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Levi’s Reaches $5M In Media Impact Value In 2 Days Thanks To Its Latest Campaign With Beyoncé

Levi’s is capitalizing on its feature on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter.” The clothing company recognized for its denim jeans was a listed track on her country album, which was released on March 29, 2024, by Parkwood Entertainment and Colombia Records and featured artists like Post Malone and Miley Cyrus. While the iron was hot, Levi’s took the opportunity to change its Instagram handle by inserting an additional I, aligned with the spelling of the song on the album, “Levii’s Jeans.” However, Kenny Mitchell, chief marketing officer at Levi Strauss & Co., believed the company could push the brand even further if they partnered with the Houston, TX-born artist. “Once that album came out, it was obviously a moment where we said, ‘Hey, maybe we can start to have some conversations about whether a deeper partnership makes sense,’” Mitchell told The New York Times. Having already planted a seed of familiarity with Beyoncé in the past, as she sported the jeans as a Destiny’s Child member and has...

Oct 3, 2024

The First Reported 100% Free Full-Service Grocery Store In Maryland Has Opened Inside A Baltimore Library To Help Combat Food Insecurity

A grocery store considering its community first has opened in Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore community will now be able to shop at the Pratt Free Market, which will operate as a full-service grocery store following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the city’s Enoch Pratt Free Library. The market is inside the library’s Southeast Anchor location in the Highlandtown neighborhood. M’Balu “Lu” Bangura, chief of equity and fair practices at the Enoch Pratt Library, shared on Instagram that no income verification or ID will be required at the grocery store, and all items will be available for free to those living in a state where one-third of the population experiences food insecurity. Per WBAL-11 TV, customers will be able to stock one library-supplied bag each day. “Just come as you are and fill a bag with groceries at NO COST,” Bangura wrote on Instagram. “This market is for the City. All are welcome…I dreamt of this almost 2 years ago, I’m so proud to cut the ribbon on the first 100%...

Sep 30, 2024

Eastside Golf, A Lifestyle Apparel Brand Founded By 2 Morehouse Graduates, Debuts Footwear Collaboration With Nike

The founders of Eastside Golf continue to build on their momentum in the golf apparel space while staying true to their roots. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, Morehouse College graduates Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper founded the brand without a fashion background in 2019 after working full-time in corporate America. The company boasts products such as polo shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shoes, and accessories including bags, all tailored towards men and women. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eastside Golf (@eastsidegolf) Beyond the product offerings, the founders have continued to pave their own way through their mission that centers moving the sport forward among the youth and non-golfers while increasing diversity in a predominantly white sport. Their vision has led to an increase in support as they scaled their annual revenue from $100,000 in their first year to $4 million in 2023. They kicked off 2024 with a $3.4 million raise led by EP Golf Ventures, and the...

Sep 4, 2024

'It's Official:' Kordell Beckham Has Achieved Long-Term Goal Of Securing Cheez-It Partnership After ‘Love Island’ Win

Kordell Beckham spoke his dream partnership into existence. Beckham, a Houston, TX, native and brother of NFL player Odell Beckham Jr., was among the Season Six cast of “Love Island USA” and ultimately won the coveted $100,000 cash prize with fellow contestant and love interest, Serena Page, US Weekly reports, with the two still a couple today, according to Forbes. Beckham plans to invest his portion of his “Love Island USA” earnings, per Access Hollywood. Beckham’s knack for business was highlighted during the season in a chat with Page, with whom he explained his career as a model and an aircraft fueler. Blavity reported he has even worked for Odell Beckham Brands, which offers men’s grooming products. Beckham also mentioned that he would like to be a homeowner in the future and is interested in securing a sponsorship with snack brand Cheez-It. “I can’t get enough of Cheez-It,” he told Page. Upon exiting the villa, Beckham and Page conducted a series of interviews, including one...

Aug 20, 2024

Howard University Women's Basketball Team Secures A Sponsorship Deal With Black-Owned Company Black Girl Vitamins

Howard University women’s basketball has landed a sweet deal with Black Girl Vitamins. According to a press release, Howard University Bison Women’s Basketball team has cemented a multi-year deal with Black Girl Vitamins as its official sponsor. The vitamin company aims to empower Black women in their health journeys with high-quality products, health expertise, and education resources. Through the partnership, the team’s players and coaches will receive vitamins, and the team will also be provided with direct monetary sponsorship. “Thank you, @blackgirlvitamins !! Thank you for seeing us!! Thank you for seeing all Black Women and making our health a priority,” the team wrote in a caption shared on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HU Womens Basketball Team (@howard_wbb) Black Girl Vitamins commented in a separate Instagram post: “Holding this secret in for this long was not easy for us at all, legit wanted to explode. But yes we are THE OFFICIAL, yes THE...

Jun 28, 2024

Michael B. Jordan Takes Inspiration From His Mother's Lupus Journey By Making Health Resources More Accessible In Black Communities

For the second year, actor Michael B. Jordan and flavored bottled water company Propel aim to bridge the gap between resources and access for people striving to regain control of their health. Last year in partnership with Propel, Jordan used his influence and Propel’s funds to equip the WalkGood LA studio — a space for yoga enthusiasts of all levels — with the resources needed to establish its presence in the health and wellness industry. “We were looking for different organizations in LA, wanted to kick it off in Los Angeles, and open up their first physical space, The WalkGood Yard. This space enabled [WalkGood LA] to expand their programs and classes in a central location, providing the facility and location to grow their brand and reach the community at large,” Jordan said in an interview with AFROTECH™. “This year, we’re creating spaces for other organizations. Instead of going to them, we’re opening under one roof, creating a rotating space for up to 16 organizations to come...

Jun 25, 2024

Why Founder Pinky Cole Opted Not To Use Traditional Marketing To Spread The Word About Slutty Vegan

As Pinky Cole continues to reach the pinnacles of success as an entrepreneur, she also lifts others as she climbs. The Slutty Vegan founder and CEO has never been afraid of taking risks and betting on herself, even when the odds are stacked against her. Her Atlanta, GA-based restaurant has been wildly successful, even though she created the concept as a passion project, initially launching the company as a food truck without focusing solely on profit. “I pinch myself every day,” she told AFROTECH™ in a recent interview. “Sometimes we’re so immersed in our work that we don’t realize the blessings happening around us. I think about how Slutty Vegan opened the door for me to partner with PepsiCo on the Pepsi Dig In Campaign to support Black-owned restaurateurs. As a leader in this space, I can help provide the support they need.” Cole added, “It’s all been a passion project for me because I get to help people reimagine food in a way they never have before. Every single day, I’m humbled...

Jun 3, 2024

Usher's Nonprofit And IBM Are Offering Underserved Youth Free Tech Training

Usher’s nonprofit organization, Usher’s New Look, is working to make tech career paths more accessible for underserved youth. Essence reports that Usher’s New Look teamed up with IBM’s SkillsBuild program to provide young people who are supported by the nonprofit with free tech training including in AI. IBM’s free global platform provides educational pathways and content, particularly focused on career prep resources. “We serve more than 1,500 youth per year, and all the students we serve will have access to SkillsBuild,” said Usher’s New Look CEO and President Careshia Moore, according to Essence. “AI is being infused into every part of our lives, particularly the workforce. We want to make sure that our young people are prepared for what’s coming.” IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer Justina Nixon-Saintil chimed in, “In the United States, we very much focus on partnerships like Usher’s New Look, where we can to bring the free training, the expertise from IBM, even job...

May 20, 2024

Patrick Mahomes Ventures Into The Coffee Industry As A Lead Investor In Throne Sport Coffee

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a new business venture to add to his ever-growing portfolio. According to Boardroom, the three-time Super Bowl champion is taking his love for coffee to higher heights as a lead investor for Throne Sport Coffee, a ready-to-drink coffee beverage company that was launched Thursday (May 16). Putting his money where his mouth is, not only did Mahomes attend a nice chunk of developmental and departmental meetings for the company, but he also had samples of the coffee sent to his home every two to four weeks in 2023 to ensure that he was able to help the Throne Sport family create a “tasty, healthy beverage with mass appeal to compete in a crowded market.” “There were a lot of samples sent and the season worked out well,” Mahomes said. “We won the Super Bowl, so it must have worked. We’ve come up with a great product, and I think people will really enjoy them throughout the entire day, not be jittery, and not be sluggish after the coffee...

May 16, 2024

Mary J. Blige Steps Into The Footwear Market With Her Highly-Anticipated Boot Release And Sells Out Within 24 Hours

Mary J. Blige’s fans have been asking her for a boot collection for years. Now, the music legend has delivered on her promise. In May 2023, the “Good Morning Gorgeous” singer exclusively shared with AFROTECH™ that her signature boot line was on the way. “It’s in the works,” Blige told AFROTECH™ at the time . “For some reason, this is taking longer than everything else, but we’re gonna get there. Trust me. Everything else is here so that’s on its way.” The time has officially arrived as Blige teamed up with Giuseppe Zanotti in May 2024 for “The Mary Boot.” What’s more, she was a part of the design process. “Giuseppe Zanotti and Mary J. Blige have transformed their longtime friendship into an exclusive, limited-edition collaboration,” Giuseppe Zanotti shared on its Instagram page. “‘The Mary Boot,’ a stunning over-the-knee boot co-designed by the two talents.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giuseppe Zanotti (@giuseppezanotti) During the 2024 Strength of a Woman Festival...

May 15, 2024

Joe Budden Says He's Made About $4M From His Success In Podcasting And Offers Advice To The Industry — 'This Is Not Unimaginable If You Work Hard'

Joe Budden is getting candid about his career podcast earnings. According to Vibe, the rapper-turned-podcast-host recently shared that he has earned at least $7 million since he made the career transition, pocketing a reported $4 million from that after taxes. “Off podcasting, off of this?” Budden said during an episode of “The Joe Budden Podcast.” “All together in the whole 10 years? About $4 million… Gross is $7 million.” He also opened up about how he and his team managed to get to those numbers, noting that inking partnerships with various brands along the way has been beneficial. “Early on we were doing it for free,” Budden recalled. “Then we hit a little lick, Spotify. Then n—as left, the building crumbled a little bit, and my friends came and saved the day.” As previously reported by AFROTECH™, he shared the real reason that he walked away from Spotify’s initial offer. “In business, there are signs, for me, that show faith in a relationship,” Budden said at the time. “And me...

Apr 26, 2024

How A Designer Who Disrupted The Fashion World Thanks To A Virtual 3D Show Secured A Partnership With A Premium Bourbon Brand

You can’t place Anifa Mvuemba’s creativity in a box. Back in 2020, the Hanifa founder and fashion designer shook up the fashion world with a virtual 3D show on Instagram for her collection, Pink Label Congo, inspired by her home country of the Congo. From then on, Mvuemba continued to implement her self-taught tech skills into her work, as previously reported by AFROTECH™. Now, Mvuemba has taken her fashion expertise into new territory — the spirits industry. In February 2024, it was announced that she and Sergio Hudson are partnering with premium bourbon brand Woodford Reserve. During a New York Fashion Week (NYFW) dinner, Mvuemba spoke about previously feeling like she was approached by brands for their own gain and image, per WWD. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anifa M (@anifam) In an email interview with AFROTECH™, Mvuemba shared , “As a Black designer, navigating the barriers that come with being shortlisted for collaborations merely to fulfill a diversity...

Apr 25, 2024

Grant Hill Partners With Dendreon Pharmaceuticals To 'Educate Black Men About The Burden Of Prostate Cancer'

Dendreon Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the fight against prostate cancer, has announced a new partnership with Grant Hill. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the immunotherapy company and the seven-time NBA All-Star and sports broadcaster have teamed up to launch Start Strong, a new initiative to help individuals make decisions with health in mind. Start Strong aims to empower the prostate cancer community to learn about the racial disparities within prostate cancer incidence in the United States and encourage patients to talk to their physicians about the best treatments for them. Statistically, one in seven Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. What’s more, Black men tend to be diagnosed at a younger age and with a more severe prognosis compared to other men. And for this reason, Dendreon enlisted the aid of Grant Hill to help spread the word. “Prostate cancer is a risk for all men, but it disproportionately impacts Black men. In...

Virgil Abloh Is Getting 'A Seat At The Table' Through LVMH's Majority Stake In Off-White™

Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) is giving Virgil Abloh’s Off-White™ brand the ultimate co-sign to forge one of the most powerful partnerships in the fashion world. According to a press release, LVMH has announced that the conglomerate has acquired a majority stake of 60 percent in Off-White™ — Abloh’s popular luxury streetwear brand he founded in 2013. Together, the two will expand new and existing brands beyond the fashion umbrella. The acquisition deal has the potential to make Abloh the most powerful Black executive at the world’s most powerful luxury goods group. The New York Times reports that Abloh’s new leadership role will include working across various categories such as wine and spirits — Krug, Dom Pérignon and Hennessy, among 30 brands); hospitality (over 50 hotels); smashing silos and bringing in more diverse voices to a variety of brands. “I’m getting a seat at the table,” Abloh told the outlet in a Zoom interview. “The idea is to develop a trajectory I wish I had...

Jul 20, 2021

HBCU Alumni-Founded Music Breakr Partners With Rolling Loud To Help Indie Artists Launch Their Careers

Emerging indie artists are about to get the opportunity of a lifetime at one of the biggest global live music phenomenons this summer, and an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alumni-founded company is behind it all. Music Breakr — a new platform connecting artists and influencers to help “break” new music — has teamed up with Rolling Loud — the biggest festival brand in Hip-Hop — and digital finance platform Ahead for a two-year partnership to commence “Ahead Start to Rolling Loud,” a contest that offers aspiring artists the opportunity to perform live at Rolling Loud Miami 2021. This time around, the contest itself — presented in partnership with both Music Breakr and Black content creator house Collab Crib — invited any and all up-and-coming rappers to showcase their talents via Instagram for a chance to submit an original song to be judged by the Breakr team. All artists who submitted their music were then boiled down to eight finalists before one lucky artist was...

Jul 16, 2021