Nike Celebrates HBCU Students With The Unveiling Of The Yardrunners 4.0 Class

It’s not anything new for Nike to celebrate the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

In fact, it’s the fourth year Nike is doing so with its newest Yardrunners class.

This week, according to Complex, Swoosh unveiled the lineup of “renowned individuals featured in this year’s Nike Yardrunner 4.0 class," which include folks like Robert Covington (Tennessee State University and NBA player of Clippers), Cameron Lide (Winston Salem State, Founder of @HBCUDrip), Jawaun Daniels (Praire View A&M University, professional basketball player), Foggie Raw (Bowie State, Poet, Artist), Javicia Lesli (Hampton, Actress), Melanie Mitchell (Florida A&M, Comedian), Danielle Stamper (Southern University, Dance Coach at TSU), Lady London (Howard, Def Jam Artist) and Kayla White (North Carolina A&T).

In this year’s campaign, legendary sports journalist Stephen A. Smith introduced the new class in the video below.

When did all this start? It started back in 2020 thanks to HBCU graduates. And ever since then, the Swoosh has highlighted students as well as alumni with the campaign “to empower and uplift those in the HBCU community.”

In addition, Nike will unveil five new Terminator colorways near the end of the year, which is inspired by Morehouse, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, Tennessee State University and Alabama A&M University.

Last year, in 2022, Nike revealed the Dunk Low silhouette to feature HBCU institutions, according to Yahoo. Just last year, the mission was the same, developing and connecting the brand on its commitment to work with leaders and creatives in the HBCU network in an effort to “contrive motivational storytelling and charity for the community.”

Essentially, Nike is connecting with HBCU business owners and entrepreneurs who are all about pushing the culture forward, activating highlights of the HBCU alumni whose goal is to develop a strong legacy that will stimulate and encourage future generations.

Last year, Nike chose to highlight four HBCU schools: Tennessee State, Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T. The Dunk Low sneaker dropped thanks to four Black HBCU women who’ve incorporated their own stories and inspirations at each university.

This trend, of course, is likely to continue for years to come.