Water For All
We believe in the power of water and believe it should be accessible to all that seek it. Our goal is to create a world where all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. A world where all are welcome on the water. We will focus our efforts on racial and ethnic representation and LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation.
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Representation & Participation
The joys of the water are not created equal for all. We recognize the history and hurdles that communities of color face when it comes to experiencing life in, on and by the water. We are committed to helping lift these barriers through education, access, and financial investment
Reclaim Your Water
In partnership with Claima and creative direction led by Bimma Williams, we created a 3‑part docuseries to educate and inspire a more equitable environment in the water space. Directed by prominent filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast, Faith E. Briggs, “Reclaim Your Water” spotlights three Black entrepreneurs connected to and inspired by water and how each reclaims what was once weaponized to build community and create change.
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Jahmicah has a passion for the outdoors and strives to help foster diversity not only in the outdoors but on the water.
Jahmicah Dawes
Founder of Slim Pickins Outfitters, the nation’s first black‑owned outdoor retailer.
Originally founded as Black Sand Surf, Ebony Beach Club is a vision of the multi‑cultural and harmonious future of surfing and life on the water. Their goal is to reset the tone and show the surfing community that peace and inclusivity are the best ways to combat hate.
Natasha Smith
Community leader and content creator who played a significant role in teaching the Founders of Ebony Beach Club how to surf.
Founded by multitalented musicians and creatives Thurman & Torrence Thomas in Louisiana, TANK PROOF is a nonprofit that gives youth in under‑served communities education and essentials to navigate life’s currents. Based on their belief that “swimming is for everyone”, they’ve currently served over 3,500 kids nationwide.
Donate at checkout, or by visiting
tankproof.org/donateTheBrosFresh
Musicians and Founders of Tank Proof, a nonprofit that gives youth in under‑served communities education and essentials to navigate life’s currents.
Faith is a documentary filmmaker, creative producer and podcast host passionate about sharing contemporary stories from diverse communities. Both behind and in front of the camera, she works with brands, non‑profit organizations and institutions to create media representative of the world we live in and the better one we are working together to create.
Faith Briggs
Our Director
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
We respect and support everyone for who they are, where they come from, and who they love. And while we acknowledge June is a celebratory month, Pride is a year‑round initiative including employee education sessions and putting in the work to become a more inclusive brand through our partnership with PFLAG National.
Our Partners
CLAIMA
Claima was created on the premise to help creatives of color to not only claim a seat at the table, but also build their own tables. The company evolved from a passion project podcast to a creative content agency focused on storytelling that represents and inspires all creatives and entrepreneurs of color. Sperry is proud to partner with Claima on a modern grassroots effort to “Reclaim The Water.”
PFLAG
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies. With hundreds of chapters and 250,000+ members and supporters, PFLAG has incredible reach and visibility, and has been changing hearts, minds, and lives for nearly 50 years.
CAMBER OUTDOORS
Camber is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 that equips Partner organizations across the $887 Billion Outdoor Recreation Economy to implement best practices in Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Workplace DEI).
FAQ
What are you actively doing to help the LGBTQ+ community?
We are a full‑year gold level partner of PFLAG National. This partnership goes beyond our donation of $50,000, and includes employee education sessions, amplifying PFLAG’s mission to our consumers, and working with the PFLAG National team on becoming a more gender inclusive brand.
Why don’t you donate a portion of the proceeds from the Pride collection to PFLAG National?
Our partnership with PFLAG National is a full‑year, brand‑level, guaranteed donation, rather than dependent on the number of Pride shoes that are sold. Our focus is not just on the products we make but also on educating our employees to make lasting change.
How are you supporting communities of color?
In 2022 we will spotlight entrepreneurs of color who are creating real change in their communities. We will create a 3‑part docuseries highlighting the entrepreneurs, rolling out over an 8‑week period in July and August. While telling their stories to create awareness, Sperry will also be donating $15,000 to each organization to help them remove the barriers from, and increase access to, water. Finally, through an internal panel featuring our entrepreneurs of color, Claima co‑founder Bimma Williams will lead a conversation getting into the depth behind their stories. Sperry’s internal team will have an opportunity to engage and learn, with insights used in future initiatives to create meaningful change.
What are Wolverine Worldwide’s DE&I hiring practices?
As a brand of Wolverine Worldwide, we always give qualified individuals a fair chance to succeed based solely on their qualifications, conduct, and abilities. We make all employment‑related decisions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or other categories protected by applicable laws and regulations. For more information, please see pg. 16 of our Code of Conduct
What's On The Horizon
We value kinship and the transformational power of shared experiences with an array of people and perspectives. Sperry is not reserved for one class or gender, but rather intended to be enjoyed by all. We will ensure that the water is welcome for all who seek it.