As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Adidas hosted a two-part community event to celebrate the contributions of Black women. The conversation, “Black (Women) Voices for Change,” brought together an intergenerational audience, with college students from Trinity and middle school scholars from Capital City Public Charter School in attendance. The event was hosted by Dr. Kimberly Monroe, Adidas Honoring Black Excellence honoree and mentor, who is also the curriculum developer of the company’s newest initiative, Adidas Community.
Adidas Community is a free space designed to nurture the confidence and capabilities of Black and Brown creatives. It offers a community curriculum, resources, mentors, and a network of peers.
“I believe that access to education and resources should not be limited to those who have a formal degree. It’s important that programs like Adidas Community reach everyone, regardless of their educational background, to create equitable opportunities for all.,” said Dr. Kimberly Monroe.
At the event, Black women influencers and community leaders, including Stephanie Vanessa Middleton, Christina N. Wilds, Cashawn Thompson, and Kendra Jones, shared their experiences and perspectives with the engaged and curious students.
Panel participant Christina N. Wilds was moved by connecting with college students. The mompreneur and author shared, “I believe this type of mentorship creates a generation of unstoppable achievers.”
The second part of the day celebrated Black creatives by providing space for them to connect and grow. The event was held at The Village, a community-oriented Black-owned cafe owned by Mahammad Mangum. Bringing Black creatives together is exactly how Mangum wants to activate the community at his cafe. As the host for the day’s events, Dr. Monroe was intentional about attendees building connections with one another.
The Adidas Community Masterclass series includes a range of empowering courses authored by Black and brown course instructors designed to inspire creativity, leadership, and art as a form of activism.
The curriculum includes cinematic quality learning modules and worksheets to help participants find their voice and use it to dismantle societal barriers. The team responsible for bringing the visually stunning masterclasses to life are talented Black creatives, including director Edward Buckles, producer Stephanie Vanessa, and photographer Mark Clennon.
Senior Producer Stephanie Vanessa advises brands and social impact agencies seeking impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion work to “hire people from the community, period.”
The content team traveled the US, capturing learnings from Community Mentors who authored the Adidas Community curriculum. Mentors include Ruth Carter, costume designer and Oscar Winner for Black Panther, whose course “Unlock Afrofuturism in Your Costume Design” unfolds The Keys to Innovative Character Development.
One course, “Organizing for Community-Based Power,” with Dr. Kimberly Monroe, is a deep dive into finding your radical roots to empower yourself. Another course, “Find The Superstar Within,” with S.E.E.D., helps participants build their brand identity.
Attendees left the event with Pan-African-inspired SWAG bags containing tools for liberation, including the autobiographies of Assata Shakur and Malcolm X and candles made by Selfish, a Black-owned candle brand founded by Margie Merritt.
Adidas Community is a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of community collaboration. By empowering Black creatives, this initiative is helping to build a more equitable future for everyone.
Join the community for free at community.adidas.com
