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Tag: Wanda Cooper-Jones

  • Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother Creates Safe Space for Black Teens

    Since the tragic murder of her son, Ahmaud Arbery, in 2020, Wanda Cooper-Jones has channeled her grief into a powerful force for good. She founded The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating safe havens for Black boys and teens, while also educating them on the vital importance of physical and mental wellness.

    Honoring Ahmaud’s Legacy Through Community

    Cooper-Jones shared the profound meaning behind the foundation: “Watching Ahmaud Arbery’s legacy live on through this foundation means everything to me.” She acknowledges the enduring pain of losing her son, noting, “Some days are still heavy, and that grief never really leaves you.” However, witnessing young Black boys, inspired by Ahmaud, running, learning, and laughing in a supportive environment brings her immense comfort and reinforces that her son’s life and story continue to make a positive impact.

    The foundation’s work has also become a source of healing for Cooper-Jones. She finds strength in being around the children, often seeing glimpses of her son’s spirit in their energy and joy. Her goal is to cultivate an environment where young men, particularly Black boys, can thrive without fear and where mental health is a priority.

    Running Towards Hope with Adidas Partnership

    At the core of The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation is running, a passion that brought Ahmaud a sense of peace. This connection led to a meaningful partnership with adidas, which honored Cooper-Jones through its “Honoring Black Excellence” initiative. She is also featured in adidas’s “Community Archives” zine, highlighting changemakers connected to the brand’s Purpose division.

    “Working with Adidas has truly been a blessing,” Cooper-Jones told Blavity. “Their support has helped us reach more young people and bring more visibility to the work we are doing. It means so much to know that our mission is being recognized and valued on a larger stage.” She emphasized the impact of seeing young people gain confidence, knowing their lives and dreams matter, and feeling seen and celebrated.

    Expanding Reach and Mental Health Support

    Cooper-Jones is focused on expanding the foundation’s reach, with a particular emphasis on programs that offer access to mental health support for young people. In addition to its ongoing initiatives, the foundation hosts “Run With Maud,” an annual 5K event that serves as both a memorial for Ahmaud and a crucial fundraiser for the foundation’s vital work.

    How does Ahmaud Arbery’s mother’s work inspire you? What other initiatives do you think are crucial for supporting Black youth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Adidas Zine Honors Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother

    Adidas is making a powerful statement with its new publication, “Community Archives.” This zine isn’t just about sportswear; it’s a deep dive into the impactful work of community leaders, creators, and activists who are shaping the intersection of sports and culture. Kicking off the zine is a poignant opening letter from Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, who uses her platform to issue a call to action beyond the pages.

    A Call to Action from Wanda Cooper-Jones

    Cooper-Jones, a dedicated social justice leader and founder of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, invites readers to look beyond the words and photographs. She urges them to “see the dreams that are unfolding, the futures being built, and the enduring truth that one life can spark a movement of change.” Her reflections serve as a powerful introduction, setting the tone for a publication that truly centers community impact.

    Released in honor of Giving Tuesday, “Community Archives” documents five years of Adidas’ Purpose Marketing efforts. Ayesha Martin, Senior Director of Adidas Purpose Marketing, emphasized the brand’s responsibility. “The best way to actually describe the work that we’ve done in our neighborhoods… is really just this community archive,” she told TheGrio, highlighting the commitment to legacy, access, and equity in sports and culture.

    Celebrating Black Excellence in Motion

    The zine itself is a vibrant tribute to Black excellence. Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories from WNBA All-Star Layshia Clarendon, discussing their journey as an LGBTQ+ activist, and Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of the historic Pensole Lewis College, reminding readers to seize opportunities. The publication also features the Quilters of Gee’s Bend, preserving Southern craft traditions, alongside athletes like Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker, and skater Diego Nájera.

    Beyond Corporate Social Responsibility

    What sets “Community Archives” apart is its deliberate refusal to position Adidas as a savior. Martin explained that the team has focused on asking critical questions about power, preservation, and storytelling. This approach has led to initiatives like a museum-like experience for the “Honoring Black Excellence” platform, curated to elevate Black honorees authentically.

    This zine is an extension of Adidas’ ongoing community efforts, including partnerships with organizations like Recess Kickball League, Black Women’s Player Collective, and Black Ambition. These sustained, multi-year commitments stand in contrast to the fleeting nature of many brands’ social justice initiatives. Martin believes these stories can “truly inform the next generation” and inspire new pathways for access to sport.

    May this zine serve as both a celebration of what we have accomplished, and a call to continue the work of lifting young people higher. — Wanda Cooper-Jones

    Martin describes the publication as “a physical, visceral manifestation of almost five years of collective community action.” In an era where stories can easily be erased, this zine serves as a tangible reminder that movements begin with individuals like Wanda Cooper-Jones, who transform personal experiences into powerful, actionable change. “These are our stories—archived,” Martin emphasized, calling it “a beautiful expression of community in action.”

    In conjunction with the zine’s release, Adidas is also inviting adiClub members to contribute. For every 100 points donated through December 31, 2025, Adidas will donate $1 (up to $50,000) to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s youth wellness programming nationwide.

    What do you think about Adidas’ ‘Community Archives’ zine and its focus on preserving Black stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Adidas Honors Ahmaud Arbery with New Zine

    In a powerful collaboration, Adidas is honoring the legacy of Ahmaud Arbery and the unwavering advocacy of his mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, with the release of “Community Archives.” This new zine, launched on Giving Tuesday, serves as a testament to Arbery’s life, the pursuit of justice, and the ongoing work to create a world where Black boys can run freely and safely.

    From Tragedy to Advocacy: Wanda Cooper-Jones’s Journey

    Before the tragic events of February 23, 2020, Wanda Cooper-Jones lived a quiet life in coastal Georgia. That day, her son Ahmaud, a vibrant 25-year-old athlete, went for a jog and never returned. His murder, a racially motivated attack, brought his story to the forefront of national attention. However, for Wanda, he was simply her son, a young man who found freedom in running.

    Refusing to let her son’s truth be buried, Wanda Cooper-Jones became a fierce advocate. She fought tirelessly, demanding answers and pushing for legislative change. Her efforts contributed to significant legislative shifts in Georgia, including the repeal of the citizens’ arrest law and the implementation of a hate crime law. This commitment to change led to the founding of The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.

    The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation: Building Community and Healing

    Born from a mother’s calling, The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation aims to honor Ahmaud’s spirit by creating safe spaces for young Black boys. The foundation focuses on fostering wellness practices, leadership skills, and collective healing. Through partnerships with high schools, the foundation hosts summits on topics like leadership and social justice, transforming strangers into brothers.

    Wanda also finds strength and support through the Circle of Mothers, a healing retreat hosted by the Trayvon Martin Foundation. This community of mothers who have lost children to violence provides a vital space for shared grief and mutual support, reinforcing Wanda’s promise to keep Ahmaud’s name alive.

    Adidas: A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

    Adidas’s partnership with The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation began quietly in 2020, rooted in a shared belief that every young person deserves to run without fear. Unlike a typical sponsorship, this has been a sustained collaboration focused on community and legacy. Adidas has supported the Foundation’s initiatives since its early launch, providing mentorship, funding, and storytelling support through programs like the social enterprise accelerator (now Community LAB).

    • 2021: Supported the Foundation’s launch in Atlanta.
    • 2022: Provided mentorship and funding through the Community LAB program.
    • 2023: Expanded youth engagement with the “Run With Maud” 5K.
    • 2022–2025: Supported Ahmaud Arbery Day activations and youth running initiatives.
    • 2024: Wanda Cooper-Jones honored in Adidas’s “Honoring Black Excellence” initiative with a grant for the Foundation.

    This enduring relationship highlights Adidas’s commitment to community-driven work, consistently elevating the community’s voice over its own brand.

    Community Archives: A Living Legacy

    The “Community Archives” zine features a six-page spread dedicated to Wanda Cooper-Jones. It chronicles her journey through grief, her triumphs in advocacy, the impact on the youth she serves, the communities she’s helped heal, and her unwavering promise to Ahmaud. This zine serves as a retrospective and a cultural record, celebrating those who have shaped sport, culture, and community.

    Wanda’s message to her community is one of involvement and presence: “I would tell any parent to get involved. Know what your kids are doing. Be there for them because we’re losing a lot of young men due to gun violence in our community.” Her resilience, accountability, and purpose, fueled by love, continue to drive her mission.

    How does Ahmaud Arbery’s story and Wanda Cooper-Jones’s advocacy inspire you? What does legacy mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!