History Making TRONUS Launches HBCU Program W/ Benedict College As 1st Partnership
Honoring a family legacy of activism and leadership, the team at TRONUS has committed to partner with and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, beginning with a school that holds a special meaning in the founding family’s hearts and in their history.
When a Black women-owned luxury athleisure footwear startup bursts onto the scene in the middle of a pandemic, and quickly breaks the sales record of the company that would go on to be the global industry leader, heads turn. At TRONUS, which means throne in Greek, they know all about what it’s like to be a seemingly unconventional underdog. Including having announced a partnership with Eastbay.com in 2021, they’ve established monumental success despite all the barriers and are intentionally sharing that success – and knowledge – with the next generation of rule and record breakers.
Benedict College may not be the first that comes to mind when you think of HBCUs. For TRONUS CEO Santia Deck, and her mom and COO Cynthia Cureton-Robles however, there was no question of where to begin. Cureton-Robles’ family have been supporters of the institution in Columbia, South Carolina for decades. The school’s legacy is woven into theirs. Cynthia’s uncle, Santia’s great-uncle, the Reverend Dr. Stewart Cleveland (S.C.) Cureton. Reverend Cureton was a clergyman who served as the president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and civil rights activist who received both a Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Divinity degree from Benedict College where he eventually served as a member of the Benedict College Board of Trustees. He was instrumental in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Greenville, South Carolina and later advocated for the establishment of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in Greenville County.
“We want to honor my great-uncle and the impact he made as a renowned pastor and civil rights activist by partnering with his alma mater,” said Santia.
Assistant Professor Joey Hilton of Benedict College contacted TRONUS to inquire about internship opportunities for his students. Several students started internships with the TRONUS team in January 2022, with more students being placed continuously on an ongoing basis. The company will also grow their new program to include students from other HBCUs in the future.
“A few years ago, I came across Santia Decks’ social media profile. In a male-dominated society, I was happy to see an African American female gain notoriety and success in her industry. I am 100% sure that Tronus will soon be competing with Nike, Aadidas, and Reebok. I wanted my students to participate in that process.”, shared Hilton. Some of Hilton’s students have already begun their internship.
During the month of February, TRONUS will be donating 20% of the proceeds from purchases of the Motherlands, the limited edition African inspired sneakers to Benedict College as part of the “Prideful Journey” campaign. The Motherland sneaker was created to honor the roots of African American culture.
TRONUS, the future of footwear, is representing royalty, legacy, and community in the form of luxury athleisure sneakers.
ABOUT TRONUS
TRONUS invites you to slide into luxury with the lightest, most comfortable unisex sneaker in the world. History making female football player made history a 2nd time as the 1st female athlete to own a sneaker company. Owner, Santia Deck spent several years developing a sleek futuristic footwear brand whose unique style is matched only by it’s impeccable comfort. The bold look draws you in, and the feel will get you hooked.
This disruptive startup began taking pre-orders when they launched in July of 2020. Now, customers of all ages – from student athletes to celebrity supporters – are becoming loyal TRONUS fans. Many celebrities are fans such as NFL greats, Deion Sanders, Antonio Brown and Michael Strahan; Rappers like Waka Flocka and Z-Ro; Gospel Singer, James Fortune; Comedian, Karlous Miller and Soccer Superstar, Josef Martinez and Celebrity Jeweler, Johnny Dang to name a few.
Media Contact
Alicia Brownell
abrownell@tronusofficial.com
