It’s February and you know that means the shortest month of the year, Valentine’s Day, Lincoln’s birthday, Presidents Day, Washington’s birthday, my birthday and of course, Black History Month. And once again Nike presents an Air Force 1 for the occasion...
Nike is known for producing limited edition Nike Air Force 1’s to commemorate holidays and special events. This year they have come up with Air Force 1’s to celebrate Black History Month and the 100th year anniversary of the NAACP. This limited edition sneaker features a predominately black leather upper with red and green accents on the inner lining, tongue and heel. The latter area also features the centennial logo of Black American culture surrounded by 44 stars representing the American government (44th president). Obviously, this sneaker contains the same color way of the African-American flag. More red and green is seen in the form of contrast stitching seen throughout the upper. The Swoosh has a luxury material of metallic black leather and the outsoles are marbleized like the courtrooms of the US Supreme Court – the place where many civil rights battles were fought and won. I thought the 2008 Black History Month AF1s were well thought out and developed, but these top those by far. Unfortunately for collectors, Nike only made 350 pairs and they gave them away to people they thought deserved them for their support of the Black community.
Remember back in school when you had to turn in your Black History reports… Nike challenged seniors at Miami’s Booker T. Washington High School, to create their own artistic expression regarding Black History Month through the art of spoken word. The finalists composed an original spoken word piece to interpret this period drawing upon such pivotal moments including the Civil Rights Movement. A panel of celebrities including popular former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning and Nike representatives announced the contest winners.
Jazmine Snyder, the first place winner received a $1000 scholarship, and both Staresha Charles and Walter Peterson, Second and Third place winners respectively received a $500 scholarship. All three will also receive a pair of the limited edition Black History Month Air Force 1 shoes.
No comments:
Post a Comment