FLO ANTHONY Glitterai Gold

Angela Simmons' Haute For The Holidays Styling Tips

2014-12-05T07:40:00.001-08:00

Angela Simmons is definitely haute and we love her new holiday styling tips, Haute for the Holidays, where we get a birds-eye view into the fashion maven's personal style file along with insights from the stylist Kanebo Ebi, thanks to Beautiful Textures.

Meanwhile, the lovely philanthropic Angela hosted the Millennial Ball 3.0 to benefit Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research on November 26 at Tao Downtown in New York City.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry This Thanksgiving

2014-11-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

New York City Restaurants Give You A Reason To Be Thankful

T-Bar Steak & Lounge

Classicly-chic Upper East Side eatery, T-Bar Steak & Lounge, is offering a Thanksgiving dinner prix fixe menu for $75.00 per person. Featuring appetizers like Pumpkin Soup, T-Bar’s popular Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, and Grilled Tiger Prawns, the menu is hard-to-resist. Choose between entrees like Oven Roasted Turkey, Lobster Risotto or Grilled Filet Mignon 10 oz. T-Bar’s famous desserts - like the Banana Parfaix Mille Feuilles-featured on the menu, alongside Traditional Pumpkin Pie & Warm Apple Crisp.

Open on Thanksgiving Day: 1:30 pm-7:00 pm.

For more information visit www.tbarasnyc.com

Swifty’s

Upper East Side Institution, Swifty’s, is an attractive option to enjoy a warm and cozy Thanksgiving with friends and family. The $72.00 prix fixe dinner features First Course festive treats such as Baked French Onion Soup, Corn Chowder and Smoked Irish Salmon. Entrees include Roasted Murray’s Natural Turkey, Scottish Salmon, or Risotto Milanese. There is a large selection of desserts including Bourbon Pecan Pie, Steamed Ginger Pudding, and Double Rich Chocolate Mousse.

Open on Thanksgiving Day: 12:00 pm-9:00 pm/

For more information visit:www.swiftynyc.com.

Amaranth Restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant, Amaranth is offering traditional Thanksgiving specials alongside its regular lunch and dinner menu. Feast on Roasted Turkey with Italian chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potato puree or homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with butter and sage. The dessert menu is hard to resist - from the Mille Feruille Napolean with mixed berries and creme anglaise to the Cantucci al vin Santo - a homemade biscotti served with Vin Santo Wine for dipping.

Open on Thanksgiving Day: 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.

Visit: www.amaranthrestaurant.com.

Ivy Bar & Grill

Ivy Bar & Grill is kicking off the Holiday Season with a special celebration on November 26. Come and toast to Thanksgiving with Happy Hour specials from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm - featuring $5 beers, $5 wines, and Proseco, and $6 cocktails, including the White Pomegranate Cosmopolitan with Germaine Elderflower, the Ivy Martini and the Bohemian Rhapsody with fresh cucumber & lemon. A DJ will be spinning tunes all night, giving guests plenty of reason to get into the holiday spirit. Ivy also has an After Dark Menu from 12:00 am-2:00 am.

Open Wednesday: 11:30 am-4:00 am.

For more information visit: www.ivybarnyc.com.

Ladies Reigned Supreme At The Stakeholders Networking Event

2014-11-08T07:21:00.001-08:00

Hosted By Atlantic Records, Strength Of Nature Global and Rosa Royale

The term “ladies night” has been redefined, thanks to a new group of high-powered female influencers who gathered on October 22 for an exclusive evening of conversation, ideation and fun. The Stakeholders Conversation with Female Influencers series held its first meeting at an elegant penthouse in SoHo where nearly 100 women of substance gathered for the exciting launch, hosted by Joi Brown, senior VP of marketing/brand partnership for Atlantic Records, Strength of Nature Global, Rosa Royale sparkling wine and Girls with Gifts.

Among the luminaries in attendance were: Charlene Dance, global marketing director for Strength of Nature, makers of Elasta QP and other leading ethnic hair care brands, Sandra Krut, brand director, Banfi Vintners and Cassaundra Cumbess, founder of Girls with Gifts.

Other chicsters in attendance included Mona Scott-Young, Cheonoa Maxwell, Ericka Pittman, Rachelle Dupere and Mara Washington.

Strength of Nature Global LLC Names Angela Simmons Brand Ambassador for Beautiful Textures Line

2014-08-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Strength of Nature Global LLC, the leading Innovator in hair care for women of color, has announced television personality and style maven Angela Simmons as Brand Ambassador for their Beautiful Textures line that caters to the needs of women of color with natural hair. "I couldn't be happier to represent Beautiful Textures as Brand Ambassador," says Angela Simmons. "I am a true fan of the Beautiful Textures Texture Manageability System," she adds. Beautiful Textures kicked off its collaboration with Simmons by casting her as a co-host of the popular post-BET Awards web series, "The Morning After: The Fashion Round-Up."

Angela Simmons does the Beautiful Textures #TryTMS Challenge from PhotosByRome on Vimeo.

The General Motors Foundation Donates $50,000 To Philanthropic Efforts In The Hamptons

2014-08-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

      The spirit of giving was so great the weekend of July 25 in the Hamptons, that one would have thought it was Christmas in July. In the form of a bright yellow Corvette and a fleet of Cadillac Escalades and CTS', General Motors Executives Jocelyn Allen, Vivian Pickard and Ed Welburn, rode in on their sleigh, dropping checks at each stop.
      The first stop on the weekend of philanthropy was at Rush Arts' Corridor Art Gallery in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn where the General Motors Foundation donated $25,000 to the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation to support free summer arts and education programs for Rush Kids.
     "Art can be a powerful outlet and an invaluable tool to strengthen young minds and unite communities," said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. "We applaud Rush Philanthropic for their work to offer a creative learning environment in which students can interact with artists, explore contemporary arts and see the world through a variety of perspective."
      Later that night, the GM Crew put on a fabulous dinner for the media where we celebrated Director, Regional, Grassroots and Diversity Communications; Director, Diversity Marketing and Communications Center of Excellence General Motors, Jocelyn Allen's birthday, at the Southampton home of socialite and wine Sommerlier Judia Black.
      The following day started off at former Essence Magazine Editor-In-Chief Susan L. Taylor and her husband Kephra Burns' Sag Harbor home for a magnificent poolside luncheon. There, the General Motors Foundation donated $25,000 to the National CARES Mentoring Movement to help fund critical mentoring programs for black youth in challenging environments nationwide.
      Funds from the GM Foundation will also help ensure that nearly 60 volunteer-based local CARES affiliates receive ongoing training to implement responsive educational programs.
      The weekend capped off that evening at Danny Simmons and Russell Simmons' Art For Life Gala where Cadillac was the Valet sponsor.
      All of these Hamptons Happenings proved that good and kindness still exist in this world thanks to the wonderful work of corporations like General Motors.

Former New York Post Publisher Steven J. Hoffenberg Wed Maria Santiago In Front Of Trump Tower July 10, 2014

2014-07-15T08:02:00.004-07:00

Following a whirlwind one month and a half long romance, Post All Star News Publisher Steven J. Hoffenberg wed Post All Star News President Maria Santiago in front of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York City on July 10. Hoffenberg is back in the newspaper publishing business with Post All Star News after owning both the New York Post and Her New York newspapers. Hoffenberg and Santiago have purchased a mega mansion in New Jersey where they plan to reside following the nuptials. The couple was married by Pastor Copper Cunningham who is also a New York City Public Schools teacher as well as an actress and photojournalist. Post All Star News’ Deputy Publisher Flo Anthony was the Maid of Honor. Carrier Alliance Networks’ Steven Vannatta served as Best Man and attendees included Post All Star News Field Engineer Claude Stanton and Carrier Alliance Networks’ Chris Panzeca.
Credit photos: Joyce Brooks/Blacktiemagazine.com

Cadillac Is The True Winner of The American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

2014-07-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

The Cadillac Media Crew with a 2015 Cadillac ELR

New York, New York—June 19-22, 2014

Cadillac drove into New York City June 19-22 as a premier sponsor of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and took the town by storm. Aside from sponsoring America's top most classy and informative event of the year, Cadillac also hosted a group of media from around the country. Aside from receiving ABFF essentials such as signature back packs and carte blanche to all of the events, Cadillac also gifted media with iPad cases and a wine set. The media also enjoyed a delectable welcome lunch at the Chester where menu items included Treviso - Endive Salad, Kale Caesar, Roast Chicken Roulade, Atlantic Salmon and Strawberry Cake for dessert. The weekend also included a trip to Minton's Jazz Club in Harlem and brunch at Beauty & Essex where we feasted on Housemade Granola, Red Velvet Waffles, Free Range Scrambled Egg 'Jewels on Toast,' Double Smoked & Maple Cured Bacon and Fried Chicken Biscuits, all of the time being transported in 2015 Cadillacs.

Out of the many films showcased, Cru swept the festival's Awards Presentation, tying for Best Picture, and winning Best Director, which was presented by GM Diversity Executive Jocelyn Allen, along with a $5,000 check to director Alton Glass, Best Actor and Best Screenplay. Cru's stars include Best Actor winner Keith Robinson, Richard T. Jones and Melissa DeSousa. Cadillac also sponsored a Spike Lee Retrospective moderated by TV One's Roland Martin...........

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday, Jocelyn Allen, Sabin Blake

Kevin Hart on the Red Carpet of Opening Night Film Think Like A Man Too

Eriq LaSalle, Jocelyn Allen

Claude Stanton, Flo Anthony, Jocelyn Allen, Jawn Murray

Jeff Friday, Jocelyn Allen, Nicole Friday, Tonya Lewis Lee, Eriq LaSalle

General Motors Diversity Communications Shines During 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards Weekend

2014-03-08T04:24:00.001-08:00

     As a sponsor of the NAACP Image Awards which took place on February 22 in Pasadena, California, General Motors/Chevrolet took time out to educate select members of Urban Media about the fantastic work that Crystal Windham, the first African American woman to be named Director of Design for Chevrolet Passenger Cars and Small Crossover Interiors, is doing. At a sumptuous brunch on the afternoon of the awards at the Langham Hotel, hosted by Jocelyn K. Allen, Regional Director of GM Grassroots Diversity, Windham not only shared her passion and vision for her work at the automotive company, but she also gave everyone a close-up and personal view of her current pride and joy, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
     The weekend was not all work. Guests enjoyed a private pre-awards dinner on February 21 at Redwhiteand Bluezz Supper Club in Pasadena.
     The following night was an evening that honored the many accomplishments of people of color.
     Hosted by the always funny Anthony Anderson, the big winner of the night was Kevin Hart, who took home the award for Entertainer of the Year, as well as Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood.
     The wonderful experience culminated with a post-awards Gala which served a traditional Soul Food menu of Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese and Collard Greens.....

Photos by Kiya Gibbons.

PREFUNC HOSTS STAR STUDDED SUPER BOWL BASH ON SUPER BOWL EVE AT THE CAFE ON BROADWAY IN NEW YORK CITY!

2014-02-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

Prefunc Ambassador Five-Time World Boxing Champion Zab Judah, NBA Legend Charles Oakley, Two-Time Super Bowl Winner Bobby Hamilton, of the New England Patriots, Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Jazz Maestro Mino and the Empress of R&B Natasha C. Coward, were just a few of the notables who hit the Cafe On Broadway on Super Bowl Eve to join Prefunc's executives led by Viraj Gandhi, in a Salute to the Media. Enjoying an open bar after drinking a shot of the hangover herbal supplement, guests noshed on a football menu which included assorted pizzas, chicken wings, chicken tenders, quiche and assorted cheeses and fruit. Each guest left with an exquisite gift bag filled with Prefunc, DVDs of "2 Guns" starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg and Super Bowl XLVIII Media pins. The entire bash was filmed by the Basha Riddick Show.......

Photos by James Edstrom
NBA Legend Charles Oakley with Prefunc Executives
NBA Legend Charles Oakley, Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff
Prefunc Ambassador Zab Judah with Prefunc Execs and Monet

2014-01-26T05:32:00.002-08:00

2014-01-26T05:20:00.002-08:00

2013-11-15T08:31:00.003-08:00

Rising Up: Hale Woodruff's Murals At Talledega College

2013-10-18T14:32:00.001-07:00

In keeping with its 65-year commitment to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and persons of African descent, Greater New York Chapter, The Links Incorprated (GNY) hosted a special reception and preview of the exhibition, Rising Up: Hale Woodruff's Murals at Talledega College, on Monday, October 7. The reception, attended by nearly 150 guests, was held at New York University's (NYU) Silver Center followed by a preview of the exhibition at 80 WSE Gallery at NYU Steinhardt. The event was co-hosted by NYU-Poly School of Engineering.
     Rising Up: Hale Woodruff's Murals at Talledega College is organized by Atlanta's High Museum of Art in Collaboration with Talledega College, Talladega, Alabama.
     "Greater New York Chapter, The Links Incorporated is proud to have hosted this landmark event in partnership with New York University as our chapter embarks on 65 years of service to the community," says Gerri Warren-Merrick, president of the Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. "Hale Woodruff's Interpretation of the Black experience in America is truly profound. We commend NYU and the Faculty Resource Network for bringing this important body of work to New York."
      Event highlights included opening remarks by Dean Anita Farrington, an overview on the Links, Incorporated and its history of social service by Greater New York Chapter President Gerri Warren-Merrick and a special presentation on the exhibition by Faculty Resource Network Art Consultant, Deborah Vanderburg Spencer.

Shattered Mirrors: Broken In Plain Sight

2013-10-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

SPOKESMODEL/SOCIALITE AYANNA BYNUM RETURNS TO THE UNITED STATES

2013-10-11T07:26:00.001-07:00

After relocating to Egypt following her marriage, Ayanna Bynum is back in New York City with her husband's blessings to continue her acting/modeling career. As usual, the stunning beauty took Mercedes Benz Fashion Week by style attending many shows such as Edwing D'Angelo and parties. The first soiree Ayanna hit was the launch party for Geneva Thomas' new 1530 Agency in Soho. Ayanna is pictured here with supermodel Jessica White. Other chicsters at the bash included Michaela Angela Davis, Harriet Cole, Tai Beachamp, "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" star Ariane Davis and Columbia Records singer RaVaughn.

Ayanna is currently being considered for a recurring role on a hit television show as well as several other fashion and beauty endeavors.

Chaka Khan Celebrates Birthday At Sweetie Pie's Upper Crust Restaurant On OWN's "Welcome To Sweetie Pie's"

2013-09-27T04:26:00.001-07:00

On an episode of "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's," Miss Robbie Montgomery welcomes the legendary Chaka Khan to the Upper Crust Restaurant to celebrate the singer's 60th birthday. Chaka stops by the St. Louis based eatery for some cake and friendly fellowship, as the Upper Crust staff welcomes her with a soulful "Happy Birthday" song.

"It's wonderful to be able to host special occasions like this," said Miss Robbie, who will be celebrating a birthday of her own on an upcoming episode. "This is exactly what I was thinking about when I opened up the Upper Crust a year ago."

VIDEO: http://www.oprah.com/own-sweetie-pies/Sneak-Peek-Chaka-Khan-Visits-Sweetie-Pies-Video

Sean "Diddy" Combs Serves Up A Star-Studded Fight Night Party!

2013-09-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Fight Night brought out a bevy of superstars to the Palms Resort Casino in Las Vegas on September 14th as hip-hop legend Sean "Diddy" Combs, hosted an over the top "Fight Night After Party" alongside his closest celebrity friends at Palms Pool and Rain Nightclub. Known for bringing an entourage of celebrity pals, Diddy celebrated Mayweather's victory over Alvarez with guests including Tyga, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Bow Wow, Lil' Wayne, Meek Mill, Flo Rida, Lil' Kim and Claudia Jordan. The crowd went crazy around 4 am when Diddy, Ross, Tyga, 2 Chainz and Meek Mill hit the stage to perform. Spotted in the lounge at N9NE Steakhouse before heading over to Diddy's party separately were athletes James Harden of the Houston Rockets, Jason Terry of the Boston Celtics, Mike Bibby of the New Yorl Knicks and Antonio Cromartie of the New York Jets.

Tonya Lewis Lee Hosts Special Screening on Martha's Vineyard

2013-08-27T14:45:00.006-07:00

Screenwriter/producer Tonya Lewis Lee brought her family to Martha's Vineyard recently for a special screening of her upcoming Hallmark Channel film "The Watsons Go To Birmingham." Filmmaker Spike Lee was on hand to support his wife, who presented the film to about 300 guests at the Tabernacle. Directed by Kenny Leon, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" stars Anika Noni Rose, David Alan Grier, Skai Jackson, La Tanya Richardson, Wood Harris, Pauletta Washington, Bryce Jenkins and Harrison Knight. The film premieres September 20 at 8 PM ET/PT on the Hallmark Channel.

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2

2013-08-15T07:01:00.002-07:00

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 starring Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Terry Crews, and Andy Samberg opening September 27.

Cadillac In The Hamptons

2013-08-08T19:34:00.001-07:00

There is no experience in this world like Cadillac in the Hamptons. I spent the weekend of July 26-July 29 living a champagne wishes/caviar dream life as a guest of the luxury automotive brand. The trip kicked off with lunch at STK in New York City. After lunch, our media group which included my new best friend Zondra Hughes, Yoselin Acevedo, Cloves Campbell, Paul Cheung, Mitzi Miller, Christen Rochon, Geneva Thomas and Sekou Writes, headed out to the Hamptons in style in Cadillac ATS vehicles. Our main event for the weekend was Russell Simmons' fourteenth annual 'Art For Life' gala. Cadillac sponsored a table and provided courtesy vehicles for the evening. The highlight of the fabulous soiree was me getting to hold Tyler Perry's hand. He is always very kind to me whenever our paths cross. I was determined to get my ATS crew a chance to be photographed with the movie mogul who was one of the evening's honorees. So I led them up to the stage as Tyler was leaving. People swarmed him to get a picture. He saw me and motioned for me to come through. However, the security told me to go the other way. That's when Tyler grabbed my hand, then I grabbed GM Communications executive Jocelyn Allen's hand, who was our host for the weekend, and Tyler said: "Let's move out of this area." We did and he posed for the picture with us. I love Tyler Perry! We also attended the fourth annual Diversity Affluence brunch on Sunday at B. Smith.

OTGC Salutes the legendary Renee Powell

2013-07-23T13:40:00.002-07:00

Renee Powell & OTGC Founder Wendell Haskins

On Sunday, July 21, the Original Tee Golf Classic (OTGC), a celebrity amateur golf tournament saluted the legendary Renee Powell, one of the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s (LPGA) first African-American golfers and OTGC’s first female honoree. Celebrity and golf enthusiast including NY Knick coach Herb Williams; former Knick player John Starks; former NY Giant Carl Banks; rappers Luther Campbell & Dres of Black Sheep were in attendance. The event raised over $7,000 for Clearview Golf Course, the first integrated golf course established in 1946 by William Powell, father of Renee. The site is also noted as the first premiere planned, built, owned and operated African-American golf course in the U.S.'

John Starks, Jemele Hill and Wendell Haskins

Uncle Luke & Dres of Black Sheep

Tony Shellman & Carl Banks

Herb Williams

Former Destiny's Child Singer Michelle Williams Models Koshie O!

2013-07-23T13:32:00.003-07:00

Koshie O. is a women's clothing line integrating African themes and aesthetics with modern designs. The Koshie O. collection blends on African focus on luxuriant fabric and earthy symbolism with more fluid and practical modern designs required by a contemporary lifestyle.

Cadillac Presents The BET Awards

2013-07-03T06:45:00.002-07:00

Yours Truly is back in the Big Apple after two whirlwind weekends with Cadillac in Miami and most recently in Los Angeles, where I joined the luxury car brand as they presented the BET Awards. Since I have been chauffeured around in Escalades and SRX's, I am now suffering withdrawal back on the New York City Transit System and in cabs. Meanwhile, from West Hollywood to Beverly Hills to downtown, the BET Awards took over Los Angeles last weekend. My great time started out with a Cadillac Welcome Media dinner at the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" restaurant Villa Blanca. The next day, we were treated to a Cadillac Conversations brunch with top GM execs Vivian Pickard, who runs the Cadillac Foundation as well as Don Butler, the Vice President for Strategic Development for Cadillac. Beyonce' was also in town on Friday night where she performed a sold-out concert at the BET Experience. Saturday night, Deborah Lee, the Network's chairman and CEO threw the pre-BET Awards 13 soiree at MILK studios. Nelly, a cast member on BET's "Real Husbands of Hollywood," showed off his comedic skills as the night's emcee. The crowd went crazy when he introduced the night's surprise performer, Sheila E. The weekend culminated with one of the best BET Awards shows ever. After Cadillac presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Charlie Wilson, he put on a stellar performance with Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell. It was a weekend that I will never forget.

Photos by Rickey Brown for Cadillac

Snoop Lion AKA Snoop Dogg Stars in the animated film TURBO, in theaters July 17!

2013-06-26T10:05:00.004-07:00

Snoop Lion AKA Snoop Dogg showed some goodwill this week for the kids in Los Angeles as he hosted the 1st Annual Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) Family Fun Day teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, the value of an education with a few of his enlisted friends including NFL's Seahawk's Pete Carroll, DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys), DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh Steelers), Ronnie Hillman (Denver Bronco's) and many more. The event was held at Crenshaw High School where those in attendance dined on tacos from a tricked out "Turbo Taco Truck" from Snoop's upcoming animated feature film TURBO, in theaters July 17. A must-see!

Driving Diversity With Cadillac at the American Black Film Festival

2013-06-24T15:05:00.001-07:00

Hosted by Cadillac and the GM Communications team, for the 17th year, I attended the Annual American Black Film Festival on South Beach in Miami, Florida. I was joined by fellow journalists Cloves Campbell III, publisher of the Arizona Informant, James Crosby of City News, Jewel Figueras of JewelsFabLife.com. Lynda Jones of the Milwaukee Courier, Mitzi Miller, Editor of Jet Magazine, Jawn Murray of AlwaysAList.com, Terry Shropshire of Rolling Out, Jamishia Smith of TheYBF.com and Sekou Writes. The premiere innovators of the automotive industry, Cadillac chauffeured hosted media around South Beach in Escalades, the CTS and also introduced the 2014 ELR, an extended range electric coupe for the entire weekend. Highlights of the American Black Film Festival included magnificent movie screenings and premieres, a Rising Star seminar featuring members of the cast of "Baggage Claim," including Boris Kodjoe, Terrence J, Derek Luke and writer/producer David Talbert, a Cadillac Conversations dinner with VP for Strategic Development for Cadillac Don Butler, GM Communications' Jocelyn Allen and Spike Lee, whose advertising agency Spike DB is now producing commercials for GM. Other celebs that attended ABFF included Regina King, Nia Long, Lisaraye Mc Coy, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Hart, Omari Hardwick, Wesley Jonathan, Robert Townsend, Fredro Starr, Robert Townsend, Keith David, the list goes on and on......By the way, Yours Truly won the Black Movie Trivia Challenge. The closing night film "Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain" was attended by Lebron James and Dwayne Wade. ABFF was founded by Jeff Friday and Film Life, Inc.