Plymouth Blvd Productions and ALL BLK brings you a must see action packed sci-fi thriller!
Plymouth Blvd Productionhosted a star studded World Premiere of their anticipated film, “Lunar Lockdown” at iPic Westwood last Tuesday, January 23rd. Guest were welcomed with complimentary cocktails while the movie’s producers and talent walked the Black Carpet.
The film features LisaRaye McCoy, Cameo Sherrell, Leila Weisberg, Erica Peeples, Jhone Y. Lucas, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Damien Douglas, Mark Fleischmann, Laila Odom, Nari Blair-Mangat. The packed out theater boasted a happy crowd engaged in the films synopsis given by Producer, Writer and Actor DamienDouglas and the films producer Kevin Weisberg.
A packed theater filled with guest enjoyed unlimited popcorn & candy as well as an entree of their choice while watching the special premiere of “Lunar Lockdown”.
After a brief q&a with film star Lisa Raye who shared pivotal moments featured during the process of filming, guest caravanned to Senator Jones for a fun after party where the extraordinary dj Brian Henry set the tone for a jubilant night. A dessert bar was the perfect pairing to the champagne & cocktails that flowed as everyone celebrated Lunar Lockdown’s premiere. Lunar Lockdown premieres on AllBLK network, Thursday, February 1st. Lunar Lockdown World Premiere photo gallery availablehere.
Atlanta’s highly esteemed fundraising event, the UNCF’s Masked Ball, took place in 2023. Playing host to the event were distinguished figures such as Mayor Andre Dickens, Andrew Young, Maurice E. Jenkins (Executive VP of UNCF), Therese Badon (Senior VP of UNCF), and Justine Boyd (Assistant VP of UNCF). This year commemorates the grand gala’s 40th anniversary, originally inaugurated in 1983 by Andrew Young and Billye Aaron. The primary objective of this event is to raise awareness regarding the paramount significance of higher education and provide unwavering support to the exceptional students of the UNCF.
There are currently 18 other cities that host similar ceremonies. This prestigious gala also pays homage to the esteemed Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have been achieving groundbreaking milestones since 1944. Upon arrival, handpicked guests were cordially invited to attend the exclusive VIP reception held on the lower level of the Atrium at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Sponsors were granted access to a private room where they had the privilege of capturing memorable moments through photos with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the President of the UNCF, Dr. Michael Lomax.
Spotted in the ballroom was The Super Lawyer Reginald A. Green and his beautiful wife Zyaire Greene, Q Parker and Sharlinda Parker, Ronnie Devoe and Shamari Devoe, Dolapoe Erinkitola, Sam Burston, Mimi Johnson, Commissioner Natalie Hall District 4, and a host of other Atlanta celebrities and taste-makers.
The grand procession commenced precisely at 7pm, captivating the audience as they entered the resplendent ballroom. Gracing the event as the esteemed title sponsor, UPS, along with influential brands such as Nike, Google, Coca Cola, Georgia Power, Delta Airlines, Edward Jones, City of Atlanta Watershed, and many others, were announced one by one, filling the air with anticipation. Radiant in her role as the evening’s emcee, WSB-TV news anchor Karyn Greer welcomed everyone with open arms, setting the stage for a truly enchanting night. The crowd erupted in applause as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens took center stage, igniting the energy in the room. With gracious words, Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged the esteemed presence of Dr. Michael Lomax, the President of UNCF, and the illustrious Ambassador Andrew Young, adding an extra touch of prestige to the already magical atmosphere.
A video recording was presented to the audience featuring Ms. Billye Aaron, who expressed her profound regret for not being able to attend the event in person. She conveyed that she was in Las Vegas, accepting an esteemed award on behalf of her late husband, the renowned Hank Aaron. Despite her immense gratitude for the millions of dollars that had been raised over the years, Ms. Aaron voiced her utmost aspiration for the future: to raise $5 million in a single year. Mayor Dickens proudly announced, “I am delighted to announce that we have successfully raised over $2.3 million for this evening, setting a new record as the highest amount ever raised in the history of the United Negro College Fund.”
The event raised over $3 million in total. UPS contributed $1 million at the end of the night. It was an amazing evening with a fantastic live performance by Stephanie Mills. She sang some classic songs like “Home,” “A Rush on Me,” and “Never Knew Love Like This.” It was a nostalgic experience for the crowd.
Danny Glover and 2x NBA Champ Josh Powell totally rocked it at Beyond the Game, a dope nonprofit organization created by the amazing Dr. Chanita Foster. Every year, she and her cool celebrity buddies throw a fundraiser to gather up all sorts of stuff like school supplies, toiletries, and mattresses, and send them over to different countries in Africa. Her fam has been watching and joining in on her Africa adventures for like, over a decade, ’cause she’s got mad love for the people there.
This year-end annual fundraiser party was thrown by AngelRae Entertainment at Sea Salt Seafood in Atlanta, GA, off Howell Mill Rd. Everyone was super hyped to drop off their stuff after strutting down the fancy red carpet, welcomed by a bunch of media people and photographers.
2x NBA Champion Josh Powell just released a new book.
What I Wish I Knew: The Wisdom Gained From Relationships, Love, and Lust
“My journey through relationships has been filled with valuable lessons and growth. Along the way, I’ve experienced the end of a marriage and the opportunity to embark on a new chapter of self-discovery. I’ve also been blessed with the joy of becoming a parent to wonderful children from different relationships. Though there have been challenges in my friendships, these experiences have helped me learn more about myself and the kind of relationships I value. Additionally, my forays into business partnerships have provided me with invaluable insights and the opportunity for personal development. Every twist and turn in my relationship journey has shaped me into the resilient individual I am today.” – Josh Powell
Reality star Melody Rogers, actor Karon Joseph Riley, WNBA player Ty Johnson, dating coach Staci Jae Johnson, Nollywood actor Mofe Ducan, Lisa Omorodion (also from Nollywood), Stella Damascus (another Nollywood star), actor Elijah Everett, philanthropist Zee Mullen, along with several influential figures from Atlanta, gathered in the spirit of generosity and celebration. To catch a glimpse of this remarkable event, feel free to browse through our photo gallery.
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Great Advancement
The festival has experienced extraordinary growth since its inception, and this year’s festivities promise to be truly spectacular. Prepare to be captivated by an impressive lineup of special guests, including the renowned personalities PERSON, PERSON, and PERSON, who will be screening an incredible selection of youth-created films from across the globe.
Real To Reel is held under the expert guidance of a dedicated team of talented youth producers, backed by a formidable network of seasoned professionals. Rest assured, this event is set to surpass all expectations and deliver an unforgettable experience.
CREATIVES COMING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Founded by Syd Stewart, Better Youth started as a music and creative writing organization. In the heart of New York City, Stewart led with the goal to ease children from their daily adversities.
She worked with children from The Ronald McDonald House battling cancer and children facing poverty in the housing projects of Harlem. In 2010, Stewart set her sights on the west coast in Los Angeles.
The Faces of Fashion Art and Fashion Gala promises to be an exceptional event that brings together the best of Atlanta’s fashion, art, and culture scenes. With its focus on empowerment and inspiration, this gala aims to celebrate the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions in the world of fashion.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the honoring of esteemed individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping Fulton County’s fashion landscape. Cynthia Bailey, Robert Ector, Eva Marcille, Fonzworth Bentley, Miss Lawrence, Rico Wade, Devyne Stephens, and Dwight Eubanks will be recognized for their remarkable contributions to the four pillars of the FACE initiative: fashion, art, culture, and education/entertainment. Their dedication and talent have helped create a platform that supports creativity and innovation in Fulton County.
The gala will also feature the work of renowned designers who have made their mark on the fashion industry. Lisa Nicole, Miguel Wilson, Alani Taylor, Tracy Nicole, and London Couture will showcase their signature pieces, capturing the essence of their unique styles. In addition to these exceptional designers, there will be a special presentation by the iconic international house of Balenciaga, known for its timeless elegance and avant-garde designs.
Attendees can look forward to a night filled with captivating performances by pioneering artists. From visual displays to a seated dinner and cocktail party, every aspect of the gala is meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable experience. The esteemed High Museum will serve as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of art and fashion, while a silent art auction will offer guests the opportunity to admire and acquire exquisite pieces created by distinguished artists.
The Faces of Fashion Art and Fashion Gala embraces diversity and seeks to inspire aspiring creatives within the community. It serves as a reminder that dreams can indeed become a reality with hard work and perseverance. This extraordinary event will not only be a prominent fixture on Atlanta’s social calendar but also a testament to the city’s thriving fashion scene and the limitless possibilities it holds.
For those eager to partake in this exceptional experience, mark your calendars for September 16, 2023. The Faces of Fashion Art and Fashion Gala is an occasion where you can connect with influential individuals from Atlanta and indulge in the best that the city has to offer.
To stay updated and learn more about this event, visit the-faces-of-fashion-art-and-fashion-gala. Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of fashion, art, and empowerment in Atlanta’s bustling fashion hub.
Meet Mavis Beaumont. She’s proudly thick, newly single, and ready to take over the world as an aspiring stylist, one fitting at a time.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Michelle Buteau attends the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
Mavis Beaumont. She’s proudly thick, newly single, and ready to take over the world as an aspiring stylist, one fitting at a time. New York ain’t ready, but you are! Inspired by Michelle Buteau’s hilarious memoir, Survival of the Thickest, is available to stream now on Netflix.
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at The Metrograph in NYC, Netflix hosted the Premiere of the hottest upcoming summer comedy series, Survival of the Thickest, ahead of its debut on the streaming network on July 13th.
Cast members in attendance included Michelle Buteau, Garcelle Beauvais, Tasha Smith, Tone Bell, Peppermint, Liza Treyger, Marouane Zotti, Allan K Washington, Taylor Selé, Anissa Felix, and more.
Executive Producers: Linda Mendoza; Ravi Nandan and Alli Reich for A24, Anne Hong (Mosaic)
Starring: Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell
Recurring Guest Stars Tasha Smith, Taylor Selé, Garcelle Beauvais, Marouane Zotti, Liza Treyger, Anissa Felix, Anthony Michael Lopez, Monnae Michaell, Usama Siddiquee, Allan K. Washington, Becca Blackwell, Peppermint, J. Riley Jr., Anna George, Michelle Visage, Donovan Louis Bazemore, & Ambre Anderson
Additional Guest Stars include: Sarah Cooper, Hugh Moore, Solomon Georgio, Mark McKinnon, Christine Jones, Joyelle Johnson, Veronica Mosey, Nicole Byer, Jordan Carlos, Clifton Davis, Misha Osherovich & Robert Christopher Riley, among others
Writers: Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, Michelle Buteau, Grace Edwards, Ian Edwards, Solomon Georgio, ER Fightmaster, Hillary Handlesman, Julia Lindon
Directors: Linda Mendoza, Kim Nguyen, Amy Aniobi, Kimmy Gatewood
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Garcelle Beauvais attends the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Miss Peppermint attends the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Michelle Buteau attends the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: (L-R) Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau attend the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Rasheem Nurse, Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell, and Miss Peppermint attend the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Anissa Felix attends the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: (L-R) Tasha Smith, Michelle Buteau, and Tone Bell attend the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: Miss Peppermint (L) and Tasha Smith (2nd R) attend the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 11: (L-R) Marouane Zotti, Michelle Buteau, and Miss Peppermint attend the Netflix New York Special Screening of Survival Of The Thickest at Metrograph on July 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
BAUX THE ARTIST prides himself on being raised in a household where several types of music were acceptable from R & B, rap, pop, soul, afro beats, and overall any type of great music was acceptable. Growing up in Mississippi it’s not uncommon that his humble beginnings and introduction to music would be grounded in the church. We are talking about the old school type of church where it was all all day affair.
It was because of the early inception of church, family, low economics, combined with good music and cookouts, this is what built strong communities of people who were forced to lean on each other. During these times there was truly strong story-telling going on in rhythm and blues, country music and later rap musicians started to imitate these models but perhaps went a little too far when they started to tell on themselves especially crimes that were being committed in their rap songs. This isn’t always the case in rap, but as the world changes the secular authorities are starting to hold artists accountable to the lyrics they produce.
“How do we change the current narrative of the culture?” “Why is it important to have a personal team”, “How can we avoid money missing and improper paperwork in contracts? asks Baux in a recent sit down interview he did with Rolling Out Magazine. Check out his answer in the video at the end of this article.
Baux also mentions his new single ‘Mannish’ which he is currently pushing from his new EP titled ‘GUMBO’. Why GUMBO? Well mainly because this artist cannot be placed in a box! (No pun intended). Music lovers will be receiving afro-beats, country, pop, R & B music, hip hop and more. Check out Baux the artist! Steaming on all platforms
‘Born to Win’ is the mindset his mom always instilled in his heart and now Frederick R Best inspires others through his 12 books
Frederick R. Best penned the book ‘They said I wouldn’t make it,’ and is currently shopping his book for a biopic documentary. The book was previously turned into a hit stage play. This is one of the 12 books inked by Best. The father, motivational speaker and pastor was born in Bethel, N.C with muscular and skeletal deformities.
At birth, his kneecaps were backwards and his knees could not be bent. His left arm is not fully formed and he has limited use of his right hand. These were physical challenges he would physically be affected by his entire life. It was definitely the love and encouragement from his mom who made him feel that he was capable of all accomplishments he sought after. She encouraged Best to never look at his circumstances as a disability but to live from his heart and mind. This is how Frederick Best learned to develop the mindset that he was no different than anybody else.
Being able to triumph over the toughest of hardships and triumphs are feats that Best credits to “the power of God.” He makes it his intentional purpose to inspire everyone he meets and plant the seeds that show people “they were born to win” regardless of their circumstances. Best’s physical defects were caused by Thalidomide, a drug his mother had taken for morning sickness.
This drug originated in Hamburg, Germany in 1956. The first baby born to thalidomide was the result of a test drug given to women to help with morning sickness. They told everyone the drug was completely safe. No one knew the drug would later cause over 20,000 babies to be born with birth defects. By 1961 Two and a half million pills were handed out to doctors to pass out to patients. Thalidomide started out in the United States as a trial test but years later it was discovered this drug that caused thousands of fetal abnormalities was never approved in the United States.
The one thing Best always did while growing up was train his mindset to focus on the things he did have rather than what he didn’t have; and he embraced what he was able to do instead of focusing on the negative. His attitude enabled him to call himself the ambassador of hope.
15 million pills per month were being sold in Germany. There was an astounding number of babies born with deformities all linked to thalidomide. It wasn’t until 1961 that 67,000 doctors were sent letters to all the doctors warning against the use of this drug; but it wasn’t until the press got a hold of this until the drug stopped being administered.
Raised in a very poor environment, his mom eventually lost all 15 of her kids to social services and they were all separated and placed in foster care. Nothing deterred Dr.Frederick R Best from the thought of putting his family back together. When he turned legal age he set out on this life mission to find his family and eventually got every last one of his living siblings out of foster care and under his legal guardianship, even his mother.
“She taught and trained me over the years to never let anyone treat me as though I was handicapped. My mother always encouraged me to never let anyone put a label on me. She taught me that being handicapped was a state of mind, and not a state of being.” – Frederick R Best
Thalidomide is still being made and currently a drug to treat leprosy and cancer. In Germany there was a multi-million dollar settlement reached along with an apology after 50 years from the creator of the drug. According to several reports thalidomide babies are still being born. Today the value of this drug has soared to 1oo billion dollars. Thalidomide survivors are not happy with just an apology and there are about 40 women who have never been compensated for anything from the lawsuit.
Available on Amazon.com
Frederick R Best is now shopping his book ‘ They said I wouldn’t make it’ to tell his story and offer hope as he is still alive, and his best days are spent raising his son, writing books, and spreading hope. As the fourth son of fifteen siblings, his biggest desire is for his story to be told across the world and inspire others to never give up regardless of their circumstances because everyone is born to win.
DJ Akademiks talked to PnB Rock about violence in LA and how the rapper diffused a hostile situation. LA is synonymous with the murders of Biggie and Tupac, said DJ Akademiks. The host went on to say that LA is a little “spooky.” PnB Rock said the crime life in Los Angeles is much different than where he is from.
Source Radio Facts
To add Insult to Injury Reportedly there was Trouble with Family of PnB ROCK Getting His Body Released to Send Back to Philadelphia
The body of PnB Rock is reportedly headed home. But it appears the process was far from easy.
Days after the rapper was shot and killed in Los Angeles, his brother took to Instagram to address some of the conflict between the family and the medical examiner.
“We been having trouble getting my brother back to Philadelphia,” PnB Meen wrote on Instagram. “The state of Los Angeles claiming they have some type of law, going against our as Muslims. Now I have no clue when his Janazah. It’s not right, yo. It’s goin on a week. Prayers up. I got you bro an ya daughters.”
Janazah is a Muslim funeral ritual in which an individual is typically buried within 24 hours of their death. Sources told TMZ the rapper’s mother flew from Philadelphia to LA as soon as soon she received word about PnB Rock’s shooting. After identifying her son as the victim, the mother demanded the medical examiner to immediately release the body for religious purposes. The examiner reportedly refused, saying they couldn’t release the body at the time because it was part of a homicide investigation. Sources say the back-and-forth became so tense that police were called to the coroner’s office to de-escalate the situation.
“Speak into existence the life you dreamed about having”
Courtney Ward Thompkins
Courtney Ward-Thompkins
Producer, writer and content creator of scripted and unscripted television Courtney Ward-Thompkins is not afraid to live her dreams out loud. After interning with LaFace records she discovered her love for working in the entertainment industry. It’s not uncommon for someone who started in the music industry to navigate their way into the world of film and television.
Once Thompkins paved her way in the film industry through obtaining several titles such as production secretary, production manager , production coordinator, travel coordinator, doing overnights, and the list goes on. She was able to learn the in’s and outs of the industry; the do’s and what not to do and felt the urgency to share her knowledge with others. She believed all the information she obtained over the years would be extremely beneficial to newcomers just starting out to help them better navigate their way through the industry. This brings us to the creation of Courtney Ward’s Seminar. Check out her interview with Jonell Whitt from Rolling Out.
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