Actively Black- More Than Just Apparel
Sometimes, a moment in time can really shift things, making people feel a deep need for something different, something more genuine. That's how it feels when you think about the story behind Actively Black, a brand that came into being when a lot of folks were looking for real action and commitment, not just words, from big companies. It's almost as if the world was waiting for someone to step up and show what true purpose looks like in the business of everyday items.
You know, after the very sad events of 2020, particularly with George Floyd's passing, many large businesses put out statements about fairness and making things right. Yet, for some, these statements just didn't quite hit home; they felt, in a way, a bit empty. It was during this time that Lanny Smith, a person with a clear vision, saw a chance to do something truly meaningful. He decided to create something that would actually put action behind those important ideas, building a business that stood for more than just selling things.
This whole idea grew into Actively Black, a line of comfy activewear and athletic clothes that really embodies a bigger message. It's not just about what you wear; it’s about what that clothing represents. From the very start, the business has been about supporting communities and building something strong from the ground up, all while offering really good quality items. It's quite a powerful way to approach things, don't you think?
Table of Contents
- Lanny Smith - The Person Behind Actively Black
- What Sparked the Idea for Actively Black?
- How Does Actively Black Stand Out? A Look at Actively Black's Approach
- Actively Black and the Million Shirt Movement
- Why Does Actively Black Focus on a Black-Owned Supply Chain? The Actively Black Community Impact
- The Value Behind Actively Black's Prices
- Is There Something Special in Our DNA at Actively Black? The Actively Black Spirit
- Looking Ahead - Where Actively Black Might Go
Lanny Smith - The Person Behind Actively Black
Lanny Smith is the person who got Actively Black going. He's the one who had the idea and made it happen. His background and what he cares about really shape what Actively Black is all about. He saw a gap, a place where things could be better, and he decided to step in and create a business that reflects his values. It's pretty cool to see someone take a strong belief and turn it into something real that people can connect with.
He's a person who pays attention to what's happening around him, and he felt a strong pull to do something constructive after certain events. That feeling, that sense of wanting to make a difference, is what actually pushed him to start this venture. It’s not just about making clothes; it’s about making a point and building something that genuinely supports a community. That, you know, is a pretty big deal.
Personal Details - Lanny Smith
| Role | Founder of Actively Black |
| Inspiration for Actively Black | Feeling that big companies' statements on racism and social justice lacked real action after George Floyd's 2020 murder. |
| Vision for Growth | Considers the continent of Africa as a growing market for expansion. |
| Core Belief | Larger companies did not deliver on promises after George Floyd's death, prompting the need for a different approach. |
What Sparked the Idea for Actively Black?
So, what really got Actively Black off the ground? It was, you know, a moment of deep reflection for Lanny Smith. When George Floyd was killed in 2020, there was a huge public outcry, and many big corporations put out statements saying they stood against racism and for social fairness. But Lanny, like a lot of people, felt that these public declarations didn't quite feel genuine. They sort of rang hollow, as if they were just words without much real action behind them. This feeling of disappointment, this sense that something more substantial was needed, actually became the starting point for his whole idea.
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He realized that if real change was going to happen, it might need to come from within the community itself, from people building their own things. That's why he decided to create a business that wasn't just about making money, but about making a tangible difference, about showing what it truly means to be committed to a cause. It was about filling that void, providing something that felt honest and had real integrity. It’s a pretty powerful origin story for a business, if you ask me, born from a desire for authenticity.
How Does Actively Black Stand Out? A Look at Actively Black's Approach
Actively Black really sets itself apart in a few important ways. First off, it's not just another clothing brand. It was started on the very clear idea that bigger companies hadn't really followed through on their promises after George Floyd's death. So, Lanny Smith wanted to build something that would actually do the work, something that would live up to its stated purpose. This means, you know, every piece of clothing, every decision, is rooted in a commitment to community and fairness.
Then there's the quality. They talk about premium athleisure and sports apparel. This isn't just throwaway stuff; it’s meant to be good quality, lasting items. And a really big part of what makes Actively Black unique is its focus on a supply chain that is entirely owned and operated by Black individuals and businesses. This isn't just a small detail; it's a central part of their mission, meant to keep wealth circulating within the Black community. It’s a very intentional way of doing business, designed to make a real impact, and that, you know, makes it quite different.
Actively Black and the Million Shirt Movement
One of the truly eye-catching things about Actively Black is their "Million Shirt Movement." It’s more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a powerful declaration. The movement’s tagline, "we’re not just picking cotton. we’re picking power," really gets to the heart of what they're trying to do. It flips a very difficult historical image on its head, turning it into a symbol of strength and self-determination. It's, in a way, about reclaiming a narrative and building something new from it.
This movement isn't just about selling a million shirts for the sake of it. It’s about the deeper meaning behind each purchase, the idea that every shirt bought contributes to a larger goal of empowerment and economic independence. It's about showing that the community can build its own structures, create its own opportunities, and, you know, generate its own kind of wealth. This whole idea seems to resonate quite strongly with people, as evidenced by the large number of likes and conversations happening around their social media presence.
Why Does Actively Black Focus on a Black-Owned Supply Chain? The Actively Black Community Impact
The decision to build an entirely Black-owned supply chain is, quite simply, at the very core of Actively Black’s purpose. It’s not just a preference; it’s a fundamental part of their mission. The whole reason for doing this is to make sure that the money generated by the business stays within and moves around the Black community. This is a very intentional way to create wealth and support economic growth where it’s often most needed. It’s about building a system that benefits the community directly, rather than having profits go elsewhere.
Think about it: from the cotton that’s grown—100% Black grown cotton from places like Bridgeforth Farm—to the making of the clothes in America, every step is meant to support Black businesses and workers. This approach helps to create jobs, build financial stability, and strengthen the community’s overall economic well-being. It’s a really concrete way of putting their values into practice, showing that they are, you know, truly committed to their stated goals beyond just selling clothes. It’s a powerful example of economic self-sufficiency in action.
The Value Behind Actively Black's Prices
When you look at the prices for Actively Black apparel, you might, you know, wonder why they are what they are. The company is very open about this: their prices directly reflect the costs involved in making really good quality items. We're talking about premium quality, 100% organic apparel, and it's all produced right here in America. Making things in America, especially with high-quality organic materials, often costs a bit more than making them overseas with cheaper materials. That’s just, you know, how it tends to be.
But beyond the cost of materials and manufacturing, the prices also include their mission to support Black farmers in a very meaningful way. This means that a part of what you pay goes towards ensuring these farmers are fairly compensated and supported, which is a big deal for building sustainable communities. So, when you buy something from Actively Black, you’re not just getting a piece of clothing; you're also contributing to a system that values fair practices and community support. It's, in a way, an investment in a larger purpose.
Is There Something Special in Our DNA at Actively Black? The Actively Black Spirit
Actively Black often speaks about "greatness in our DNA." This isn't just a catchy phrase; it’s a deep belief that runs through everything they do. It suggests that there’s an inherent strength, a kind of excellence, within the community they serve and represent. This idea helps to inspire both the people who make the clothes and the people who wear them. It’s about, you know, tapping into a sense of pride and capability that has always been there.
This idea of "greatness" also connects to the quality of their products, like the 100% Black grown cotton from Bridgeforth Farm used in their drop shoulder oversized fit items. It’s about showing that quality, purpose, and community can all come together in a single product. It’s a way of saying that what they create is not just good, but exceptional, reflecting the potential and spirit they believe in. This ethos is, in some respects, what truly defines the Actively Black brand beyond just its clothing.
Looking Ahead - Where Actively Black Might Go
Lanny Smith has some pretty big ideas for where Actively Black could go in the future. He’s looking at the continent of Africa as a growing place to expand his business. This shows a vision that goes beyond just the local market, aiming for a much wider reach and impact. It’s about seeing opportunities for growth and connection on a global scale, which is, you know, quite ambitious and exciting.
The idea of expanding into Africa suggests a desire to build even more connections and to potentially support more communities on a broader level. It's about taking the principles that have made Actively Black successful and seeing how they can apply in new places, creating even more opportunities for economic development and community building. This forward-looking approach is a key part of the Actively Black story, showing that their mission is, apparently, always moving forward and seeking new ways to make a difference.
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