Making A Difference Archives - Page 11 of 12

The Swoosh blesses youngster who gave his teacher his favorite Air Jordans

October 1, 2016October 1, 2016 Brandon King

Last week , Coronado High School student Hector Montez made news, when video of him surprising his teacher an football coach, Thomas Walser with a pair of Taxi Air Jordan XII’s. Apparently the folks out in Beaverton got wind of Hector’s kind act and decided to return the favor by sending him some Jordans this week. The package included a note that read: “Your teacher inspired you, You inspired us. Continue to be the change you want to see” https://twitter.com/chayes2bars/status/780440175880962049

Could we be in the Genesis of renewed sports activism?

September 5, 2016September 12, 2016 Brandon King

The 1960’s were a golden age for athlete activism. Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Muhammad Ali and many others used their platforms to speak out against injustices that affected the black community. Tommie Smith and John Carlos used the worldwide stage of the 1968 Olympic Games as a platform to make a statement of pride and power of their people ( much to the chagrin and drawing the ire of then IOC president Avery Brundage). They all did this at major risk of their careers and even their…

Detractors willing to attack Kaepernick to avoid having real discussion on race

August 31, 2016February 8, 2018 Brandon King

It is well-known that during the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, that 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick did not stand up during the playing of the national anthem. By taking a stand by sitting down, Kaepernick has become a lightning rod, drawing support from those who agree with his stance and the ire of those who do not. I have found the vitriol that has come Kaepernick’s unsurprising , yet saddening and enlightening. It seems that some in the public and media only get angry when…

Michael Jordan surprises fan in a big way

August 14, 2016August 16, 2016 Brandon King

Jeffrey Harrison is a huge Micheal Jordan fan. Last month a viral video of the 33-year old autistic man playing pickup basketball in full Micheal Jordan Chicago Bulls regalia got the attention of the maanger of the man himself. Micheal Jordan’s manager showed him the clip, the basketball legend sent Jeffrey a letter and a few boxes of Jordan Brand apparel and kicks and surprised him even further with a personal phone call. https://youtu.be/TqBOI4OWjbw

Be Fans, not Fanatical

August 8, 2016August 29, 2016 Brandon King

The passion of the fans is one of the many things that make sports great. It’s what causes us to do things like plan vacations around our team’s games, not go to work during the first few days of the NCAA tournament, drive hours and pay exorbitant amounts of money just to see your team one time per year( in some cases one time ever) and engage in copious amounts of smack talk all year long. For years we have enjoyed the thrill of every win and the agony of…

Tim Duncan retiring after 19 seasons

July 11, 2016 Brandon King

2016 is the year of legends and all-time greats hanging them up. This year has seen Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Calvin Johnson, and soon to be Tony Stewart all call it careers. We can now add Tim Duncan to that list. Arguably the greatest power forward to play the game , and surefire first ballot Hall of Famer, announced his retirement after a stellar 19 season career that included 15 All-Star teams, 2 regular season MVP awards, 3 Finals MVP awards, and 5 NBA Championships. Duncan was voted to the…

Kyrie Irving and Kids Foot Locker donated kicks to Boys&Girls Club of Cleveland

July 10, 2016 Brandon King

This weekend , during his basketball camp, the Kyrie Irving Basketball ProCamp, Kyrie Irving partnered with Kids Foot Locker and donated 190 pair to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. The 190 represent the points Irving scored in the 2016 NBA Finals. With all the negatives aspects of sneakers and sports that get so much run in the media, it is nice to report these kinds of stories.

Muhammad Ali Dies at 74

June 4, 2016June 4, 2016 Brandon King

Global icon and boxing legend Muhammad Ali died last night at the age of 74. This was confirmed in a statement issued by Bob Gunnell, the family spokesman late Friday evening. The news came a day after Ali was admitted to an as of yet unnamed Phoenix-area hospital. He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay on January 17,1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He changed his name after he converted to Islam. Transcending his athletic prowess, he spoke out against racism and the Vietnam war. So strong were his convictions that he was…

Beastmode gives McDonald’s employee $500

November 13, 2015November 13, 2015 Brandon King

*images via TMZ Sports While at a Dallas area McDonald’s during their bye week, Seattle Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch made a difference in the life of one of the workers there. After 17-year old Terrance Downs complimented Lynch on his Buscemi sneakers, the two struck up a conversation. When asked about the encounter by TMZ Sports, young Downs had this to say: “I told him I liked his shoes — navy blue Buscemis — and how I wanted to buy a pair and we all started talking”…

SOLEcial Studies fall 2015 registration now open

September 20, 2015September 20, 2015 Brandon King

Obsessive Sneaker Disorder’s SOLEcial studies class has paved the way for many people’s entrance into the footwear industry. The 8 week course stretches the participants’ conceptions of the footwear industries and builds a sturdy foundation upon which a career in the footwear field can be built. The registration for the fall session, which commences October 13,2015, is now open. Interested parties can apply here through eventbrite. If you have questions about the class ask away at info@osdlive.com.