Friends and Family Look Back on Born x Raised’s Spanto, and His Incredible Legacy

Spanto leaves behind a legacy that is monumental and trailblazing. He was not just a brother and mentor, but a shining example for Indigenous people everywhere. He shattered the limitations imposed on us by society, and showed us that we can thrive in spaces where we are typically overlooked. Through Born X Raised, he pushed boundaries and put Native Americans on the global map—filling us with immense pride to see one of our own achieving such greatness. His relentless Apache and Seneca spirit will continue to resonate, inspiring native youth to chase their dreams and manifest their goals, just as he did.

Bradley Carbone, business partner, Born x Raised

Once the door was opened (or kicked down), Spanto could hold his own in any room, and his charisma was innate. It was his gift and he spent his life refining it—to build a network that got him his neighborhood, and a business that got him his city. Spanto used that smile and storytelling to punch above his weight class, both in conversation and in the products he brought into life. Through Spanto’s narrative, a garment was more than that: It meant something. To be from a place, to take part in a story being told. A story with the greatest start, but one that had only just begun. 

Estevan Oriol, photographer

[What inspired me about Spanto was] his drive! His creativity. His love for his family, friends, community, the neighborhood of Venice, Los Angeles, and his Indigenous people. He fought for the people—his people. He turned a clothing brand into a strong movement, which is not easy to do. He was a leader in the community. He did everything the right way, the way it’s supposed to be done, with integrity and for a reason. Every drop he did had a message, or it was groundbreaking [in a way] that other brands couldn’t do. All the other companies and individuals he did collaborations with, no one else could pull that off. He’s touched so many people. Most importantly, he was one of my best friends and like a little brother to me. We only had good times together—creating, going to events, hanging out, talking, or taking out the Harleys for a ride. In Spanto’s words: “I’m not done yet.” Spanto lives—I love you homie!

Vince Staples, rapper

​​Everything about Spanto is inspiring. His ability to embrace whatever life threw his way while remaining focused on his goals. The compassion and love that he had for his community, and the people in it. His eagerness to remind us all of what was important. Despite what he was going through, Spanto was always present, and he was always fighting for what he believed in. I am proud of everything that he accomplished while putting up that fight—but more than anything, I am thankful that he was my friend. 

Chace Infinite, artist

What inspired me most about Spanto was he was resilient, fearless, and focused.  I also appreciated the level of respect he treated everyone with. I know the legacy he left behind is a legacy of honor and accomplishment. He showed us all, through example, that quitting is not an option—and you can accomplish all the crazy things your mind conceives. . . if you work hard enough. He was an example of how an “un-trained” creative director and designer can propel a brand to the height of the fashion industry.  He turned what most fashion insiders would consider a streetwear brand into a creative powerhouse. #SpantoLives

I remember meeting up with Spanto one afternoon a few years ago thinking we were just going to drive around and talk shit like usual; Next thing I know, we were sitting bedside at Cedars Sinai hospital, while he sat and spoke to a young man who was about to undergo a bone marrow transplant after two years of chemo. Spanto brought him a Born x Raised sweatsuit and told him everything was going to be okay with his situation. You could feel it in the room that this kid looked up to Spanto, and saw himself in him. I saw that kid light up for a brief second that afternoon. He showed people that every experience makes you who you are—where you’re from, your wins, and your losses.  Spanto leaves behind a legacy that’s about as L.A. as you can get. The real deal. No half-stepping. He stamped this city forever, and he did it without ever sacrificing an ounce of authenticity in the process. He stayed true to his roots throughout it all. One-of-a-kind. A true original.

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