Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most brilliant revolutionary leaders in American history. In recent years, many NBA athletes have debuted special Black History Month shoes on MLK day to pay homage to the great civil rights activist. Some prioritize extravagance, some value simplicity, but all are a symbol of unity, hope, and remembrance.
Today, we chronicle the 10 best shoes worn during the NBA's MLK Day games. Click/Swipe through the gallery to see our picks.
Richaun Holmes
In 2016, Richaun Holmes broke out the BHM Nike HyperRev 2016's for the 76ers.
Should it be a crime for a player who averaged 14 minutes a game for the worst team in the NBA to wear maybe the illest MLK day shoes of the year? Maybe, but either way Holmes pulled off these customized Nikes proudly embroidered with "BHM."
Kobe Bryant
In 2013, Kobe debuted his customized Black History Month sneakers on MLK day. Although Kobe's MLK day shoes may be legendary by default, the intricacy and color of this Kobe 8 design make them synonymous with Kobe's unprecedented career.
Derrick Rose
In 2016 Derrick Rose wore the "D Rose 6." The design of the D Rose 6 replicates the shoe worn by Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics. Jesse Owens was a pioneering track & field runner who defied many racial barriers, and his courage gave later activists like Martin Luther King Jr. the credibility and platform he needed to be a voice for change.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard rocked his special MLK day "D Lillard 2s" in 2016. These Adidas shoes also pay tribute to Jesse Owens, and the gold color scheme represents the 4 gold medals won by Jesse Owens in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Peep the movie Race for more information on the inspiring legacy of Jesse Owens.
Nike Brands
In 2011, All of Nike's shoe brands (Nike, Jordan, and Converse) released special MLK Day shoes for 26 teams to wear. The shoes pay their respect to the most important American civil rights activists with a black and gold color scheme, because as Wale says, "black is gold."
Chris Paul
In 2013, Chris Paul showed out with his special MLK Day Jordan CP3.VI. These shoes do not promptly display the Jordan brand, but instead use unique color schemes and patterns to briefly draw attention away from brands and instead illuminate our leaders.
Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin donned the Black History Month Jordan Aero Mania's in 2013. These shoes differentiate themselves with a speckled black and blue color scheme along with a vibrant neon accents. The matching BMH, Jordan Logo, and laces set this shoe apart from ordinary.
Jahil Okafor
Jahlil Okafor stunted on the league in 2016 with the Nike Zoom Soldier 9 BHM shoe. These sneakers set themselves apart by pairing the simple black hightop with the vibrant MLK day pattern on the straps.
Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins showed out for the Timberwolves in 2016 with the BHM Adidas Crazylight Boost 2.5. These shoes by adidas also pay homage to Jesse Owens with a golden racing print jewel and the track and field star's name printed on the inside of the tongue.
Air Force 1 Low BHM
In 2005, Nike was the first brand to announce special shoes for Black History Month. Although these special Air Force 1 Lows are extremely simple, it shows how far the NBA as a come in paying respect to MLK's pioneering mind, and reminds us how far we still need to go to realize MLK's vision.
