At P.F. Flyers, we champion those who push boundaries, break molds, and leave their mark. This Black History Month, we're spotlighting Jessica Monroe—a former college basketball player turned multidisciplinary artist and cultural advocate. Through her work, she builds community, celebrates identity, and connects generations—proving that true impact happens both on and off the court.
"Growing up, I knew in some instances it would be hard for me to get through certain doors but then again, it could help me open them as well if I just kept knocking until I broke the lock."
–Jessica Monroe
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you personally, and how do you celebrate it within your own life or community?
A: For me, Black History Month means perseverance. Within that perseverance churns out all these stories, old sayings, celebrations, inventions, revolutions, revolts, attempted genocides, wars, and so much more that my ancestors had to endure to gain simple human rights and freedoms. I celebrate Black History Month by sharing Black American knowledge, whether online or with the younger ones in my family. We usually get together and have dinner at the end of the month to show appreciation for those before us and for one another.
Q: What drew you to collaborate with P.F. Flyers for this photoshoot?
A: I knew of P.F. Flyers from the movie, The Sandlot, a great movie. They say they make you "run faster and jump higher." I heard great things about the brand and saw it as a perfect fit with my basketball background.
Q: How did you feel seeing yourself represented in The All-American Hi 14 footwear line?
A: I felt honored to even get the opportunity to represent The All-American Hi 14 footwear line. It was an incredible feeling to see the footage. Everyone did an amazing job. As a former college athlete, I understand the significance of Bob Cousy's endorsement with P.F. Flyers and how it has paved the way for so many athletes. That made being part of this even more exciting for me.
Q: How do you think representation in fashion, particularly in the footwear industry, is evolving, and why is it so important?
A: A kid can draw up a shoe design idea and send it to a shoe company to have it created in his size 7-10 business days later. Representation is rooted in history, identity, culture, and heritage. That kid has to be taught or have some type of knowledge of who he is and what he likes. The kid could grow up and decide to become a shoe designer. He or she can create designs containing their past, present, and future. These opportunities will evolve in any industry where everyone has input.
"Shoes are like the cherry on top that brings the whole Sunday together. You can pick an entire fit from the vibes of your shoes."
-Jessica Monroe
Q: How would you describe your personal style, and how do shoes play a role in expressing that?
A: If my personal style was an animal, it would be a chameleon because I wear so many different styles. It just depends on the weather, location, and vibe. Shoes are like the cherry on top that brings the whole Sunday together. You can pick an entire fit from the vibes of your shoes.
Q: Are there any cultural or historical influences that inspire your style or view of fashion?
A: I pick and pull from different eras; it just depends on how I feel and where I am going. My natural hair texture and style are drawn from the 1970s, which is the style I have most days. On other days, I love protective styles and 1990s attire.
Q: What role does fashion play in empowering and uplifting the BIPOC community?
A: There was a time when we didn't have expressive independence. Fashion is a part of the culture that is passed down from one generation to the next. The evolution happens within each generation, where tradition is still present but is sprinkled with a little bit of modernism. Each group that makes up the BIPOC community has its own fashion that pays respect to their ancestors and who they are spiritually. Having the world see and accept one another's differences would help save us all.
Q: How do you hope to continue using your platform to empower others or contribute to positive change?
A: My platforms are an extension of me and it isn't just tailored with the good times. I am a private person, to a degree, but if I feel like an important message should be relayed, I will share it. I hope my platform and the obstacles I've shared inspire someone who may be going through a hard time. Hopefully, they see that storms come and go but never last forever. Getting to the other side of that storm is the challenge.
Q: Can you share a bit about your modeling journey? How did you get started, and what has the experience been like so far?
A: I have loved taking pictures since I was a young girl. At any family gathering, if there was a camera, I was in front of it. My parents wanted me to focus on my studies, and along the way, I met my first love, basketball. I played basketball in college [at UNC Asheville] and as soon as I graduated, I moved back home. I was online looking for a job and casting calls. I met some incredible people and ended up signing with an agency after 7 years of freelancing. In 2025, I still love to model and be in front of the camera. I am learning more behind the camera which has been fun, too.
Q: As a model, what are some of the challenges you've faced in the industry, and how have you navigated them?
A: One challenge is being cast or sent the "typical" or type cast auditions. I also dabble in acting and the same stories are repeatedly told. I feel like there are so many stories that could be told other than the traditional gang-affiliated or negative stereotypes related to the Black community. I, personally, used my moral judgment and really think how does it impact me or what image does it portray to my community? If it isn't a positive one, I move on to what I feel is best for me.
Q: How do you see your role as a model in the context of Black History Month? Do you think representation in fashion plays a key part in shaping cultural narratives?
A: I see my role in the context of Black History Month as the opportunist side that rarely gets pushed to Black Americans. The history of America towards Black Americans was disheartening and cruel. It shut the door for millions from reaching their full potential. Growing up, I knew in some instances it would be hard for me to get through particular doors, but then again, it could help me open them as well if I just kept knocking until I broke the lock. Have I reached all my goals? No, but I am not going to not try because I was told it was going to be harder.
Q: Who are some Black women in the fashion world (or outside of it) who have influenced you or whose work you admire?
A: This is a tough question. I admire all Black women's fashion throughout the different eras. You can reach back to Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill, so many for inspiration. Right now, I am loving the fashionship between Zendaya and the celebrity stylist, Law Roach. It is the array of different fits, it isn't just one style across the board. That's me, I really can and will wear anything.
Q: As a BIPOC model, how do you handle moments where your representation doesn't fully align with your values? What would you like to see change in terms of diversity and inclusivity in fashion?
A: I kindly decline those moments I feel do not align with my morality or values. Especially in the industry, I have to do my research before I link my face to anything. This issue has gotten better but for a while I would run into people that weren't trained on an array of different features. On set, I have run into hair stylists who didn't know how to work or style my natural, curly hair. I wouldn't make them feel awkward, I would just tell them what my hair likes or doesn't like.
Q: How can we continue to honor and celebrate Black women in fashion, both during Black History Month and beyond?
A: I believe the most important thing to do when it comes to the continuation of honoring Black women in fashion overall is respect. That respect has layers to it, though. Giving credit where credit is due and not stealing cultural ideas or creations for financial gain falls within that respect.
Q: Are there any causes or initiatives you are passionate about that you would like to share with our readers?
A: I am really passionate about our youth. I used basketball in my previous life to connect with the youth and prepare them to compete for what they want in life, on and off the court. I attended basketball boot camps in the summer as a high school player but also served as a camp counselor for the younger players. We spent nearly the entire day with them, doing basketball drills, teaching techniques, refereeing games, eating lunches, and getting to know them. It was a great time in my life. Preparing our youth for their futures should be a higher priority, forever and always.
Q: For those who are interested in pursuing a modeling career but feel like they don't fit the traditional mold, what advice would you give them?
A: I would tell those individuals not to count themselves out. What's the saying? "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take?" Nowadays, the modeling industry has opened so many new lanes for a variety of looks. If you can't find a lane with your specific "look," then it's time to create one. Also, it weighs heavily on timing. You may submit your digitals to an agency and never hear back. It is not YOU, the agency may already have someone with your look. So, do not get discouraged, just be ready when the opportunity comes.
Jessica's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and self-expression. From the court to the canvas, from modeling to mentorship, she's redefining what it means to leave a lasting impact. At P.F. Flyers, we believe in honoring those who shape culture and inspire change—not just during Black History Month but every day. Here's to the artists, the athletes, the storytellers, and the waymakers who keep pushing forward.
