Actively Black is a premium athleisure and sports apparel brand founded in 2020 by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith. He was inspired to address the lack of representation and investment in Black communities by major brands that profited immensely from Black culture and consumerism.

The brand emerged from Smith’s journey to embrace his Black identity and the cultural impact of films like “Black Panther” that celebrated Black excellence. The events of 2020, including the murder of George Floyd, further compelled Smith to launch Actively Black as a movement and platform to genuinely represent and support Black communities beyond just selling apparel.

The brand philosophy centers on uplifting and reinvesting in the Black community to improve wellbeing and fitness. Actively Black offers performance collections featuring bold designs and colors and collaborations like outfitting Team Nigeria for the 2022 Winter Olympics. More than a business, Lanny Smith views Actively Black as representing a shift – from seeking inclusion to building independent avenues showcasing Black greatness through quality products and catalyzing social change and empowerment. The vision is not just fashion but also community impact.