The adidas "Black History Month" Collection Celebrates Jesse Owens

In honor of one of the most influential athletes in history, adidas is celebrating Black History Month with a collection inspired by track star Jesse Owens. First electrifying the sports world at the Big Ten Championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan back in 1935, Owens broke three world records and tied a fourth at the event. The very next year, he captivated the world once again at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics. Rising as not only an unequalled athlete but also as a symbol of social justice and equality, Owens has forever secured his place in history as a beacon of hope and triumph. Overcoming a tumultuous environment of hate and tyranny in a Hitler-run Berlin, Owens placed first in a monumental race that made him the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals in single games.

To celebrate his tremendous accomplishments, adidas has put together a pack of three unmistakable silhouettes. The sportswear behemoth has reworked the D Rose 6, D Lillard 2 and Crazylight Boost 2.5 with eye-catching details that pay homage to Jesse Owens. Each variation showcases a palette of cream tones, dark brown colorations and gold accents. Signature embellishments are also added, including Owens’ 733 bib number rendered with gold foil on the tongue and a 1936 graphic print in the sockliner. The exclusive collection will debut during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day games, introduced by the likes of James Harden, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose and more. The basketball players will continue to wear the commemorative models in select games throughout February to celebrate Black History Month. The exclusive collection will drop later this month at adidas online. 

You can learn more about the forthcoming Jesse Owens biopic, Race, here.