A New Standard for “Black Legacy, Black Futures” Purpose-Driven Profit
Tarik Edmonson, founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Nagast Footwear, is putting power and profit back into the hands of the Black community. Through a bold new initiative titled Black Legacy, Black Futures, the sustainable sneaker brand pledges to reinvest 50% of all profits into HBCU scholarships and $10,000 monthly grants for Black-owned businesses. In a climate where DEI efforts are being scaled back nationwide, Nagast is stepping up with a model that delivers real, local impact.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Community Wealth
The initiative is backed by a powerful coalition of trusted Black institutions. New Birth Church will host financial literacy workshops, youth mentorship programs, and community events at its Atlanta campus. Meanwhile, 100 Black Men of America will manage the grant distribution and lead professional development for both students and business owners. The National Black Chamber of Commerce will provide resources to help entrepreneurs scale and sustain their ventures.
Scholarships and Business Grants Open Now
Through collaborations with Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College, the campaign is funding scholarships for students in social justice, STEM, and entrepreneurship. On the business side, Black-owned ventures in tech, education, and sustainability can apply for monthly $10,000 grants. Both applications are currently open to the public.
“This isn’t charity—it’s strategy,” said Edmonson. “Corporate DEI programs are failing, but Black communities have always been our own solution… No middlemen, no empty promises. When you support Nagast, you’re investing in Atlanta’s next generation of leaders.”
The Legacy Kicks Collection and Viral Challenge
Central to the campaign is the Legacy Kicks Collection—sneakers designed by Atlanta artists in Pan-African colors, honoring icons like John Lewis and Shirley Chisholm. The line fuses style and symbolism, turning each pair into a wearable tribute to Black excellence.
The initiative also includes the #WalkInPower Challenge, a viral TikTok contest that invites users to share personal stories of Black resilience. The top 10 videos will receive $5,000 each toward student debt relief or business startup capital.
Activism Meets Fashion, Online and Off
Nagast is rolling out a full campaign of digital and in-person content to promote the initiative. This includes a mini-documentary titled From Atlanta to Every Hood, an infographic outlining the 50/50 profit model, and a livestream Juneteenth event at New Birth Church. The livestream will feature performances, grant announcements, and a keynote address from Edmonson.
A campaign partner put it plainly: “Nagast’s commitment to economic justice and educational access reflects our shared vision for sustainable Black progress. This partnership has the power to uplift generations.”
