The second annual N.C. Sneaker Jam took place April 12 at Winston-Salem State.
Hosted by Sam Hoggs, a senior from Durham, students were exposed to live music, up-and-coming designers and some of the best sneaker collections in the state.
Hoggs is CEO and co-founder of Sole Quest, which he describes as a “sneaker-head organization that brings people together to share their love for kicks.”
He creates educational videos about sneakers focusing on the “history behind the shoe.”
During the Sneaker Jam, students could buy, sell and trade shoes or donate their lightly worn sneakers to local families in need.
Hoggs said Sole Quest has been working with Campus Life Marketing Committee, Nike Reuse-a-shoe and an organization called Soles 4 Souls to facilitate shoe donations.
Hoggs said the first sneaker jam, in March 2012, had such a great turnout that he wanted to do it again.
He coordinated the event to take place on the Breezeway, rather than the Thompson Center where the first Sneaker Jam was so more students would participate.
Hundreds of students at a time crowded the Breezeway to take part in the Sneaker Jam.
Hoggs also got student designers involved.
They were able to purchase a vendor table for $25 to showcase and sell their clothing.
Vendors were also given the chance to win $300 at the end of the event.
Quinton Benson, junior information technology major from Spartanburg, S.C., presented his clothing line MDMA [My Dreams My Addictions] for the first time on campus.
“The purpose of my line is to inspire people to never stop chasing their dreams. Whether it’s a love for fashion or a passion for sports, I want people to get motivated by my clothing,” Benson said.
“I like to make my designs incorporate the different dreams that people have in order to promote something positive rather than negative,” he said.
Benson said getting a vendor table at the Sneaker Jam was a great opportunity because he was able to network with so many new people.
“I definitely think this event will help to promote my brand and get my clothing line out there.”
Gary Artis, junior business management major from Washington, D.C. said the Sneaker Jam was “the best event on campus this year.”
“People were really involved and I could tell everyone was enjoying themselves,” he said.
Exodus Skate Shop, a local, independently-owned store, made a second appearance as a vendor at the Sneaker Jam.
“This is a great way for us to get involved with the community and network with students from Winston-Salem State,” said Nick C., who works at the shop.
Several other vendors were present.