Join us for Sneaker Culture Night featuring music, food, raffle prizes, a low-mess hands-on art project, and an engaging presentation. Wear your favorite sneakers and make your way to the KIA!
Starting at 5:30pm, explore the Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks exhibit, enjoy tunes from DJ No Limit, and a nacho bar from La Fe Refrescante. Throughout the night, raffle prizes will be drawn, featuring prizes from Supreme, Nike, and others (guests must be present to win any of the raffle prizes). The grand prize is a pair of Jordan UNC University Home Westbrook One Take 2020 NCAA. This is a rare 2020 player-exclusive basketball shoe designed for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. These non-retail shoes feature UNC branding and were manufactured in limited quantities for the team and provided by Capital BST out of Raleigh, North Carolina.
At 6:00pm, Dr. Delisia Matthews will share her research on Sneaker Culture by highlighting its historical roots, the unique language and behaviors of consumers, and the deep ties of the culture to music. Additionally, this discussion will explore how sneaker collecting connects to fatherhood and legacy, while inviting the audience to connect through their own sneaker narratives.
After the presentation, continue to enjoy the exhibit, music, and food. Try your hand at a fun, low-mess shoe-related art project, talk with representatives from WMU’s Department of Multicultural Affairs, and learn more about the people featured in Dr. Delisia Matthews presentation with a photograph display.
Dr. Delisia Matthews is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University in the Wilson College of Textiles whose research explores consumer behavior and trends, sneaker culture and the cultural meanings behind consumer decision-making. With a background in marketing research and retail at companies like Procter & Gamble, Nordstrom, and Walmart, she blends industry insight with scholarship. An award-winning educator, Dr. Matthews uses qualitative research to center consumers’ voices, tell their stories, and advocate for the communities behind the culture.
Preregistration is encouraged. Find out why.
In the event that a program is modified, postponed, or cancelled, we reach out via email to all who have preregistered. If a significant change is made on short notice, your preregistration helps to ensure that you get the word from us in the most timely manner possible.
Registering for programs in advance also helps our staff to assess set-up needs beforehand, reducing the need for last-minute adjustments to numbers of chairs, tables, etc. Further, it streamlines the check-in process when you arrive and allows us to keep you in the loop about other upcoming programs that might be of interest!