Jordan Brand‘s « District 23 » is elevating Paris‘ diverse 18th arrondissement into a global epicenter for sport and culture this summer. The six-week immersive experience, housed in the historic former Tati Barbès department store, is a love letter to the diasporic youth who shape basketball’s international influence.
Creative Director Youssouf Fofana, founder of fashion brand Maison Château Rouge, curated the « District 23 » curriculum to empower the next generation. « My hope was that by amplifying the 18th arrondissement to the world, we could elevate the community members’ collective pursuit to change the narrative, » says Fofana, who grew up surrounded by Paris’ African diaspora.
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In partnership with Foot Locker, District 23 provides Parisian youth access to basketball courts and outdoor spaces, using sport as a gateway to creative skills. Community members can participate in tournaments and open play at key locations like Paris Basket 18 women’s club and Square Leon park.
The « Diaspora Renaissance » exhibition, co-curated by Fofana and Jordan Brand’s Easy Otabor, showcases contemporary works from 23 global artists exploring diasporic communities. Six artists offer their interpretations of the iconic Air Jordan 1 through this cultural lens.
The District 23 also celebrates the 18th arrondissement’s gastronomy, highlighting traditional recipes and emerging chefs. Sneaker enthusiasts can visit the region’s first Foot Locker x Jordan store nearby.
« It’s hard to imagine what’s possible for yourself without having the knowledge and references to look back to, » adds Fofana. « District 23 is the memento we want to leave behind for youth from the 18th arrondissement to always reference as they achieve all that they dream.«
