Actively Black: More Than Just Athleisure
Actively Black Athleisure Wear
From Courts to Community
The Journey of Lanny Smith
Actively Black is not your typical athleisure brand—it’s a powerful movement with roots in resilience and purpose. Let’s rewind to the beginning: Lanny Smith, a former professional basketball player, once had NBA dreams. However, fate intervened when, just 33 days after signing his first NBA contract with the Sacramento Kings, he suffered a career-ending knee injury in 2009. But Lanny’s spirit wasn’t broken; it was redirected.
Active Faith Sports and the Birth of Actively Black
In 2011, Lanny founded Active Faith Sports, a brand that blended faith and sports. Yet, his vision extended beyond sportswear. In 2020, Actively Black emerged—a brand that transcends fabric and stitches. It’s a mission-based entity, authentically reinvesting back into the Black community.
The Obama Watch and Beyond
The Presidential Wristwear
Remember that intriguing New Year’s Eve photo shared by Michelle Obama? The one where Barack Obama appeared to wear a black Royal Oak-style chronograph on a rubber strap? The watch in question turned out to be the Actively Black x Teleport collaboration—a major scoop for the brand. Teleport, a U.S.-based fashion watch producer, joined forces with Actively Black to create this timepiece. Obama’s endorsement added a powerful chapter to the brand’s story.
The Actively Black x Teleport “Obama” Watch
Let’s get hands-on with the watch itself. The Actively Black x Teleport is a blackened stainless steel chronograph, powered by a reliable Miyota quartz movement. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters and retails for an accessible $300. The design balances brushed and polished facets, creating a sleek porthole-shaped bezel. And yes, it graced Obama’s wrist—a symbol of unity, purpose, and style.
Mission: Beyond Threads
Uplifting the Black Community
Actively Black isn’t merely building an apparel brand; the clothes serve as the uniform for a movement. Their mission? To uplift and reinvest in the Black community. Existing brands have profited immensely by leveraging Black talent, culture, and consumerism, yet often failed to reinvest adequately. Actively Black aims to change that narrative. They’re not asking for a seat at the table; they’re building their own. Everyone—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion—is welcome into their Tribe, as long as they support this purpose and mission.
Numbers That Matter
Actively Black isn’t just talk; it’s action. In 2021, the brand was valued at $30 million, with $5.6 million in revenue. But it’s not just about profits. Actively Black rotates Black designers and reinvests 10% of sales into organizations supporting social justice, mental health, and physical well-being in U.S. Black communities.
