Michael Jordan’s brand Flight 23 held the big grand opening for their first flagship retail store recently. The first Jordan only selling shoe store in the country was opened in New York City on 225 34th St between 7th and 8th Ave.
It was greeted with large fan fare and excitement. Crowds formed outside of the store as anxious patrons eagerly awaited their opportunity to part with their hard earned money for a pair of overpriced, over hyped tennis shoes.
After watching videos, seeing pictures and researching the event, you guess it, the crowd was filled with members of the black community. Many had their children in attendance. The people want to say they were among the first people to shop and the all Jordan, Flight 23 store.
Look, I understand the sneaker heads to some extent. They collect tennis shoes. It is a hobby. There is a certain percentage of every population really into a particular thing, activity, hobby. This one loves sneakers. Great.
There is an even larger population transfixed on materialism. They just want to buy something that will make them feel more valuable. I don’t want to get into a discussion on materialism, but just note there is a larger part of this group outside of the hard core group…the sneaker heads.
But What About Our Schools?
The educational system in the black community isn’t ideal to say the least. The rising drop out rates are getting ridiculous. The falling quality of education will have us behind forever. These are things everyone knows, but where are the crowds? Where is the outrage? Where is the excitement, energy?
Like the sneaker heads waiting in line at Jordan’s Flight 23 store or sleeping over night in line to get a pair of limited release shows, there is a small group of people fighting for our schools. The problem is where are the crowds of materialistic people in line with the sneaker heads? Where are the people joining those lines when it comes to our schools?
Look, if the black community were as excited, involved, and engaged with the schools and community like we are when it comes to shoes, we would be alright.
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