Air Jordan 2 "Wings" Honor SVP Howard "H" White with Moving Video Tribute

Jordan Brand SVP Howard “H” White with Michael Jordan talking to america’s youth. via HowardHWhite.com

Ahead of the Air Jordan 2 "Wings" release on June 10 as a part of the Jordan Wings Program for the Summer 2023 season, Jordan Brand has debuted an inspiring, heartfelt tribute to SVP Howard "H" White.

White is one of the founders of the Jordan Brand’s "Wings" program. His own personal history and life philosophy, as revealed in the video, are intimately relevant to the brand’s expansion of its classic high-top offerings.

Old-school, Jordan Brand values are really important to America’s future.

Howard “H'“ White’s impact on Nike and the Jordan Brand is hard to overstate. And mentoring youth is an anchor of White’s entire career.

Howard “H” White Sealed the Nike Deal with Jordan

Not only is Howard White intimately connected to the Jordan Brand. He was instrumental in getting Michael Jordan to sign with Nike in the mid-1980s.

Many basketball fans do not know that Jordan initially wanted to sign with Adidas. In fact, he was close to signing a contract with the popular German sportswear company before Nike swooped in with a better offer.

Despite Adidas' reputation and long-standing influence in the industry, Howard White convinced Jordan that he could make a bigger impact for himself and as a role model to others by signing with Nike.

The rest, as they say, is history, and they are pictured here with ths shoe that started it all.

Jordan's partnership with Nike paved the way for some of the most iconic sneakers and athletic apparel in history. Howard White has been at Michael Jordan’s side every step of the way, and he has since played a key role in building the brand into a global phenomenon.

In a refreshing lack of personal arrogance, White is known for his humility and his commitment to giving back. The executive has long been involved in philanthropic efforts through the Nike Foundation and launching “Believe to Achieve”, Nike’s youth mentoring program which is separate but complementary to Jordan Brand’s “Wings”.

Howard “H” White lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon, with his wife Donna and daughter Mandy. You can learn more about this proud Virginian on his website, where AOC is reading about his life across the river from me, growing up in Hampton.