As we wrap on Black History Month, we wanted to end the month by letting our community speak. We asked them a few questions to gain a better understanding of what BHM and black creators mean to them as it relates to sneakers and streetwear. We appreciate every single person that took the time to chime in. Here are some of the questions and responses.
How do you feel when you see sneakers/wear sneakers that represent black history?
For me I have always felt that clothing/sneakers are an extension of your personality. So when I see those things on other people, I can appreciate their sense of awareness and appreciation for those who came before them. – MindOfMalcolm
I remember when Nike first started making BHM products, I wanted everything! 🙂 I did end up with a few pairs, when I wear them I love telling their story- the collection, the year, the athlete. – Tanya
I am happy for that growing representation to be carried out so naturally into sneakers and be a part of an expression of black history. – pattyrice
More proud than anything, not just knowing that I have a great pair of shoes and also knowing that they represent so much more than that. – Grameron
I feel amazing, because at the end of the day even if you’re not black, this is a part of all our history. – Stonedbd
I feel inspired, motivated and proud to see it realized and represented knowing our background. – Mank
I’m happy to see the black community’s history being honored. – CM
I feel proud, acknowledged, and represented. – Dee
It makes me feel proud and I walk differently. – RoyKC
That there is hope. – MVURICE
Proud, invigorated. – Yadsiinbey
I feel proud!!! – P_kicks23
Empowered. – BGeorges
How important is it to you to wear footwear/streetwear brands created by Black designers?
Extremely important! – Aimzzzz (8.5-9M/10-10.5W)
Super important!! Need to show young black kids that there are other avenues of getting out of the hood other than sports. – P_kicks23
Very important to show love to the culture and the people. As a black man, you always want to support minority-owned businesses as they are not only setting trends but also helping the community with jobs, shopping, and giving us the latest ideas on what’s out. – Franklin P
If you don’t invest in the culture then you’re not a true part of it. – BGeorges
Important. I always want to be conscious of supporting black-owned businesses/designers/creators. – pattyrice
As an African-American male, it is very important to show my utmost support and represent for the culture that represents me. – Grameron
It’s very important to level the playing field and get to a state of ethnic parity for Black designers. Most, if not all of fashion is inspired by Black culture. The people who come from this culture deserve recognition, opportunities, and respect. – D2kKicks
With black designers and creators at the headway, I have been experiencing the opportunity to realize concepts, products, and ideals come to fruition for people like me. It means everything to see black-related information or history shown on IP or worn on a personal level. I have several friends who create within the black community and support them 110% of the way. I encourage all black creators to get out there and be seen. – Mank
Representation has always been super important to me given how I look and my upbringing. I consciously try to align myself with brands that share those values. – @MindOfMalcolm
I think it’s significant to the culture around sneakers and streetwear because it’s showing solidarity and support for one another. – I.E
Very pivotal; our creativity is unmatched and I feel thru black designers/streetwear we are embodying our present brothers and sisters along with those that came before us. – Yadsiinbey
What does it mean when you throw on a pair of kicks made popular by a black athlete/entertainer/designer?
Inspired. – Nicole Robinson
It feels like I’m my ancestors’ wildest dream. – Victor Diaz
It makes me feel great to see that blacks are finally receiving the recognition that we deserve!! – P_kicks23
To throw on a pair of kicks is stating that we have come so far from where we were not even 20-30 years ago when there were not that many athletes having a signature shoe or even designers having them. Since then tons have come out and I feel that we must support. – Franklin P
I’m showing support to black creatives that have something to share with the world. – MVURICE
I think it means relating to the story they put forth in the design of their sneaker. Supporting their journey and elevating their voices into all aspects of culture. – pattyrice
Empowering more than anything! Knowing that someone that looks like me could have the talent and creativity to make something amazing. It motivates me to want to strive for excellence. – Grameron
I feel proud. It inspires me to follow through on my dreams and let my creativity open doors for myself and others. – D2kKicks
It means I am supporting an artist and their work by WEARING their art instead of selling it for a higher profit. – Jonnyfab
It means everything, I’m supporting someone who looks like me and who I know wants to build culture and community and not just make profit as the end goal. – Stonedbd
It reminds me of the profound impact black culture has had in our society as a whole. – CM
Take for example James Whitner’s Air Jordan 1 “Airness” a story I know all too well on a personal level related to my people. The sneakers were specifically designed for African-Americans in specific. To understand and live the story created for a show is strong symbolism and encourages unity amongst the community. It means everything. – Mank
It means everything; it’s a symbol of understanding/acknowledging the sacrifice and work ethic they put in and those before them. – Yadsiinbey
It means my dollar supported someone’s dream that I identify with. It means that I kept my money in a community where it can be hard to go from one black person to another. – Dee
I feel pride when I’m wearing kicks from a black designer. We have history and endless stories to tell through art, design, and colors. – Tanya