9 Black-Owned Apps & Developers to Support

In today’s digital age, there are thousands of mobile and PC apps available on the market from Black leaders who have helped propel the tech industry forward. For Black History Month (and beyond), consider downloading Black-owned apps or software created by Black developers to test out. Show support by leaving a positive review or sharing the app with friends and family.  

Best of all, the majority of these apps are free!

Start downloading some of these useful and enjoyable apps today:

Black-Owned Apps to Download

1. Shine: Calm Anxiety & Stress  

Naomi Hirabayashi and Mara Lidey have collaborated to create the Shine app, with more than 500 original meditations and a function to check-in to see how your mental health is doing. This app is free to download from the app store with some in-app purchases.  

2. Zimela  

If you want to get ahead in your industry you need to network. Unfortunately, this can be an issue for African Americans and other non-white people, especially women. Thus, developer Erika Hairston created Zimela. This app helps you find connections, events, conferences, and programs within your industry. Additionally, there are inspirational stories to give you motivation. This app is free to download from the app store.  

3. Choices: Stories You Play  

There is so much to deal with in the world; we all must take time to relax now and then. This is why Chelsa Lauderdale of Pixelberry Studios created Choices: Stories You Play. This app allows you to create your drama and then sit back and watch it unfold. You are reading a story that is decision driven. You can go for fantasy, love, magic, or romance. This app is free to download from the app store and offers some in-app purchases.  

4. We Read Too  

Reading is important. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find books with non-white characters, which is why Black developer, Kaya Thomas created We Read Too. This app is a directory of books from authors of color featuring main characters of color. There are hundreds of chapter books, picture books, young adults, and middle-grade books. This app is free to download from the app store.  

5. The Sims Mobile

The Sims is a popular series of computer games, and the Sims Mobile is the latest version of that franchise. Pam Iluore is one of the few African American/Filipino people on the development staff at Electronic Arts (EA). Since she is involved, the game includes a variety of genuine, authentic representations of clothing, hairstyles, and more for people of color. This app is free to download from the app store and offers in-app purchases.  

6. Capsicum  

If you struggle with managing your notes, schedule, and tasks, Capsicum is the app that you need in your life. Black developer, Ish ShaBazz of Illuminated Bits created this app. The planning feature holds your schedule and tasks, allows you to take notes, and even tells you what the weather will be. In addition, there's a feature that can help you break some of your bad habits.  

7. MYAVANA AI  

Candace Mitchell, Chanel Martin, Joy Boulamwini, and Jessica Watson have collaborated to create MYAVANA. This app is a hair coach for people of color. Answer some questions about your hair and take a picture so the app can analyze it. You will be provided with customized recommendations for products that are ideal for your hair. In addition, you can connect with others in the community and share beauty tips. This app is free to download from the app store, and there are in-app purchases available.

8. Workday  

Black developer, Frances Liddell-Rodriguez worked on creating this app. If your business/employer uses Workday, you can clock in/out, capture expenses, request time off, browse the company directory, and much more. However, your organization must provide mobile access to this app. If not, some features may not be available. This app is free to download from the app store.  

9. Mixle  

This app allows you to connect with others interested in the same things you are. It's great for businesses, conference organizers, and event planners. The Mixle interface is simple, intuitive, and it's easy to promote in-person meet-ups for social or business purposes. This Black-owned social app is free to download from the app store.  

Support Black-Owned Apps and Developers  

There are many great apps from Black developers. These apps can help you with various tasks, from keeping you organized at work to helping you relax when things get stressful.  

Advantis Global works with leading IT and tech companies. We want to help connect talented developers of all races, backgrounds, and specialties to better jobs in the industry. If you’re struggling to get a promotion, reach out to us and we can help you make the move to reach your career goals. Check out what we have available here.