HONORING BLACK EXCELLENCE
From Atlanta to Alabama, Black Excellence reveals itself through the expansive creativity, communities, and connectedness of the Black experience.
WHAT IS HONORING BLACK EXCELLENCE?
Honoring Black Excellence is an adidas initiative that celebrates the accomplishments of Black individuals, collectives, and culture. Now in its fifth year, we recognize three honorees who preserve, enrich, and embody excellence through their unique creative expressions. Each honoree is recognized for their distinct approach to being an agent of change.
ROG & BEE WALKER
For HBE ’25, we continue our mission to honor and celebrate those who are transforming their communities with love and creativity. Each honoree is recognized for their distinct approach to being an agent of change. Visionaries Rog & Bee Walker captured this year’s creatives through their signature lens, amplifying our honorees' shared goal of leaving their communities better than they found them—and redefining Black Excellence in their own ways.
GEE’S BEND QUILTERS
From Boykin, Alabama, the Quilters of Gee’s Bend continue to be pillars of preserving Black community, culture, and history through their one-of-one quilting practice. Their quilts have kept their communities and beyond, warm and forever inspired.
JAYCINA ALMOND
Jaycina Almond is changing the narrative placed on single mothers by creating safe spaces and providing resources for single moms in Atlanta and beyond to be seen, heard, and feel empowered.
SEKOU THORNELL
Sekou Thornell knows sport can serve as a catalyst to grow communities and change lives. He understands there’s no community without culture. He’s pulling every cultural lever that surrounds the game of soccer, inspiring and inviting more people that look like him into the game and the ecosystem that surrounds it.
