The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) presents a new display that embodies the spirit of Oakland Strong. Three pairs of sneakers worn by NBA All Star and Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry--on loan from an anonymous collector--are now on view in OMCA's Great Hall. Two of the three custom, one-of-a-kind shoes pay respect to the victims of the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in December of 2016, raising a total of $45,201 for the Oakland Fire Relief fund established through YouCaring.com by the Oakland Athletics. The shoes were purchased through an auction on eBay.
According to a statement from the Golden State Warriors, on January 12, representatives from the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, and Oakland Raiders presented a check for $750,000 to representatives from the American Red Cross and the City of Oakland, who accepted on behalf of the victims and their families, to help assist with relief efforts from the Ghost Shop warehouse fire. One hundred percent of the donated funds are going to those directly impacted by the fire. The proceeds from the shoe auction will also be distributed to this fund to support relief efforts.
The two pairs of customized Under Armour Curry 3s include the in-game "Oakland Strong" shoes featuring the words "OAKLAND" and "STRONG" down the sides in Warriors' blue and yellow colors, and the pregame "Ghost Ship" shoes worn on-court on December 15, 2016 including the initials of each of the victims. Both pairs are autographed by Curry.
"My goal in wearing these shoes was to not only honor the victims that lost their lives that night, but also to raise awareness for the relief efforts that are underway. Hopefully through this auction we can help further assist with those efforts," says Curry.
In addition to the two customized pairs, a pair of Under Armour Curry 1 sneakers worn by Curry during Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Final Playoffs in 2015, the year the Warriors won their championship, will be on display. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on their own connection to the community and how to help make Oakland Strong.
"As a cultural hub where the community in Oakland comes together, the Museum aims to provide a space to gather together for support, healing, and solidarity," says OMCA Director & CEO Lori Fogarty. "These shoes are a representation of the generosity within our community, as well as a way to continue to honor those who perished in the tragic fire. The Warriors' team spirit inspires fans to feel a special connection to this community."
Those interested in contributing to the Oakland Fire Relief fund established by the Oakland Athletics can visit warriors.com/oaklandfiredonations. For more on the display at OMCA, visit museumca.org/exhibit/oakland-strong.