Today we’d like to introduce you to Free Palmese.
Hi Free, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2016 my son Aaron came home crying saying we could not go outside because someone was trying to kill him. He was hysterical, he begged me for protection. So I made a call… 24 hrs later he was armed… then he was arrested with the firearm and he did 9 months in Baltimore City… that same year his grandmother, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer… the next 2 years were a blur… as I was an active alcoholic , waisting time we didn’t have. In 2017 Aaron & I got into a terrible fight, it needed with us not speaking again until the next year 2018…. Thru the winter of 2017 Aaron’s as homeless. I lived in a rooming house on Monroe. I decided I would go to rehab Jan 9, 2018. It was a success… on my mom’s last birthday, Aaron came… the hug was captured in a photo. It was us making amends… 2 months later Aaron was murdered in his sleep by a 18 yr old who he trusted… the boy shot Aaron 7-10 times in his face… in front of witnesses… it was May 6, 2018. A Sunday, we were supposed to meet at my moms because she was given only 3 more months to live. He never made it that day… since that time I have made his taken over the Brand he had just launched , Worse than the Wire . With my daughter Asia we have managed to create a Legacy not only here in Baltimore but truly Worldwide… everyday I’m Grateful for the talks Aaron and I had, for the vision God gave us and for the opportunity to Live outloud for him! Aaron left a daughter, Bri’, his biggest fear was leaving her… I say outloud often “we got her”!
Worse than the wire was a scream to the World that the news about Baltimore wasn’t worth Aaron talking about! He said what he felt as a black 23 yr old man in this city! For me … it means something a lot different… it means that even in the worst situation, there’s something to be grateful for , there’s beauty in the tragedy. It’s been over 8 yrs… every day is Groundhog Day… but I remember Aaron telling me right before his death…. He said “Ma , it’s okay… I talked to God and I know where I’m going when I die!” All he wanted was to see me sober… and he did! I’m sober today… I’m his honor ! Worse than the wire is an urban clothing brand created by the late Trc Lor Aaron… and is still alive and well in Baltimore city!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many struggles….my mom died 2 months after Aaron, the cost of both deaths was more than I could bare while unemployed and living in sober living . After the first two years my cousin tried to steal my son’s brand … that’s a battle I’m still fighting today. I went through a divorce, homelessness…. Having a brick and mortar storefront to not having it. Having thousands of dollars of merch stolen … I mean losing friends … and just trying to Build a brand from scratch when it was never your intention is hard.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist, I am a designer, poet, advocate… I am all things creative ! I am Free… but only thru my sons transition
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Don’t have many…. I’d say the Christmas my Ma got me the Prince and Kiss albums I wanted!
Pricing:
- T shirts $25
- Hoodies $65
- Sweatsuits $125
- Custom hoodies $100
- Short sets $60
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Worsethanthewire
- Facebook: @trcloraaron
- Youtube: @freepoet4u
