Jovani Hernandez Time and time again, James Whitner of The Whitaker Grp has reaffirmed that he’s here for something much bigger than himself. Each swoosh and Jumpman-branded collaboration he’s overseen has been a medium through which he and his teams have given a voice to the voiceless. The Social Status x Nike Air Max Penny 1 “Recess” duo is no different.
Inspired by the various sports played during off-time between classes, Whitner et al’s takes on the original signature model for Anfernee Deon “Penny” Hardaway debuted via raffle on July 15th, but The Whitaker Grp has recently shared news of a proper launch of its latest joint-effort. But beyond coming up with an anti-bot method to release its footwear, the conglomerate has used its latest Nike collaboration to give back to the community it both represents and serves.
Inspired by Whitner’s own experience with back-to-school season, which he’s gone on record to describe as one “of the worst times of the year,” customers of Social Status’ Air Max Penny 1 will have the opportunity to provide information for a person in need and/or organization committed to helping families ahead of the new school year they would like to donate a pair to. Customers with no one or no organization in mind can also leave the charitable gesture up to The Whitaker Project’s choosing, the agency’s non-profit arm. Ultimately, what the brand’s Pay-It-Forward launch strives to achieve is alleviate the demoralizing feeling of not having much many families experience in the face of back-to-school season. Through the initiative, the sneaker community can band together to support others facing economically challenging times.
“Black” and “Desert Sand” colorways of the Air Max Penny 1 by Whitner and team will launch through the Pay-It-Forward initiative on Friday, July 22nd, at 9 a.m. EDT via the Social Status website.
For more swoosh-branded sneakers, check out the latest Air Jordan 1 releases.
