Getting backtoBLACK: Reviving Inspirations
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
When I created backtoBLACK, it was to create content for the inspirations I know and love with you: fashion, music, travel, sports and anything else that I cared deeply about. What has been tough for ALL of us has been 2020 and the social climate. I launched the blog in April 2020 and - like you - had NO IDEA what lied ahead for 2020. You probably understand why I didn’t start off producing that type of content. I had to read the room.
The global pandemic shook us down to our core and the consistent efforts of systemic racism followed suit, reminding all of us how far we have to go in the fight to create racial equality. One of my favorite quotes is, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” I - like you - was emotionally drained due to the countless senseless acts of violence and racism towards Black people. It was time for a change, so I couldn’t discuss my initial desired topics with you yet.
As most of us have settled into the new normal, we are finding ways to revert back to our old ways as much as possible and create some sense of normalcy and familiarity. In an effort to do that in my own way, I want to bring myself backtoBLACK and share the content with you that I originally intended: travel adventures, fashion, lifestyle advice, film and cinema.
For the first half of 2020, I barely bought any clothes. As much as I love fashion, there was no point. We were in quarantine! But as we began returning to “normal” in phases, I broke down and had to cop a few things. We all have a few holy grails from our childhood that we loved, but either outgrew, lost or threw away as we grew up. In a way, these purchases were my attempt to bring back all my classics. Younger Me would be proud. All the classics back again. Here’s what I got:
Converse Chuck 70 Logo Play Ox - White/Black/Desert Ore (this was a limited edition shoe, but Converse is an all-time favorite)
These shoes bring back so many childhood memories. I still remember picking out a pair of triple black Chuck’s at Jimmy Jazz to match my fit for Superjam in ‘08. Blazers were my school shoes my freshman year of high school. Ran them shoes to the dirt. But after ‘09 Blazers weren’t widely released for a WHILE. Glad they’ve made the comeback. And everyone loves a good pair of Air Max. Nike knew what they were doing with the bubble: extreme innovation and comfort for all activities: school shoes, a quick hoop session, going to the movies, whatever you needed. They were just cool. Can’t live life without a pair of Air Max. As a matter of fact, 2020 is a big year for Air Max. The Air Max 90 turns 30 (significant as the 90 is one of the first shoes to have a visual Air Max bubble). The Bubble was hidden in almost every shoe prior. Check out this video from Nike on the history of the 90 to the 2090 (released this year):
I hope my story inspires you to rebuild that classic wardrobe of yours. What was your favorite shoe back in the day? What’s currently in your rotation? Rona can’t stop the show! Go out and cop a classic from your childhood today. You deserve it! Good spots to cop a classic:
Goat - https://www.goat.com/
StockX - https://stockx.com/
Kith - https://kith.com/
Nordstrom - https://www.nordstrom.com/
Notre - https://www.notre-shop.com/
