DETROIT – Detroit-based nonprofit organization Focus: HOPE is hosted Sneakers & Speakers: Beyond
the Field. The evening of community impact and connection at the Detroit Pistons’ Midtown practice facility – was a fireside conversation exploring the causes that have led athletes and social influencers to take a stand and fight for social justice across the world.
Maggie Myers, former Athletic Director of Marketing at Wayne State University, acted as the evening’s
emcee. Sneakers & Speakers: Beyond the Field panelists included:
• Hajj Flemings, CEO and Founder of Rebrand X, Entrepreneur and Brand Architect
• Earl Cureton, former Detroit Pistons player
• Erika Swilley, Detroit Pistons’ Vice President of Community & Social Responsibility
• Yolanda Williams, Co-founder of CREAM BLENDS and DISTINCT LIFE
The sold-out event included networking, a panel discussion, a sneaker display provided by Foot Locker, and an auction of custom sneakers designed by local artist Illiunaire. Sneakers & Speakers:
Beyond the Field is supported by Focus: HOPE’s Future Leaders of HOPE, and sponsors include Signature
Sponsor Foot Locker, Comerica Bank, Detroit Pistons, and Planet Fitness.
Focus: HOPE is a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization founded in 1968 after the Detroit civil disturbance.
Over the past half-century, Focus: HOPE has developed numerous programs in its efforts to overcome racism, poverty and
injustice in the core areas of early learning, youth development, adult workforce training, senior services, food justice and
advocacy. As a result, thousands of individuals have achieved financial independence.
About Post Author
