michaelThe Nike employees are a diverse bunch, and the annual Pride celebrations are just another way to show their variety and inclusivity. The first hints that the time is near are these window clings that appear on all the buildings. The advertised happenings are a pride rally here at Nike WHQ (world headquarters) and then the Portland Pride Parade.
The in-company slogan is ‘BETRUE’, also the name of a collection of logoed shoes, shirts, etc. A-frame signs appear all over campus, extolling us to celebrate pride month by keeping an eye out for the logoed truck that’ll supply us with tee-shirts.
Excitement builds as the dates grow near. More signs. More tee-shirts from previous years, as well as several variants on the ‘EQUALITY’ shirts, are seen every day.
On the day of the the WHQ rally a ‘BETRUE’ rainbow variant of the ubiquitous Nike signage appears, luring us to the plaza.
One of the trucks, festooned with ‘PRIDE’ and ‘PDX’ appears, along with blue bins of tee-shirts in various sizes. A line of very happy employees quickly forms.
Elsewhere on the plaza is the Nike ‘DO THE RIGHT THING’ signage, tweaked with a rainbow for the occasion.
There was good weather, supplied food and drink, and (I heard) some live music. And there’s a small glimpse into pride at Nike.