Nike releases collection to commemorate black history

By Nicholas Poblete/Asst. Sports Director

The 2018 Nike Black History Month collection has recently been released and this year’s EQUALITY campaign will feature footwear, apparel and accessories in black and white colors to celebrate black heritage worldwide.

“Using the power of sport to inspire and uplift,” Nike’s website noted. “Nike’s EQUALITY products support inclusion for everyone by providing a platform for all athletes to celebrate and participate in the movement.”

Certain styles from the collection integrate cymatics from Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The company took pictures of the sound waves passing through water, and included the sound waves in some of the EQUALITY styles.

Jarreu Daniels, a member of the FIU men’s soccer club, appreciates Nike’s initiative and believes the brand is making a difference in the community.

“I think big companies should promote equality, and Nike is doing a good job of it,” said the midfielder. “It is the right thing to do in this day and age.”

On Feb. 2, 2015, Nike made a 10-year commitment to Black History Month. With each item sold, a portion of the earnings will benefit the Ever Higher Fund.

The Ever Higher Fund supports organizations, such as Nike, who use the influence of sports and mentorship to inspire children in need, enabling them to reach their full potential.

According to the organizations website, they are aligned with Nike’s Global Community Impact Commitment.

From Jan. 11 to the 15, NBA teams wore warm-up tee shirts that said, “I Have a Dream” on them.

The Pan-African flag inspired the EQUALITY collection. Pan-Africanism is a movement that’s goal is to encourage and strengthen the bond of solidarity between all people of African descent.

Beginning on Feb. 1, NBA teams will wear warm-up shirts with motivational words chosen by the NBA player. Some words included in the collection are engage, equality, inspire, lead, love and more.

The EQUALITY campaign also includes shoes that have historic dates on them. These specific dates are meant to represent occasions in which someone stood up for their beliefs.

“Each year we highlight unique elements of Pan African heritage with our Black History Month collection,” said Nike Designer Jonathan Johnson Griffin on the brand’s website. “It has been great to see the demand and awareness grow year-after-year and I’m proud to be a part of its evolution.”