Nike Introduces 2015 Black History Month Collection

NIKE, Inc. celebrates Black History Month with a collection of products across basketball, football, running, soccer and skateboarding that honors six athletes and coaches who have positively impacted sport with their courage and determination: Theotis Beasley, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jerry Rice, Brianna Rollins, C. Vivian Stringer and John Thompson.

“Sport is an incredible platform to inspire and encourage positive social change,” said Michael Jackson, Vice President and General Manager of Global Basketball, Nike Brand. “Our 2015 Black History Month Collection honors and celebrates the athletes and leaders who have influenced global culture and have paved the way for our next generation.”

The 2015 BHM Collection pays tribute to the following athletes and leaders:

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Kevin-Prince Boateng, Soccer:
Kevin-Prince Boateng, soccer athlete and inspirational figure for the 2015 BHM Collection. Boateng took a stand against intolerable abuse on the pitch, inspiring his team to help in the fight against racism and take action as one.

“We cannot afford to be indifferent or passive. Athletes, musicians and business people have a special responsibility,” Boateng said. “We speak to parts of society and pierce the hearts of those people that political discussions will never reach.”



Theotis Beasley, Skateboarding:
Theotis Beasley, skateboarder and inspirational figure for the 2015 BHM Collection. One of skateboarding’s ultimate role models, Beasley takes pride in helping grow the sport, and the character of its athletes, through positive action.

“I focus on keeping a clean image so my younger fans are able to look up to me as a young black professional athlete and be inspired,” Beasley said.

Brianna Rollins, Track And Field:
Brianna Rollins, track and field athlete and inspirational figure for the 2015 BHM Collection. Inspiration from a track coach who saw Rollins’s true potential gave her the power to overcome tremendous odds on a record-breaking journey that has just begun.

“I want to break world records and win gold medals, but I also want to be known as the athlete who glorified God by reaching my full potential,” Rollins said.

Availability
The 2015 BHM Collection will be available globally at nike.com and select retail locations beginning Jan. 17.