#solecial studies

[deewellsosd]

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised… And Here’s Why That Still Matters

Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic spoken-word piece “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (1971) isn’t just poetry—it’s a wake-up call that’s just as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. Whether you first heard it sampled in hip-hop, studied it in school, or are just now discovering it, its message is clear: real change doesn’t happen on a screen. It happens in real life, through direct action.

So, what does he mean by “the revolution will not be televised”?

Scott-Heron wasn’t saying that the media would ignore the revolution (though let’s be real, mainstream media has a history of distorting Black movements). He was making a bigger point: You can’t sit back and watch revolution like a TV show. It’s not passive. It’s active. You have to get involved.

A Warning Against Media Distractions

Throughout the song, Scott-Heron name-drops popular brands and TV shows of the era—everything from Green Acres to NBC’s Huntley-Brinkley Report—to highlight how media and consumer culture keep people distracted. Sound familiar? Today, we scroll through endless content, from celebrity gossip to viral dances, while real issues demand our attention.

Even more, his line “The revolution will not go better with Coke” calls out the corporate co-opting of social movements. (Think of all those brands that suddenly “care” about social justice—until the news cycle moves on.)

The Power of Black Consciousness

Scott-Heron’s words align with the radical thought of the Black Power Movement, Malcolm X, and the Black Panthers. He challenges people to wake up, get organized, and recognize that change won’t come from watching—it comes from doing. His call to action? Stop waiting for mainstream approval and start making change happen within your community.

Why It Still Matters Today

Fast forward to 2025, and we live in the age of viral activism. Social media can be a tool for mobilization—but it can also create the illusion that sharing a post is enough. Scott-Heron’s message reminds us that hashtags and news clips aren’t the revolution—showing up, organizing, and taking action is.

His famous line—“You will not be able to stay home, brother”—rings true now more than ever. Whether it’s fighting for voting rights, equity in education, or justice in our communities, change requires more than spectators. It needs participants.

So, what’s your revolution, and how are you making it happen? 🤔

[deewellsosd]

This is going to be another book that we’ll add to the Bobbito Garcia Library of Laces at the SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy.

BOBBITO'S BOOK OF B-BALL BONG BONG AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW!

Bobbito's Book of B-ball Bong Bong! A Memoir of Sports, Style, and Soul is now available for preorder at publisher Edge of Sports/Akashic's site, Bobbito's online Bookshop.org page, and all major online booksellers. The publication date is July 1. Merchandise will drop on June 17. Stay tuned!

[piotrekperezdesigner]

Today I received the great news of having been selected as the winner in the Global Footwear Awards, GFA in the #AthleticSport category, for my technical sports project focused on soccer, -Evolution Cup 23- carried out in my previous international company Joma Sport.

It is an honor to receive this design award Global Footwear Awards, GFA , is more than a recognition of my work in my previous company it is the culmination of hours of dedication, effort, and passion for what I do. At this moment, I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has made this achievement possible. To all my colleagues in the design, product, and production team who made the completion of this work possible. This award not only represents an individual achievement but also serves as a reminder of the importance of working together, learning from each other, and pursuing excellence with passion and dedication. I am grateful for this honor and excited about what the future holds for me in the exciting world of design now at AWWG This award propels me to surpass my own limits, to explore new possibilities, and to continue growing as a designer Pepe Jeans London.

I want to express my gratitude to the event organizers for providing a platform that celebrates creativity and talent in footwear design. I also thank the judges for their hard work and for recognizing the aesthetic and functional value of my work at Joma Sport.

Among the esteemed jury panel are renowned personalities such as Felipe Fiallo, Founder & Creative Director of Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S, who, after working for Ferragamo and creating concepts for Stella McCartney and adidas Maker Lab, is now focused on luxury sneakers and footwear. Jury member Sissi Johnson, an MBA professor and Founder of SelfSells, has had her work featured by Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, Vogue, and the V&A Museum. Sean Williams a well-respected NYC-based sneaker lover for over 37 years, serves as a sneaker industry consultant to brands worldwide and is a co-founder of the SOLEcial Studies sneaker industry education program... Jazerai Allen - Lord is a multihyphenate creative with deep roots in sneaker culture. She work with brands as New Balance, Nike, Reebok. Richard Kuchinsky, Founder and Owner of The Directive Collective, Joining these luminaries are Robbie Fuller, Creative Director at Anta Group, James Lee Thompson, the innovative strategist from On, Oronzo De Matteis 奥龍佐马蒂斯🇮🇹, the visionary behind OROORO BRAND LUXURY, Ann Williams, Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants, and Mary Norton, the Luxury Accessories Design Director/Specialist at Savannah College of Art and Design

Again, thank you all for this incredible honor.

More information is available at: https://lnkd.in/dy_g839U https://lnkd.in/d_dY9jSw

JOMA SPORT, S.A. Season_ FW23

Photo Credit: Joma Sport, S.A

Project Type_ New Upper

Product Management_ Maite Torrijos

Product Development_ Daniel Álvarez

Product Design / Colour and Material_ P. Pérez

[solecialstudies]

Thank you Footwear Plus for spreading the word about the opening of the SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy (Page 10)

[newbloggycat]

Joke of the day - SOleCIAL

Joke of the day – SOleCIAL

Sole-ciology is the study of sole-cial life. http://www.pinterest.com

[aliyaterez-blog]

October 15

On Thursday I attended the SOLEcial Studies: Obsessive Sneaker Disorder talk lead by Sean Williams. The discussion was based around diversity throughout the sneaker industry. It was stressed how the sneaker industry is dominated by older white males and why that needs to change. The younger age group, not older white males, are the ones wearing the shoes and deciding the trends. I found this very intriguing because of my interest in sneakers, never considering it as an industry I could get into. It was cool to feel inspired to learn more about something I enjoy.

The other half of the discussion related to design. Williams discussed current trends like “the dad shoe” and the impact it is currently making on fashion. Also, how larger brands dominate the industry while designer brands are slowly trailing behind. Shoes are an extension of a person's self. They can make or break an outfit. They can be bold and stand out or low key and blend in. It’s cool how one pair of shoes that catch an eye can blow up and be worth millions. I am excited to further look into the sneaker industry; Who knows, I might be out here designing sneakers one day.

[gothamproductions-blog]

Let's learn Solecial Studies! Ft Sean "Paper Chasr" Williams https://audioboom.com/posts/6893973-let-s-learn-solecial-studies-ft-sean-paper-chasr-williams

[messenger841]

Learning and making Sneaker culture history with classmates and instructor @osd_paperchasr in Solecial Studies class a few weeks ago. Photo credit Sean Williams @blissfulsole @effectivenate @sneakers_2_heels @jhbk23 @calvandaydreams @solecialstudy @deewellsosd (at Jordan Heads Brooklyn)

[iknowdopepeople-blog]

Funny thing is..I thought I featured my dude @brooklyn_show in the very beginning of #iknowdopepeople But upon further review, I didn't. My apologies brother! So for the rest of you reading this, this brother has been a significant piece of the planning for some of the events you guys enjoy from OSD and SOLEcial Studies..BUT, I want you to follow and give great energy to his two fantastic endeavors @eatlikeallen and @irumtheworld . If you're looking for food and drink tips for things popping on the hunger and thirst tip..follow him on all 3 Instagram handles. Look out for his "Brooklyn Show Invitational Mini Golf Tournament" Coming SOON..yes it is! #brooklynshow #eatlikeallen #irumtheworld #showideez # (at Brooklyn, New York)

[deewellsosd]

Many people may not remember that JLo was a dancer💃🏽 on the show “In Living Color”.

JLo is 54-years old and shows that she can hang 💥with the best of them.

[sneakervangelist]

((WE WON)) SOLEcial Studies in partnership with The Hopenclass are WINNERS of a 2024 Anthem Award. Having beat out 2000 other submissions from 44 different countries.

[citykidsnyc]

"There's no steps you can really skip in regards to growth. Because if you skip steps then you miss out on vital parts, so essentially you're not growing." - @frescobk We recently sat down w/ Fresco Wilson and spoke about the Solecial Studies course he teaches and about growth! Link in bio. #CITYKIDSgrowth #BlackHistoryInTheMaking #SolecialStudies

[deewellsosd]

Stepping into STEAM Education: Unveiling the Power of Sneakers

In the world of education, innovation knows no bounds. Imagine a classroom where the rhythm of footsteps intertwines with the melody of learning, where sneakers become more than just fashion statements – they become educational tools.

Exploring the Data

Let's start by delving into the statistics that showcase the potential impact of incorporating sneakers into STEAM lessons. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, hands-on learning experiences, like those involving tangible objects such as sneakers, enhance student engagement and retention rates. The tactile nature of sneakers can serve as a gateway to various STEAM concepts, making learning a dynamic and memorable experience.

STEAM Lessons in Every Step

Breaking down the silos between subjects, sneakers become versatile teaching tools. For instance, the anatomy of a sneaker offers a real-world application for biology lessons. Students can explore the materials used, understand the biomechanics of comfort, and even dive into the environmental implications of manufacturing processes.

Utilizing technology, students can explore the engineering behind sneaker design. 3D modeling, prototyping, and understanding the physics of shoe performance become integral components of the lesson plan. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics emphasizing the growing demand for STEM-related occupations adds weight to the argument for embedding these concepts early in education.

The Artistry Beyond Aesthetics

Beyond the technical, sneakers embody an art form that bridges the gap between creativity and education. Visual arts classes can explore design principles, color theory, and cultural influences through the lens of sneaker culture. Drawing on sources like The Fashion Institute of Technology, we can illustrate how sneakers serve as a canvas for self-expression and cultural representation.

CommUNITY and Collaboration

Sneakers also facilitate collaboration and teamwork, vital skills in the professional world. Data from the P21 organization highlights the importance of fostering skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, all of which are inherent in the STEAM-infused sneaker education model.

As we lace up our sneakers and step into the future of education, the integration of STEAM principles becomes a thrilling adventure. The statistics and data speak volumes about the potential impact on student engagement, skill development, and the cultivation of a generation ready to stride confidently into a STEAM-powered world.

[deewellsosd]

While I understand that Foot Locker and CEO Mary Dillon want to revitalize their relationship with Nike, I truly believe that it's too late and while under the leadership of Dick Johnson, #Footlocker got lazy.

I know that it's not easy to read, but hear me out.

Footlocker, with their thousands of stores throughout the United States, must have seen what Nike was building when they rolled out their website, and with the onset of social media, it was only a matter of time for Nike to offer sneakers, clothes and accessories directly to consumers.

How many times, in the past 5 years, have you walked into a Footlocker to see what sneakers are sitting on their shelves?

Most people that I know only walked into a Footlocker to grab some t-shirts, sneaker cleaner or sneakers in time for back-to-school BOGO sales.

As I read the article (shout out to @MatthewKish & Danni Santana) I have to believe that this was more of a strategic move by Footlocker needing Nike more than Nike needing Footlocker.

What do you think?

[deewellsosd]

Cam’ron is being sued for using a photo of himself on Dipset merchandise.😩