Dear Nike, Not a week passes by where I don’t reflect on how this love affair began... It had to be 1995 after witnessing the revolutionary “If you let me play commercial”. From that moment, my dream became joining the best brand on the planet. Fast fwd to 2016, when I arrived @ the Swoosh, an accomplished marketer at Pepsi who made short-term sacrifice for love and longevity, accepting an entry level role (E4L) in NYHQ. Like young Kobe in 96, I wanted to test my talent measure myself against the best marketers worldwide, willing and committed to put in the work. The mission: learn from the elite and identify avenues of impact (celebrating, educating, and connecting the brand to community and culture). This Friday, I’ll be leaving the brand that fueled my youthful voyage. Departing smarter, sharper, and tested as a marketer and a man. My greatest workplace lesson is certainly the courage and consistency required to be your complete and authentic self. Looking back on my Nike legacy I’m content knowing: * I was someone who strived to unite all, remain intentional, and relentlessly lead with consumer insights prioritizing our everyday athlete* * Always fought for black and brown owned agencies to receive recognition and work at minimum to tell OUR stories Now let’s get to these WINS – Don’t worry I won’t list all of em (the Queens in me couldn’t resist lol) * Founded Ben NYC (2018) * BHM in 2020 W/ Alisa and Tarrick (8 events in 7 days) * Battle of The Real Jollof * Our Kin -We had Athing Mu host a panel * Happy Birthday Airmax w/ Wade and Sadat * Air Max Day with Shema Love * Helped create and launch ‘A Day in The Life’ for GenZ NYC * Curls & Cardio @ Curlfest * Yardrunners 1.0 & 2.0 – Nike commitment to HBCU’s May my next move be the best one yet. #teamnikeforever #yesterdayspriceisnottodaysprice #youstillcantwearotherbrandsaroundme #Skinglowing #pocketsheavy #garageregular #allmyhomiesgood #familygoodhealthy #stopplayingwithme #offwhite #ica #dearnike #explorepage #explore #swoosh #e4l #ekin #nyhq #yardrunner #battleoftherealjollof #blackmanstyle #streetwear #blackmancan #dailypaper 📸 @allieudown