Jovani Hernandez Since 2005, NIKE, Inc. has taken February as an opportunity to celebrate Black employees and their heritage, releasing full-blown product collections that simultaneously fuel dialogue and action for positive change. Over the last handful of years, the North American company has expanded its Black History Month efforts to include a mixture of footwear and apparel, content and financial investment, with the latter two initiatives raising awareness of and assisting members and organizations of the Black community fighting for its people. The latest celebration – unveiled today – continues the trend.
Headlined by a trio of the Nike Air Force 1, the Swoosh’s BHM 2022 campaign highlights Black creativity. Designed by Black creators, each take on the classic basketball sneaker features a distinct arrangement, though nature’s touch is visible across all three pairs. “FM” messaging is printed onto the sneakers’ tongue label, nodding to the “Future Movement” talk-show program the company launched in May 2021; an accompanying t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt also borrows the content series’ message.
In addition to the three Air Force 1 options, NIKE, Inc. will vest a total of $2.75 million across 44 organizations nationwide – including some located in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Memphis, St. Louis and Portland, Oregon – fighting for social justice, education innovation and economic opportunity for the Black community. The financial investments arrive as part of the conglomerate’s larger $140 million commitment to the Black community ($100 million was pledged by Michael Jordan and his Jordan Brand), a concerted effort announced in the wake of George Floyd’s murder on May 25th, 2020. Some of the latest recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 “that provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons,” as stated on its website.
Lastly, the Oregon-headquartered company will launch a new episode of the Nike Future Movement Broadcast on February 22nd. Janaya Future Khan, global civil rights advocate, hosts the series, with its fifth episode guest-starring Olympians Simone Manuel, Ibtihaj Muhammad and Dr. John Carlos to discuss how sport and activism have intersected systemically and personally throughout their careers.
Head over to Nike.com right now to shop the Black History Month 2022 collection, and head over to the “Nike Air Griffey Max 1” page to stay updated on that model’s releases.
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