A Black-owned company Actively BLACK created by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith, has unveiled the 2024 Olympic kits for Team Nigeria. This significant announcement highlights both a personal triumph for Smith and a broader mission to reinvest in the Black community. The unveiling took place on July 6, 2024, just weeks before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024.
Lanny Smith, who played professional basketball before an injury ended his career, founded Actively Black to address what he perceived as a gap in the sports apparel industry. In an interview with CNBC, Smith said…
“A lot of these sports apparel brands have profited off of Black talent. The companies have profited off of the consumerism from the Black community. And I felt like they hadn’t adequately reinvested back into the Black community”.
Lanny Smith
The 2024 Olympic kits designed for Team Nigeria are not just about aesthetics but also embody a mission of empowerment and reinvestment. Actively Black aims to uplift the Black community, focusing on mental health and physical fitness. The company’s philosophy is rooted in creating opportunities and giving back to the community which has long been a significant contributor to the success of the sports industry.
Smith’s journey from an injured athlete to an entrepreneur making a significant impact in the sports apparel industry is inspiring. He had always dreamed of participating in the Olympics, and while an injury prevented him from competing, his role in designing the Olympic kits for Team Nigeria represents a full-circle moment. On July 26, 2024, he will march into the Paris Olympic Stadium with Team Nigeria, fulfilling his Olympic dream in a unique and impactful way.
The kits themselves are a blend of modern design and cultural elements, representing Nigeria’s rich heritage and vibrant future. The materials used are high-quality, ensuring comfort and performance for the athletes. Each kit has been designed with input from the athletes themselves, ensuring that it meets their needs and preferences.
Actively Black’s initiative is particularly significant in light of the broader conversations around racial equity and corporate responsibility. Smith’s comments to CNBC underscore a common criticism that many major brands profit from Black talent without adequately reinvesting in Black communities. By creating Actively Black, Smith is not only addressing this issue but also setting a precedent for how businesses can and should operate.
In addition to the Olympic kits, Actively Black has a range of apparel designed to promote physical fitness and mental well-being. The company has partnered with various organizations to provide resources and support for mental health initiatives within the Black community. This holistic approach to health and wellness sets Actively Black apart from other brands in the industry.
The response to the unveiling of the Olympic kits has been overwhelmingly positive. Athletes and fans alike have praised the design and the mission behind it. Social media has been abuzz with support and excitement, with many expressing pride in seeing a Black-owned brand take such a prominent role in the Olympics.
Smith’s vision for Actively Black goes beyond just creating apparel. It is about creating a legacy of empowerment and reinvestment. The company plans to continue its work in the community, supporting various initiatives that promote health, education, and economic empowerment.
As the Paris Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Team Nigeria as they march into the stadium wearing the Actively Black kits. For Lanny Smith, this moment is a testament to his resilience, vision, and commitment to making a difference. It is a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have when they are driven by purpose and a desire to create positive change.
Actively Black’s unveiling of the 2024 Olympic kits for Team Nigeria is not just a milestone for the company but a significant moment in the ongoing effort to uplift and support the Black community. Through this initiative, Smith and his team are setting a new standard for corporate responsibility and community engagement.
