Growing up on the South Side of Chicago during the ’90s, mental health awareness was virtually nonexistent and rarely discussed openly. Although various initiatives and events likely existed at the time to promote the topic, mental health awareness did not command the widespread visibility it enjoys today. Thanks to advocates like author and radio personality Charlamagne tha God, communities that were once overlooked are now receiving vital education on mental health awareness.

Mental Health Matters

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, the media mogul is teaming up with the Mental Wealth Alliance and its president, Devi Brown, to present the 6th Annual Mental Wealth Expo at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

As a recognized authority in wellness, Brown understands that establishing mental health awareness fundamentally relies on providing access.

“As a founding board member of the Mental Wealth Alliance, I believe everyone deserves access to the tools, care, and community that support their mental well-being,” she tells Brown Girl Gumbo.

“The Mental Wealth Expo is Charlamagne Tha God’s vision put into action: a commitment to making mental health education and support free, accessible, and rooted in community. It is an honor to help bring that vision to life featuring mental health leaders like Iyanla Vanzant, Dr. Julius Thomas, Kier Gaines, and Dr. Marc Brackett, to name a few, who each bring meaningful perspectives on healing, growth, and well-being.”

Shedding the Stigma

This free, all-ages event provides attendees with actionable strategies for recharging and emotional regulation through healing spaces, interactive panel discussions, and re-centering resources. 

Brown adds, “ For so many people, especially within the Black community, asking for support can carry generations of silence and stigma. The Expo creates a welcoming space where we can have honest conversations, learn together, and feel seen in our experiences. My hope is that everyone leaves feeling less alone, more connected to themselves, and equipped to take a meaningful next step in their healing. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to care for yourself. You are worthy of that care today.”

For tickets and more information, click here. 

What strategies or practices do you use to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing?  

New York City is about to “welcome home” a lot of hungry guests. 

Today, officially marks the opening of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley in the heart of Times Square. You may already be familiar with this well-known restaurant chain, as it boasts multiple locations nationwide in major hubs like Chicago, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Known for its unique twist on southern, soul food classics like fried chicken and waffles, blackened shrimp and grits, jerk lamb chops, and more—the nearly 10,000-square-ft NYC location offers the same menu that customers have come to expect and enjoy. 

As you might expect from an establishment highlighting beverages in its name, the cocktail offerings are creatively crafted and delightful. Attending a pre-opening preview gave me an advance look at the menu, and the thoughtful presentation of both the food and drinks truly stood out. The lively, welcoming decor creates an ideal setting for gathering with friends or enjoying an intimate date night. Energetic vibes fill the space. The rose-covered wall is not to be missed if you want to Instagram-worthy shots.

I was also blown away by the rich, mouthwatering flavors that left me wanting more—if only I had more space. The portions are generous, so go hungry. I ordered the fried pickles, stuffed salmon, and a triple-layered chocolate cake for dessert. As a self-proclaimed salmon connoisseur, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Smothered in a creamy sauce set atop a hefty bed of dirty rice, the salmon was seasoned and cooked to perfection. I typically never enjoy anything covered in sauce, but this was good and wasn’t too heavy. 

To top it all off, I enjoyed a delicious blackberry margarita, which the waiter perfectly likened to an amped up “grape Jolly Rancher.” 

During my visit, I also sat down with Kevin Kelley, the attorney-turned-restaurateur to get his take on bringing his brand to Times Square, what guests can expect, and more. 

Check out the Q&A below: 

BGG: Why did you choose Times Square? What makes Times Square that a special location?

Kevin Kelley: I’m not from New York. I don’t know New York well, but everyone in the world… I feel New York is the world’s capital. And when you think of New York, you think of Times Square before anything. This is where the ball drops, this is where everyone’s at. This is where you’ve got the larger populace. I feel like being in Manhattan is a centralized location that can make it a little bit easier for everyone to get to.

BGG: I know you have eight Kitchen + Kocktails restaurants nationwide. Will there be any surprises or a special menu for the New York location? 

KK: We keep the menu exactly where people want consistency. If you go to McDonald’s in Manhattan and you want a Big Mac, you can have it. You may want a Big Mac in Los Angeles, California and it will be the same. Customers expect something from a brand, so we’re very consistent with what we do. 

If you have eight different restaurants and I have three different things on different menus, now that’s 24 different items that my chefs and I have to perfect. Plus, I have to know what they are so I can make sure my brand is proper and consistent.

BGG: How does your experience and background as an attorney translate into your work as a restaurateur? 

KK: That background matters a lot. There’s such a high barrier to being an attorney. You have to go to undergrad, you have to go to law school for three years, you have to study for the bar exam, you have to pass that. There’s so much that is required. With hospitality, it’s not as much of a barrier to get into the space. 

I think being an attorney first taught me that everything matters. The details, the decimals, the running of a business because I own my own law firm. So I’ve had to make sure that I understand a P&L, a balance sheet, a marketing plan, all the other elements of business, the filing of taxes, dealing with labor, all those things. So now that my transition is to hospitality, I still understand that numbers are key. Those numbers are just a bit different. Now it’s about food costs, labor, and alcohol purchasing. 

It’s also about the relationships that we have with the brand also. Being a lawyer taught me business. It’s so easy to say, ‘Well, I’ve got a restaurant.’ I mean, it’s fun here. You have music, food, and good people watching. However, you can never lose sight of the fact that it’s a business. 

BGG: What inspired you to enter the hospitality business?

KK: I love to eat. My friends always say I joked about selling fried chicken and liquor one day when I was in law school. Now that I have established myself professionally as an attorney and transitioned into hospitality, it goes back to my roots. When I was a boy, I learned so much from my grandma whom I loved dearly. I watched her cook for our family quite often. It taught me the importance that food plays in this ecosystem that we call life. When food is provided, there’s care. I hope that my restaurants can provide some care and those who give us an opportunity to welcome them home. 

BGG: I love hearing ‘welcome home’ as soon as you walk in. Talking about your grandmother’s cooking, do any of her specific recipes show up on today’s menu?

KK:The recipes are mine, not hers. But when you talk of influence, I’m influenced by the fact that every Friday we had catfish growing up in Arkansas, and every week we had fried chicken. Those were two meals that we could count on each week. We’d have the black eyed peas. We’d have breakfast with bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. Those are things we brought to this restaurant. 

BGG: Tell me how you came up with the menu items. What was the collaboration like with your chefs?

KK: I knew what I wanted from a Southern restaurant. I’ve dined all my life and so I know Southern food. I know what I want. I’m creating a restaurant. I want the best of the best food. Now in terms of it being the best of the best, for six months before we opened, I tasted food. Every day my chefs prepared food for me. I would ride up and down the elevator to make sure it met my expectations. If it didn’t, we’d get back to the drawing board to make changes. That process is what’s giving us the menu and recipes that we have today. 

BGG: Describe what guests can expect when dining at the new Kitchen + Kocktails in Times Square?

KK: They can expect great food, drinks, and a vibe. Those things are important. I think that with Southern food, far too often we think that because we’re serving chicken and catfish, we can serve it out of anywhere. 

People still want a good experience. It’s just a restaurant that they can feel good in. That’s why we spend time and money building it. That’s why we bring marble tables and bars. That’s why we have a DJ and proper branding so we can make business out of the food that we love. 

BGG: Is there anything else you would like readers to know about this grand opening? 

KK: I want them to know that we’re happy that everybody who has given us a chance loves the brand and we hope that many more in New York give us an opportunity to circle. If you give us one chance, give us one opportunity, I’m very confident you’re going to come back because our food is good. We’re very humble to serve. We’re very confident and believe we have the best Southern food the world has ever seen. We want everyone to come and give it a chance. 

Table bookings are available now—reserve your spot here.

What’s your favorite soul food meal?

Last week, the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) and Gateways Festival Orchestra joined forces for the first time to bring Firebird, a renowned ballet to the stage at New York City Center. Over the course of three nights, audiences were treated to a masterclass in artistry featuring mesmerizing choreography, classical music, and awe-inspiring costumes. 

For the first time, in more than two decades, the spellbinding ballet was revived by DTH and arguably better than ever. 

Set in a lush, mythical Caribbean forest, the performance centered around a magical, captivating bird (Alexandra Hutchinson) whose vibrant light must overcome a world of darkness. The symbolism also included the dangers of coveted beauty and the undeniable power of freedom. 

Fanciful dancers outfitted in custom, deeply pigmented purple, red, and orange hues designs by legendary, multi-hyphenate Geoffrey Holder, were akin to gem-colored gumdrops gracefully prancing across the stage. Their fluid movements, choreographed by Robert Garland, were complemented by the transcendent orchestral sounds of award-winning conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson. 

Seeing these talented, Black artists executing their craft at the top of their game left us speechless. From the timeless story to the breathtaking artistry, the classic, reimagined ballet was one of the best performances we’d seen in a long time. 

We just hope it isn’t another 20 years before audiences can see Firebird with this talented ensemble in such an iconic venue. This seismic cultural collaboration was a match made in heaven.

While the critically-acclaimed ballet is no longer showing at DTH, check their website for more moving productions.

What’s the latest live performance you’ve seen? What did you enjoy the most about it?

As a mom of two, I know firsthand that raising tiny humans is one of the biggest blessings on earth. While children are a gift, they also come with an abundance of built-in responsibility. For parents of children with special needs, those responsibilities are even greater. 

That’s why Shari Bailey created Laila’s Gift, a nonprofit that provides free birthday and milestone celebrations for children with disabilities. The Maryland-based mom of 10-year-old twins wanted to bring joy to the families of children while eliminating the burden and stress of party planning for busy parents. 

Photo courtesy of Laila’s Gift: Shari Bailey with her husband and twin daughters.

Named after her daughter, Laila, who was diagnosed with Jacobsen Syndrome at birth, Laila’s Gift has helped more than 1,000 families in Maryland. Now the nonprofit aims to brighten even more birthdays nationwide. Each decorated box is hand-delivered and contains party essentials, personalized gifts, and even a cake to make a festive and unforgettable celebration. 

Photo courtesy of Laila’s Gift

I recently spoke with Bailey to learn more about her inspiration behind the nonprofit, what she wants other parents of children with disabilities to know, and more.  

Below, check out our Q&A:

BGG: Why did you start Laila’s Gift?

SB: I was driven to start Laila’s Gift to provide families of children with special needs the essential support and resources they desperately require. While many organizations focus on transition services for older youth, I recognized a critical gap in resources available for young children. It’s not just about helping the child; it’s about uplifting the entire family, ensuring they have access to the tools and emotional support needed to thrive. I believe that every family deserves the chance to flourish despite the challenges they face, and Laila’s Gift aims to bridge that gap.

BGG: Was there a specific moment when you knew that you had to start Laila’s Gift or was it always something in the back of your mind?

Shari Bailey: There was indeed a defining moment that ignited the spark for Laila’s Gift. After navigating my own challenges as a parent of a child with special needs, I was struck by the profound lack of support and resources available to families like mine. This realization fueled my passion to create something meaningful—a beacon of hope and assistance for those who needed it most. I often reflect on how, before the birth of my twins in 2014, I never envisioned starting a nonprofit. However, my journey with Laila unveiled my true purpose, and I felt a deep calling to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar struggles.

BGG: What is your professional background? Did you have experience in non-profit work prior to starting Laila’s Gift?

SB: With over 25 years in product development and quality assurance within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, I have dedicated my career to helping bring life-changing products to market for patients in need. Little did I know that my greatest patient would be my own daughter, Laila. Prior to founding Laila’s Gift, my experience in the nonprofit realm was limited to volunteering, but my personal journey as a mother has equipped me with the skills and passion necessary to advocate for others. While I may not have had formal nonprofit experience, my experience in business management and commitment to making a difference has propelled my growth in this field.

BGG: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced with Laila’s Gift?

SB: The journey of establishing Laila’s Gift has not been without its hurdles. The biggest challenge has been securing sustainable funding to grow our services and reach more families in need. Nonprofit work often relies on donations and grants and navigating this landscape while ensuring we can meet the diverse needs of families is a constant struggle. However, with every challenge, I am reminded of the importance of community support and the collective power we must create change. 

BGG: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of launching Laila’s Gift?

SB: The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the profound impact we have on the lives of families. Hearing their stories of hope and seeing their smiles at our celebrations reinforces why I started this organization. There’s a unique magic that unfolds during these moments—children experiencing their first birthday party, friends celebrating together, and families creating cherished memories. Laila’s Gift is honored to be part of so many “firsts,” and it fills my heart with joy to know we are making a difference.

BGG: Did you learn anything about yourself while getting Laila’s Gift off the ground? If so, what surprised you the most?

SB: I discovered that I am not alone in my struggles; there are countless families celebrating in silence, facing similar challenges. The launch of Laila’s Gift revealed just how many families share in the joy of milestones, both big and small. Each victory matters, and together, we can lift one another up and create a supportive community that celebrates every achievement. 

BGG: What can recipients of Laila’s Gift expect? Describe the overall experience.

SB: The Celebration in a Box is a heartwarming experience that brings joy directly to families’ doorsteps. Each box is filled with gifts, balloons, party favors, engaging activities for siblings, resources for caregivers, and, of course, cake! It’s a tangible reminder that families are not alone in their journey and that we are here to celebrate their milestones. The best part? Families do not have to pay a thing to receive this gift of celebration—every Celebration in a Box is made possible through the generosity of our donors and sponsors. 

BGG: What’s been the feedback from families who’ve been fortunate to be recipients of Laila’s Gift?  

SB: The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, often filled with tears of gratitude and joy. Many express how our support alleviates their burdens and fosters a sense of community. Families are deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of our services, and it warms my heart to know that we are bringing hope and happiness into their lives.

BGG:  What do you want other parents with children with special needs to know?

SB: To all the parents out there: you are not alone. There is a community of support waiting for you, and it’s vital to seek help, share your experiences, and connect with others who understand your journey. Having a child with special needs can feel daunting, but we can overcome any battle together. Our children are gifts, and their unique perspectives enrich our lives in ways we may not yet realize.

BGG: What advice can you give parents who have other children in addition to their child with special needs? How important is it to maintain balance?

SB: Maintaining balance is essential for every family. It’s important to dedicate time and attention to all your children, ensuring they feel loved and valued. Open communication about challenges and celebrating each child’s unique strengths fosters a supportive environment. Siblings of children with special needs often embody incredible compassion and resilience; recognizing their kindness and ensuring they have quality time is crucial for their emotional well-being.

BGG: In your experience, what is the biggest misconception about children with disabilities?  

SB: A significant misconception is that children with disabilities are defined solely by their challenges. In reality, they possess unique talents and capabilities that should be celebrated. Laila, for instance, does things her way—she may not walk down the steps like others, but she has found her own path from point A to point B. Her determination inspires me daily, and it’s essential to recognize the incredible strengths that children with disabilities bring to the world.

BGG: How can people get involved and help Laila’s Gift?  

SB: There are numerous ways to get involved and support Laila’s Gift! Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating, or simply spreading the word about our mission, every contribution counts. “Celebrators” are the heartbeat of our organization, and we welcome anyone who wants to join us in making a meaningful impact. Our website provides detailed information on how to get involved, and we would be thrilled to have you as part of our community.

BGG: What does the future hold for Laila’s Gift?

SB: The future is bright and filled with eye-catching confetti! We envision expanding our services and reaching a wider community, developing new programs that provide support and resources to families. With our new national initiative, we aspire to spread smiles and kindness across the nation through our celebrations, creating a ripple effect of joy and support for families everywhere.

BGG: Is there anything that you’d like to add that we didn’t cover?  

SB: I want to emphasize the incredible power of community. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for families of children with special needs. I invite everyone to join us in this mission to make a difference—together, we can uplift and inspire one another, celebrating every milestone and creating a brighter future for all. Let’s celebrate one gift at a time!

For more information about Laila’s Gift, please click here.

Do you volunteer or donate to any nonprofits? If so, how does giving back make you feel?

“Pool Hall” reinterprets the iconic 1991 Levi’s® ad capturing Beyoncé as she takes on the local shark in a high-stakes game of pool while wearing and celebrating Levi’s® products as modern style staples that continue to evolve – embracing bold interpretations and encouraging wearers to make them their own. 

Photo Courtesy: Levi’s®

“There isn’t another wardrobe piece that evokes comfort, modern elegance, classic Americana attire, and nostalgia the way denim does,” Beyoncé said in a release.  “And when I think of all those things, I think of Levi’s.”  She continued, “For the second chapter in our collaboration we had even more fun in reimagining the denim on denim narrative, through the lens of a woman, who can be sexy, bold and a fierce competitor, all at once.  We wanted to celebrate the duality of grace and power.”

The clip shows Beyoncé decked out in a bedazzled denim getup that the Queen Bey pulls off effortlessly. We’re sure that this glittering ensemble will serve as inspiration for the legions of fans who will flock to her Cowboy Carter tour this spring.

Missed the ad? Check it out here:

Do you plan on seeing the Cowboy Carter show?

The city’s tourism bureau is back with its third annual Meet the Mentors program, which was created to help aspiring travel journalists jumpstart their journalism careers.

This coming April, selected participants will receive mentorship from real world travel journalists (like yours truly), visit Greater Palm Springs, and gain priceless tips and information that will help catapult their travel writing endeavors. What’s more, they’ll also work with their mentor to publish their very own piece on the Visit Greater Palm Springs blog.

Time’s running out so act fast!

Now through January 6, 2025, newbie writers are invited to submit for a chance to participate in the program, which will take place in Greater Palm Springs from April 14-17, 2025. Click here to enter.

Good luck and see you there!

Photo Courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Have you ever visited Palm Springs? If so, what did you enjoy the most?

So, when I was offered the opportunity to tag along on a tour of the 100-year-old theater responsible for sparking kids’ imaginations and opening their worlds to the wonder of live theater, I jumped at the chance.

Offered through Broadway Up Close, the 90-minute tour is a theater lover’s dream come true. For the first time, visitors can get a sneak peek at secret spots throughout the theater, as well as listen to a fascinating oral history.

Photo credit: Mark La Rosa

Hosted by Tim Dolan, an actor and owner of Broadway Up Close, the tour take visitors through decades of history on 42nd Street and share interesting anecdotes, architectural oddities, and more for groups interested in learning the thrilling tale of what came before at the New Victory Theater.

“Tour-goers are in for a treat as we explore the nooks and crannies of this historic theater,” says Dolan. “The New Victory Theater perfectly encapsulates the rise and fall – and rise again – of America’s most famous block.”

My two children have attended countless shows at New Victory Theater. It’s been one of the constant creative art forms and outlets in their young lives.

Not only did I get an up-close-and-personal look at the iconic theater, but my kids also came along too. After only visiting the theater when its seats are filled with little people scrambling about, it was cool for them to see the theater completely empty, and the stage stripped.

Both of my kids enjoyed learning fun facts, seeing rare photos, and checking out spots in the theater that they’d never have access to without this tour.

If you appreciate history, theater, and New York City and are looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon or evening, don’t miss this Broadway Up Close tour.

Tickets go on sale September 13 and are available for $56 for adults and $51 for children ages 12 and younger. They can be purchased online through Broadway Up Close. Please note that reservations are required.

Have you ever taken a theater tour? If so, what did you think? If not, would you be interested in taking one?