ABOUT US
THE CLASSIC TALE
The block was alive that night, like it always was—sirens humming in the distance, kids chasing each other under the broken streetlights, and that smell of fried chicken from Miss Ruby’s window cutting through the air. Malik stood in the hallway of the project building, hoodie pulled low, heart beating louder than the bass thumping from a parked car outside.
Dee had the Glock wrapped in a grocery bag, Marcus had the plan laid out slick, like it was nothing but another hustle.
“Quick grab, quick money,” Dee said, eyes sharp. “You in or what?”
Malik looked at both of them, then down at his sneakers—scuffed, tired, but still his. His mother’s words echoed like a ghost in his ear: Baby, the streets don’t love you back. Don’t let nobody push you to be what you not.
But pride is heavy. Hunger is heavier. And in that moment, standing between loyalty to his boys and loyalty to his own future, Malik felt the walls closing in.
He nodded, slow. Just one nod. That was all it took.
Years passed.
Now the sun rose over the Atlantic, waves slapping the shore with a rhythm older than any project hallway. Malik walked the sand in an orange jumpsuit, trash bag in one hand, grabber in the other. The state called it “community service.” He called it consequence.
The other inmates moved like a tired caravan, but Malik stopped for a second. He stared out at the horizon—the kind of view postcards brag about. The ocean breeze hit his face, salt on his lips, freedom just out of reach.
Funny thing was, for the first time in years, he felt calm. No corners to watch, no enemies waiting, no choices pressing down on his chest. Just the sea, the sky, and silence.
He closed his eyes, let the sound of waves drown out the clank of chains. A tear slipped down, mixed with the salt spray.
It took all this—cuffs, bars, years—to feel peace.
A beach state of mind is more than sand and water. It’s learning to breathe easy even when life’s been heavy. It’s finding waves of calm inside the storm, a reminder that peace is always waiting, if you choose to step into it.
From the block to the beach—that’s the journey. That’s the testimony.
And for generations, historically Black beach communities carried that same truth. They were more than safe havens; they were places where our people turned struggle into joy, where rhythm met the tide, where freedom wasn’t just dreamed but felt. Malik’s moment on the shoreline wasn’t just personal—it was part of a larger story, a legacy of finding inner peace against the weight of the world.
THE FOUNDER
Jude Caze is an Afro-Caribbean-American graphic designer, engineer, and the founder of paperxpencil© Creative Design Lab (PXP). Born in Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1970s, Jude developed a passion for graphic design and visual arts as a young man, inspired by the early days of video games. The vibrant streets of his neighborhood became a canvas for his creativity, fostering his artistic expression.
"as a child in Brooklyn, I was surrounded by Caribbean culture and Black life. The colorful style and deep pride showcased by my neighbors left a lasting impression that would affect everything I do today."
During his teenage years, Jude lived in humid Central Florida. The transition from New York to the southernmost state was a stark contrast; concrete canopies gave way to asphalt roads and thick woods. Whenever possible, he sought to immerse himself in Black culture and the arts, drawing inspiration from his surroundings.
"I spent those slow, blazing days in Palm Bay indoors, pouring myself into painting, drawing, and writing—turning solitude into creation."
Jude ultimately earned a degree in electrical engineering from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. After spending some time in the corporate world, he found it challenging to balance his professional life with his passion for creating art. In early 2018, while meditating on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, he founded paperxpencil© Creative Design Lab.
"based in sunny Fort Lauderdale Florida, the brand inspiration is the beach where I often spend early mornings with paper and pencil (hence the name), journaling my everyday struggles, channeling the ancestors, and discovering my inner peace. "
THE BRAND
The Black beach experience is about more than sand and waves—it’s about survival, legacy, and peace. It’s where we shake off the weight of the world, even if just for a moment, and stand firm in a space that’s ours. Back in the day, segregation tried to shut us out, but we carved out our own sanctuaries—beaches where Black folks could breathe, build, and belong. Spots like Bruce’s Beach, American Beach, and Highland Beach weren’t just getaways; they were testaments to the fight for land and freedom, a fight that goes all the way back to the broken promise of 40 Acres and a Mule.
"And beyond all that, the ocean itself has always held something deeper for us. It’s a mirror and a gateway—a place of reflection, where we reckon with our past, and a force that calls us back to something bigger."
The same water that carried our ancestors away still holds their echoes, reminding us that no matter how far we’ve been taken, our spirit is never lost. PXP carries that tradition forward, bringing the energy of Black beaches to storytelling, design, and apparel—ensuring these spaces remain sacred, both as a collective refuge and a personal retreat.
But the Black beach isn’t just about history—it’s about solitude, too. It’s a place where we don’t have to fight, perform, or explain. We can just be. In a world that keeps us moving, grinding, and proving ourselves, the beach is a rare space where we can slow down and hear our own thoughts.
"The waves don’t judge. The horizon don’t rush. The air don’t ask questions. That’s why reclaiming these spaces matters. From the fight to restore Bruce’s Beach to the rise of Black-owned brands taking back our culture, the mission is clear: rebuild, restore, and reclaim."
Just like books, movies, and TV always show the beach as a place of renewal, where people find clarity and healing, Black beaches hold that same power for us. PXP is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It’s about honoring what’s been lost, reclaiming what’s still ours, and creating something lasting. The beach is our sanctuary, our story, our peace. Always has been. Always will be.
SAY HELLO
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hello@paperxpencil.com
PHONE
754.207.2940
HQ
2950 West Cypress Creek Rd.
Ste. 333 (PMB# 1069)
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