SiKK Nation
We Stand For Collective
Voice & Collective Action

Mar 5, 2020

The Chuck Taylor All Star has
been a canvas of self-expression
for over 100 years. With the
release of the customizable
I Stand For Chucks, Converse
and SiKK Magazine, a student
-founded publication out of
Washington D.C., got together
with a group of creatives for a
day of conversation around
individual expression—and the
collective power that comes from
speaking up. Afterwards we met
with Nadira Jamerson –founder
of SiKK Magazine–for a Q&A.

Shop I Stand For

Converse I Stand For - Chuck Taylor All Star

Q

What's SiKK's mission, and why is it important
for communities everywhere?

A

SiKK Magazine's mission is to highlight Black creativity freshly and
positively, to inspire other Black artists to believe in and follow their
creative passions. We strive to educate about and advocate for the
expansion of Black people in all fields of art. We believe that the
arts can strengthen and enrich every community if all people are
given equal opportunity to participate.

Converse I Stand For | Nadira, Allison, and Morgan

"We believe that the arts can strengthen and
enrich every community if all people are given
equal opportunity to participate."

Converse I Stand For | McKenzie, Journee and Kailande

Q

What did you learn from spending time with
Converse creatives?

A

One of the speakers, Journee, made the distinction between
"empower" and "re-power." She said that "empower" assumes
that the group being spoken about was once powerless, which is
often not the case. I think this is especially important to remember
as I do work with SiKK. The artists we showcase are powerful
regardless of our or others' recognition; however, we can help
add to that power with our platform and support.

Q

What was the biggest takeaway from those
two days?

A

The power of think-tanks. Being able to talk freely with a few
dedicated and inspiring artists gave us so many ideas. We think
that smaller, community-based discussions could be a tool for all
to grow, even if it does not include a photoshoot, etc.

Q

The most memorable moment?

A

My favorite moment came at the end of the event. In the
beginning, everyone was nervous because we were all meeting
each other for the first time. By the end, the energy was
completely different. Everyone was laughing and conversing
freely. Artists were able to make connections and friendships
with each other directly from this moment spent in discussion.
That was amazing to watch.

Q

What did the I Stand For shoe—and this moment—
mean to you?

A

The shoe is a great memento. It allows me to have a physical
representation of the ideas and passions I had at this moment. I
plan to keep them forever. This moment showed me that SiKK's
voice is not going unnoticed. Sometimes as an entrepreneur you
can feel isolated. Being with all those amazing artists, sharing
their views and time, reaffirmed the purpose of this work. As long
as people like that want to talk to us, we're doing something right.

Q

How can the act of expressing yourself on your shoes inspire
the world around you?

A

One of the first things I notice about an outfit is the shoes. If you
write what you believe in, what you stand for, on your shoes, you
are creating the opportunity to inspire all the people you walk by.

Q

What does it really mean to stand for something?

A

Standing for something is believing in something. When you
believe in something, you use your ideas, energy, and actions to
bring it to fruition.

Q

What else is SiKK working towards in 2020?

A

Currently, SiKK is working on refining its visual identity and
stylistic fingerprint. We are striving for more in-person
engagement events, starting with our second annual music
festival, Mucus Fest 2020, in February. Our primary goal is
to share our mission more thoroughly and effectively with
all parts of the world. You'll see a lot more from us—
interviews, videos, and celebrations.

Get your own and amplify your voice with #IStandFor.

< All Stories

SiKK Nation
We Stand For Collective Voice & Collective Action

March 5, 2020

The Chuck Taylor All Star has been a canvas of self-expression for over 100 years. With the release of the customizable I Stand For Chucks, Converse and SiKK Magazine, a student-founded publication out of Washington D.C., got together with a group of creatives for a day of conversation around individual expression—and the collective power that comes from speaking up. Afterwards we met with Nadira Jamerson –founder of SiKK Magazine–for a Q&A.

Shop I Stand For

What’s SiKK’s mission, and why is it important for communities everywhere?

"We believe that the arts can strengthen and enrich every community if all people are given equal opportunity to participate."

What did you learn from spending time with Converse creatives?

One of the speakers, Journee, made the distinction between "empower" and "re-power." She said that "empower" assumes that the group being spoken about was once powerless, which is often not the case. I think this is especially important to remember as I do work with SiKK. The artists we showcase are powerful regardless of our or others' recognition; however, we can help add to that power with our platform and support.

What was the biggest takeaway from those two days?

The power of think-tanks. Being able to talk freely with a few dedicated and inspiring artists gave us so many ideas. We think that smaller, community-based discussions could be a tool for all to grow, even if it does not include a photoshoot, etc.

The most memorable moment?

My favorite moment came at the end of the event. In the beginning, everyone was nervous because we were all meeting each other for the first time. By the end, the energy was completely different. Everyone was laughing and conversing freely. Artists were able to make connections and friendships with each other directly from this moment spent in discussion. That was amazing to watch.

What did the I Stand For shoe—and this moment—mean to you?

The shoe is a great memento. It allows me to have a physical representation of the ideas and passions I had at this moment. I plan to keep them forever. This moment showed me that SiKK's voice is not going unnoticed. Sometimes as an entrepreneur you can feel isolated. Being with all those amazing artists, sharing their views and time, reaffirmed the purpose of this work. As long as people like that want to talk to us, we're doing something right.

How can the act of expressing yourself on your shoes inspire the world around you?

One of the first things I notice about an outfit is the shoes. If you write what you believe in, what you stand for, on your shoes, you are creating the opportunity to inspire all the people you walk by.

What does it really mean to stand for something?

Standing for something is believing in something. When you believe in something, you use your ideas, energy, and actions to bring it to fruition.

What else is SiKK working towards in 2020?

Currently, SiKK is working on refining its visual identity and stylistic fingerprint. We are striving for more in-person engagement events, starting with our second annual music festival, Mucus Fest 2020, in February. Our primary goal is to share our mission more thoroughly and effectively with all parts of the world. You'll see a lot more from us—interviews, videos, and celebrations.