By Kevin Gray
At the dinner table of America, the plate of privilege is delicious. We have all had our fair share and moments we are able to eat from that table. Not all of us Americans however has had that chance. To me the term “white” privilege also means “Not black”. My parents were born in the Philippines and I am the youngest of 4 who happened to be the first born here in America. I say that to say this: Although I am not not white I would be ignorant to not understand that I benefit in America from simply not being black. Yes I hate being pulled over like anyone but I never once feared for my life in ways our black brothers and sisters do. Knowing that that is just 1 example of said privilege. Furthermore, not speaking up about it or standing against it is another use of that privilege. Many of us have lot to learn and lines are being drawn in the sand. I believe an awakening for the better is upon us. 2020 may not be your favorite year, but its the year we never knew we needed.
As a Filipino American business NJS stands with our black community and fellow businesses in the fight for change and equality. We are all human beings first and foremost and we believe in doing what’s right for humanity. Yes all lives matter, there is no questioning that however we have to understand that they all cannot matter unless black lives matter also. In the past 6 years (going on 7) we never shied away from shining light on what matters to us. Whether it is our own heritage or our fellow brands and businesses we work with. We will continue to highlight who and what is important to us. NJS would not be here without black owned businesses, black culture and the black lives of our friends and colleagues. We take pride in our ability to work with everyone in our community. We will continue to provide our services to the best of our ability. One of those ways is to give other brands big and small the ability to produce garments for them to resell. NJS is and will always be a blank canvas for you to paint your messages on. We are honored to provide a platform that allows your voices to be heard. It is much bigger than sports, much bigger than clothing. However small the role that NJS plays in the big fight we will continue to march along together in solidarity for progress and change. There is enough food to go around. We just want to continue to serve so we all can eat.
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An All Star roster of Filipino talent and the collective love for the game of basketball was on full display for the 10th annual Filipino Heritage night hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fil-am influencers, artists, musicians and athletes - such as the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl de Ap, Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Liane V, P-Lo, Jasmine Villegas, Alex Wassabi to name a few - blessed the court for halftime performances, appearances and even T-shirt tosses during the game. Even boxing legend Floyd Mayweather was sitting courtside to witness a celebration of culture and basketball.
All tickets that were purchased thru the Heritage night packaged receive a commemorative bobblehead of Apl.de.ap which by the way is the first Filipino Bobblehead in NBA history. More importantly portion of proceeds goes to the Apl De Ap Foundation which builds schools in the Philippines.
For the 2nd year in a row New Jersey Sets was blessed to be a part of the biggest Filipino Heritage night in the NBA. Other teams such as Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets have their version of this night but none of those nights end off with a Filipino Celebrity Basketball game. After the Clippers vs. Hornets game, 2 teams lead by Power 106 FM’s DJ E-man and Apl De Ap go head to head in a 4 quarter basketball game.
NJS designed and produced sets of home and away custom uniforms to highlight the home team but also pay homage to the Filipino Heritage. A combination of the new LA City theme uniforms and colorways synonymous within the Philippines flag where incorporated into the design.
This years heritage night set the standard and we are excited that the Clippers organization allowed us to celebrate our culture on this big stage. A very special thanks to Rosslyn Covarrubias, founder of Ros Marketing, to tap New Jersey Sets to be part of this event for the 2nd year. Filipinos have been largely part of the culture but mainly due to humble nature we generally are used to playing the background. But it's nights like this that showcase our genius and that there is a collective Filipino buying power. We are very blessed and thankful to be part of a group of Pinoy leaders taking Filipino artforms into the mainstream.
Click on the thumbnail below to check out the highlights from the night.
Shout out to the one and only Elie Seckbach for featuring out #PacquiaoLEGACY Jersey on ES NEWS youtube page!
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