SNIPES Empowers Future Black Leaders with Pay It Forward Initiative Supporting HBCUs and Hosting The Big Homecoming at Clark Atlanta University
Leading sneaker and streetwear retailer SNIPES has launched its nationwide Pay It Forward initiative to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative aims to invest in the future of HBCUs, create opportunities for underrepresented communities, and empower the next generation of leaders by supporting education and promoting important conversations.
SNIPES’ Pay It Forward initiative debuts in partnership with The Big Homecoming, a first-of-its-kind HBCU culture festival focused on creating ongoing impact for HBCUs. The campaign will launch with The Big Homecoming’s 365 Impact Tour at Clark Atlanta University, a prestigious HBCU, on April 11th. The event features inspiring panel discussions, experiential activations, and conversations with notable Atlanta community members.
The Big Homecoming event hosted a panel discussion led by SNIPES’ leadership team, focusing on workplace diversity, overcoming adversity, and the importance of inclusion. The event also featured a Fireside Chat covering essential topics such as leadership, financial literacy, health, entrepreneurship, and fostering a sustainable legacy of Black excellence, with panelists like Desi Banks, Yandy Smith-Harris, Rachael O’Neil, and Reed Shannon.
Additional on-site activations included the Wall of Affirmations, Custom Sock Creation for ChopArt, and the Alumni Legacy Wall, showcasing Clark Atlanta alumni’s achievements. SNIPES pledged $50,000 in scholarships for Atlanta students who sign up at the Scholarship Booth during the event, further illustrating the company’s commitment to education and empowering future leaders.
Paula Barbosa, VP of marketing for SNIPES, said, “We are thrilled to launch the Pay It Forward initiative and The Big Homecoming event, which represent our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and giving back to the community.”
Amir Windom, Creator of The Big Homecoming, emphasized the importance of partnering with community-committed companies like SNIPES to achieve their impact goals for HBCUs and communities worldwide.
“Partnering with companies that are truly committed to creating consistent impact in the community is important to The Big Homecoming’s reason for existing. We’re more than a music festival, we’re a 365 Impact organization,” Windom said. “And partnering with a community-committed company like Snipes just helps further and accomplish our Impact goals for HBCUs and communities around the world.”
Select students will also have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one lunch conversations with SNIPES representatives to gain deeper insights into the brand and its values.
The Pay It Forward initiative and The Big Homecoming event demonstrate SNIPES’ dedication to supporting education, giving back to the community, and empowering future leaders. By investing in HBCUs, SNIPES contributes to the advancement of underrepresented communities, fostering a more equitable world for all.
