just another handbag for his collection. "It felt fake and dangerous to do at such an important time," Blackwood said. In early July, he conceptualized a small tote bag printed with the words "end systemic racism" and planned to donate a portion of proceeds to the pro bono legal assistance program Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. Almost two weeks later, Blackwood launched his collection of 500 "ESR" bags, and eventually expanded it into 37 different colors and materials. It sold out in two hours. "That's when I knew the bag was more powerful and necessary than even I expected," Blackwood told Insider.