Nationwide — Tarik Edmonson, the Founder and CEO of Nagast Footwear, an Atlanta-based Black-owned sustainable sneaker company, is stepping boldly into the fight for Black advancement with its new initiative, “Black Legacy, Black Futures.” The campaign pledges to reinvest 50% of all profits into scholarships for HBCUs and $10,000 monthly grants for Black-owned businesses. In a climate where corporate DEI efforts are being scaled back or eliminated, Nagast is cutting through the noise by funding real, community-rooted impact.Launched in partnership with New Birth Church and 100 Black Men of America, the initiative brings together some of the most trusted names in Black leadership. New Birth Church will serve as a hub for financial literacy workshops, youth mentorship, and community events hosted at its Atlanta campus. Meanwhile, 100 Black Men of America will administer the monthly grants and provide hands-on leadership development for both entrepreneurs and scholarship recipients. Additional support will come from the National Black Chamber of Commerce, which will deliver vital business resources to help participating entrepreneurs scale and sustain their ventures.
The campaign includes a series of standout programs aimed at immediate and long-term transformation. Through partnerships with Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College, the initiative will fund scholarships for students pursuing degrees in social justice, STEM, and entrepreneurship. Business owners in tech, education, and sustainability will be eligible to apply for $10,000 monthly grants, creating a pipeline of Black innovators with the resources to thrive. Applications for both programs are now open.
“This isn’t charity—it’s strategy,” said Tarik. “Corporate DEI programs are failing, but Black communities have always been our own solution. Through ‘Black Legacy, Black Futures,’ we’re channeling 50% of profits directly into HBCU scholarships and Black businesses—no middlemen, no empty promises. When you support Nagast, you’re investing in Atlanta’s next generation of leaders.”
A highlight of the campaign is the launch of the “Legacy Kicks” Collection, a bold sneaker line designed by Atlanta artists. The red, black, and green colorway pays tribute to Pan-African pride, while each design honors Black icons like John Lewis and Shirley Chisholm. These limited-edition sneakers serve as wearable statements of legacy and leadership. Complementing the collection is the #WalkInPower Challenge, a viral TikTok contest where users share stories of Black resilience. The top 10 videos will each earn $5,000 in funding for student debt relief or business startup capital.
“Nagast’s commitment to economic justice and educational access reflects our shared vision for sustainable Black progress,” said a representative of one of the campaign’s partner organizations. “This partnership has the power to uplift generations, and we’re proud to help make it happen.”
To drive awareness and encourage community participation, Nagast is also rolling out a full slate of digital and in-person content, including a mini-documentary titled “From Atlanta to Every Hood”, an infographic detailing the 50/50 profit model, and a Juneteenth 2024 livestream event hosted at New Birth Church. The livestream will feature performances, grant announcements, and a keynote from Edmonson himself.
From premium sneakers to purpose-driven impact, Nagast Footwear continues to prove that fashion and activism can walk side by side. With “Black Legacy, Black Futures,” every purchase becomes a powerful step toward economic freedom.
How to Get Involved:
• Shop the Collection – NagastFootwear.com
• Apply for a Business Grant – NagastFootwear.com/pages/grants
• Apply for a Scholarship – NagastFootwear.com/pages/scholarship-page
• Apply for Business Funding – NagastFootwear.com/pages/grants
About
Founded in Atlanta by Tarik Edmonson, Nagast Footwear is a premium sneaker brand rooted in Black pride, cultural storytelling, and community impact. Each ethically crafted pair funds scholarships and business grants through the company’s commitment to #WalkInPower.
For press inquiries or media interviews, send an email to tarik@nagastfootwear.com