Often times we are left wondering how brands we love are sticking to their commitments when it comes to pouring back into our communities - specifically marginalized communities. While history points us to a systemic framework of inequality and lack of equity for people of color, there are initiatives that exist to break down the barriers and create impactful change. The Swoosh is leaning into their commitments to build up Black communities and CNK Daily was on deck to witness the announcement.

The NIKE, Inc. Black Community Commitment began in June 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Nike, Inc. committed $40 million over four years and Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan committed $100 million over 10 years, together investing in and supporting organizations focused on economic empowerment, education innovation and social justice to address racial inequality for the Black community in the U.S.

The Black Community Commitment event at Nike NYHQ embraced different elements of wellness, sparking important conversations, and healing. It kicked off with a yoga and meditation session titled “You Are Your Best Thing: a practice of self-care” with Rebeckah Price. It was restorative yoga practice to getting our hips and lungs fully open.

NIKE views well-being holistically. As a champion of athletes* (*If you have a body you’re an athlete), Nike is focused on supporting holistic journeys to well-being – which involves mind, body and spirit.

After yoga, a BCC Panel Conversation was moderated by Karol Collymore, Senior Director of Inclusive Community for Social & Community Impact, NIKE, Inc.  She spoke with Dr. Patrice Johnson, Chief Program Officer of Black Girls Code; Dr. Lena Green, Executive Director of The H.O.P.E. Center; and Melanie Campbell, President & CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable.

The energy in the room was indescribable and something happens when representation takes front and center.

The important commitment from the trifecta of Nike, Jordan, and Converse come together to drive out systemic racism in a way that amplifies the need to create paths for success in unique ways. Check out some of the stats from the announcement below:

We’re announcing $8.9 million in new NIKE, Inc. BCC investments this year across 55 national and local nonprofit organizations focused on education innovation, economic empowerment and social justice.

• Three new national grantees include BUILD, Fearless Foundation and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

• We’re also renewing seven national grantees for a total of $5.75 million across new and renewed national organizations. 

• New and renewed city grantees include a total of $2.4 million across 45 organizations in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland (Ore.), Memphis, St. Louis and Boston to advance equality at a local level.

• Since launching in June 2020, NIKE, Inc. has invested $28.9 million with national and city-specific partners through the Black Community Commitment. 

Source: NIKE

Rounding out the activities was a healing circle exercise lead by one of the Nike BCC partners, Shawn Brown, Executive Director, Youth Guidance.

BAM focuses on reducing violence and increasing grad rates for black and brown boys. Studies have shown BAM has reduced violence by 50% for young men in our program, increased grad rates by 20% and decreased overall crime arrests by 35%. For every dollar invested in BAM, there’s a $30 return just by us keeping our young kings out of the system.

WOW is focused on reducing PTSD, anxiety and depression in young women. Impact studies have shown that 71% of the queens in our program have experienced fewer PTSD symptoms, 62% have experienced fewer anxiety symptoms, and 96% have said the program has helped them have healthier relationships.

These impacts will continue to create lasting legacy and build up more generational wealth for our communities. Be sure to check out more from Black Girls Code, the H.O.P.E. Center, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Youth Guidance.