Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary Takes Center Stage at ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Wizkid, Jermaine Dupri & More Set to Perform

March 29, 2023, NEW YORK --- "Now what you hear is not a test: The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of CultureTM, presented by Coca-Cola® is back in New Orleans for its 29th year and a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop.

From fresh fits to lyrical hits, the in-person and virtual experience will both explore and showcase how hip-hop has impacted every aspect of global culture through daytime programming and nightly shows. Ever a hallmark of ESSENCE Festival of CultureTM are the live evening performances, which feature some of the most award-winning hip-hop artists to rock the mic over the last 50 years including headliners Ms.Lauryn Hill, who will give a special performance of the 5x Grammy-winning album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in recognition of its 25th anniversary, and 3x Grammy Award-winning artist, Megan TheeStallion. Doug E. Fresh will curate a special performance of hip-hop pioneers, and in honor of So So Def’s 30th anniversary, Grammy award-winning super producer and label founder, Jermaine Dupri, will deliver a special performance with some of the biggest names in hip-hop to come out of Atlanta. Other artists joining the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of CultureTM stage include Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones and Kizz Daniel. Fans can look forward to laughs every night with evening hosts Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, Spice Adams and Janelle James, as well as sounds by DJ Spinderella, DJ Kid Capri and DJ Clark Kent. Additional talent and experiences will be announced soon.

After a 3 year hiatus, CURLFEST is back on July 15th at Randall’s Island! 

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 15, 2023--- "A pioneer in the natural beauty industry, CURLFEST continues to provide immersive safe spaces for Black folx & Black beauty to be celebrated, unconditionally. We are bringing the festival back in 2023, and Bouncing Back the right way! We’re taking it back to our roots and focusing on the reason we do this —WE DO THIS FOR US, OUR COMMUNITY! This year, we’ve cultivated an exclusive list of beauty brands, surprise performers, and we’re highlighting up to 100 small, black businesses to kick off our big return!"

The DREAM Project Announces their 10th Annual Benefit and Awards to Support High-quality Education for Children and Youth in the Dominican Republic

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 5, 2022 — Sueños 2022, The DREAM Project’s 10th Annual Benefit, serves as one of New York City’s premier events Thursday evening, celebrating the Global Dominican Community. This year, the event bridge the Dominican Republic with DREAM’s international network of support. Celebrities, educators and some prominent philanthropists will gather in Chelsea to help the organization fund and collect resources to expand their educational programs, impacting more than 15 disadvantaged communities and helping close the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic. More than ever, these resources are critical as DREAM is one of the few organizations offering education to more than 8,000 youth with no other source of learning. 

Angie Cruz, Scarlin Hernandez, Anna Nyakanna, Jaime Hector, Taye Diggs, a special virtual presentation by Leslie Grace and American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland, Katherine Castro among the celebrities to attend Sueños 2022. This annual event empowers DREAM to provide transformative educational programs to youth in disadvantaged communities in the Dominican Republic.

Sueños will kicks off the night at 6:30pm with exclusive Brugal 1888 Ambassador Cocktail, hosted by DREAM Executive Board Members. This networking half hour will be hosted by Brugal 1888, with an opportunity to meet DREAM supporters. 

The main event began at 7:00pm, headlined by DREAM’s award ceremony recognizing their DREAMer of the Year, Change Making DREAMer of the Year and closed by no other than the sounds and rhythm of The DREAM Bachata Academy. Good company, great pairing of cocktails and food, and amazing music all came together once again for this magic night of giving back and celebrating the very best of the Dominican Republic.

This year’s personalities attending the event included: Actor Jaime Hector from HBO’s We Own This City and The Wire, Taye Diggs from All American, special virtual presentations by Leslie Grace from Batgirl and In the Heights American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland, Living Colour’s Doug Wimbish, actress Katherine Castro, among others.

Through their attendance, guests became donors, creating the opportunity to make a difference while interacting online and networking with the DREAM Board, VIPs and Celebrities, the Sueños Invitation Committee, Co-Chairs and high profile Dominican American Community Leaders in an intimate and relaxed environment. 

All proceeds from Sueños will towards DREAM’s innovative education programs, impacting more than 8,000 Dominican youth in 15 different communities. DREAM is dependent on financial support to make a difference, so please buy your ticket, join us and become part of the DREAM family.

This year’s sponsors, helping DREAM create change and end the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic, include: JetBlue, Goya, Brugal, Phoenix Tower International and Beachwold Residential. To learn more about DREAM, make a gift or learn more about the annual benefit, please click here: www.dominicandream.org

MASHANTUCKET, CT - APRIL 16, 2022 — The public will get a chance to meet and ask questions of local and national celebrity guests about a variety of topics including business and branding, officials from Foxwoods Resort Casino have announced.

Tickets are now on sale for “Women Leading Industry” Celebrity Brunch Summit, which will start at 11:30 a.m. April 16 at the casino’s Premier Ballroom exclusively on Ticketmaster.com

The event will feature discussions regarding the technology, music and arts, and entertainment industries where participants can attend Q&A sessions and discussions about social impact, the importance of investing, and facing adversity. There will be a brunch buffet, live entertainment, and raffles.

Hosted by TV host and motivational teacher June Archer, the Summit will also feature the following guests:

• LaToya Tonodeo, Actress from hit TV series “Power Book II: Ghost”
• Angela Yee, Radio Personality and On-Air Talent from New York’s Power 105.1 “The Breakfast Club”
• Kathy Romero, Global Event Planner, Public Figure, Coach and Speaker
• Monifah, R&B Singer (“I Miss You,” “You,” “Touch It”)
• Gina Luari, Founder of “Place 2 Be” Restaurants
• Anna Nyakana, Award-Winning and Bestselling Author and Speaker, Niyah Zuri
• Olivia Bé Nguyen, Artist and Mental Health Artvocate
• Danni Fountain, Radio Personality and On-Air Talent from Connecticut’s Hot 93.7
• Kaeli Roselle, R&B Singer (“Hey Lover (Crush),” “Away”)

For more information on the Women Leading Industry Celebrity Brunch Summit, please visit Foxwoods’ website.

Ballin 4 Peace Presents 2nd Annual "Celebrating Our Wins" All-Women’s Panel To Honor Women’s History Month

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 24, 2022--- 

Ballin 4 Peace is proud to present the 2nd Annual “Celebrating Our Wins” all-women’s panel discussion to honor Women’s History Month in March and celebrate women in our communities who are overcoming obstacles and striving for greatness each day. 

This year’s “Celebrating Our Wins” all-women’s panel will take place on Thursday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m. EST live from Democracy Prep Endurance High School in New York and features a gifted, talented, and successful group led by moderator, Marie David."

After putting together a successful event held virtually last March, this year we wanted to do something special for the second ‘Celebrating Our Wins’ all-women’s panel as we celebrate Women's History Month,” said Ballin’ 4 Peace Founder, Haron Hargrave. 

“This year’s panelists have all overcome obstacles on their way to establishing their professional careers in sports, business, marketing, writing, teaching, music, and activism, and we can’t wait for them to share their story with the students, faculty, and community at Democracy Prep Endurance High School.”

SOURCE: Ballin4Peace 

YERRR!!! NIYAH ZURI BOOKS IS OFFICIALLY in the BRONX! A HUGE THANK YOU to Bronx Native and BxWriters' Josue Caceres for Hosting my Author Event and Being the First Store in the BX to Officially Carry the Niyah Zuri series!  

BIG S/O to the #NiyahZuriTribe that pulled up - Thank you for the Genuine Support and Fueling my Purpose to Empower and Educate our Youth! Grateful for the Growth of the Movement - This is Just the Beginning!

HONORED to return as a Speaker for the 2021 “6th Annual Black Women in Media Conference and Awards!” I will be speaking on the LITERATURE Panel and provide insight on how Black women are successfully leading innovative and creative ideas as well as securing career advancement opportunities. On November 15th-20th, Black Women in Media will host a week-long adventure of powerful awe-inspiring Activations and Experiences. The conference will entail a variety of panels, special guest speakers, masterclasses, a virtual mall featuring Black-owned businesses, a self-care and wellness component, and entertainment. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: EBONY MAGAZINE AND VIACOM CBS.

I had a TREMENDOUS virtual author visit with 800+ STUDENTS two weeks ago organized by the incredible Leap for Literacy based down in Atlanta, Georgia! Thank you for asking me to share my story and contribute my writing tips for these future authors. Let's continue the work to "promote literacy, kindness, and a love of reading and writing in children to create life-long learners!" A BIG THANK YOU to Stan Tucker for leading such an impactful organization and supporting my Niyah Zuri movement!

It’s my esteemed pleasure to announce I have been selected as a Speaker for Black Women in Media's Virtual Conference & Awards 2020! I have the honor of lending my expertise on the Literary and Publication Panel, alongside Tunisia Brown, Owner and Creator of Impact Magazine and Impact TV Network as well as Dr. Joan Wright-Goode, Bestselling Author and CEO of Business Marketing Publishing.

“Join us for this week long experience November 16th - 20th that will recognize Black Women who are pioneers, groundbreakers, and innovators in their respective field. Guests will have an opportunity to witness firsthand how our phenomenal panelists attained the level of success, overcame obstacles, broke through their barriers, and most importantly are pivoting through the pandemic. Following the conference, guests will witness the Honorees acceptance, who have exemplify true magnificence and rewards.” 

2020 HONOREES include: MC Lyte, Tamron Hall, Egypt Sherrys, Vinasia Miles and more!

For registration and more information visit: www.blackwomeninmedia.com

My Niyah Zuri journey started five years ago, with constant “No’s”, closed doors, and obstacles in my path. Through it all, I remained consistently persistent, for I vowed to never let that younger version of myself down. The younger version that couldn’t find a character on the cover that looked like them and attended a low-performing school on the “wrong side” of town that no one cared to invest in it’s students. 

It is my DEEPEST honor to receive the 2020 “100 Women of Color Award” as well as being selected as this year’s Valedictorian. I will continue the work of investing in our kids regardless of their zip code, to ignite that flame within them and remind them each day of their worth and value through “The Fundamental Truths of Niyah Zuri”©; to create books and digital content that instills self-love through representation and teaches them of their glorious history and those of rich cultures different than their own. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it, WHEN ONE OF US WIN, WE ALL WIN! Thank you all for your support over the years - I promise to not let you down - SHOUTOUT TO THE TRIBE!!! 

Special S/O to my Brother, my DAY 1 since birth Enock Nyakana. To my Soul Sisters, Sophie Lee and Bianca Danielle, thank you for always having my insides and straightening my crown when needed. To my dear friend Julien Guiteau for taking five modes of transportation from PA to record this incredible moment as an exclusive behind the scenes for Chillin With Julien and the countless friends and Tribe members that reached out before, during, and after the awards ceremony to uplift and sincerely pour into me - THANK YOU ALL! 

Deepest gratitude JuneArcher, ELEVEN28 Entertainment, and 100 Women of Color for this incredible honor - time to get back to work!

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES RECAP OF MY JOURNEY TO RECEIVE THE 100 WOMEN OF COLOR AWARD AND VALEDICTORIAN HONOR!

I had the amazing opportunity to speak to the youth of Full Circle Youth Empowerment (F.C.Y.E.) in Bridgeport, CT this week. Despite their past traumas and setbacks, they have the potential to make a huge impact in the world and I had the honor of reminding them of just that! Thank you to Founder and Director of F.C.Y.E., Janine Reid, and Wilner Joseph for coordinating my visit. I look forward to partnering on additional programming to motivate our youth to trailblazer on their paths in their purpose! Let's continue the work!

ABOUT

Full Circle Youth Empowerment Inc. seeks to holistically empower, support, and encourage at-risk youth and foster care youth, in Fairfield County, to become self-sufficient and successfully transition into adulthood.  Our goal is to provide an array of programs, services, and supports for youth to strengthen their skill development and increase their well-being to achieve optimal success personally, socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. To DONATE and GET INVOLVED visit: https://www.fcyecenter.org

“If you can THINK it, it can BE! The only difference between you THINKING something and it ACTUALLY happening is ACTION! So let’s take some action, TIME is of the ESSENCE!” Loved hosting my Writers Workshop with @kidsactmd this week! Continue to inspire these budding creatives to express themselves through the Arts! S/O to the dedicated CEO and my little Sis Tonya Elizabeth for her dedication to ensuring campers can continue their education in the Arts through a virtual setting!

ABOUT

Kids Are Creative Thinkers is a summer camp and after school program for young aspiring artists where they are free to creative expression. Founded in March of 2019, Tonya Mayo has found it vital to understand and collaborate with artists around the community and give our children open space to find their creative outlet. Since our virtual summer camp has come to an end, we do not want to leave our SCA's hanging so we are providing a virtual after school program! Join us virtually and take a look at what our program has to offer! TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: www.kidsactmd.com

"The POSSIBILITIES of what you can do are NOT CONFINED!” Thank you Lillie Mae, Creator of the Glambitous Empowerment Brand, for featuring me as a speaker at the Glambitious “Meet the CEO” Virtual Summer 2020 event! I loved sharing my business practices and Niyah Zuri gems to motivate all women in the business!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL EVENT

JUNE 30, 2020 - SAN PABLO, CALIFORNIA --- HONORED to be a featured speaker at the THINK SUCCESS Virtual Teen Summit 6/30 at 11 AM PST! Presented by Gifts Empowered Manifest Success (G.E.M.S.) & FREE for all middle & high school students! Spend a couple of hours getting empowered with me & the other incredible guest speakers, live djs, prizes, & more! 

ABOUT G.E.M.S. 

Our mission is to enhance the life journey of youth grades (6-12) with enriching educational opportunities that empower and engage in positive expression through literary and healthy life-skills development.  Our vision is to EDUCATE * MOTIVATE * INSPIRE all GEMS participants and communities. For more details visit www.gems-edu.org