Esteemed Powerhouses Invest in ALTR, a Revolutionary Audio Platform
Acclaimed actress Viola Davis and renowned journalist Joy Reid are teaming up to back ALTR, a trailblazing self-help and personal development app designed specifically for Black women.
The groundbreaking subscription platform is slated to launch later in 2024, featuring a curated collection of short-form audiobooks from esteemed Black luminaries and authors.
“There is power in our collective knowledge. Life becomes easier when you can learn from those who’ve been there before,” Davis said in a statement. “Julius and I are excited to take part in building a platform that will enable millions of people to find guidance for personal growth and see themselves in a space where we’re not usually represented.”
Providing Clarity and Community for Black Americans
Reid, host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut,” expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “From my purview as a cable news host covering the tumultuous political and social landscape, there is a growing sense of uncertainty amongst Black Americans on what it all means for their future. I love that ALTR provides clarity, comfort and community for those looking to master their own destinies.”
Filling a Remarkable Void in the Market
Co-founded by David A. Wilson, creator of the Black news site TheGrio, and Brandon John-Freso, a former software engineer at WeWork and OkCupid, ALTR was developed in partnership with Davis and her husband Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions.
The app aims to address a significant gap in the self-help market by catering to the distinct experiences and challenges faced by the Black community, particularly Black women.
“There is a yearning for solutions and knowledge from our cultural perspectives,” Wilson explained. “Our authentic voices are lacking in the existing self-help, wellness and educational platforms, which is why we’ve been able to galvanize broad support from trusted voices in our community.”
Fostering Engagement and Community Interaction
Unlike traditional audiobooks, ALTR will focus on delivering condensed and timely knowledge through short-form audio formats. Additionally, the app will foster active engagement and community interaction through Q&A sessions, discussions, and assignments tailored to the unique needs of its audience.
With the support of influential figures like Davis and Reid, ALTR is poised to become a revolutionary resource, empowering Black women with culturally relevant guidance and insights to navigate various aspects of their lives.
