Malia Obama is making major waves in the world of sports and storytelling, stepping into the spotlight as a filmmaker for WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson’s debut Nike signature shoe, the A’One. The eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama directed two short films tied to the highly anticipated release, which drops Tuesday, May 6, on Nike.com.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Childhood Game
In the first video, a young girl teaches Wilson a reimagined version of the hand-clapping game “Miss Mary Mack,” with lyrics tailored to celebrate Wilson’s impact on and off the court.
“A’ja Wilson’s on top, top, top,” the girl sings. “Can’t take her spot, spot, spot.”
Wilson humorously fumbles the moves until the girl chimes in with,
“Girl, let me show you how a professional does it,”
prompting laughter and a lighthearted vibe. The video also includes a cameo by Dawn Staley, Wilson’s former coach at the University of South Carolina, where she led the Gamecocks to an NCAA championship.
Homegrown Legacy in Columbia, South Carolina
The second video showcases Wilson being interviewed at Big T’s Bar-B-Que, a beloved local spot in Columbia, South Carolina, her hometown. The setting offers a deeper, more intimate look at her roots, community ties, and the journey that shaped her basketball career.
Wilson Speaks on the Vision Behind the A’One
In a recent media session, Wilson shared her passion for the A’One sneaker and its purpose:
“The A’One is meant to go the distance, taking control from the jump and dominating the floor on every play. From the beginning, we designed the shoe to both support my game and to provide young hoopers a tool to help them level up.”
She added,
“When athletes wear my shoe or any of the pieces from my collection, I want them to feel the power behind that logo: the power to dream big, then put in the work — in style and confidence.”
When and Where to Buy
The Nike A’One will officially be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 6, exclusively on nike.com.
Malia Obama’s directorial contribution brings an artistic and empowering dimension to the sneaker launch, celebrating female athletes, Black excellence, and the next generation of hoopers with heart, humor, and heritage.
