2026 Black History Month Calendar

Sneakers or ‘kicks’ have a high status within hip hop culture. From shell toe Adidas to Airforce Ones, sneakers serve as street-credible currency. The right sneaker gains the wearer attention (views), recognition (social status), inclusion (access), and even envy (object of emulation). This street currency is used to influence hip hop’s aesthetic creativity while also helping to expand hip hop’s commercial and global reach. Design, color, and assemble a paper replica of some ‘kicks’ that you associate with hip hop culture (in the U.S. and abroad). This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.