Presented by Emory Libraries, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and Emory Center for Digital Scholarship, "Footwork: Celebrating Soccer, Culture, and Community" covers the full pitch of soccer, culture, and identity. Drawing on Emory’s academic expertise, rich collections, and global partnerships (think sneaker culture influencers and community collaborators), the exhibition explores Atlanta’s interconnected stories of soccer, civil rights, and globalism from 1968 to today — helping us understand how our regional identity, our team, and even our sneakers express who we are.

Randy Gue, Rose Library’s assistant director of collection development and curator of political, cultural and social movements, co-curated the exhibition in collaboration with Melissa Carnegie, founder of Kicks & Fros, a Charlotte, NC-based lifestyle brand that educates and inspires Black and Brown women in the sneaker community.

The exhibition features a selection of Rose Library items that highlight the deep cultural and historical significance of soccer across generations and communities in Atlanta, including memorabilia, historical photos and other artifacts documenting the formation of the Atlanta Chiefs and the National Professional Soccer League. It will showcase a variety of clothing items from deep in the adidas archives that demonstrate how the World Cup, sports performance, and streetwear fashion have developed in concert.