Lord "Stevie" Williams Reignites Debate: Did Nike SB Appropriate Black Skate Culture?

A recent social media post by Lord Williams, featuring him skating Philly’s iconic Love Park in the Neon Air Max 95s long before Nike SB's inception, has sparked a major conversation within the skateboarding community. The clip, which garnered over sixteen thousand likes, wasn't just a trip down memory lane. Lord Williams leveraged its popularity to pose a provocative question that cuts to the core of skateboarding's origins: Did Nike SB appropriate Black skate culture, or was it Eric Koston?

For those familiar with Lord Williams, this isn't a new line of questioning. He has consistently highlighted instances where styles, tricks, and overall aesthetics in skateboarding have been adopted from Black skaters without proper acknowledgment. He has previously named Eric Koston directly, accusing him of imitating his tricks and personal style during an era when skating in Air Maxes was his signature look.

The timing of this renewed debate feels particularly deliberate, coinciding with Nike SB's planned 2025 re-release of the Air Max 95 “Run Skate Chill.”

Lord Williams's challenge extends beyond just footwear. It’s a demand for recognition of who truly influenced skateboarding's early days. He points out that he was pioneering the fusion of streetwear and skating in the mid-nineties, long before it gained mainstream acceptance or corporate endorsement. Now, he argues, the same brands are profiting from a style that originated directly from the streets and from Black skaters like himself.

The responses to his question have been varied. Many are siding with Lord Williams, asserting that it’s high time the industry acknowledges its true pioneers. Others dismiss his claims, suggesting he's merely seeking controversy or that such appropriation is simply part of the game. Regardless, the question has ignited a widespread discussion among skaters.

This conversation transcends a single skater or brand; it delves into the very history of skateboarding and the individuals who truly shaped it. As the self-proclaimed "king" of this culture, the DGK boss believes he has consistently led in style, creativity, and attitude for years, yet his contributions are frequently omitted from the mainstream narrative.