Black lawmakers seek meeting with Nike execs over Converse ad

The Congressional Black Caucus is seeking a meeting with Nike executives to discuss a recent Converse shoes ad that sparked outrage from critics who said it resembled lynching and Ku Klux Klan imagery.

“With 62 Members of Congress gathered to celebrate black excellence, honor the contributions of those who came before us, and invest in the next generation of black leaders — including the young interns joining us —it was particularly disheartening to see an advertisement that many found deeply insensitive,” Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.) wrote in a statement.

The Nike-owned Converse ad, shared on social media last week, featured K-pop singer Karina wearing a long white skirt and holding a pair of black Chuck 70 X sneakers.

Several critics of the ad spoke out on social media, expressing concerns that the ad closely resembled that of a KKK hood and lynching victim.

“This moment is part of a larger conversation about corporate responsibility and the obligations that companies have to the communities they serve, the consumers who support them and the broader society in which they operate,” Clarke’s statement continued. “Corporate leaders must understand that their decisions, messaging and investments carry significance, particularly when they intersect with communities whose history, culture and contributions have helped shape their success.”

Nike did not immediately respond to requests for a comment.

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Original Article: Black lawmakers seek meeting with Nike execs over Converse ad