Viola Davis Invest in New Self-Help App for the Black Community

A new self-help app called ALTR, designed for the black community, is launching later this year. The app is backed by Viola Davis, Joy Reid, and Charlamagne tha God. 

ALTR was co-founded by David A. Wilson, creator of TheGrio, and Brandon John-Freso, a former software engineer at WeWork and OkCupid.

ALTR is a subscription-based app offering personal development and learning resources through short audiobooks by black cultural icons and authors. 

This app addresses the lack of tailored content for black people, especially black women, who are major consumers of self-help materials.

David Wilson emphasized the need for culturally relevant solutions. “Our voices are missing on the current self-help and educational platforms, which is why we’ve gained strong support from trusted voices in our community,” Wilson said.

Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions helped create an audiobook miniseries for the app, focusing on challenges faced by the black community. 

“There is power in our shared knowledge,” Davis said. “Life is easier when you can learn from those who have been there before. 

Julius and I are excited to help build a platform that empowers people to grow and see themselves represented.”

Joy Reid, an MSNBC host, stressed the importance of ALTR in the current political and social climate. 

“As a news host covering our tumultuous landscape, I see growing uncertainty among Black Americans about their future. 

ALTR offers clarity, comfort, and community for those looking to shape their own destinies,” Reid said.

Charlamagne says that God, known for advocating mental health awareness, supports ALTR’s use of short audiobooks to provide quick, relevant information. 

“In a booming $75 billion audio media market, audio content is a powerful tool for engaging our community,” he said. “ALTR will be a game-changer, making a positive impact.”

ALTR is open for early sign-ups and will officially launch in the third quarter of 2024. The company will offer free trials of the app.