June 12th 2024.
As the NBA Finals for 2024 approached, the excitement was palpable for the Black community. Not only were two Black head coaches competing against each other, but there was also another reason for celebration. During Game Two on June 9th, Celtics player Jayson Tatum was seen sporting a pair of Howard University Jordan Brand sneakers on the court at TD Garden in Massachusetts.
According to HBCU Gameday, the shoes featured the iconic colorway and Bison logo of the renowned HBCU based in Washington, D.C. Despite playing for Duke University, Tatum has been a part of the Nike family since 2019. His decision to wear the Howard University kicks during the finals was a nod to his support for the Black community and the close partnership between Nike's Jordan Brand and the university.
In August of 2022, a historic 20-year alliance was formed between Howard University and Nike's Jordan Brand. The aim was to provide academic and athletic opportunities to elevate the best in the Black community. Upon the announcement of the collaboration, Jordan Brand's president Craig Williams stated, "Howard University and Jordan Brand share a legacy of excellence and a deep commitment to the Black community. As a proud HBCU graduate, I understand the educational impact that institutions like Howard University have. We are honored to partner with Howard University and witness the growth of Black talent both on and off the field."
To further demonstrate their commitment to the Black community, Michael Jordan himself pledged a staggering $100 million to support various organizations fighting for systemic change. This philanthropic gesture was a testament to the brand's dedication to uplifting the Black community.
In the early months of this year, Nike made another impactful move by gifting athletes from select universities sponsored by the brand with exclusive Air Jordan logos. Among the chosen schools were Howard University, Georgetown University, the University of North Carolina, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of California, Los Angeles. The Air Jordan 23s featured each university's unique colors and incorporated the team's mascot and logo into the design. The special footwear was given to both athletes and staff members of the respective universities.
It's worth noting that the original Air Jordan 23s were first released in 2008 and have since become a sought-after collector's item. As for Howard University, this partnership with Nike's Jordan Brand was yet another milestone in their long-standing legacy. In fact, in a heartwarming story, an 83-year-old woman graduated from Howard University as the oldest doctoral student, showcasing the university's dedication to education and excellence.
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