Over the last two years, Jordan Brand and the Swoosh have demonstrated a commitment to the Black community unlike ever before. And while the Oregon-based conglomerate has handfuls of initiatives in motion, efforts like the Nike Dunk Low for Clark Atlanta University are among the most attention-grabbing.
Part of a larger footwear collection dedicated to some of the country’s Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU), the recently-surfaced pair represents the South. As the first HBCU in the southern states, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) played an woman role in attracting and cultivating Black intellectuals, athletes and professionals since the late 19th century. The school’s student body, referred to as the Panthers, walk away from their time at CAU with a motto that’s stamped onto the Nike Dunk’s laces: “FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE.”
The research university’s official colors are faithfully arranged across the sneaker’s upper and sole mass, with grey and black setting up the stage for bold red and school-specific accents. A ferocious panther logo takes over the pair’s tongue labels, as well as the outsole, which dons a semi-translucent finish that reveals the athletics program’s revered mascot. The year “1988” is embroidered onto the Dunk’s heel as a nod to when Atlanta University and Clark College consolidated to become the institution it is today.
No firm Nike SNKRS launch details have been disclosed by the brand yet, but that’s likely to change soon. In the meantime, enjoy images of the pair ahead, courtesy of Instagram user @knowing_kicks.
For more from under the NIKE, Inc. umbrella, check out the Air Jordan 37.
