Following the celebration of its 7th Founder’s Day on December 18, 2025, the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society (RBPSOC) is proud to officially announce a groundbreaking fundraising partnership with the luxury lifestyle brand Created by Queen Diva.
To kick off the new year, the organization is launching “RootsRhythmBlues by Queen Diva,” a limited-edition athletic shoe designed in collaboration with the prestigious Italian footwear platform, AliveShoes.com.
This collaboration represents a fusion of high fashion, social entrepreneurship, and cultural stewardship. In a bold move to secure the future of music history, 50% of all proceeds from every pair sold will be donated directly to the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society to fund their 2026 archival projects, educational curricula, and collegiate preservation initiatives.
A Step Towards Preservation Black music history is the foundation of American culture, yet the stories, artifacts, and oral histories of its architects are often lost or underfunded. This partnership seeks to bridge that financial gap through commerce and style.
We are losing our musical ancestors at an alarming rate, and with them goes the institutional knowledge of the Rhythm & Blues era,” said Rev. Dr. Sonja Elise Freeman, known professionally as “Queen Diva,” the shoe’s designer and the Vice President/Chief Curriculum Officer of the RBPSOC. “On our 7th Founder’s Day last month, we committed to finding innovative ways to fund this work. The ‘RootsRhythmBlues’ shoe is more than footwear; it is a movement. When you wear these shoes, you are physically walking in support of Black culture.”
About the “RootsRhythmBlues” Sneaker Handcrafted in Le Marche, Italy—historically known as “The Shoe Valley”—the RootsRhythmBlues sneaker is produced through AliveShoes, ensuring master craftsmanship and premium Italian leather. The design reflects the vibrant energy, soul, and resilience of the Rhythm & Blues genre.
Availability & Impact The official promotional campaign begins today, January 6, 2026, inviting music lovers, historians, and sneaker enthusiasts globally to support the cause.
- Where to Buy: https://www.aliveshoes.com/rootsrhythmblues
- The Impact: 50% of proceeds go directly to RBPS operations and programming.
