Sneaker Stories: Week of June 21, 2020
- Words Stephen Albertini
- Date June 24, 2020
In the month since George Floyd’s death on Memorial Day, peaceful protests have persisted in all 50 states, with citizens of all ethnicities standing in solidarity with the Black community in the continued fight for equality and against police brutality.
Many of our favorite brands across the sneaker and streetwear industries have joined in the fight as well. New Balance pledged to donate 10,000 pairs of running shoes to Black community-based programs in the Atlanta area in the name of Ahmaud Arbery, the young black man who was killed by two white men while jogging in February. Nike announced it will be donating $40 million across a range of organizations. It was Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand who made a splash on June 5, by pledging to donate $100 million over the next ten years to “organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”
Assorted brands are selling merch and other products with proceeds benefiting various causes. Retailers like Union Los Angeles and smaller sneaker stores across the country have come out in support of the protests, despite some locations losing stock in the process. Dionte Johnson, owner of Sole Classics in Columbus, had these powerful words to say, via Complex: “If I have to lose a few shoes in the process in order to get the attention of those in power who can invoke change, I can live with that. I can die with that on my conscience.”
If you’d like to lend your support in any way you can, check out Grailed’s suggested list of organizations to which you can donate, as well as educational tools and tips for protesting safely.
While we celebrate our favorite sneakers with this franchise, we will never forget or overlook the impact that Black creatives and culture has played on the sneaker scene.
No online retailer has the same breadth and depth of selection as Grailed. From Dunk-inspired Kobes to a concoction of Ronnie Fieg’s best Asics collaborations (and everything in between)–in no particular order, these are our picks for Grailed’s Sneaker Stories of the week.
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