Fashion at the Library: Sole Power: Sneaker Culture and the American Stor

Earlier this week, my sister-in-love invited me to an incredible event at the Library of Congress: Fashion at the Library: Sole Power: Sneaker Culture and the American Story.

The event was hosted by Jared Moskowitz, whose passion for sneakers goes far beyond collecting them. As a lifelong sneaker enthusiast, he helped found the Congressional Sneaker Caucus to bring people together over a shared appreciation for sneaker culture. The caucus was created as a bipartisan space where members of Congress can connect through a common interest while recognizing how sneakers intersect with fashion, business, innovation, sports, and American culture. It's a reminder that sometimes the things we have in common can open the door to conversations that go beyond politics.

What made the event stand out was the diverse backgrounds of the panelists. Each speaker brought a unique perspective shaped by their own experiences in design, education, manufacturing, retail, and advocacy.

D'Wayne Edwards shared his inspiring journey from designing shoes for some of the world's biggest brands to creating opportunities for the next generation of Black creatives. Through Pensole Lewis College and JEMS by PENSOLE (one of the first Black-owned athletic footwear factories in the United States) he is helping aspiring designers learn the craft, manufacture their own products, and build sustainable careers. His work is creating pathways that didn't exist for many young Black designers just a generation ago.

Sean Williams, co-founder of SOLEcial Studies, spoke about using sneaker culture as an educational tool. His work demonstrates how something as familiar as a pair of sneakers can open conversations about history, design, business, marketing, and culture, making learning more engaging and relevant for young people.

Matt Priest, President and CEO of the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), offered valuable insight into the footwear industry's economic impact, manufacturing, retail, policy, and the future of the business. His perspective highlighted how sneakers are not just fashion,  they're a major driver of innovation and the American economy.

Presented in partnership with the Congressional Sneaker Caucus, the event explored how sneaker culture has become a powerful form of self-expression while also shaping American industry and entrepreneurship.

I left with a greater appreciation for everything that goes into the shoes we wear every day, not just the design and technology, but the stories, history, and people behind them. All the speakers spoke about how sneaker Culture shaped there childhood and how it wasn't just about getting a sneaker that everyone else had but about figuring out a way to individualize the sneaker to make it your own. It was one of those events where you walk away having learned something new from every person on the stage.