‘As long as you’re stepping, you are powerful’: AcademKicks held first back-to-school sneaker giveaway in Richmond

Aug 9, 2025 - 18:25

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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- AcademKICKS held its first-ever back-to-school sneaker giveaway on Saturday, providing 150 pairs of both new and gently worn sneakers to students in need.

The event was held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Ivy League Event Center, located at 3549 Courthouse Road, in Richmond.

According to a release from AcademKICKS, the giveaway gives students sneakers and allows them to enjoy community engagement ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.

AcademKICKS's mission is allowing education and style to encourage childhood learning and self-expression.

"We believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of expressing one's unique style," a release reads. "Our program runs throughout the entire school year to see the full success of our students."

LaVon Dixon founded AcademKICKS, a program designed to empower youth through and shared what inspired her to create this event.

"What inspired me to create this event is that sneakers are a conversation piece," she said. "A lot of children go to school, and they may not have a popular brand of sneakers, or a brand that is in or a shoe that just came out."

Dixon said she began this program last year, and they gave away 15 pairs of shoes for Christmas. However, the number has since increased, as AcademKICKS aims to donate 146 sneakers this summer.

Shoe brands include Jordans, Converse, Pumas and Nikes, among others.

"It's not about the shoes that you wear, it's about the confidence that you have," Dixon said. "It's about [how] every step that you take is powerful. We here at AcademKICKS's say, 'dream, step, achieve. every step is powerful. Doesn't matter what kind of shoe you're wearing. As long as you're stepping, you are powerful."

They are also donating spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, pencil cases, pencils, bookbags, highlighters and more.

Dixon emphasized that many families have emailed the program -- grateful for the giveaway, citing how they "fell on hard times" due to financial issues or house fires.

Continue scrolling to see photos from the giveaway event:

AcademKICKS held its first-ever back-to-school sneaker giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Ivy League Event Center. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)