LeBron James and Serena Williams headline star-studded cast for strong Nike ad about equality
A new ad from Nike delivers a strong, clear message about the importance of equality in sports and life. The commercial — starring LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Megan Rapinoe, Victor Cruz, Dalilah Muhammad, Gabby Douglas, Michael B. Jordan, and Alicia Keys — shows fields and courts around America with the following voiceover.
“Is this the land history promised? Here, within these lines. On this concrete court. This patch of turf. Here, you’re defined by your actions -- not your looks or beliefs. Equality should have no boundaries. The bonds we find here should run past these lines. Opportunity should not discriminate. The ball should bounce the same for everyone. Worth should out-shine color. If we can be equals here ... (LeBron finishes the line) we can be equals everywhere.”
Nike released a special behind-the-scenes video with each athlete detailing why they decided to be a part of the commercial, and explain why its message is so important to them.
This, from LeBron James:
“We all have a purpose in life, and in order for us to be as great as we can be — as a nation, as a world, we all have to feel empowered.”
Serena Williams said the following:
“My view is that sometimes we as a people, we give everyone equal opportunity on the court, we give them an equal chance. We look at them the same way. Off the court we might overlook people or say ‘Oh, they don’t deserve the same opportunity. Oh, they look different, or they’re not like me.’ When in all actuality, we all are.”
Bravo, Nike and all the athletes and talents involved.
