Russell Westbrook And PepsiCo Team Up To Give Back To Black Design Students
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Russell Westbrook and PepsiCo have teamed up to empower Black students aiming for a career in fashion. On Thursday (Sept. 21), the NBA star visited Detroit’s Pensole Lewis College, the first and only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) dedicated to design.
The professional athlete joined Pensole Lewis founder Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, author Kevin Carroll, and PepsiCo’s Kent Montgomery to unveil the Pepsi x Frito-Lay Refresh and Relax Lounge, designed by current students. Music was provided by DJ Sky Jetta and food from Detroit Black-owned eateries Yum Village and They Say Restaurant.
Westbrook led a conversation about the importance of diversity of design to drive innovation in the industry as the founder and creative director of his own clothing line Honor The Gift. Additionally, the 34-year-old shared personal moments with Rodney Banks and Angel Buckens, the coeds whose winning lounge design was created as part of the inaugural PepsiCo Design & Innovation program, with support from MillerKnoll.
“I’m so grateful to be part of a partnership that is inspiring young Black creatives and prioritizing their education like the PepsiCo program at Pensole Lewis College,” detailed the California native.
“I share a mission with PepsiCo in wanting to create educational opportunities and provide valuable resources to young people who don’t always get the same support as their peers,” he continued. “Together, we want to inspire and encourage students to continue their creative journey and pursue a career in design.”
The event was part of PepsiCo Design & Innovation’s ongoing efforts to further diversity in design in the Detroit area. Additional programs include a $25,000 donation to Diversity in Design, providing 250 local Detroit high school students with hands-on experience.
Additionally, local students from the School of Marygrove, Oakland Early College, Martin Luther King, Detroit Edison, and University Prep Art & Design, Detroit Kappa League, and Closing the Gap Detroit were able to participate in the PepsiCo Design & Innovation and Pensole Lewis College Design Thinking workshop in partnership with Chicago Mobile Makers.
“With partners like PepsiCo using their resources to support and celebrate students at Pensole Lewis and local Detroit high schools, we’re able to demonstrate tangible impact for these students’ and, ultimately, the wider design community,” added Edwards. “This program is a reminder that there are many paths to take in the design world, all that could benefit from more diverse points of view.”
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