The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation Announces $12 Million Covid-19 Relief Fund

Oprah Winfrey - Photo Credit: OWN Network

The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation announced today the newest grant recipients of Oprah Winfrey’s $12 million COVID-19 Relief Fund. The $12 million in grants support organizations in Oprah’s “home cities” of Nashville, Chicago, Milwaukee, Baltimore and Kosciusko, Mississippi that are helping underserved communities currently experiencing a disproportionate impact from the pandemic. Winfrey previously announced she was giving $10 million to help those affected by the pandemic and has committed an additional $2 million in support, bringing the total figure to date to $12 million. 

The Roots Partners With Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote for Virtual Festival Experience

Michelle Obama - Photo Credit: Paras Griffin—Getty Images

This year, in partnership with Michelle Obama’s national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization, When We All Vote, The Roots are launching the 13th Annual Roots Picnic as a virtual broadcast experience on Saturday, June 27th, exclusively on YouTube. The event is Executive Produced by Shawn Gee (Live Nation Urban), Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tarik Trotter (Two One Five Entertainment) and Dan Parise (DPS).

The Roots - Photo Credit: Recording Academy 

Fans can anticipate performances by The Roots, H.E.R., Roddy Ricch, Lil Baby, SZA, Kirk Franklin, Snoh Aalegra, Earthgang, G Herbo, Polo G, D Nice and Musiq Soulchild (backed by The Roots) and appearances by Michelle Obama, Lin Manuel Miranda, Chris Paul, Tom Hanks, Liza Koshy, Kerry Washington, Tracee Ellis Ross, Janelle Monáe, and Elaine Welteroth. 

Tracy Morgan Returns to His Brooklyn Roots to Give Back

(L-R) Tracy Morgan, Megan Wollover and Maven Sonae Morgan (Photo Credit: Getty Images) 

 
In celebration of the upcoming premiere of Season 2 of TBS’s #1 cable comedy The Last O.G., TBS and GrowNYC gave the Hattie Carthan Community Garden a fresh look. The Last O.G.star Tracy Morgan returned home to Brooklyn along with his wife and daughter to host a special garden party to bring awareness for the need for community gardens and green spaces in urban communities throughout New York City.

The premise of The Last O.G. is the story of so many millions of black men coming home and not only navigating their rapidly gentrifying communities, but relationships with their children and families, and even technology, after spending a significant amount of time away. It has to resonate for the estimated 25 percent of African American children in this country who have a parent who is currently or formerly incarcerated. 

Dave East Light Up The Runway at NYFW

Harlem Rapper  Dave East (Photo Madison McGaw / BFA) 

Season after season Grungy Gentleman has featured some of the biggest names in sports and music, and staying true to tradition, this season rap icon Styles P opened the show, followed by rapper Dave East, former NY Giants QB and Dailymail TV host Jesse Palmer, and professional boxer Rickey Edwards, each making their runway debuts, with R&B artist Brett Gray, wrapping the show in his debut live performance of his unreleased single ‘Anxiety’. 

The show featured Grungy Gentleman’s signature collection, along with eight collaborative collections including hats with New Era and NBA, footwear with Pony, slides with Giza, bikes with Schwinn, bags with Footaction, apparel with Renzo Cardoni, Pendleton, and Clinton Hall.

Rita Shukhman Brings Innovation To Legendary MCM Brand (Video)

Rita Shukhman (Photo Credit: MCM Worldwide)

Rita Shukhman is a sought after corporate fashion executive. As senior vice president of Global Digital Marketing and Communications at MCM Worldwide, Shukhman is responsible for leading one of the hottest luxury travel and accessories brands in the market today. She is globally recognized for her keen eye for emerging trends and ability to develop unique, high profile moments for brands. 

Perry Ellis Presents FW18 Runway Show

Michael Maccari (Photo Credit: Perry Ellis)

Iconic American designer, Perry Ellis, presented its Fall/Winter 2018 collection during New York Fashion Week. The runway show also heralded its new platform and Spring campaign ‘Life Ready Since 1976,’ which harkens back to the brand’s heritage and reinforces the idea of anywhere dressing, an important part of the Perry Ellis ethos. 

Notables including in attendance included: 21 Savage, Marc E. Bassy, Danell Leyva, Elijah Boothe, Steven Kolb, Pico Alexander and more. Drag performer contestant Daniel ‘Milk’ Donigan walked in the show. 

Perry Ellis Unveils New Men’s Fragrance

Actor Aaron Diaz joined creative director Michael Maccari to unveil the new Perry Ellis fragrance on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in New York City. The fall campaign starring Diaz was revealed during the intimate cocktail event in celebration of the brand’s ever-constant emphasis on versatile dressing. 

LOL Comedy Honors Salutes Comedic Legends

The first annual LOL Comedy Honors took place in at the Alhambra Ballroom in New York and lived up to the hype. The LOL Comedy Honors is the first award show ever to highlight comedians. Sponsored by Hidden Agenda, Ncindustrii, The Marriott Hotel, African American Women in Cinema, and 4.0 Public Relations & Marketing, the evening boasted a star-studded list of Back comedy greats. Black excellence was on full display.

Matt Barnes and Snoop Dogg Host Athletes vs. Cancer Event

Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, JaVale McGee joined former Warriors teammate Matt Barnes at the Athletes vs. Cancer charity football game in Los Angeles. The four NBA players attended the event’s celebrity flag football game — though KD and Green didn’t play. 

Nick Storm On How He Became The ‘Million Case Man’

Nick Storm is a veteran of the alcohol industry and a New York City nightlife connoisseur. Serving as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ciroc national director, Nick has seen and done it all, from selling liqueur door-to-door, to hosting parties for some of today’s hottest celebrities, tastemakers and influencers.

Faith Evans Releases New Album and Shares Her Life Lessons

Faith Renée Evans is a multi-platinum Grammy Award winning recording artist, songwriter, arranger, producer and author. With a music career spanning over two decades, Faith has released her long-awaited duets project with the rapper, born Christopher Wallace, titled, “The King & I.”

Big Wins At The 60th Annual NY Emmy Awards

The 2017 New York Emmy® Awards were held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Marriott Marquis ~ Times Square. The black-tie gala began with an exciting reception where nominees enjoyed cocktails and conversation. The 2017 Governors’ Award was presented to WCBS-TV on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. The New York Chapter recognized it as a pioneer in New York Television. Presenting the award was Sami Gayle, Actor, Blue Bloods, and CBS Television.

[VIDEO] The Von Boozier Twins Official Shoe Launch

On Friday February 17, 2017, TV Personalities & Lifestyle Entrepreneurs, The Von Boozier Twins Celebrated the launch of their limited edition shoe collection collaboration with Spain shoe company Qüero Shoes with a soirée at the luxury fashion district hot spot Refinery Hotel, located at 63 West 38th Street, New York City.

Inside The “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” Premiere Party

VH1’s popular reality show Love & Hip Hop New York returned to television on Monday November 21, 2016. PlayBook Media Group hosted  season seven viewing party with client Peter Gunz alongside cast members Tara Wallace, and Swift on demand. 

WEEN Honors Lil Kim with Icon Award At Sixth Annual WEEN Awards

The Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) honors Lil Kim with the WEEN Icon Award along with other distinguished honorees at its sixth annual “WEEN Awards” on Wednesday, November 16 at ESPACE in New York City hosted by radio personality, Angela Yee. 

The Foundation For Letters Honors Vivica A. Fox at 5th Annual Benefit Gala

The Foundation For Letters honored Vivica A. Fox, along with other distinguished honorees at its Fifth Annual Benefit Gala on Wednesday, October 19 at IAC Center Lobby.

Each year, The Foundation For Letters gala is dedicated too and honors young voices and trailblazers forging paths for women of color in literature and media. One hundred young scholars studying with the Foundation was in attendance serving as on-the-scene reporters writing reviews as young style, design and food critics blogging from the red carpet, while others read their work on stage and shared their personal stories. 

2 Girls Grow In Brooklyn “Sip & Shop” Soirée

Brooklyn Entrepreneurs Takeshia Jack of “Heavenly Seduction” & Lindsay Stuart of “Glam Expressway” partner to launch their beauty and glam brands, bringing sexy back to Brooklyn with an evening of a sip and shop experience. 

WE tv’s “Growing Up Hip Hop” Season 2 Premiere Screening

WEtv rolled out the red carpet and welcomed Celebrities, VIP’s and the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry to celebrate the return of WE tv’s hit series “Growing Up Hip Hop” with a exclusive screening of the second season premiere episode, including a first look at WE tv’s newest series “Money. Power. Respect.” at New York City’s Paley Center for Media. The screening included a panel discussion with cast members, moderated by Power 105’s Radio Personality Angela Yee, before guests danced the night away at the official after-party at The Living Room at The W Hotel Times Square. 

The Association of Black Cardiologists Honors Queen Latifah at 7th Annual Spirit of The Heart Awards Gala

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) honored Queen Latifah, along with other distinguished honorees at its seventh annual “Spirit of the Heart” Awards Gala on Saturday, October 1st at Cipriani 42nd Street. 

Prince Inducted Into The Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame

The incomparable Prince, has been added to the Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame. Musicians who knew the legendary Purple Rain star were joined by fans, including an impersonator, as they paid tribute to him at a ceremony outside the landmark venue in Harlem.