Fabrice Armand & NYC Young Professionals Host "Haiti Cherie" Soiree to Benefit Haiti's Grace International

Fabrice Armand & Keenyah Hill

  Prince Kunle Omilana and Princess Keisha Omilana

Angellika Morton

D'Isabella Lee, Fabrice Armand, Kwame Jackson, Calcie Cooper

Although it’s been over a year since Haiti endured a devastating earthquake, do-gooders like the NYC Young Professionals and philanthropist Fabrice Armand continue to raise awareness and offer Haitians much needed support by presenting the “Haiti Cherie: Pride, Love, Commitment” benefit in support of Grace International, Inc and the tent camp of Grace Village.

An impressive collection of guests ranging from African royalty to socialites, philanthropists, media personalities and high-powered executives gathered at the soiree celebrating not only the Haitian people’s resilience, but also to celebrate organizer, philanthropist and native son of Haiti Fabrice Armand’s birthday. 

NBC's DeMarco Morgan was the Master of Ceremonies and notable guests at the soiree included: Nigerian Prince Kunle Omilana and Princess Keisha Omilana; Keenyah Hill, America’s Next Top Model; Musician, Tiga Jean Baptiste; Plus Size Model, Angellika Morton;  Publicist and Socialite, BJ Coleman and Stylist, Alexa Winner, Apprentice contestant & Krimson by Kwame Founder, Kwame Jackson, to name a few.

We're Back!

Hello Everyone!! Society Noir is happy to say that it become active again. It has been two years since our last post, which was about President Barack Obama's Inauguration.

For a while, I had been going back and forth on whether I should continue publishing Society Noir, as well as the purpose it can & should serve. Not to be a "Debbie Downer,"but as I observed the African diaspora these past two years (especially here in America) it has become painfully clear that mainstream media just refuses to proportionately and objectively cover Black America, the black diaspora and Africa.

So, we're back in action. Look forward to Society Noir still covering charitable causes, the upscale lifestyle, events, black socialites,and business profiles. But also look forward to more serious discussions about our global society, politics and resolutions to the ills in our diaspora.



Happy New Year!

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

Society Stars:Elton John's 16th Annual AID Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party

Songstress, Mary J Blige


Host and music extraordinaire,Elton John

TV personality Terri Seymour with her boyfriend and music producer/Idol judge, Simon Cowell


Actress, Jurnee Smollet


Model Mogul, Heidi Klum with her husband and singer, Seal.


Mogul, Russell Simmons with girlfriend and model, Porschia Coleman
(Photos: Getty Images)

The 80th Annual Oscar Academy Awardss were held last night and in tradition, Elton Johnand his partner David Furnish hosted his 16th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center. Black stars shone brightly last night in an effort to support Elton John in his endeavors to combat and raise awareness about the fatal disease HIV/AIDS, as well as the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for programs that provide services to people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS.

The philanthropic gala began with a cocktail reception, then a formal dinner and viewing of the Oscars Awards.

Society Stars: EIF & Sak's 'UNFORGETTABLE EVENING'

Gelila and Wolfgang Puck


Mary J Blige


Darlene Fountaine


Chad Wonder with Kai Milla


Natalie Cole
(Photos: Patrick McMullan)


EIF and Sak's 5th Avenue held it's annual 'UNFORGETTABLE EVENING' Benefiting Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research. The sit-down dinner gala,which raised over $1.5 million for revolutionary cancer research, took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and featured a live performance by Grammy-award winning Mary J. Blige. This year EIF honored Oscar winning actress Hillary Swank whose lost several family members to Cancer, with the 2008 Courage Award. Fellow thespian Morgan Freeman presented Hillary Swank with the award.

Stevie Wonder's wife, designer Kai Milla and Beverly Hill real estate agent Darlene Fountaine looked gorgeous. Gelila's husband, Wolfgang Puck catered the dinner. Chanteuse, Natalie Cole looked absolutely flawless and younger than ever.

Flashes: Evidence Dance "Grace in Winter" The Red Ball 2008

Philanthropists, artists, socialites, celebs and movers & shakers of black society gathered on Monday at the Hudson Theater at the Millenium Broadway Hotel in New York City for Evidence, A Dance Company's "Grace in Winter" the Red Ball.

In 1985, at the age of 19, Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronald K. Brown founded the New York-based Evidence/A Dance Company. Brown creates intriguing dance stories by blending traditional African, Latin and Caribbean dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word in response to the current cultural climate and human condition. The dance company has performed in venues across North America and has toured in Cuba, Brazil, Greece, Korea, Hungary, and Senegal.
Brown is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including a a New York Dance and Performance Award (a “Bessie”), John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in Choreography, a National Endowment for the Arts Choreographers’ Fellowship.

Dressed to the nines, guests wore for black tie and red attire with a beautiful atmosphere enhanced by beautiful "Black Magic" roses. The guest list read like a who's who directory including, Film legend, Cicely Tyson, Director Debbie Allen, actress Tamara Tunie, Jerri DeVard, Terry McMillan, Susan L. Taylor, Khephra Burns, Sybil Chester, Dwight Johnson, b Michael, Jocelyn Taylor, Audrey Bernard, Lisa Arrindell and Reginald Van Lee.

Tickets for the Ball ranged from $1K-$50K and the event was generously sponsored by HSBC Premier and Gala Chair Nancy A. Armand. Gala committe members Cicely Tyson and Pauletta Washington looked amazing. The gala dinner was hosted by Leslie Mays of Pfizer and Mistress of Ceremonies was Renee Syler, who are also on the Gala Committee. Gala Co-chair/ Benefactor Monica F. Azare of Verizon Lola C. West was the Gala Dessert Host. Other notable sponsors who supported the Red Ball were: BET/MTVN, Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen Hamilton, Lola C. West and Wayne Winborne of Prudential Financial, to name a few.


Click here for Evidence's tour schedule.

Greece Donates to United Nations World Food Program in Ethiopia

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) received a generous donation of more than 9 million Birr($965,093) from the Government of Greece. The donation will benefit the Targeted Supplementary Food component of WFP’s Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation.

The Targeted Supplementary Food Program supports the Ethiopian Ministry of Health’s Child Survival Initiative and is a special program designed to thoroughly address the immediate causes of malnutrition among children and pregnant and lactating women. The project, is currently active in 342 districts throughout the country by governmental and non-governmental partners. It assists an annual average of 1.1 million beneficiaries by targeting malnourished lactating and pregnant women and children under five years of age. Under this program mothers also receive basic nutrition education on how best to use the food, and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the early months after birth

“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Greece for stepping in to assist some of the neediest people in Ethiopia,” said Mohammed Diab, WFP Country Director and Representative. “This is a timely donation as the project often suffers from being under funded.”
(Source: Ethiopian News Agency)

All-Black "Vagina Monologues" to Raise Money for V-Day Campaign

Yetta Young

Sherri Shepard


Terri Vaughn


This weekend, on February 16th, an all black cast will perform Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues," in Washington, DC. "Vagina Monologues" is an award winning play written with powerful dialogue meant to inspire female empowerment and inner strength. Yetta Young, a black female Executive Producer and NAACP Theatre Award nominee is staging the performance in support of V-Day.

V-Day, held on or around Valentine's Day, is a national campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence and is celebrated in more than 81 countries. Proceeds from the play will help support other local organizations that specialize in curbing violence. Since 1998, V-Day, a non-profit corporation, has raised more than $30 million. Those funds are distributed to grassroots, national, and international programs that work to stop violence against women and girls.

After DC, the tour continues to Nashville, TN, on March 1, and Detroit, MI, on March 8. This year, Young’s all-star celebrity cast will include Star Jones, Dawnn Lewis, Sherri Shepherd, Vanessa Williams, Terri J. Vaughn, Gloria Mayfield Banks, Ella Joyce and Taj Johnson-George, to name a few.

Visit www.vdaytour.com for more information.

Society Stars: A NIGHT TO BENEFIT RAISING MALAWI and UNICEF

Madonna and Chris Rock

Malawian performance

Djimon Hounsou


Rihanna

Alex Rodriguez


Cassie, Sean Combs, Donald and Melania Trump

Zoe Kravitz

Madonna and Fanizo
(Photos: Patrick McMullan)

Philanthropists and celebs of all races and creeds came out last night to support Gucci and Madonna's A NIGHT TO BENEFIT RAISING MALAWI and UNICEF held on the lawn of the United Nations in NYC and raised $3.7 million to help poor and sick children around the world. Guests dressed to the nines dined on a $2,500-a-plate dinner and participated in a live auction hosted by Chris Rock. Guests also enjoyed performances including Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Malawian acts.

UNICEF reports show that HIV/AIDS affects almost 1 million people in Malawi, including 83,000 children, and half of the country's 1 million orphans have lost one or both parents to AIDS. The event was a very necessary success.