This Black History Month, Apple is encouraging you to go for a walk with activist Ayọ Tometi, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter.
Tometi has recorded a new episode of audio experience “Time to Walk” on Apple Watch, which will be released on Fitness+ on Feb. 7.
For those unfamiliar with “Time to Walk,” the series features episodes of influential people talking about their lives as you take your daily stroll around your local park. In Dec. 2021, Prince William lent his voice to an episode, reflecting on the importance of mental health. Previous speakers include Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Shawn Mendes, Uzo Aduba, Naomi Campbell, Randall Park, Draymond Green, Camila Cabello, and Min Jin Lee. Episodes are usually around 25 to 40 minutes long.
During Tometi’s episode, she reflects on the murder of Trayvon Martin and how it impacted her activism, and how changing her name made her think differently about life.
You can listen to Tometi’s “Time to Walk” episode using wireless headphones through Apple Watch’s Workout app with a Fitness+ subscription.
If you’re more into running, then there’s another offering that might interest you. Also on Feb. 7, “Time to Run” (the running version) will launch a new episode featuring Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm, as he coaches runners through the city of Atlanta, Georgia, passing the Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
Apple is launching a number of other features and products in time for Black History Month, including a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face inspired by Afrofuturism.
The App Store will also be shining a light on apps that promote Black people’s wellbeing and health. And Apple Maps will enable users to learn more about Black history and Black-owned businesses through curated Guides.
While these features are great, it would be remiss not to mention that Apple employees have requested a re-investigation into past complaints of racism at the company. In an open letter, Apple employees stated they had raised complaints of discrimination only to be met with inaction from company’s HR team.
“Apple prides itself on its commitment to diversity, equity, and an environment where every person is able to do their best work; however, in practice, this is far from the case,” reads the letter. “Our experiences with the People team in dealing with harassment and discrimination have left many of us more vulnerable.”
