Beyonce partners with Peloton to celebrate HBCU homecoming season

Beyoncé is celebrating historically Black colleges and universities by partnering with Peloton, the virtual fitness platform that allows users to exercise anywhere using its app, bike and treadmill.

Beyoncé's partnership with Peloton, announced Tuesday, will put a spotlight on the annual fall homecoming celebrations, many of which are taking place virtually at the 107 HBCUs across the country this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Beyoncé released an album and Netflix documentary, both titled "Homecoming." The documentary gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the preparation for her 2018 Coachella performance, which honored HBCUs and drew inspiration from civil rights activist Malcolm X.

As part of her partnership with Peloton, the music superstar is gifting two-year Peloton Digital memberships, typically $12.99 per month, to students at 10 HBCUs. Students at Bennett College, Clark Atlanta University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College, Texas Southern University and Wilberforce University will receive memberships, according to Peloton.

HBCUs have been in the news recently as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, whom Beyoncé supported in the 2020 presidential election, is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Harris is set to become the first woman and woman of color to be vice president.

"Peloton and I both believe that the power of music can help uplift, motivate and inspire those on their fitness journeys,” Beyoncé said in a statement. “I’ve been a Peloton member for several years, and I’m excited to partner with a company that helps people, young and old, be the best versions of themselves in an innovative and adaptable way."

"I’m proud to celebrate the students at HBCUs with this donation, to encourage them to find and embrace their own wellness regimens," she said.

The Grammy Award-winning singer is the most requested artist by Peloton's more than 3.6 million members, according to the company.

In addition to the commitment to HBCUs, Beyoncé's multi-year partnership with Peloton also includes themed workout experiences for everything from running and cycling to strength and meditation, all available on Peloton's app starting this week.

Beyoncé will also continue to work with Peloton in the months ahead on "various forms of class curation across all workout disciplines, touching on areas of importance to her, including music, movement, fitness and wellness," according to the company.

“Beyoncé’s commitment to empowerment and artistic expression is an inspiration to the entire Peloton community,” Peloton’s Head of Music Gwen Bethel Riley 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.”