By John Starcks
Nike made a major move that nobody had any idea or saw coming when it released that they have been paying Colin Kaepernick all along and was just waiting for the right time to tell everybody. They decided that time is now. Kaepernick headlines and has become the face of the company’s 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It” campaign. Now, when I tell you that I am through the roof ecstatic about this upcoming campaign it\’s not because he is Colin Kaepernick, it\’s because of what he did. What he did is what they are using to promote their brand. Using what he stood up for, or kneeled down for, not hiding it but embracing it as their main pitch with a picture of Colin and a quote “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Now we all know the reason why Kaepernick is not currently playing in the NFL and to tell you the truth I thought the battle was over and the NFL had won. After Donald Trump interfered with the concept of players kneeling during the national anthem, and the NFL enforcing that rule after the interference of the President, I lost hope for Kaepernick’s movement. But now hope has been rejuvenated immensely. I say this because, well, it’s NIKE! We all know the power that Nike holds and the publicity that they have. Now Kaepernick’s message will be in every shoe store and you can’t just turn the channel and look away. You are forced to hear his voice and not misconceive his moral.
That is what deterred so many people from what he was doing. They were just looking at it as somebody disrespecting our country and not caring for our flag. Instead they should have seen a fellow citizen who was unhappy with the way young black men were being gunned down and didn\’t feel the nation was supporting his kind. Nike’s stock has recently plummeted due to this announcement but I feel everybody who is trying to boycott Nike are you know who supporters, but I digress.
I am also excited about this campaign because it features other successful African-American athletes who have been doubted, but overcame anyway. The list is headed by Shaquem Griffin, Serena Williams, Odell Beckham Jr, etc. For Nike to promote such black excellence really brings joy to my heart and puts the credentials that they have accomplished and earned in the face of those who choose to ignore such success.
Great read !