Black-ish star Jenifer Lewis took the opportunity to make a statement on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. At an event where many superstars wear lavish gowns and suits, Ms. Lewis donned a full-on Nike ensemble to pay homage to the brand and Colin Kaepernick.
“I am wearing Nike to applaud them for supporting Colin Kaepernick and his protest against racial injustice and police brutality,” she told Variety. “I had some drag queens come over and put some beads on it,” she laughed.
Where was Lewis when she came up with the idea to wear the athletic brand at the high-profile event? “I was actually swimming the other day, and I was like ‘what can I do that’s meaningful?” she continued. “‘I’ll wear Nike to say ‘thank you for leading the resistance.'”
Kaepernick is the new face of the brand as part of their 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. His involvement was met with waves of support, but of course, the Kaep ad also generated backlash.
“Thank you Colin,” Lewis said. “Thank you for all that you do, thank you for being brave. Thank you for being courageous, thank you for taking a knee.”
Watch her comments below.
Jenifer Lewis: “I am wearing Nike to applaud them for supporting Colin Kaepernick and his protest against racial injustice and police brutality” #Emmys https://t.co/DApUrVDBlu pic.twitter.com/xuq0y1vJ5L
— Variety (@Variety) September 17, 2018
READ MORE: The National Black Police Association Is In Full Support Of Nike’s Colin Kaepernick Ad