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Then the market for these fashions collapsed due to over-saturation from other producers.

Almost overnight, demand stopped and many retail stores went out of business.

Luckily, Nike discovered us in the process.

Nike asked if they could use our team names and logos on a special line of Black Fives licensed goods they would create and sell, paying us royalties based on their sales.

Their collection of Black Fives retro sneakers and apparel sold in the world’s best and coolest shops, and even in its Niketown stores.

Then Converse, which Nike owns, asked if they could use the license too.  They wanted to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008.

That sounded like a great idea, so we agreed with that as well. Eventually, Converse’s collection of Black Fives products got even more attention and exposure than Nike’s.

People really like the good feelings they get from learning about these African American basketball pioneers. Their stories and experiences offer timeless life lessons that go beyond just history.

We merge modern elements of pop culture with those valuable lessons to engage, teach, enlighten, and inspire people today. Our slogan is ‘Make History Now.’

What’s great is that I started all of this with nothing but love and my library card.

I think everyone ought to do whatever it takes to make history now.

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For more information and details, see About, Why?, and Claude’s Bio.

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