Black History

How Much is Nike Sacrificing with Kaepernick Ad Campaign

Published

6 years ago

September 9, 2018

The Nike swoosh went up in smoke literally as angry consumers pushed back against the company’s decision to make former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick the face of its new ‘Just Do It’ ad campaign. Kaepernick is a polarizing figure for many and the lightning rod for the nation’s conversation about the social justice protest he ignited when he began kneeling during the National Anthem in 2016. But, while some set fire to their merchandise, others were motivated to purchase.

“This is a bold and courageous move on Nike’s behalf!” says Rev. T.C. Johnson, one of the ministers who created a video last year calling for a boycott of the NFL as a response to the owners’ alleged collusion against Kaepernick. “Since Nike has stood for real justice in a true democracy, I will, and we can stand with Nike by purchasing all sporting needs from Nike until appropriate change occurs.”

When the smoke clears, Nike may find itself with some new customers and a renewed popularity. Time magazine reports Nike is experiencing a robust uptick in sales since the Kaepernick ad was announced. According to the report, online sales have increased 31%.

But, the research firm Morning Consult reports consumers have mixed emotions about the new 30th anniversary campaign. According to the survey, 24% have an unfavorable response to the brand which is a 7% increase linked to the ad. The survey also included a question aimed at gauging consumers’ opinions of Nike’s motivation with 32% saying the ad was “mostly an effort to recognize Kaepernick’s efforts” while 38% tagged the campaign as a “publicity stunt.”

Nike’s stock rebounded from an initial drop following the ad campaign announcement. And, the company is staying the course, riding out the turbulence with the awareness that the global customer is a significant contributor to its bottom line, and there are apparently many Americans who support its decision.

ESPN sportscaster Shannon Sharpe says he’s “extremely proud of and happy…Kudos to Nike.”

The National Football League is the latest arena for the nation’s increasingly bitter debate over cultural issues. The blistering tweets from the White House have fanned the anger of football fans who take issue with players for their decision to take a knee during the National Anthem as a silent protest against racial injustice. Ratings and attendance may suffer, again, this season as a result.

So far, only one sports team is ditching its Nike athletic wear in response to the Kaepernick campaign. The College of the Ozarks, a private Christian college located near Branson, Missouri, plans to remove all uniforms bought from Nike that have its logo. Officials at the College say the ad campaign promotes “an attitude of division and disrespect” toward America.

Black History

America Heads Into the Last Mile of the 2024 Presidential Election

Published

1 month ago

October 29, 2024

LoveBlackHistory

With only a week until Election Day, Vice-President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are holding their final campaign rallies and crisscrossing the battleground states. Both candidates know the importance of every vote, and they are rallying their base in the closing days.

Vickie Newton, founder of The Village Celebration and Love Black History, traces the history of Black voters in America on the eve of the historic 2024 presidential election.

Black History

Coco Gauff Becomes the Youngest Flag Bearer in US Olympic History

Published

5 months ago

July 25, 2024

LoveBlackHistory

During the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, the female American flag bearer will be Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis star. She will be the youngest flag bearer in American Olympic history. Basketball legend LeBron James has been selected as the male flag bearer.

Gauff said, “I was not expecting that.”

Delighted to be selected, Gauff admitted she has “no idea” what her assignment includes, adding, “I don’t know if there’s flag bearer-training I have to go to.”

James has been to the Olympics four times. He was part of U.S. teams that won bronze in 2004, gold at Beijing in 2008 and gold again in London in 2012.

But this will be his first time as the flag bearer.

He said, “It’s an absolute honor. I hope I continue to make my community proud and continue to make my family proud.”

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Black History

California Is the First State to Create A Public Alert for Missing Black Youth

Published

5 months ago

July 3, 2024

LoveBlackHistory

It’s been 21 years since Cleashandria Hall disappeared from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her mother Laurell Hall says she dropped her 18-year-old daughter off at her after-school job and never saw her again. For years, Hall and her family have kept their loved ones name in the media by hosting vigils and events that remind the public of their steadfast hope for answers.

But the attention is unusual. More often than not, experts say Black people who go missing do not receive the coverage as whites.

In October 2023, the state of California passed legislation that alerts the public to the disappearance of young people. It’s called the Ebony Alert, and it hopes to change the narrative about Black youth who are missing but don’t receive the same media coverage as white youth.

“We feel it’s well beyond time that we dedicate something specifically to help bring these young women and girls back home because they’re missed and loved just as much as their counterparts are,” State Senator Steven Bradford said in an interview with NBC News.

The recent docuseries about a California woman who faked her disappearance garnered 3.6 million viewers on Hulu, making it the most popular docuseries ever on the streaming service– a distinction that adds more credibility to the ongoing conversation about the disparities in media coverage and public attention when Black Americans are missing.

Sherri Papini grabbed the spotlight in 2016 as authorities searched for her before she reappeared and years later admitted the hoax. The popularity of the docuseries has reignited the dismay Black families experience when their loved ones are missing.

According to the Black and Missing Foundation, Black Americans make up 40% of missing Americans but only 13% of the population.

Foundation Founder Natalie Wilson said, “There’s a need for an Ebony Alert because people of color are disappearing at an alarming rate, and typically their cases are under the radar when it comes to media coverage and getting law enforcement resources.”

The Ebony Alert is activated when local authorities request it because a Black youth is missing, and there is concern the youth has been targeted for trafficking, or foul play is suspected. The Ebony Alert uses electronic highway signs and encouraged radio, TV, and social media and other systems to spread information about the missing persons’ alert.

In 2022, California began the Feather Alert which publicizes the disappearance of Indigenous people.