Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud What Nike got wrong about its MLK tribute shoe
Feb 3, 2026
David Dennis Jr., Atlanta-based journalist and culture critic known for sharp commentary on race and politics. He breaks down why Nike’s MLK tribute sneaker—notably its Lorraine Motel–inspired teal—felt wrong. He critiques Nike’s PR and lack of meaningful collaboration, explores who was left out of the process, and suggests what respectful alternatives could have looked like.
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Color Choice Evokes Tragedy Not Tribute
- Nike used the Lorraine Motel sign color for the shoe, which highlights the place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
- David J. Dennis Jr. argues that using that color without context fails to honor Dr. King and instead evokes his death.
No Collaboration Or Educational Context
- The shoe didn't collaborate with the National Civil Rights Museum or teach anything about Dr. King.
- Dennis says slapping a color on an expensive product without education or collaboration commodifies a man who protested capitalism.
Mixed Messaging Between LeBron And MLK
- The LeBron shoe mixes meanings: 'King' can refer to LeBron as well as Dr. King, creating a confusing double message.
- Dennis argues the product ties a civil-rights icon to a capitalist, performance-driven marketing moment.