Converse Welcomes WNBA Star Natasha Cloud To The Fam
Image: Converse
Not only are brands being more strategic with how they are standing in solidarity with Black communities against social injustices and racism as a whole, but putting a clear focus on representation. Real representation matters and can speak volumes to the right message or can shed light to how brands may be disconnected entirely. Converse is committed to the Black community and their latest addition to the family speaks to the importance of that representation.
Let’s get to know Natasha Cloud. She’s an amazing WNBA star that played an integral role in the 2019 Washington Mystics Championship, but she’s also a major advocate for fighting against racial injustices and supporting the LGBTQ+ communities.
“The biggest thing is for me to use my platform as a microphone. That’s the goal, be a voice for the voiceless.”
Natasha’s partnership with Converse will elevate the mission to bring forth more advocacy through industry leaders and expand efforts within communities. We’re excited to see Natasha flourish within the basketball space at Converse.
MORE THAN AN ATHLETE…
Natasha has also announced that she will be foregoing the 2020 WNBA season. Her passion for being on the front lines to fight for social reform is bigger than basketball. She noted on her Instagram that she understands her responsibility and how it extends to not only herself, but also her community and future children. We salute Natasha because standing for justice can take courage and she’s an inspiration to us all. #BlackLivesMatter
UPDATE:
After Natasha Cloud announced she will be foregoing the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice reforms, Converse is officially pulling up and standing behind their initial endorsement of Cloud three weeks later with a pay day. The company offered to cover 100 percent of Cloud’s 2020 salary, Girls Talk Sports TV reported, after she opted out of the ’20 WNBA season set to start in Florida next month.
In a statement released last week, Converse said the following:
“Converse has immense respect for Natasha Cloud's decision to forgo the WNBA season. These systemic racial justice issues are bigger than basketball. To be able to put her career and passion on hold in order to devote her energy, voice and platform to change demonstrates her integrity and strength. We are proud to have her on the Converse team, are humbled to match her forfeited players salary and look forward to working together with Natasha on these issues as well as supporting her vision in this space.”
The company also made a $25,000 donation to a racial justice organization in Philadelphia, near where Cloud grew up, and is making a film focused on Cloud advocating for change.
Cloud is one of a handful of WNBA players so far to opt out of the season for either social justice causes or due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She and Atlanta Dream star Renee Montgomery both mentioned specifically continuing their work for social justice as the nation reckons with racial relations.
Players who opt out of the season will not receive their full pay for the year. Players began getting their paychecks on time June 1; those who opt out will not be paid once July rolls around. Cloud, 28, was set to make approximately $117,000 this season, per Spotrac, after signing an extension.