SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Most people wear sneakers at some point, whether it be to exercise, go to a special event or even just to relax at home. However for Joshua Hamilton, sneakers are more than footwear.
He said sneakers can be used to make a statement, build community and boost self-esteem.
"When you have new shoes, you feel great, you look great and you want to be great," Hamilton said.
Hamilton is from Del Paso Heights and said he likes all types of shoes, including Nike, Jordan, Yeezy and more. But he said he's experienced times going without.
"Seeing other people with new shoes, fly kicks, fly gear and you don't have it, or can't get it, it makes you feel some type of way," Hamilton said. "It belittles you as a person...."
Hamilton said the best sneakers can make a positive difference in the lives of others. For him, it's about building community too.
"Sneakers definitely connect us," Hamilton said. "Sneakerhead or not, you're going to be able to connect with someone when they see you in those fly pair of shoes, especially in the African American culture. We want to be fly."
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Hamilton is going to the Fresh Kicks 4 Kids event Sunday in hopes of getting his hands on a pair of New Balance shoes. Voice of the Youth holds the fundraiser each year to provide free shoes for children.
Berry Accius is the founder of Voice of the Youth. It's a non-profit youth mentoring and motivational speaking program. He said the organization is giving away more than 600 pairs of shoes this year.
"It speaks to the culture and speaks for what we want our kids to generate, their confidence , their self-esteem and who they are," Accius said. "That's why we call it Fresh Kicks. It impacts our youth when they do not have a nice pair of shoes or when young people are having to wear shoes that do not fit them, too tight, too big or hand me downs."
Arden Fair Mall is supporting the cause by donating 100 pairs of shoes for the event. Nathan Spradlin, marketing director at Arden Fair, said the mall is all about giving back to the community and helping our neighbors.
"Our goal initially was 50 pairs, but with help from our partners, we were able to double that amount," Spradlin said. "At Arden Fair, we really see ourselves as the ambassadors for our community because we are a place where all of Sacramento comes together. It's an important responsibility for us to not only be that communal gathering space, but to also support our community where we can."
Registration for The Fresh Kicks 4 Kids event is closed due to high demand. Voice of the Youth is encouraging others, if possible, to donate year round to help support the youth in our communities.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing the smiles on other people's faces, just that joy and beauty of getting kids fresh kicks," Hamilton said.
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