Peloton users, it’s time to get in formation, because you’re about to get a hefty dose of Queen Bey in your daily workout routine. Beyoncé is teaming up with the iconic fitness brand for a multi-year partnership that will not only bring Beyoncé-themed classes to the app but will also donate free Peloton memberships to students at 10 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country.
Beyoncé's partnership with Peloton certainly won't erase these longstanding systemic issues. But, at the very least, making the app's vast library of fitness classes more accessible to HBCU students can help bring a much-deserved bright spot to students looking to decompress, enjoy a sense of community, get their sweat on, and practice self-care right from the comfort of their home during this difficult time.
ICYMI, Beyoncé has been committed to helping students at historically Black colleges for several years now. In April 2017, she established her Formation Scholars Program, which gave scholarships to select female students studying creative arts, music, literature, and/or African-American studies at Howard University, Spelman College, Berklee College of Music, and Parsons School of Design. The following year, after her epic Beychella performance celebrating Black culture, music, and artistry, the singer launched the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, which provided four HBCUs (Xavier, Wilberforce, Tuskegee, and Bethune-Cookman Universities) with one $25,000 scholarship each to give to a student of their choice.
“Beyoncé’s commitment to empowerment and artistic expression is an inspiration to the entire Peloton community,” Gwen Bethel Riley, Peloton’s Head of Music, said in a statement. “It is a privilege to be able to work closely with her and her extraordinary team to broaden access to our platform and collaborate on incredible offerings we think our members will love.”