We Are Warriors
Take the Crown
Turning a day of trauma into a day of strength.
"This is not your land. You are not my King." Senator Lidia Thorpe's words to King Charles made global headlines and inspired Blak Powerhouse 25. Thorpe's defiance was the catalyst for an event that asserted Indigenous people's right to reclaim sovereignty and 'Take the Crown.'
With a brief to amplify First Nations voices and excellence on Invasion Day, we drew inspiration from Lidia's words. The design concept for 'Take the Crown' used vivid art direction born from the We Are Warriors brand, to turn colonial power symbols into bold statements of resistance.
Held in Australia's oldest university, guests sat on a throne of gilded frames - once used to erase Blak stories - now honoured them. Our graphic crown, built from the WAW name, juxtaposed monarchy with echoes of our ancestors' blood-red spears and its graffiti style spoke of our protest spirit. Guests had their portraits taken, all while hearing the voices of their role models echo across the halls, and being surrounded by portraits of Blak warriors - reclaiming the narrative in a space that once erased their stories.
At every touchpoint guests were moved to action, rallying to take back Australia Day as a symbol of pride and resilience. First Nations guests reclaimed their place in history, sharing their own portraits with #TakeTheCrown to carry the message forward. Blak Powerhouse 25 was a catalyst for strength, defiance, and liberation empowering a movement that extends far beyond the building's walls.
