Posted by Actively Black
on September 25, 2026
Black Enterprise reported in November 2022 that Actively Black, the Black-owned athleisure brand founded by Lanny Smith, would co-produce and sell official Black Panther: Wakanda Forever merchandise in collaboration with Marvel Studios. The story, “Black-Owned Athleisure Brand To Sell Official ‘Wakanda Forever’ Merchandise With Marvel Studios” by Stacy Jackson, covered the unisex capsule collection and the drops that followed it. For us, it was a full-circle moment: the franchise that helped inspire Actively Black became a partner.
Key takeaways
- Black Enterprise reported that Actively Black announced a collaboration with Marvel Studios on a Wakanda Forever-themed unisex capsule collection.
- Citing Hypebeast, Black Enterprise reported that Lanny Smith would co-produce and sell official merchandise for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in partnership with Marvel.
- According to Black Enterprise, Hypebeast reported the collection would include men’s and women’s performance wear such as joggers, hoodies, tights and shirts in the grey, purple and black palette of the film’s costumes.
- Black Enterprise reported that the Capsule Collection would go on sale November 3 on the Actively Black website, followed by a Wakanda Athletics “Classic” collection of collegiate wear on November 12.
- According to Black Enterprise, a “Performance” collection inspired by the high-tech style of Wakanda and made with advanced performance fabrics was set for November 25, Black Friday.
- Black Enterprise noted that Lanny Smith centers the brand around Black style and culture and advocates for social justice, health and wellness in the Black community.
In their words
“The Black Panther franchise has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon and has served as a constant source of inspiration in developing Actively Black”
— Lanny Smith, as quoted by Black Enterprise
“We strive to recreate that same feeling of empowerment Black people felt after watching Black Panther for the first time”
— Lanny Smith, as quoted by Black Enterprise
“Lanny Smith is a true trailblazer”
— Paul Gitter, senior vice president, Marvel Licensing, as quoted by Black Enterprise
Why it matters
Official licensed merchandise for one of the biggest films in the world has usually gone to the biggest companies. Black Enterprise reported that this time, a Black-owned brand was co-producing and selling it. Lanny told the outlet that working alongside Marvel on the collection was a dream come true, and Marvel’s Paul Gitter pointed to the impact of Actively Black’s philanthropic work in the Black community as part of what made the partnership admirable.
That is what building our own table looks like. We did not ask to borrow the culture; we brought it, and Black Enterprise documented a Black-owned brand putting Wakanda on the Tribe on its own terms. Timing the Performance drop for Black Friday, the same day of the year Actively Black launched in 2020, made the moment even more personal.
Shop the story
Explore the Actively Black Wakanda Collection and the Eyes of Wakanda collection, or gear up with our performance wear.
Frequently asked questions
Did Actively Black partner with Marvel Studios?
Yes. Black Enterprise reported in November 2022 that Actively Black collaborated with Marvel Studios to co-produce and sell official Black Panther: Wakanda Forever merchandise.
What was in the Actively Black Wakanda Forever collection?
According to Black Enterprise, citing Hypebeast, the collection featured men’s and women’s performance wear including joggers, hoodies, tights and shirts in grey, purple and black. It rolled out as a Capsule Collection, a Wakanda Athletics “Classic” collegiate collection and a “Performance” collection.
Who founded Actively Black?
Actively Black was founded by Lanny Smith, a former professional basketball player who played at the University of Houston. He launched the brand in 2020.
Is Actively Black Black-owned?
Yes. Black Enterprise described Actively Black as a Black-owned athleisure brand, and it was founded by Lanny Smith to celebrate Black culture and reinvest in the Black community.
Read the full feature: Black-Owned Athleisure Brand To Sell Official ‘Wakanda Forever’ Merchandise With Marvel Studios, Black Enterprise (November 2022)
