Foot Locker is continuing to make good on its promise to provide tangible resources to bolster underserved communities.
In a news release shared with ESSENCE, the athletic retailer announced a $17 million investment in Black-owned brands in the design industry and the launch of a content series to showcase and commemorate the influence Black communities have had on streetwear.
UNDENIABLE, a four-part content series built around the dynamic discourse between five rising Black designers, premiered this month and is moderated by broadcast sports personality Taylor Rooks. The first episode is available to watch on YouTube.
Launched in June 2020—the series and multi-million-dollar investment is a part of the company’s LEED program (Leading Education and Economic Development) — a $200 million commitment to the Black community following the killing of George Floyd.
Aside from funding, LEED also aims to expand programming to uplift Black students and employees and operationalize the company’s approach to working with Black vendors, community non-profits, creators, and professional service partners.
As previously reported by ESSENCE, Foot Locker has already put forth $54 million toward the goal.
“Our commitment to the Black community goes beyond words and is part of how we do business,” said Richard Johnson, Chairman and CEO, FootLocker, Inc in an August 2022 news release. “Through strategic investments, community partnerships, and opportunities that empower, we are taking actionable steps to drive meaningful and lasting change both within our organization and in the communities we serve.”
Featured designers in UNDENIABLE included J. Grant (JJ Grant), Drew Sanders (AWARE Brand), Shakir Goodrich (Campus Remixx), Terrance Hosley (The SDN Brand) and Darryl Brown (The Midwest Kids); they share their entrepreneurial journey and the role LEED has played in bridging gaps in their growth.
“The Black community continues to have an undeniable impact across all aspects of society,” said Tai Neal, Vice President of Strategy, LEED, Foot Locker, Inc in a news release shared with ESSENCE. “This campaign builds on our year-round efforts to elevate and celebrate Black voices, visionaries, designers, and creators who are the cornerstone of our culture.”