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Run It Houston: Hibbett and Nike Celebrate Juneteenth at Fondé Recreation Center

Sports Lifestyle

Run It Houston: Hibbett and Nike Celebrate Juneteenth at Fondé Recreation Center

Jun 24, 2026

This Juneteenth, Hibbett and Nike partnered to celebrate basketball, community, and culture at Houston's iconic Fondé Recreation Center. The special activation brought together local athletes, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts for an afternoon of competition while showcasing new colorways of the Nike KD 19.

Bright pink Nike KD 19 basketball shoe being presented during a community event, with the sneaker held above an open shoebox in an indoor gymnasium setting.

There couldn't have been a more fitting venue for the event than Fondé Recreation Center. A staple of Houston basketball culture, Fondé has long been a gathering place where talent is developed, community is built, and the city's love for the game continues to thrive. Throughout the years, its courts have hosted everyone from aspiring young athletes to professional players, earning a reputation as one of Houston's most respected basketball institutions.

 

The activation invited hoopers from across the city to take part in competitive 5-on-5 runs, celebrating the energy and passion that have defined Houston basketball for generations. Beyond the games themselves, the event recognized the coaches, mentors, and community members who continue to invest in the next generation of athletes and help keep the culture of the game alive. 

A major highlight of the day was the opportunity for players to lace up and compete in new colorways of Kevin Durant's latest signature shoe, getting an early look at one of basketball's most anticipated performance models.

 

A standout visual element of the event was the lineup of candy-painted slab cars displayed outside the gym. Deeply rooted in Houston culture, the custom-painted vehicles provided a fitting backdrop for the unveiling of the new KD 19 colorways, helping bridge the worlds of basketball, sneakers, and the city itself. The vibrant finishes and bold color palettes echoed the energy of the shoes on court, creating an experience that felt uniquely Houston from the moment guests arrived.

Group of participants standing outdoors holding Nike KD shoeboxes and colorful KD 19 basketball shoes during a community basketball event.

The event was especially meaningful given Kevin Durant's connection to the Houston basketball community and the influence that spaces like Fondé have had on shaping the game. From the competitive runs inside the gym to the celebration of local car culture outside, the activation highlighted the elements that make Houston's basketball scene so distinct. Bringing the KD 19 to one of the city's most storied courts created a moment that connected sport, style, and community in an authentic way.

 

For Hibbett, the activation reflected an ongoing commitment to showing up where basketball culture lives. By partnering with Nike and investing in a community-driven experience, the event went beyond product and focused on creating meaningful connections through sport. 

More than a showcase for a new shoe, the Juneteenth celebration honored the spirit of community, opportunity, and perseverance that both basketball and the holiday represent. Surrounded by the history of Fondé Recreation Center and the energy of Houston's basketball community, the day served as a reminder of the power of the game to bring people together.

Nike KD 19 basketball shoes in green, red, and black colorways displayed on a classic car wire-spoke wheel, highlighting the sneaker collection in an outdoor setting.
Bright pink Nike KD 19 basketball shoes paired with cream knit socks on an indoor basketball court, highlighting the vibrant sneaker colorway during a community basketball event.
Community event participant receiving a Nike KD shoebox from a convertible filled with giveaway sneakers as attendees gather outdoors.
Fondé Recreation Center entrance featuring a large overhead Fondé sign inside the gym, with attendees gathered near the facility entrance during a community basketball event.
Nike KD 19 basketball shoes in black, green, and red colorways displayed on the hood of a custom green classic car with chrome wire-spoke wheels.
Nike KD 19 basketball shoes in green, red, and black colorways displayed on a classic car wire-spoke wheel, highlighting the sneaker collection in an outdoor setting.
Bright pink Nike KD 19 basketball shoes paired with cream knit socks on an indoor basketball court, highlighting the vibrant sneaker colorway during a community basketball event.
Community event participant receiving a Nike KD shoebox from a convertible filled with giveaway sneakers as attendees gather outdoors.
Fondé Recreation Center entrance featuring a large overhead Fondé sign inside the gym, with attendees gathered near the facility entrance during a community basketball event.
Nike KD 19 basketball shoes in black, green, and red colorways displayed on the hood of a custom green classic car with chrome wire-spoke wheels.

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