Black history month is here and people are ready to throw their support behind the black community, including companies NIKE, Inc. However, not everyone is sold on NIKE’s participation. Many wonder is this just a monetary play to capitalize off the popularity of the month?

These are the questions being raised as NIKE, Inc. announced they were unveiling a black history month sneaker collection this year. NIKE claims this line is to honor and celebrate six influential African-American athletes.

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.”

“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.”

There seems to be two camps in the black community when it comes to NIKE and this shoe collection. One believes this is genuine move to honor a segment of consumers who have been loyal to the brand and seems to be important to them moving forward.

The other seems to believe this is just another ploy to gain additional attention, loyalty and revenue at the expense of the black community by the NIKE corporation, but what do you think?

SOUND OFF: Do you think NIKE’s aim is sincere or are they just out to fatten the bottom line without regard to the black community?

Source: NIKE