'For once, Don't Do It': Nike takes a stand against racism in new ad
- On Friday, Nike shared a socially conscious ad addressing racism in America right now.
- The company put a new twist on its long-time slogan "Just Do It" with a 60-second video asking people not to turn their backs on racism following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.
- This isn't the first time that Nike has taken a stand on social issues in America.
Nike on Friday released a new ad with a twist on its long-time slogan "Just Do It," in the wake of protests surrounding the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.
"For once, Don't Do It," the words appeared in simple white text on a black screen in a new 60-second video. "Don't pretend there's not a problem in America. Don't turn your back on racism. Don't accept innocent lives being taken from us. Don't make any more excuses. Don't think this doesn't affect you. Don't sit back and be silent. Don't think you can't be part of the change. Let's all be part of the change," the ad states.
"Nike has a long history of standing against bigotry, hatred, and inequality in all forms," a Nike spokeswoman said in a statement, according to AdAge. "We hope that by sharing this film we can serve as a catalyst to inspire action against a deep issue in our society and encourage people to help shape a better future."
According to Footwear News, in an internal memo sent to Nike staffers on Friday, Nike Inc. president CEO John Donahue told employees he "can't stop thinking about the individuals impacted" and mentioned Floyd, Arbery and Taylor by name.
"The horrible killings and racist actions serve as a sickening reminder of what too many people live through every day in America," he added. "It is absolutely wrong what's happening in our communities, to our friends and family members."
This isn't the first time Nike has taken a stance on social justice issues.
In 2018, the company debuted an ad campaign celebrating the 30th anniversary of its slogan "Just Do It" featuring the former NFL player Colin Kaepernick. He made headlines as the first NFL player to kneel during the national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
"Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything," Kaepernick says in the ad.
The year before, Nike released its "Equality" campaign feature black athletes and actors talking about the equality in sports and parallels that of the rest the world.
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