Michael Jordan’s signature brand is going to remain in Howard University for at least two decades. Might as well install a permanent symbol of it. Howard University unveiled its Air Jordan wall on campus on January 15, MLK Day. The wall features every Jumpman sneaker from the Air Jordan 1 through 38. And perhaps with room for more. This signifies the school and Nike’s Jordan Brand’s partnership that was officially signed in 2022.

In 2020, the Jordan Brand committed to donating $100 million over 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial and social justice within the education system. Contributing to HBCUs like Howard is part of that initiative.

Following the end of Howard’s partnership with Under Armour’s Curry Brand in the 2022 summer, Nike immediately swooped in with their biggest signature label. It marked the first time since 1997 an HBCU became a Jordan Brand-sponsored school since their collegiate endorsement program began. The Jordan Brand is elevating the school’s athletic department through this partnership and expanding recruitment opportunities.

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Along with Howard-themed Nike apparel, they went a step further with the Air Jordan 1 Low OG PE with the Howard Bison colorway for the basketball team. It dropped in 2023 shortly after the release of His Airness’ alma mater, UNC received its own version of Air Jordans. It’s a player exclusive and not available for sale. But it’s unclear if it features on the new wall.

Howard is one of the many schools under the Jordan umbrella. The benefits of being associated to Jordan’s legacy is on the table.

Jordan schools do His Airness proud

The Jordan Brand is expanding to other sports beyond basketball. It’s not only Jalen Hurts wearing Air Jordan cleats. Its biggest foray into the gridiron is at the collegiate level. In August 2022, the Howard Bisons football team revealed its new uniforms courtesy of Air Jordan.

Currently, 9 football programs wear exclusive Jordan Brand gear – Michigan, UNC, Florida, Oklahoma, UCLA, Morehouse, Norfolk State, Houston, and Howard. The Michigan Wolverines are of course the national champions, becoming the first Jumpman team to win the CFP.

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Desmond Howard said in the pre-game coverage how the Jordan Brand benefits schools like Michigan and Howard. “It gave them credibility with a lot of recruits they wanted,” he said.

Through their sponsorships, the Jordan Brand is reinforcing their initiative to ensure promising athletes and students have access to education successfully.