Social Studies is a partnership between Angelo Baque, Shaniqwa Jarvis, and Something Special Studios. The initiative began as a physical experience at Miami Art Basel in 2017, premiering as a multi-day event that brought artists and brands together for community-driven programming. The primary goal was to empower and educate underserved youth to exercise and access their creativity. We continued this format in NYC in 2018.

In 2020, the activation went digital on social-studies-worldwide.com. With this digital format, Social Studies built upon its founding principle of serving underserved and underrepresented communities, with a central theme of social justice education. The digital format included conversations, a gallery exhibition, a library, educational resources, and a shop. Talent such as Kimberly Drew, Lena Waithe, and Maurice Harris came together to discuss important topics relating to the presidential election.

Artists such as Verdy, Virgil Abloh, and Emma Kohlmann designed digital event stickers.

Cynthia Lu of Cactus Plant Flea Market designed an exclusive event tee for charity.

In 2021, we took to the platform to address the rise of anti-Asian sentiment and racism, hosting a discussion with names such as Kyle Ng, Jeff Staple, and Maia Ruth Lee. Further, we expanded the Social Studies library to highlight Asian and AAPI readings and perspectives, plus resources and organizations curated by @far___near.