September 13, 2018

How many pairs of sneakers do you own? Have you ever begged your parents for a pair of Air Jordans? Sneakers touch most of our lives, and are a top-selling apparel category with some designer sneakers priced up to $900. They are a part of urban life with rich histories and strong representative ties to marginalized groups and minority populations.

This October, the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design will bring Sean Williams, sneaker culture expert and founder of SOLEcial Studies, to campus through a partnership with the Pennoni Honors College and the Rankin Scholars-in-Residence Program. In a series of events called SOLEcial Studies Obsessive Sneaker Disorder: Celebrating Diversity, Williams will share his experience consulting for brands, like Adidas and sneaker exhibition design, with the Drexel community.

Williams will offer greater transparency, business acumen, and insight into sneaker culture, opening up an exclusive industry to diverse populations. On October 11 at 6pm, Williams will hold a keynote talk in the URBN Center Lobby, and on October 12 and 13 at 9:30am and 1:30pm, he’ll give comprehensive sneaker workshops. These events are free and open to the campus community. Seating for the sneaker workshops is limited. Interested attendees should e-mail Dr. Joseph Hancock II at jhh33@drexel.edu to reserve a space.