7th Annual Black Footwear Forum Returns to Detroit Sept. 10-13, Rooted in "commUNITY"

More than 1,000 creatives, executives, students and industry leaders expected for four days featuring DMC, Colin Kaepernick, Jemele Hill, BLACKLIGHTS Homecoming and more

DETROIT, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The seventh annual Black Footwear Forum (BFF) returns to Detroit Sept. 10–13, bringing together more than 1,000 creatives, students, executives and industry leaders for conversations, masterclasses, professional development, networking and brand activations at PLC Detroit, 200 Walker Street.

Presented by Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC Detroit) in partnership with the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), BFF will take place at Michigan's only HBCU and the nation's only design-focused HBCU. Known as "The Industry's Homecoming," this year's forum is themed "Rooted in commUNITY" and takes place during Detroit Month of Design.

"For seven years, the Black Footwear Forum has created a space where Black and Brown creatives can see themselves, connect and have direct access to the people and brands shaping the industry," said Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, president of PLC Detroit. "This year's theme, 'Rooted in commUNITY,' speaks to what has always made BFF special. We're bringing creative minds together to share knowledge, build relationships and make sure the next generation doesn't just enter the industry — they are prepared to lead it."

Hosted by Jacques Slade, BFF will feature voices from footwear, sports, entertainment, business and culture, including Alan Baxter, April Walker, Carmen Hardaway, Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, Claudia Beltran, Colin Kaepernick, Conor Richardson, Darren McKoy, DMC, Domonique Broadway, Donald Dudley, Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, Dr. George James, Elan Hawkins, Erica Jackson, Erica Kemp, Fernando Vazquez, Jae Tips, Jacques Slade, Jemele Hill, Jenee Osterheldt, Jessica Rose, Jordan Dixon, Kareem Day, Keith Mascoll, Kelley Walton, Kenneth Anand, Maurice Malone, Michael Fletcher, Nicole Lauria, Odessa Jenkins, Portia Blunt, Ricardo LaJoie, RJ Santiago, Sean Williams, Shaka Senghor, Shawn Williams, Shequita Frazier, Sheri Riley, Sid Baptista, Taylor Rodriguez, Tefari Taylor and Wilson Smith, with additional speakers to be announced.

Programming will explore women in commUNITY, wellness, artificial intelligence, sports, retail and community building, reflecting the industry today and the people shaping where it goes next.

BFF MAIN STAGE CONVERSATIONS

On Saturday, Sept. 12, DMC of the iconic hip-hop group Run-DMC will sit down with Dr. D'Wayne Edwards at 10:15 a.m. for a one-on-one conversation exploring his career, cultural influence and enduring impact on music, footwear and creativity.

Later that day at 5 p.m., Colin Kaepernick will join Jemele Hill for The Perilous Fight, a conversation centered on Kaepernick's memoir of the same name, to be published Sept. 15.

MORE BFF HIGHLIGHTS

Debuting Sept. 11, BLACKLIGHTS Homecoming brings together PLC Detroit alumni, Lewis College of Business graduates, current students, Pensole Academy graduates, faculty and staff. Hosted by current students at Cred Café, BLACKLIGHTS will feature an alumni roll call, class-year recognition, a Legacy Wall, "The Sole Walk" footwear-inspired runway experience and a ceremonial class handoff.

BFF will also feature the Merrell-sponsored Look Again at MI Black Eden, a two-day immersive cultural experience created by PLC Detroit with the Idlewild community. Inspired by Merrell's "It Starts Outside" platform, the activation brings the history and culture of Idlewild, Michigan — historically known as Black Eden — to Detroit through community storytelling, a recreation of the historic Morton's Motel porch, elements inspired by Black Eden Brews Coffee Bar and a Merrell-powered Idlewild Heritage Trail highlighting 25 historic locations.

The forum closes Sept. 13 with Sisters in Sole Brunch, featuring networking, Rising Star Awards and a conversation on building lasting wealth with Domonique Broadway and Jessica Rose. BRO: Give Your Permission Workshop, led by Dr. George James, will encourage participants to reflect on self-care, purpose and caring for themselves while caring for others.

"The Black Footwear Forum has grown into a national platform that brings talent, leadership and opportunity together," said Matt Priest, president and CEO of FDRA. "Black creativity has had an undeniable influence on footwear and the culture surrounding it, and BFF ensures those voices are part of the conversations shaping where our industry goes next. When we create stronger connections between emerging talent, established leaders and the brands driving the business, the entire industry benefits."

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

BFF is supported by partners who make the forum's programming, professional development, cultural experiences and community-building opportunities possible.

Founding Partners: Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse

Diamond Partners: MoveDetroit, Bedrock, Rock and Target

Gold Partners: Brooks Running, New Balance, Rack Room Shoes, Altra, The North Face, Timberland and Vans

Program & Event Sponsors: Reebok, VF Corporation, adidas, Café Noir, Detroit Pistons, Foot Locker, i.e., JBRC, Merrell, National Association of Black Bookstores, PUMA, Skechers, Source Booksellers, Steve Madden, StockX, The Athlete's Foot, Under Armour and Wolverine Worldwide

DAILY SCHEDULE:

Thursday, Sept. 10: www.blackfootwearforum.com/091026  

Friday, Sept. 11: www.blackfootwearforum.com/091126 

Saturday, Sept. 12: www.blackfootwearforum.com/091226 

Sunday, Sept. 13: www.blackfootwearforum.com/091326

Register at www.blackfootwearforum.com.

Contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design