This new Malia Obama-directed Nike ad featuring A’ja Wilson is a love letter to Black girls

Black girls’ musical play, which involves percussion passed down through generations, is not often recognized as a sport. However, the 1980 Fantastic Four Double Dutch Champs who joined the first international rap tour in ’82 serve as evidence that it is. Unfortunately, these games, which are centered around girls, are not taken seriously. A new Nike ad campaign featuring A’ja Wilson and directed by Malia Obama is changing that perception. In the ad, Wilson, a two-time WNBA champion and three-time league MVP, is showcased alongside Black girls, taking center stage.

One of the commercials shows Wilson sitting on a porch with a young girl, teaching a handclapping game-song set to the tune of “Miss Mary Mack.” Another ad features HBCU cheer formations and scenes from the documentary “Black Girls Play: A Story of Hand Games.” These ads celebrate Black girls’ play and highlight the importance of recognizing their talents.

Under Obama’s direction, the ads blend sound and visuals to showcase the joy and reverence for Black girls’ play. Wilson’s personal experiences of exclusion and resilience are woven into the narrative, emphasizing the need to uplift and empower Black girls.

Wilson’s story serves as a reminder that excellence does not shield Black girls from exclusion. Her journey and Obama’s storytelling emphasize the importance of creating space for Black girls’ joy and brilliance. The ads also shed light on the disparities faced by Black women in terms of pay and recognition.

In conclusion, the ads encourage viewers to embrace the significance of activities like handclapping games and to recognize play as a fundamental right for all individuals. Malia envisioned it. A’ja lives it.