It is always special when Kevin Durant takes the basketball court for a game other than the usual. It's a little more personal than the norm and comes with a purpose. This is the time he suits up on his signature shoe and a colorway dedicated to his Aunt Pearl.
But who is Aunt Pearl, you may be asking?
As a quiet skinny kid from Capitol Heights, Maryland, KD developed a special bond with his Aunt Pearl, his grandmother's sister. KD credits Pearl, along with his mother and grandmother, with playing a large role in his upbringing. This bond with her began when he was 5 years old and loved spending time with her aunt watching cartoons when he wasn't on the playground with a basketball on his
hand.
Pearl's Lung Cancer illness was kept from Durant, who was 11 years old when she tragically passed away in 2000 - with KD right by her side.
“That whole time I didn’t know she was dying of lung cancer,” Durant said.
“When she passed away right in front of me, I didn't know what it was for."
In 2012, KD and Nike introduced a tribute to Aunt Pearl by dedicating a colorway in association with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Proceeds from these colorways went to the Cancer Fund which is committed to finding an answer in the fight against women's cancers through supporting research programs and related projects. This is founded by Coach Kay Yow, a women's basketball coach from North Carolina State University. The Kay Yow logo is always seen on every Aunt Pearl colorway.
“I made a promise to myself to always honor my Aunt Pearl for the example she set, and the encouragement she gave me to follow my dreams,”
Some of the favorites in this Nike KD Collections Series are the KD 4 which is the very first Aunt Pearl colorway and designed by a robe Aunt Pearl often wears. The KD 6 which features a graphic of pink roses with blue accents and the KD 7 with a white based colorway with winged feature and my personal favorite, the KD 11, a pink-based colorway highlighted by the names of the 59 cancer survivors on its heel.
Having this colorway is his way to show support, raise awareness and contribute to a worthwhile cause while simultaneously honoring someone who had a tremendous impact on his life. The result is something that sneakerheads and "resellers" eagerly anticipate on an annual basis.
How bout you? What's your favorite Nike KD Aunt Pearl colorway?
Lemme hear them below.
