Tag: Nike

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OUTMemphis and Nike To Host Queer Youth Field Day

Credit: OUTMemphis via Facebook

OUTMemphis and Nike will host Queer Youth Field Day on Saturday, April 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public, and registration is required for entry.

According to Anu Iyer, volunteer coordinator and community manager for OUTMemphis, Nike approached the organization back in 2018 in hopes of hosting a recreational event field day for Queer youth and allies, where people wouldn’t be divided into “boys and girls” teams, and with everything being gender-neutral and inclusive.

“Just a safe and affirming day for people to come out and enjoy the weather together,” said Iyer.

This event is open to any LGBTQ+ youth and allies aged 13-to-25. Iyer said that they are hosting this event in “loving solidarity,” as a result of the “harmful” legislation that has been passed, especially gender-affirming care and public drag performances.

Iyer said that their joy can’t be stripped away, even though the government is attempting to “make them go back in the closet” in a lot of ways. She explained that they can be unapologetic about who they are, and still gather and hold community space with each other.

“We just want youth to know that despite all of these attacks that they’re under right now, they can still gather, they can still have fun and share a smile with friends,” said Iyer. “That’s the most important part about persevering is just making sure that you make space for the fun.”

This event is just one example of the ways that OUTMemphis provides safe spaces for queer youth. The organization also hosts a weekly youth group for queer youth ages 12 to 17, which is hosted by Iyer. She said there is no set agenda each week, however they typically do DIY-activities, arts and crafts, board games, and more. She said that they also discuss specific topics such as gender identity, sexuality, and mental health.

“They request certain kinds of programming that they want to see,” said Iyer. “It’s really important that we have this group. There are so few resources, especially in-person resources, for youth and their families in Memphis. Other than school and home, we want to be the one place that kids can really feel like themselves.”

A report entitled “LGBTQ Tennesseans: A Report of the 2021 Southern LGBTQ Experiences Survey,” released by the Campaign for Southern Equality in January 2023, said that there are an estimated 41,000 LGBTQ youth in Tennessee. 

“It is important that Tennesseans create welcoming and affirming homes, communities, schools, and faith institutions for LGBTQ youth so that they may grow to be healthy and happy adults,” the report said. 

The report also stated that “many people are aware of their sexual orientation and gender identity at a young age and are experiencing this rejection and alienation at pivotal developmental moments in their lives.”

Iyer said that spaces such as queer youth group not only provide the opportunity to be with friends, but also be respected and referred to by their preferred pronouns, and seen for their whole selves.

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Film Features Film/TV

Air

Matt Damon’s Sonny Vaccaro sits across from Viola Davis’ Deloris Jordan.

It’s newsworthy that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are once again making movies together in 2023. The duo first burst onto the scene in 1998, when their script for Good Will Hunting won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and also saw Robin Williams earn a Best Supporting Actor trophy. Fast-forward 25 years, and the duo is back with their new film, Air. Unlike Good Will Hunting’s coming-of-age plot, Air is a true story: the history of Nike footwear.

Air begins in 1984 when shoe companies Adidas, Nike, and Converse are battling for market share. The three firms are fighting, with varying levels of success, to catch famous athletes’ attention — especially in the NBA, where Michael Jordan is a rising star. Jordan has a clear interest in Adidas and a sponsorship from Converse; Nike, with its 17 percent market share, is an afterthought.

Basketball scout Sonny Vaccaro (Damon) sets out to make Nike a force to be reckoned with. Vaccaro goes way beyond his jurisdiction to create the Air Jordan, the now-legendary sneaker that catapulted Nike to the top table. Although Vaccaro’s risks lead to eventual success, many of the hurdles he encounters threaten the company’s stability and reputation. But in the end, Vaccaro created a new paradigm for celebrity endorsement.

Damon is only one of many familiar faces in Air, along with Chris Tucker, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, and Viola Davis. As a director, Affleck uses each actor’s individual styles to evoke the very real people they’re portraying. One example is Viola Davis’ portrayal of Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mom. Making most of the decisions for him during that time, Michael Jordan’s parents were pivotal figures who negotiated contracts and dealt with the media. Davis’ firm motherly hand and emotional balance makes you believe Michael Jordan is her actual son. Similarly, Chris Tucker’s portrayal of Nike executive Howard White leverages Tucker’s comedic chops during tense scenarios, while also sincerely conveying the loyalty White had for Vaccaro and Nike.

From the start of the film, Affleck takes the viewer back to the ’80s, with clips of Mr. T and popular infomercials; ’80s hits like Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” soundtrack long drives. Even Affleck’s camera shots look like they came from ’80s films, like the repeated extreme close-ups of Sonny’s face. The bright wardrobe colors worn by Damon made this Gen-Zer run to my grandfather’s closet to find his Members Only jacket.

There’s one thing about the cast list that stands out: Michael Jordan, the man himself, is not in the film. Really? You had a $60-$70 million dollar budget, and you don’t even have a cameo of Michael Jordan? But Air is all the better without him. We get to know Vaccaro as a risk-taking go-getter, although he makes everyone around him anxious. Other minor characters like Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman) are given opportunities to shine, especially through Strasser’s arc about his daughter and the risks he wasn’t able to take. Add in Michael Jordan and Air becomes all about him. The movie’s message about taking risks and the qualities that made it special would be overshadowed by the presence of the superstar.

The messages of this movie can be encompassed in one quote which keeps getting repeated: “A shoe is just a shoe until someone puts their foot in it.” This story was just an idea until Affleck and Damon got their hands on it — and made it something special.

Air
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News News Blog

CodeCrew Scores Another Big Grant

Students practice coding in a CodeCrew class. (Photo courtesy of CodeCrew)

Put another tally in the win column for CodeCrew. The nonprofit, which has been pulling in plenty of grants over the past couple of years as recognition for its outstanding programming, will be a recipient of Nike’s Black Community Commitment Grant.

“CodeCrew is proud to partner with Nike as a Black Community Commitment grantee to bring diversity and equity to computer science education to kids and young adults,” said CodeCrew executive director Meka Egwuekwe. “Nike understands that equity, economic empowerment, and social justice in the 21st century must include the kind of inclusive, innovative tech education that CodeCrew provides, and we very much appreciate Nike’s recognition and support.”

CodeCrew joins 43 local organizations from New York to Los Angeles, along with 10 national organizations, that are teaming up with Nike to advance equality and increase a collective service to the Black community.

This month, $2.75 million will be shared among organizations in seven U.S. cities — where Nike has a large presence — as part of the organization’s multi-year pledge made in 2020 to support national and neighborhood organizations that focus their efforts on improving economic empowerment, education innovation, and social justice for Black communities in the country. The pledge will see a combined $140 million invested in organizations over a 10-year period.

“Nike, Inc.’s purpose is to move the world forward — breaking barriers and building community to change the game for all. Our Black Community Commitment embodies this belief and drives how we are showing up to advance racial equality for Black people,” said Karol Collymore, senior director of inclusive community for social & community impact at Nike. “These strategic investments across the United States — at both the national and local levels — have the power to fuel transformative change, and we applaud each and every organization for their focus and passionate commitment to reach and uplift their community.”

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News The Fly-By

MEMernet: Says Who?, MemphisGiving, and the Cash Saver Hawk

Posted to Twitter by @KatrinaLColeman

Memphis on the internet.

Says Who?

The MEMernet was on fire last week with responses to Nike’s “Says Who?” ad featuring Memphis and Ja Morant.

Makes Sense

Posted to Reddit by u/dontcallmejimorjimmy

“After finding this ancient painting it makes more sense now,” wrote Reddit user dontcallmejimorjimmy.

MemphGiving

Posted to Reddit by u/B1gR1g

“Wishing r/Memphis a very happy, smooth and safe Thanksgiving,” wrote Reddit user B1gR1g.

Cash Saver Hawk

Posted to Reddit by u/Hungry-Influence3108

Reddit user Hungry-Influence3108 caught this hawk posted above the eggs at the Midtown Cash Saver last week.

The best comment, by triple_rectum_fryer, read, “I’m sure he’ll get jumped by Cash Saver pigeons.” Other users identified the bird as either a red-shouldered hawk, a Cooper’s hawk, a sharp-shinned hawk, or a big ass hawk.

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News News Blog

Nike Announces Investments in Local Organizations

CREDIT: BRIDGES

Nike announced several large contributions it will be making to local organizations. The grants focus on programs that bolster education, economic empowerment, and social justice as part of its Black Community Commitment.
BRIDGES

BRIDGES’ Downtown headquarters.

A partnership with the National Urban League has seen Nike pledge grants to organizations in seven cities, to the tune of $2.75 million. Four institutions in Memphis were selected as recipients.

RISE Foundation ($75,000): The grant will go towards the RISE Foundation’s Save Up program, which is a matched  savings account that helps low-wage workers manage their income, improve credit, purchase assets, or attend post-secondary education. A portion of funding will also boost the Goal Card program, which focuses on helping public school students understand financial and life goals.

Memphis Urban League ($50,000): Funding from Nike will aim to increase capacity for the Memphis Urban League’s Save Our Sons program, which provides workforce and life skills training to juvenile detainees in the Juvenile Detention Center, the District Attorney’s office, or others that are participating in nonprofit re-entry programs.

BRIDGES ($75,000): Nike’s grant is geared mainly toward students in 8th-12th grades, and will help BRIDGES provide a platform for them to tackle social justice issues through community organizing, and promote diversity and equal rights.

Stax Music Academy ($50,000): Financial support will go towards expanding the academy’s capacity, allowing it to prepare more students for post-graduate success, whether that means pursuing a career in or outside the music industry. Every artist will learn the complexities and best ways to earn a living if they do decide to pursue music, in any capacity.

“We are thrilled to have the work of our Bridge Builders CHANGE program recognized with a Nike Black Community Commitment grant,” BRIDGES said in a statement. “This funding will support a diverse coalition of young leaders working hands-on to address racial inequality in schools, institutions and across our community. BRIDGES is grateful to Nike for investing in the future of youth-led social change and honored to stand beside our fellow Memphis grantees: Memphis Urban League, Stax Music Academy, and RISE.”

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Letter From The Editor Opinion

Nike Just Did It

So, are you ready to start boycotting University of Memphis football and basketball games? Gonna burn your Tigers jersey? How about the Grizzlies? You ready to stay home this season? Turn off the television? Get rid of that sweet throwback Memphis Sounds uni?

You’d better be ready to do just that — in addition to staying away from FedExForum and the Liberty Bowl — if you’re one of those people who’s upset with the Nike company. Nike has contracts with all the teams you love in this town.

And why would you be upset with Nike? Well, unless you’ve been living in a cocoon the past few days, you know that the athletic super-corporation has launched a new national ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick, the NFL quarterback who inspired the ongoing player protest movement of kneeling during the National Anthem to make a statement against police brutality and racial injustice.

Because of this audacious corporate move, many irate owners of Nike apparel have been burning their Nike sweat socks — and presumably throwing away their expensive Jordan shoes and destroying all their $75 souvenir team jerseys. Though that may be a bridge too far.

It’s a real dilemma for fans who hate the Anthem protests — and the guy who started the movement — no matter their favorite sport. For example, the NFL is contracted with Nike for uniforms and apparel for all 32 teams through 2028. Nike also has the NBA’s apparel contract, and that of most of the top-tier universities, including Ole Miss and that orange-uniformed outfit over in Knoxville. Whatcha gonna do, Landsharks? Will it come down to MAGA versus Hotty Toddy?

This will get interesting on several fronts. How will the NFL’s mostly uber-conservative, millionaire team-owners reckon with their hired guns on the field wearing equipment provided by a company that has thrown in with the athletes, rather than the owners? How do you think Dallas Cowboys owner and MAGA-Trump fan Jerry Jones is going to handle this little development? Break out the popcorn.

And, of course, it will get even more interesting once the grand Tweeter-in-Chief sinks his ALL-CAPS fingers into this issue. It’s a perfect diversion from the gathering storm over the White House — and made to order for a president who loves stirring up divisiveness and outrage.

So why would Nike make such a provocative move? Why would any profit-driven company do something it knows is going to stir controversy and anger? One theory is the old saw that any publicity is good publicity. If the mass media and the entire social media universe — and the president — are talking and tweeting about your brand, it just enhances your company’s public profile. Nike becomes national news.

Another theory, posited by TheStreet.com marketing guru Brian Sozzi, is that Nike “skates where they think the puck is going.” In other words, the company is betting that the country is heading toward more enlightened attitudes, that the future will belong to those on Kaepernick’s side of history — folks who think his right to protest is legitimate. Nike is putting real money on the idea that the current poisoned atmosphere around the kneeling issue is a short-term political exploitation that will burn out, leaving the angry “boycotters” looking foolish — and probably wishing they had that cool Ole Miss jersey back.

If you think about it, it’s a brilliant power play: forcing fans to choose between their love for their favorite teams (and their own Nike apparel) and their distaste for Kaepernick and athletes who kneel during the National Anthem. It’s the ultimate “put up or shut up” move.

Upping the ante even further, Nike announced that it will create a new Kaepernick shoe and T-shirt and other apparel, and that the company will also donate money to Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights” campaign.
Cue the presidential tweets, and maybe even a new MAGA hat: Make Adidas Great Again. It will be made in China, of course.