story

"What's up? What's up, everybody? This is In Forum Live. I am your host, Nya Lorraine. Today, we have another amazing guest".

"She's a pillar in her community, and if you know anything about Dyckman Basketball, I'm pretty sure you know the homegirl".

"Hello. Hello. Hello. I'm Naya Tha Great. I am the Media Director at Dyckman Basketball, and I am from Dyckman, and I'm mad excited to be here".

"Tell us a little bit more about what Dyckman Basketball really is, explain that to us. Dyckman Basketball is a streetball tournament in New York City, and we're a grassroots organisation, and our summer basketball tournament is what we're mostly known for. It's really one of those things you just got to come and see in person".

"What's the impact that Dyckman Basketball has had on basketball in the city? We're the grandfather. I mean, all these tournaments are my sons. If you go around the city and you look at how other tournaments and stuff is set up, it's very reminiscent of what Dyckman Basketball does".

"I feel like to even have something like an NBA and NCAA sanction is a big deal, right? That means basketball, official basketball organisations are recognising that this is a place that their players want to play".

"What drives you to do what you do every day? Black people, being in the community.  I'm a big impact-over-influence type of person".

"What would you say is your most valuable skill in these roles? My most valuable skill in these roles is being able to put the plan together for the win".

"I really value my relationships. I'm genuine. I'm not here for opportunities. I'm here to really see you win. So I think both of those skills have really put me in a unique place to help people, help organisations, help myself".

"So what do you feel like some of the wins are, that you've witnessed as of late, in the Black and Brown creatives who are taking strides in fashion? I feel like there's been a lot of wins recently, right"?

"Everywhere you go, there's a Black creative or a Black designer designing a streetwear collaboration collection with someone. Even today, I wore my UNION 2s. It's a legacy play for me".

"If you've bought Jordans, your last three or four pair of sneakers are designed by Black designers. That's the biggest deal ever".

"How did the partnership between Jordan Brand and Dyckman come about? Our previous sponsor, our contract was just up for negotiation. Jordan Brand kind of put an emphasis on women".

"I think they do a really good job about not trying to take over what we're doing. As a grassroots organisation that is really in the community and has its own programming, we just needed a sponsor who was going to meet us where we were".

"What is your experience like dealing with being a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry? The nice thing about Dyckman Basketball is that in my role I'm the boss, so there really isn't someone above me who can tell me that that doesn't work".

"I feel like I am often having to do too much proving of why it works and how it works. Where I work with my male peers, and their word is taken for".

"Even though that just reaffirms I'm that girl. I always make sure I mention another woman's name, or I put a woman up for a job. I'm always reaching back to get more women in the room".

"Do you have any advice for other women out there who are interested in working in these industries? You just really have to believe in yourself and trusting myself and trusting my plan".

"That's it for today, you guys. Thanks for tuning in with us here on In Forum Live. I'm Naya Lorraine, and I hope to see you next time".

SNKRS Live Highlights: In Forum Live—21/07/2022