The Sneaker Edit: Brands That Are Giving Back to the LGBTQ+ and Black Communities
Including Nike, Converse and more.
To celebrate Pride Month and to support the Black Lives Matter movement, a number of footwear brands have announced donations that are going towards organizations dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. For The Sneaker Edit this month, we’re highlighting companies, such as Nike, Converse and Footaction, that are giving back in meaningful ways. Read on to learn more.
While you are here, consider making donations to these Black-led LGBTQ+ organizations.
Axel Arigato
Axel Arigato has released a “Pride” capsule featuring its signature Dunk sneaker. The brand will donate 15 percent of the sales from the collection between June 27 and August 30 to AKT, a UK-based charity that supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16 to 25 who are facing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
Converse
Converse has donated more than $1 million USD to local and global LGBTQ+ organizations, and has pledged to allocate the funds from its “Pride” collection to It Gets Better Project, Ali Forney Center, BAGLY and OUT MetroWest. The range includes the brand’s classic Chuck 70 and Chuck Taylor All Star silhouettes that boast the rainbow colors of the LGBTQ+ flag.
Footaction
Footaction, an online retailer that operates under Foot Locker, has announced a $200 million USD commitment to help fight racial inequality for the next five years. The initiative aims to enhance the lives of the company’s Black employees and Black customers through “economic development” and “education.” Read the company’s full statement here.
Jordan Brand
Earlier this month, Jordan Brand revealed that it would commit $100 million USD to charities fighting for racial equality and social justice over the next 10 years. Additionally, the company has been “providing access to education, mentorship and opportunity for Black youth facing the obstacles of systemic racism” since May through its Jordan Wings Program. Read the full memo here.
Nike
Earlier this month, Nike Inc. unveiled a $40 million USD contribution to the U.S. Black community with Jordan Brand and Converse. According to the company’s official statement, it will invest in organizations that put “social justice, education and addressing racial inequality in America at the center of their work.” Additionally, Nike also announced in May that it will support 20 LGBTQ+ organizations with select grants provided by the Charities Aid Foundation of America.
Vans
To aid the fight against racial discrimination, Vans has committed a total of $200,000 USD to three organizations devoted to helping the Black community. $100,000 USD has been allocated to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, $50,000 USD to Color of Change and $50,000 USD to the GSA Network.
