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What can suits, sneakers, and even the way one walks through a tunnel onto the basketball court, tell us about history?

The story of NBA fashion is the story of black people dating back to the 1940 court. Tell us about history? The story of NBA fashion is the story of black people

dating back to the 1940s, which is also to say it's the history of America. That was writer and

Ted fellow Mitchell S. Jackson. In his talk, he explores how the fashion of NBA players,

from pioneers like Bill Russell to cultural icons like Michael Jordan and Alan Iverson,

tells a much bigger story of U.S. history than you might think,

and how clothing can be a powerful reflection of identity and resistance.

Kobe's cosmopolitan sensibilities challenged biases about the breadth of black men's cultural influences.

LeBron wearing the last words of Eric Garner empowered a new generation of athletes to broadcast their politics.

This is indeed a story about love and basketball, culture, and the ways that style can be worth a thousand words.

That's coming up right after a short break.

And now our TED Talk of the day.

Serious two-part question for you.

What are you wearing and why?

Well, I hope none of you are decked in an outfit against your will.

I happen to think our fashion choices should be deeper than just because we like something. Who am I? I'm

a long-ago Hooper. That jumper was wet too. Lifelong basketball fan and long-inspiring

fashionisto. But most importantly, I wrote the book on NBA fashion, literally. A project that taught me that the story of NBA fashion is a story of black people dating

back to the 1940s, which is also to say, it's the history of America.

And I plan to show you how players' fashion choices have been both a reflection of the times and a catalyst for changing

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