dream: a company that would move beyond apparel and offer licensed HBCU-inspired home, dorm, and office décor. A brand that would help alumni and supporters show their pride through the spaces they live and work in.
They were all in.
Together, they launched 1854 & Beyond, named for the founding year of Lincoln University, the first degree-granting HBCU. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia but rooted in every HBCU story. With thoughtfully designed products ranging from pillows and throws to banners, flags, and more, 1854 & Beyond allows alumni, students, and supporters to bring their school spirit home.
This isn’t just about décor. It’s about memory. Identity. Legacy.
It’s a tribute to where we’ve come from—and a declaration of where we’re going.
It’s 1854 & Beyond.