Culture Rooted
Purpose Woven Deep
Le Burkinabé, based in New York City, is a purpose-driven retail brand offering culturally inspired apparel, accessories, educational downloads, and plant-based foods to communities across the United States and internationally. Michelle Battle began this journey with a vision shaped by years of community advocacy and human rights work - a vision to create a bridge connecting the African diaspora through celebration of Burkinabé culture. From the earliest days, Michelle saw clothing, learning tools, and food as acts of togetherness and resistance, each telling a story of heritage, unity, and care for the land. Today, Le Burkinabé brings together expressive upcycled fashion, handcrafted accessories, and educational tools that make culture and sustainability accessible. Through the Akal to Table division, the belief that "Nutrition is a Human Right" is tasted in every plant-based dish. At our heart, we nurture pride, protect the planet, and uplift every community member by weaving culture, learning, and nourishment into one meaningful experience.
Our Journey
Purpose in Action
Meaningful Accessories
Le Burkinabé in New York City offers a vibrant collection of meaningful accessories that speak to the heart of cultural pride and solidarity. Each piece in our line, from the COMRADE and AES buttons to the handmade Luili Pendé Messenger Earrings, is thoughtfully created as a tangible link to African heritage. These accessories do more than complete an outfit; they empower individuals to express their identity, advocate for unity across the diaspora, and join a movement grounded in shared history and hope. Artisanship and storytelling merge to make every accessory a celebration of connection.
Upcycled Fashion
Upcycled fashion at Le Burkinabé invites you to explore creativity rooted in sustainability and cultural expression. Our reimagined shirts and jackets breathe new life into pre-loved garments, giving each piece a fresh story inspired by African artistry. By choosing upcycled clothing, you join a mindful community committed to environmental responsibility, style with meaning, and honoring both the land and the skilled hands that make each item possible. Every jacket and shirt carries its own narrative, woven with purpose and a dedication to reducing waste for a more vibrant, sustainable future.
Educational Resources
Educational resources from Le Burkinabé bridge generations and continents by opening pathways to discovery. Our downloadable color-by-number books introduce children and their families to Burkina Faso's rich stories, agricultural traditions, and historical milestones, all in an inviting, interactive format. These tools nurture cross-generational dialogue, encourage cultural pride, and foster curiosity in young learners. By choosing our educational downloads, you help plant seeds of understanding, celebrate the beauty of African culture, and support accessible avenues for learning that build stronger, more connected communities.
Founder's Vision
Meet Michelle Battle
Michelle Battle grew up surrounded by the rhythms of advocacy and the flavors of shared meals. Her journey began long before Le Burkinabé - with years spent championing human rights and building bridges in diverse communities. Michelle's story is not just about retail; it is about restoring connections. She saw how storytelling, art, and nourishment could heal the disconnect many feel from their roots. Guided by the principle that 'Nutrition is a Human Right,' Michelle founded Le Burkinabé as a loving response to this need. Today, her vision pulses through every product, infusing upcycled apparel, handmade accessories, educational books, and plant-based foods with a spirit of cultural pride, sustainability, and community progress. She invites everyone to gather at the table - where heritage, learning, and justice come together.