#walkgood

In the world of sports, there are athletes who go beyond their game and become absolute legends.

Well, Charles Barkley is one of those icons. Sure, he had mad skills on the basketball court, but his impact reached further than that.

Charles Barkley quickly became a household name in basketball. The guy was a beast! He had insane athleticism and played with such power that they nicknamed him "The Round Mound of Rebound." But you know what? It wasn't just his game that had people talking—it was his style and personality, too.

In 1993, Nike dropped a gamechanger in the sneaker world—the Air Force Max. This shoe was all about Barkley. It perfectly captured his larger-than-life persona and his dominating style of play. Think vibrant colors, a mid-cut design, and an in-your-face Air unit.

The Air Force Max became an instant fan favorite, setting the stage for Barkley's impact on sneaker culture.

Fast word to 1993, when Barkley starred in a commercial that had everybody buzzing. He boldly declared, "I am not a role model."

Whoa, talk about making a statement! This campaign sparked a whole lot of debate about what athletes should represent. But you know what? Barkley's candidness and fearlessness only made him more intriguing. Sneaker obsessed folks everywhere were drawn to his rebellious spirit and unique perspective.

Nike saw the opportunity and ran with it. In 1994, they launched the Barkley signature line. These kicks were all about capturing Barkley's style and personality while delivering killer performance. We're talking about iconic models like the Nike Air Max2 CB '94, Nike Air Max CB34, and Nike Air Max CB 94 Low. These had distinct designs, visible Air units, and colors that screamed attitude.

Sneakerheads went wild, and the Barkley line became an absolute must-have for collectors.

Let’s be honest, they’re one of the laziest attempts at releasing culturally-based sneakers by a company that’s so big and on track to do 22-percent more revenue in 2022, than they did in 2021, which checked in at $17.36 billion. (Do you own $NKE stock?)

What was created by Mike Parker in 2000, with a simple pair of white and white and Navy Blue Air Force 1s, with Puerto Rican flag on the heel, the Coqui 🐸 on the tongue and the Island silhouette on the insoles, they set the internet on fire.

People in NYC, particularly in The Bronx and Harlem, started to hear that there were a particular pair of sneakers that were going to be released in time for the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

The sneakers hit shelves and they sold quickly.

In 2001, the Puerto Rican 2 released and this time they were white and white with a red sole and sock liner.

They we’re on everyone’s list and they sold out even faster than the previous year’s version.

If you go through the subsequent PR Air Forces, there are a lot of hits like the 3 and 4 and others that left a lot to be desired.

“Menace II Society” (Released May 26, 1993.)

I’m grateful to be here and know that I have a lot of things to do and see come to fruition this year.

The reminder to myself and others is to not focus on the finish line and, instead, be aware of the twists, turns, stops and go’s.

The process is the sweet part.

I’ve had to learn that because whenever I try to force something that God hasn’t ordained, I mess it up.

Also, here’s something else to think about:

Write down all the things that you worry about, and then cross out all of the things that you can’t control.

Focus on the things that you can control.

Mad ❤️ to Misa Hylton and the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy team for partnering with Sean Williams and SOLEcial Studies! 🙏🏾

⭐HAPPY MONDAY AND WELCOME TO THE #MHFASNEAKERWEEK!⁠⭐⁠

"I’m very excited about the SOLEcial Studies at MHFA partnership because education is the pathway to access.” ⁠ ~ Misa Hylton

This is #sneakerweek and we will be talking sneakers all week long.⁠

👟What's your favorite sneakers?

Drop the names in the comment below.👇🏾

Sneakers generated 70 billion dollars last year - which means there is a huge opportunity for sneaker aficionados to take part in this business. ⁠

SOLEcial Studies at MHFA will teach fashion creatives about the athletic footwear business, sneaker marketing, entrepreneurship, and offer career mentorship.⁠

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In recognition of history being made, we celebrate the re-opening of Detroit-based Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design. Originally known as Lewis Business College, this HBCU was founded by Violet T. Lewis during the Great Depression to teach Black women secretary skills. Violet’s vision of providing Black students with learning opportunities that were otherwise non-existent inspired Dr. Edwards to reinstate Pensole Lewis College to serve Detroit’s next generation of Black makers and designers.

It’s also why we’re proud to be partnering with @PensoleLewis College on the creation of their inaugural Masterclass, an in-person, four-week program focused on designing gear that works as hard as the people who wear it, and creating pathways to more possibilities.