By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
In October of 2017, Kyle Witzjer signed with Olympiacos Piraeus and from that point, European fans have focused on his talents on the basketball courts.
But how well do we know Kyle Wiltjer off the courts?
The creation of ‘EQLTYbrand,’ which is named after ‘equality,’ shows Wiltjer’s sensitive side. With this brand, the Canadian-American aims to highlight one of the most significant problems in our society. Racism and social inequalities.
A click on Twitter or Instagram will help you understand directly the theme of the brand he has started with his fiance, Charday Hunt.
The choice of black and white colors on both the logo and the photos is not accidental. Actually, the black and white logo shows and explains perfectly his broader idea of equality. Black and white are opposite colors, which in some people’s minds create two different categories of people and cultivate racism and inequality. Kyle Wiltjer’s example is one we should all follow.
The photo above prevails in social media along with the special message of the 25-year old:
“I started this brand because I want to spread a positive message through social media and wear clothes that represent my beliefs. Treating every person equally regardless of race, gender, religion or any other criteria is something that I believe strongly in.”
Along with Wiltjer’s words, we can’t help but notice that these quotes can actually become not only life lessons but a lifestyle approach for many people:
“Equality for all.”
“Everyone deserves the right to be treated equally.”
“The earth is the mother of all people and all people should have equal rights upon it.”
Kyle Wiltjer’s unique project caught Eurohoops‘ attention, and so George Orfanakis contacted Olympiacos‘ forward to talk about his idea:
“I came up with the idea with my fiancé because we are an interracial couple who have seen many different racial injustices occurring in the United States. We both are super passionate about spreading love, kindness, and positivity and thought it would be a great message tied along with our passion for clothing,” he said.
“She worked for the “Jordan Brand” for five years, so she knows the ins and outs of brand marketing and strategic development, so she has been huge in helping me get this going.”
Day by day, the EQLTYbrand continuously gains more publicity, and so fans from all over the world are showing interest in this unique project.
If you are wondering how you can purchase these products, Kyle Wiltjer has the answer: “I am going to be tweeting and Instagramming information out soon on how to purchase the products. We have gotten a lot of requests for the products in Greece, so we were planning on taking orders through email here soon (Greece only). I am still busy with the season so she will be handling these orders mostly. -When we get back to the United States, we will launch a full website with links to purchase and everything.”
Wiltjer’s positive message/movement comes at a time, where social inequalities at a global level are intense and are expressed by celebrities and presidents in the political scene of the world.
It is also one of the reasons as to why the Olympiacos player wants to see everyone participating in an effort to make the world a better place, even if they don’t purchase the products:
“Even if people don’t buy the products we encourage them to post things on social media with the hashtag #EQLTY with positive messages to spread love, equality, and positivity in a world that is filled with negative images at times. We want our brand to be more than just clothing company; we want it to be a positive movement that will help shape the youth as social media and clothing are such important factors in our lives.”
Sports all around the world can spread a positive message, a reaction to social racism. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and many other NBA players have chosen to step forward and fight against all forms of injustice.
Kyle Wiltjer has begun with his own effort, a special and powerful message that could unite more people. We wish that he finds more supporters in his positive movement.
In times of struggle, we must band TOGETHER. #EQLTY pic.twitter.com/8iS0rG4lLM
— EQLTYbrand (@EQLTYbrand) March 29, 2018
Photo Credit: Eurokinissi, EQLTYbrand