“None of it means anything if I can’t help others.” (Credit: Justin Griffin)
Source: Snkrr Bar, Swish Teamed Up for “Sneakerhead” Fundra…
Sneaker cleaning | Snkrr Bar | United States
SWISH | SWISH. (stepbackswish.com)
Memphis certainly has its issues and the weekend heist at the Nike Distribution Center didn’t help the perception that Memphis is DJay in North Memphis slanging sneakers out the trunk of the Caprice saying “Mane” the wrong way. The reality is there are small sneaker industry brands in the city who should be highlighted for their work in the community and if I don’t take the time to do so, I diminish the good aspects of what kicks have delivered to the culture in the city.
Kailynn Johnson at the Memphis Flyer dropped an article on a recent event sponsored by two start-ups built on supporting the greater community of Memphis via sneaker experiences. SNKRR Bar is a “Crep/Jason Markk” styled shoe cleaning service that also offers products in store. Swish, is a community first streetwear company that has carefully crafted a connection to Memphis with events and product that reflect the blue-collar mentality of the city, with a little Bluff City elevation.
Johnson writes,
The creators had always planned on giving the funds raised from the event to schools in some capacity. In fact, one of their sponsors, T-Mobile, helped them halfway. However, a week prior to the event, they visited Cummings Elementary school, who recently had a ceiling cave in.
“In trying to be the most effective, and really reach those who needed it the most, instead of doing several schools, we just focused on one school. We all felt like they needed that help right away.”
In combining their donations, Griffin and others were able to show up to Cummings’ open house, held at the Boys and Girls Club, to hand out donations and supplies to 250 students, as well as teachers. Griffin says that he hopes to hold the event again and keep it going.
Right now, Memphis has been placed in the national spotlight for all of the wrong reasons. It’s important that people know there are amazing small businesses here and good folks doing work to uplift and motivate. Salute SNKRR Bar and Swish for impacting culture with kicks. Memphis ain’t all bad… mane.