Vans Taps Rising Artists To Celebrate Black History Made Daily

For Black History Month 2021, Vans has prepped a limited footwear collection with four Black artists making history on a daily basis.

Throughout February, the California institution will showcase a different artist’s story, work and Vans Custom design. The group of collaborators include: Rewina Beshue (@rgb_), Sydney G. James (@sydneygjames), Chris Martin (@chrispymartin) and Tony Whlgn (@tonywhlgn). Informed by upbringings in and representing for Oakland, CA and Detroit, MI, the cohort has injected its personality and voice into the artwork created for Vans’ customization platform (Slip-On and Sk8-Hi, among others, are available).

“It is important,” said Beshue, a San Francisco-native, “to use my platform to amplify positivity in Black communities through art and creativity.”

In addition to highlighting these four artists, Vans has also pledged $40, 000 USD to the Black Arts Future Fund, an organization dedicated to uplifting Black art and culture. Furthermore, the “OFF THE WALL” company has reintroduced its “Foot The Bill” program to assist small businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visit Vans.com right now to customize your own shoe, and to read more about each of the four Black artists mentioned above.

For more sneaker news, check out the New Balance “My Story Matters” collection.