Movers & Shakers Gather in the Hamptons to Support Evidence, A Dance Company

Ronald K. Brown (artistic director) and Reginald Canal of HSBC (and Evidence Board Member).


Bernard Hampton Jackson III, Esq. Judge Bernard Jackson II and Nia Gandy of HYT ME



Nadja Bellen-White, VP/Dir, Marketing for Publicis Modem and friends.


Author/Producer Crystal McCrary Anthony, Reginald Van Lee (Chair of Evidence and Partner at Booz Allen Hamilton) and guests




(Photos: Margot Jordan)

The Brooklyn-based Evidence, A Dance Company held their 5th annual summer fundraiser "On Our Toes" in the Hamptons last week at Nova's Ark Sculputure Park. The annual benefit was held to support community outreach activities and educational programs for performing arts enthusiasts of all ages. Highly regarded choreographer and Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown founded Evidence in 1985 and the company tours across the U.S. and abroad 25 – 30 weeks a year.

Numerous prominent philanthropists, celebrities and senior executives of the African-American community were all smiles and looked summer chic as they supported the worthy cause. "On Our Toes" was initiated by Evidence Board Chair, Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen Hamilton and Susan Taylor, former editorial director of Essence Magazine. This summer's Honorary Chair was writer, producer and activist Crystal McCrary Anthony and TV personality René Syler was the mistress of ceremonies.

Evidence patrons contributed $500 each and enjoyed a cocktail reception, dance performance and a "Dancing with the Dancers" after-party. "On Our Toes" notable sponsors included: HSBC Premier, 10 Cane Rum, Pfizer, Verizon, Bloomberg, Sony OLED, Banyan Tree Mayakoba Residencies, Booz Allen Hamilton, Continental Airlines, Emily and Ashley, Hamptons.com, Dr. N. V. Perricone, The Ark Project, Tiffany & Co. and UPTOWN magazine.

If you missed out on this fabulous charitable event, not to worry, Evidence will be hosting its other major fundraiser: Winter Gala in Manhattan on February 3, 2009 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel.
Special thanks to Andrea Hoffman!!
View my post from Winter Gala 2008

Barack Obama's Moment in History

His positive energy is so contagious and morale in the black community is at an all time high...All I can say is WOW! This is one for the history books...

Michelle Obama's Speech @ the DNC

Future First Lady, Michelle Obama, gave a speech on behalf of her husband, Barack, last night in Denver at the Democratic National Convention. I'll sum Michelle, the cute little girls and her speech up in one word...AUTHENTIC!

Back to the Beach

View from my terrace.

I know, I know...it's been a while since my last post. I sincerely appreciate the updates you've sent me and I'll belatedly share them with the readers. This summer was truly a whirl-wind experience!

It started off with business trips to the Hamptons.

Engaging in community service with my daughter as we had a great time joining Miami artist and studio owner, Addonis Parker, politicians and other volunteers in painting a mural on the MLK overpass.

Next, it was off to Paris with my hubby,where we hung out at our usual spots: Le Meurice, Hotel Costes, enjoyed scrumptious tarts at La Duree, enjoyed nightcaps at George V and mingled with french socialites during Sunday Brunch at Tajan.

But my special treat for this trip was the discovery of Paris' Drouot, the ultra popular auction center with multitudes of auctions ranging from medieval artifacts to vintage Hermes bags. Drouot averages around 15,000 visitors a day, if you're a serious shopper then this is a must-see!

Most of our summer was spent wheelin' & dealin' as we spent time traveling and yachting.

We ended our traveling spree with a trip to NYC, where we took our daughter to Broadway's Hairspray, had a tea party at The Plaza and rode the rickshaws (she loves NYC ). As usual we had: a yummy brunch at Sara Beth's on the Upper East Side, a solid shopping fix at Herve Leger and Giuseppe Zanotti, delicious meals at Les Halles and Mario Batali's Lupa and visited St. Regis, in addition to engaging in deep conversations over nightcaps at the Waldorf Astoria.

So, now it's finally back to our terrace in Miami Beach, where we gaze at the ocean and shape of the earth (literally)... I swear this is the best place in the world!

Michelle Obama on Colbert Report

The future 1st Lady was on the hilariaous "Colbert Report" last night and was fabulous. This sista from Chi-Town is no joke! I love the statement she made about "4 spoons" in this clip. She's incredibly elegant, intelligent and gorgeous. Michelle Obama represented black women flawlessly!

Vintage Music Mondays: Nice& Wild's"Diamond Girl"

Diamond Girl was my JAM back in the day!! Here in Miami this song is a local radio favorite and every time I hear it I remember the skating rink sessions with my friends jam skating! Thank God, guys don't dress and wear their hair like this anymore (well Prince still does).

Serena is the Victor @ Sony Ericsson Open in Miami

Serena Williams victory felt as beautiful as the weather in Miami this weekend. She defeated Jelena Jankovic and claimed her second straight $3.77 million Sony Ericsson Open title.

Ms. Williams captured a 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 victory in a 2-hour, 25-minute affair and won her 12th straight match in Miami capturing her 30th career title in 41 finals appearances. Serena won $590,000. Jankovic received $295,675. She improved to 14-1 so far this season.

Congrats!

Vintage Music Mondays: Pebbles' "Mercedes Boy"

Here's the 1988 hit "Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles. The catchy hook and the popular model Randy Houston along with Pebbles' gorgeousness made this video a winner back in the day. Have a great Monday!

Big Boi Injects His Life & Hip-Hop into the Atlanta Ballet

Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, half of the hip-hop duo OutKast is giving ballet a hip-hop makeover. The Atlanta Ballet approached Patton with the idea of "big", a play about the travels and experience of a young and innocent Big Boi who has an imaginary friend .

The 90- minute performance will host 80 cast members and live music from Big Boi along with other hip-hop artists such as Sleepy Brown.

"We're opening with Verdi and then we have a very popular Big Boi song, 'Morris Brown.' Right away, the contrasts will be startling," says Lauri Stallings, the choreographer of "big."

"Big" will hold 6 performances from April 10-14th at the beautiful Fox Theatre in Atlanta, plan are in the works to take "big" on a national tour. Visit http://atlantaballet.com/fs_bigboi.htm
for more information.

(Source: The WallStreet Journal)

Vintage Music Mondays: Mary J Blige's "Real Love"

Happy Monday! I've been overwhelmed by some new opportunities so please excuse my lack of posts. Anyway, here's Mary J Blige's "Real Love." My husband and I attended Mary J and Jay Z's concert here in Miami this past Saturday. They turned it out of course, Jay endorsed Obama, Kanye West made an appearance and I have the footage. So, look out for that this week as well as interviews with some special people in the beauty and art worlds.

Obama is Brutally Honest & I Love It!!

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama gave an enlightening, personal and remarkably honest speech about race in America and concerns about Rev. Wright. His speech has been deemed by many pundits and observers as "historic." I agree. Obama set the record straight like no other politician I have heard in my lifetime thus far. I could get deep in thought right now, but I'll let you judge for yourself. If you haven't watched this special moment in time, please do!

Society Stars: Children of the City Gala

David and Leilah Tyree, Cheryl Rogers with Jesse Tyree


Selita Ebanks and Steve Schirripa


Thomas Gilmartin, David Tyree and Yvonne Riley-Tepie


Selita Ebanks, Chris Gay, Duncan Olde, Katie Walters, Miguel Avalos and Harold Palacios

The Children of the City Gala was held in New York at the Tribeca Rooftop last week. The Gala's 27th anniversary brought out philanthropists, athletes, models and corporate bigwigs. The organization's annual gala honored New York Giant, David Tyree with the Children's Champion Award this year. Sopranos star Steve Schirripa served as the Master of Ceremonies, and New Jersey Nets star Richard Jefferson was a guest of honor. Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks and COC Founder/Executive Director, Joyce Mattera were among the presenters.

Guests enjoyed dinner and entertainment in support of a worthy cause. Notable patrons like COC Board of Director Rocco Basile and Yvonne Riley-Tepie, assistant VP of Marketing for Commerce Bank in Brooklyn and Queens, were in attendance.

Children of the City is a community based organization that has been serving disadvantaged children since 1982. Its mission is to reach at risk inner city children with hope, guidance and resources to positively affect their lives and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and its effects. Children of the City's outreach provides disadvantaged children with prevention programs, crisis intervention, educational support and healthy activities through small groups and large gatherings of children that continually produce tremendous documented progress and results. It currently reaches over 2,000 children and youth in Sunset Park each year, serves 900 children monthly through home visits from volunteers and counselors and provides daily academic support to those at risk of educational failure.

Vintage Music Mondays: Soul Glo

My husband and I watched Eddie Murphy's "Coming to America" this weekend and laughed our heads off. Enjoy this "Soul Glo" scene from the classic 80's movie. Thank God the jheri curl went out of style!!

Sports: Lewis Hamilton Wins the Australian Grand Prix

The Formula One races are on again and I'm happy to say that McLaren-Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton still has his mojo. The handsome Briton won the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The Australian Grand Prix is the season opener for the Formula One races. Hamilton won the race effortlessly while the other drivers struggled. If you follow the Formula One, then you've heard about the racist drama Lewis Hamilton was experiencing in Spain due to his ex-racing partner Fernando Alonso and the Spanish racing fans. Well, Alonso came in third place and I hope he enjoys the slice of humble pie that Hamilton just served him.


Australian Grand Prix results

1. Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 58 laps one hour 34 minutes 50.616 seconds
2. Nick Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber +5.478 secs
3. Nico Rosberg (Ger) Williams-Toyota +8.163
4. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Renault +17.181
5. Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) McLaren-Mercedes +18.014
6. Kazuki Nakajima (Jpn) Williams-Toyota 1 lap behind
7. Sebastien Bourdais (Fra) Toro Rosso-Ferrari Retired - 55 laps completed
8. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari Retired - 53 laps completed

Society Stars: Mario Launches "Do Right Foundation"

The handsome singer Mario launched his "Do Right Foundation" on Wednesday at Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles. The mission of "Do Right Foundation" is to focus on and provide role models for underprivileged youth whose parents suffer or suffered with substance abuse. In addition to providing role models, the Foundation also provides home tutoring via the Catapult Online program and Dell sponsors computers for the children.

As you may know, Mario revealed last year on MTV that his mother is a drug addict. I find it admirable that Mario is using his own experiences and hardships to address and assist children coping with this problem in the community.
Keep up the good work Mario!

Society Stars: March of Dimes 33rd Annual Beauty Ball

Deborah Medeiros Baker, Vanessa Williams and Pamela Wint


Vanessa Williams, Bernd Beetz and Vera Wang

Beautiful and age-defying Vanessa Williams hosted the March of Dimes 33rd Annual Beauty Ball at Cipriani 42nd Street in NYC last night.

Event Co-Chairs Bernd Beetz, CEO of Coty Inc and designer Vera Wang were Event Co-Chairs for the charitable event.
The Annual Beauty Ball is one of the beauty industry's most anticipated social gatherings of the year. Patrons including celebrity stylists Deborah Medeiros Baker and Pamela Wint enjoyed dinner, auctions and acrobatic entertainment.

The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, awareness and education.

Flashes: MUSEUM of the CITY OF NEW YORK Director's Council and DIOR's Winter Ball

Maggie Betts

Kelechi Odu

Wednesday night the MUSEUM of the CITY OF NEW YORK Director's Council and DIOR hosted the Winter Ball. Most of New York's high society was on the scene. Guests like fashionable socialites Maggie Betts and fashion designer, Kelechi Odu enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing throughout the museum.
(Photos:Patrick McMullan)

Lt. David Paterson to Become NY's 1st Black Governor

Lt. Governor David A. Paterson, who is New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor, will now become New York's first Black governor. The seasoned politician's status upgraded when his colleague, Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned this morning.

Mr. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006, but the legally blind politician has been getting his feet wet in the world of civil service for more than 20 years. In 1985, he was elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate and became the youngest senator in Albany when he was elected at age 35. In 2002, Paterson became the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history to be elected as minority leader of the New York State Senate. Consistently making history, David Paterson became the became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. In fact, Paterson's father, Basil Paterson, is a historical black politician, being the first non-white secretary of state of New York and the first African-American vice-chair of the national Democratic Party.

Some of the issues David Paterson has addressed are: stronger action to fight against domestic violence, minority and female owned New York businesses, alternative energy strategies and proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative. The Columbia University and Hofstra Law School graduate is also nationally recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically impaired. He's a member of the American Foundation for the Blind and serves on the board of directors of the the Achilles Track Club, an organization that sponsors disabled athletes and disabled veterans competing in marathons.


David Paterson resides in Harlem with his wife, Michelle Paige, and their two children, Ashley and Alex. He will be in office until he has to campaign for re-election in 2010.

Congratulation and Good Luck Governor Paterson!!

Vintage Music Mondays: Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"

Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"

Hey Everybody!! I'm still recuperating from my trip to Atlanta. I spent time visiting family and had a blast! This daylight savings time is killing me though.

Anyhow, here's one of my fave hip-hop joints of all time, Public Enemy's essential, controversial 1989 track "Fight the Power." When I hear this track I reminisce sooo hard. I loved PE's military drill team. Remember when Spike Lee opened his movie "Do the Right Thing" with Boriqua, Rosie Perez shaking it like a salt shaker to this song? Priceless. During this time period, crack was infesting in Black neighborhoods and gang wars were rampant, especially in Chicago and California. The government wasn't showing Black people any love during that time. It didn't matter if you were rich or poor, people were just so sick of the violence.

I wonder if Chuck D and Flavor Flav realized how powerful the lyrics were and what impact that song had on the community, past and present. The beat was so intoxicating. Nowadays, anyone fed up with their country's mismanagement can relate to this song, regardless of race or religion.
So, watch these YouTube clips and reminisce!

Watch Rosie Perez break it down in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing"!!

Zoe Kravitz in Jay Z's New Video "I Know"

Check out Lenny Kravitz's daughter Zoe in Jay Z's new video "I Know." She's all grown up now!

Flashes: 27 Dresses Gala in UK

Keisha Buchanan and Amelle Berrabah


Danielle Lloyd and Mica Paris


Beverley Knight
(Photos:WireImage)

The "27 Dresses" Gala Screening in Aid of the Lavender Trust was held Tuesday in London at the Apollo. The Gala was held in support of the breast cancer fund, The Lavender Trust.

British stars including R&B singer,Beverley Knight, Keisha Buchanan and Amelle Berrabah of pop group Sugarbabes, along with model Danielle Lloyd and crooner Mica Paris supported the important cause.

Lavender Trust is the only fund in the UK committed to addressing particular needs and concerns of women under the age of 50 who are diagnosed with breast cancer. There are 8000 women under-50 years of age who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the U.K.

Every March the Lavender Trust holds Lavender Week to raise awareness of issues facing younger women with breast cancer and to raise funding for Breast Cancer Care's services for younger women.

Evelynn Hammonds Set to Become Harvard's 1st Black Female Dean

Harvard University marked another milestone yesterday when they announced the appointment of Evelynn Hammonds to the superior position of Dean of Harvard College. This appointment will make Evelynn Hammonds' the first female and the first Black to be Dean at Harvard when she takes office on June 1st.

Hammonds, 55, served as a professor of the history of science and African-American studies, as well as Harvard’s senior vice provost for faculty development and diversity.

Dr.Hammonds served as founding director of the Center for the Study of Diversity in Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), before arriving at Harvard in 2002.

Hammonds is a graduate of Spelman College (where she earned a B.S. in Physics and also holds an honorary doctorate of humane letters)and the Georgia Institute of Technology(where she earned a B.E.E. in electrical engineering). She later received an S.M. in physics from MIT and earned a Ph.D. in the history of science at Harvard.


This phenomenal woman has also authored numerous literature including, Childhood's Deadly Scourge: The Campaign to Control Diphtheria in New York City , 1880–1930 (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999). In February 2008 she was named a Fellow of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS).

Congratulations Dean Hammonds!
(Source:Harvard.edu)

Flashes: The School of American Ballet 2008 Winter Ball

Judy Byrd Blaylock



Alexis Clark and Gillian Miniter


Barbara Vogelstein and Pamela Joyner
(Photos: Patrick McMullan)


Gala season is still in full effect and the sistas are still stepping out glamorous. Philanthropic socialites Judy Byrd Blaylock, Pamela Joyner (I love her dress) and Alexis Clark looked fabulous at the The School of American Ballet's Winter Ball in New York City.

Patrons enjoyed the Ball's dinner and performance at the New York State Theater. The Winter Ball is the SAB's highest earning benefit and the proceeds supports many facets of the school including: the ballet training program, faculty, student programs and studios.

Vintage Music Mondays: Cameo's "Word Up"

Here's funk group Cameo performing their 80's hit "Word Up" on Arsenio Hall's late night talk show.

Society Stars: Jayneoni Moore's "Readalicious" Book Bash

Philanthropist and Celebrity style maven, Jayneoni Moore hosted the "Readalicious" Book Bash this weekend in Century City, California. The purpose of the Readalicious campaign is to provide new books to children, as well as raise awareness of the scarcity of literature available to children in economically challenged neighborhoods.

Adult and child celebrities like, Tichina Arnold, Ali Landry and Justin Martin came out and supported the event. Children from various shelters and clubs including the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club had the opportunity to create their own books in a Crayola sponsored arts and crafts area. They also children re-named the celebrities in attendance. Moore was called “Beyonce”, Shar Jackson was re-named “Janet Jackson”, Ali Landry became “Hannah Montana”, Justin Martin became “P Diddy”, Kelly Rutherford was named “Jessica Simpson”, and giant William Romeo (Mayhem) was the pint-sized “Gary Coleman”. When the celebrities read to the children, they took on their NEW celebrity names and personas. ¨ American Gladiators’ Mayhem, a very pregnant Jodie Sweetin (yes the little girl from 80's/90's sitcom Full House), and children actor stars Sammi Hanratty, Jeannette McCurdy, and Madison Davenport blew bubbles and ate peanut butter cookies with kids from the Watts Boys and Girls Club at the Readalicious Book Bash on Saturday.

The Jayneoni Moore Foundation in partnership with Read Across America and The California Teachers Association created the The Readalicious Bag-O-Books Campaign.
This Campaign has supplied over 1,000 children, this spring alone, with school bags bursting with literature from prominent publishing companies such as Kane/Miller Publishing, Blue Apple Books and Simon & Schuster.

Jayneoni is a huge advocate of local non-profit organizations that address domestic violence and terminally ill children. She has hosted other successful philanthropic events including her Jayneoni Moore Children's Fund Big Baby Shower and Hollywood Baby Boom Boom Room.

It's always good karma when one uses their success to help the less fortunate. In the near future I'll tell you more about Jayneoni Moore and her plans.

Society Stars: DAF's 3rd Annual "Don't Stop the Music Gala"

Vernon Jones with guest and Dallas Austin

Shelly Hardrutt-Hill ,Kevin Michael and Catherine Brewton


Valeria Jackson and George Clinton
(Photos:WireImage)


Grammy winning producer and songwriter,Dallas Austin held his 3rd Annual "Don't stop the Music" Gala at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. Austin founded the Dallas Austin Foundation (DAF)501(c)(3)in 2003 with a goal of exposing youth to the art of music and film. Television anchor Jovita Moore and actor Orlando Jones hosted the gala.

Patrons dined and enjoyed performances by Gladys Knight, George Clinton and Fantasia Barrino. Comedian, Cedric the Entertainer hosted the live auction. Guests bid on an array of items including a private condo for a week in South Beach, a Todd Murphy Original and a one-on-one workout with Atlanta Falcons’ Fullback, Ovie Mughelli.

Music industry insiders, socialites and local celebs attended the philanthropic soiree. Singer, Kevin Michael, V.P. of Writer-Publisher Relations/BMI Catherine Brewton and Shelly Hardrutt-Hill were on the set. Dekalb County CEO and founding member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity/Stone Mountain Alumni Chapter, Vernon Jones also made an appearance. Dallas brought along his 2 adorable sons for the entertaining evening.

Flashes: Out & About in NYC, London, Paris

Maggie Betts

Rene Syler and Malaak Compton-Rock


Steve Harvey, Stephen Smith and Allan Houston

Kwame Kwei-Armah

Liya Kebede


Ekow Eshun



Cuba Gooding Jr. and Naomi Campbell


Kanye West with fiancee Alexis Phifer


Cuba Gooding, Jr and Naomi Campbell were on the London scene for the Burberry and Vanity Fair "Portraits" party.

Journalist Rene Syler and Malaak Compton-Rock attended American Cancer Society's 2008 MOTHER OF THE YEAR Awards.

Socialite, Maggie Betts attended Alberta Ferrett's screening of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Philanthropist Liya Kebede was svelte for the YSL opening in Paris.

Kanye and his designer fiancee??, Alexis Phifer hung out at the Just Cavalli Party at Le Crazy Horse in Paris.

Radio personality, Steve Harvey, Sports anchor, Stephen A. Smith and ex-NBA player, Allan Houston kicked it at The ESPN Zone Black History Month celebration in New York City.

Playwright, Kwame Kwei-Armah and the Artistic Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Ekow Eshun were guest speakers at the Institute of Contemporary Arts Annual Fundraising Gala "Figures of Speech" in London.

Celebrity HairStylist, Errol Douglas Receives the MBE Award

Errol with his son @ Buckingham Palace




Now Ladies,
I don't know about you, but as an African-American woman, when I travel to Europe I struggle with finding reputable black hair products and hairdressers. So, here's an excellent contact for you to check out if you're ever in the UK and need some hair TLC.

His name is Errol Douglas, he's a celebrity hairstylist and philanthropist. Errol Douglas is considered the creme de la creme of his industry and has styled numerous notable women including the likes of Naomi Campbell, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci.

Recently, during a ceremony at the Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth presented 43 year-old Douglas the uber-prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) Award. The MBE is 1 of 5 classes that are part of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry invented in 1917 by King George.



Now Back to Hair...


Douglas has been styling hair 28yrs and recently celebrated his salon's 10th birthday. His swanky salon located in Knightbridge, London is a fusion of Afro and European styling and is known for fabulous blow-outs, coloring and polished finishes. His salon also offers spa services and in-house catering.


Errol Douglas has been the recipient of numerous awards including: overall AIPP Grand Trophy winner, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Hairdresser of the Year, the Fellowship Gold Salon Consumer Award (2 consecutive years), Creative Head Media Darling of the Year and most recently the British Master Award at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards ceremony, Black Beauty/Wahl¹s Afro Hairdresser of the Year and has been nominated eleven times for British Hairdresser of the Year, winner of the Afro category three times.

In addition to racking up accolades, Douglas has made several tv appearances like GMTV, This Morning, Good Morning, Model Behaviour, UK Living, G-Girls, 10 Years Younger, Queer Eye for a Straight Guy, Ready Steady Cook, The Weakest Link, Dial-a-mum, Extreme Makeover and Celebrity Scissorhands, to name a few.


Next time your in London and get caught in the rain, Ladies don't fret...head over to Errol Douglas on 18 Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8LB.

To find out more, visit Erroldouglas.com.