Sign on the campus of Howard University, Washington, DC. (Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
New partnership advances Black women’s health.
Black Girl Vitamins, a health and wellness brand focused on Black women, has entered into a multi-year partnership with Howard University’s Bison women’s basketball team to provide direct financial support and essential vitamins to players and coaches.
“We are so excited about this partnership! Black Girl Vitamins is a huge supporter of those making a positive impact in the Black community and beyond, and has created a brand and product that promotes our health and well-being,” said Ty Grace, head coach of the Howard University Bisons. “We look forward to great things happening in the future!”
The partnership coincides with the 50th anniversary of Howard University’s women’s athletics program, which has won nine MEAC regular season titles and 11 tournament championships in the past 50 years.
“Since its inception, Black Girl Vitamins has been at the forefront of promoting health and wellness within the Black community, offering a variety of vitamins specifically tailored to the nutritional requirements of Black women,” the news release stated. “To further our commitment to education, we award $1,000 in scholarships each month to outstanding Black female students. In addition to our monthly scholarship program, Black Girl Vitamins has committed to awarding up to $100,000 this year to advance the careers of Black health care workers, because when Black women are healthy, our communities are healthy.”
One of the company’s claims to fame is that it offers a solution to the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency among black women, with a 2017 study finding that diagnoses of vitamin D deficiency are on the rise, putting women at higher risk for osteoporosis and lower mood and energy.
“We’re focused on promoting Vitamin D gummies because 82% of Black women are deficient in the vitamin,” the brand previously told ESSENCE. “Iron gummies are also perfect for those who are feeling unwell and lacking energy.”
