In celebration of Black History Month, The Walt Disney Company wants to share the founders and CEOs of organizations whose products were inspired by Marvel Studios blockbuster film, “Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The Walt Disney Company and Marvel are strong supporters of diversity and representation. Through these stories, the aim is to inspire a world of belonging – by embracing a culture of inclusion where everyone can be themselves and see themselves. Additionally, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will begin streaming on Disney+ on February 1st.
Actively Black is a Black-owned entity created by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith, who was inspired to create his company after watching Marvel Studios’ Black Panther. Daymond John (Founder of FUBU and Investor on Shark Tank) mentored Lanny Smith through the Marvel X Actively Black collaboration. This collaboration helped Lanny obtain his dream of becoming a licensee with Marvel, with products inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Actively Black is a sports-fashion brand where sizes range from XS-4XL. It is a community-first company committed to advancing representation of Black creatives, designers, and brands in sports-fashion, and investing in the health and wellness of Black communities worldwide. A portion of the proceeds from Actively Black sales are put towards educational programs and resources that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, HBCU athletics, social justice initiatives and DE&I advocacy. www.activelyblack.com
A Dozen Cousins is a Black-owned brand offering ready-to-eat products inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American recipes. In honor of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, A Dozen Cousins created a new Jollof Rice Seasoning Sauce. When a customer purchases the Flavors of Wakanda variety pack (which comes with six items), they will receive a spoon fit for a warrior, inspired by Wakanda’s Vibranium. This will be included free for a limited time. www.adozencousins.com 
Blk & Bold is the first Black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand. They are also the number one selling coffee brand on Amazon and a top seller at Target. Founders, Pernell Cezar & Rod Johnson, created BLK & Bold with purpose. They welcome the obligation to equip young people with tools to live their best lives and overcome familiar unfortunate circumstances by turning a daily ritual, enjoying a cup of coffee & tea, into a means of giving back. BLK & Bold pledges 5% of its profits to initiatives aligned to sustaining youth programming, enhancing workforce development, and eradicating youth homelessness. www.blkandbold.com.
Pear Nova A product at the intersection of fashion + beauty showcases founder Rachel James’s love for art and passion for elegance. The brand draws inspiration from world wonders, runway designers, and remarkable women. Since its incorporation, Pear Nova has expanded + diversified while remaining true to its mission: to celebrate all skin tones while creating healthy, luxury nail products. Pear Nova now offers self-care products in addition to nail care, and Pear Nova Studio opened its doors in 2019 creating a physical space for women to feel safe, pampered, and beautiful. www.pearnova.com
World of EPI by Dr. Lisa Williams collaborated with Marvel to bring the strong, powerful, and brilliant warrior characters Shuri, Okoye, and Nakia to life. The Fresh Dolls Fierce Collection celebrates these iconic women and feature striking character likenesses, custom-blended skin tones, beautifully intricate costume designs, and first-of-its-kind innovative hairstyles. World of EPI is the first to mass produce the natural locs hairstyle, worn by Nakia in the film. World of EPI won the prestigious award, 2022 Doll of the Year, from the Toy Federation’s Toy of the Year Awards. www.freshdolls.com
Young King Hair Care was created by first-time parents who were surprised to discover that there were no clean, natural hair care products specifically designed for curly-headed young men. They realized there was an unfulfilled need and opportunity to reshape the beauty industry, which has traditionally focused on women and girls, by creating unique offerings for their son and young men who looked like him. They are redefining male grooming for the next generation of multicultural men, giving them confidence needed to be their best selves 24/7/365. And more importantly, they’re here to change the narrative of how the world sees young men of color, young kings represented as unapologetic, dynamic, and expressive with confidence and swag. www.youngkinghaircare.com
The Walt Disney Company is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, as well as promoting supplier diversity to create a positive impact on the people and communities where we do business. Carmen Smith is the senior vice president of creative development content – products and inclusive strategies at Disney Park, Experiences and Products/Walt Disney Imagineering.
“Marvel Studios’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been significant in shaping culture. The movie impacted not only our fans in a tremendous way, but also those behind the camera including the Black-owned businesses that collaborated with Marvel to develop diverse products,” said Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, and Executive Creative Development, Product/Content and Inclusive Strategies for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. “Through working with these innovative and inspiring licensees, we were able to create meaningful products that reflect the world around us in an authentic way.
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