Suburban Gardens- The First Black-Owned Amusement Park #BlackHistoryMonth

Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Circa 1921 by Howard D. Woodson/Architectural Engineer, John H. Paynter/Writer, Sherman H. Dudley/Theater Magnate, and other investors within the Black-owned Universal Development and Company- during legal segregation.

Located in the Washington D.C. Deanwood neighborhood (50th & Hayes St)... Suburban Gardens, the city's only amusement park, opened emcompassing seven to nine acres.  For 10 cents, the Black-owned and operated park offered a wide range of attractions such as the carousel, tilt- a-whirl, deep dipper roller coaster, skee-ball, miniature railway, ferris wheel, and swimming pool etc.  An immediate success from opening day!  The dance pavillion brought in the jazz likes of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.  The park expanded to 20 acres and held a two decade run before closing its doors in the 1940s.

Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Valentine's Day Edition- Time Warp...1995 : All I Need (Remix) | Method Man x Mary J. Blige

FemFilmRouge/Focus/Universal

On this day of love...

...plus profond que le niveau de la surface.

Related Post:  Motivation Mondays (Valentine's Edition): The State of the Black Man without Love. #BlackHistoryMonth

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The Live Version of the Song is ALWAYS Superior to the Original (Pt. 2)- The Covers Edition

Paul Natkin/WireImage/Getty Images

Back with Pt.2, the Covers edition.  There are some song covers that arguably surpass the original version.  Not to say that the song wasn't made for the original artist, but to note that the cover artists' rendition of it is incredible.  Everyone can't do it, but oh man when they do?  Special.  

Jodeci- Lately

I'm so sorry to the Genius, Stevie Wonder, but what Jodeci did in this version cannot be undone.  Jokes aside from the classic Varnell Hill Martin episode, the cadence... rifts... ad-libs...and pacing.  It's THEE one by miles.  On another note, I heard the studio cover of this where they had a video for the FIRST time in 2026.  Repulsed.  This is the only I will acknowledge.

{Personal Post} Photography and The Black Arts Movement 1955- 1985' Exhibit #BlackHistoryMonth

Washington D.C's National Gallery of Art housed the 'Photography and The Black Arts Movement 1955- 1985' exhibition; celebrating the cultural history, identity, and beauty of Black Art.  My visit was crowded, but comfortable, amongst our people of all ages from toddlers to elders.  There was an undeniable thickness in the air of pride.  I was able to snap some realllly cool shots, which came satisfyingly easy because it was culture oozing at every turn.  We showed up and showed out.  
A celebration of US.

Come on in...

Movie Soundtrack Spotlight: Why Do Fools Fall In Love?

 

This was the first time we saw Mel B. breakout as a solo artist and away from her Spice Girl persona.  The year was 1998.  Soundtracks were still a very important piece of the film, which now seems to be a lost art.  Why Do Fools Fall In Love had a star studded cast of Halle Berry, Larenz Tate, Vivica Fox, and Lela Rochon.  The original music soundtrack was heavily influenced by Missy Elliott and Timbaland.   Now during this time, both artists had an established reputation for innovative and futuristic music videos as well as production.  That translated to the albums' lead music videos and overall sound, something completely different from the norm.  Way ahead of its time.

Arguably my favorite Destiny's Child song.  Top 3 for sure.

Chicago Has Opened Its First Library Food Pantry

Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago

Legler Regional Library, located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL, has officially opened its first library food pantry.  In partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the pantry stock offers the community a rotating consistent selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein, pre packaged meals and other food items to support a healthy diet.  The pantry shelves also offer essential hygiene toiletries such as toothpaste and shampoo.     

Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson YouTube channel

The Live Version of the Song is ALWAYS Superior to the Original (Pt. 1)

Tony Krash/Badu World

Can you believe this draft has been sitting since 2022?  I was vibing the other week and had a light bulb reminder.  I never published it!  What better time than now?  Half of the U.S. is snowed in today.   

Live versions are unique.  Typically filled with vivaciousness and exclusivity to that specific performance in all aspects.   It takes a special kind of everything to put a live song in the category of being considered better than the original/studio version.  That special thing where you prefer to hear the live version instead.  The common denominator is simply this.  It contains soul that the original just does not acquire.  

For instance... 

Marvin Gaye - Distant Lover

Could be the screams.. could be the horns... could be the yearning.  It's. just. there.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Manifest- Sneaker Drive, Hosted by Abdul

 

Whether you're holding court in the barber’s chair, pitching your next client over lunch, putting together new looks, or wining and dining through your best date night, ladies night or solo night, the best moments are the realer ones you spend with the realest ones.
-Manifest

A great way to start the new year?  Philanthropy.  

DC based sneaker collector/enthusiast and podcaster, Abdul Fouzi, continued his birthday celebration with a sneaker drive at Manifest.  You may remember him from a previous New Balance post as one of the panelists.  Attendees were asked to donate new or gently used sneakers for adults and kids sizes that would go towards a charitable organization.  For those who did not have sneakers, Manifest offered 40% off your footwear purchase for the donation.  I have a vast amount of sneakers and was elated to contribute to a good cause.  Community, Open Cafe experience (Friday Fish Fry), and Live DJ Set by Jerome Baker III.  Manifest, a hub for socializing, self care, and style, was quintessential in executing the vibe.   Take a peek inside...

Our Picks: Top Albums of 2025

2025 was .... something.  Nevertheless, you can always count on music.  Keeping up with the annual tradition of compiling our personal lists for our top albums/projects of the year.   Check out our favorites from 2025 after the jump!

In Memoriam... 2025

 Gone, but not forgotten.

In memoriam...

Derrick Ward

Sam Moore

Brenton Wood

DJ Juice

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: 'Room Service' Holiday Edition Pop-Up

Can I get an encore?  The 'Room Service' pop-up is back with a twist.  The rooms previously designed in the former Motel 6 were transformed yet again in different ways to celebrate the holiday season.   

This installment was just as fire *whispers... I may have enjoyed this one a little more.

Take a look...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Umbrella Art Fair 2025

Umbrella is back again with another neoteric art fair, welcoming and celebrating all who love the culture.  The fair showcased over 50 artists from the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, serving a space for their works and inspirations to come to life.  I always enjoy these.  You may recognize a few pieces from previous posts.  Walk with me...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Motel 6 Revamped during Design Week for 'Room Service' Pop-Up

Design week in DC.  A closed down former Motel 6 was transformed into a pop-up design showcase.  Each room was reimagined to a distinct style from several artists and creatives around.   Immersive and unique, shall we?  'Room Service'...

Supreme x Wu-Tang Clan Collection Set to Drop Tomorrow

On behalf of my crew, SUUUUUUUU!

Supreme has released the photo book for their Fall 2025 Wu-Tang Clan collaboration.  Each collection piece contains detail that embodies the world-renowned group's style and culture.  Gore-tex jackets/pants and jerseys aren't the only items featured.  Several different colorways are offered through t-shirts, hoodies, and beanie hats along with a variety of accessories that range from coffee mugs to skateboards.   30 years later and they're STILL making waves.   

In the front, in the back, killa bees on attack...

Time Warp... 1997: Appletree | Erykah Badu

Circa 1997.

Funny how the most random memories can carry with you for decades through song.  One of my countless times in Raleigh growing up.  Erykah was the new hot artist.  Unc had the Baduizm album blaring throughout; Appletree on at this point.  "I have a hoe... I take it everywhere I go".  Unc started laughing and said 'That girl wild" as he walked past to go light a cigarette.  I think of that every time i hear this song.  

Happy Birthday Unc.  I miss you.

Today... we jam.

 

Related Post:  Time Warp...1992 : Follow Me | Aly-Us #BlackHistoryMonth

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{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Umbrella Photo Fair 2025

Andddd we're back.  Umbrella has returned with a photo fair showcasing over 20+ of DMV photographers.  A rainy Saturday connecting art lovers and collectors.  Follow me...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Women Artists of the DMV" Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Over 300 women artists, both established and emerging talents, were represented in nine separate art spaces.  Celebrating at the Joan Hisaoka Arts Gallery, take a look inside the "Women Artists of the DMV" opening reception...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Clipse "Let God Sort Em Out" Tour | Fairfax, VA

A beautiful summer day.  Not too hot and no humidity.  The hours went by fast leading up to the show.  I've seen Pusha twice live; once at 'The Life is So Exciting' tour with Fabolous and again at the Pepsi Dig In day a couple years back.  This would be my first time seeing Clipse live.  

I. couldn't. wait.

All things considered. 

Let's be specific...

From the actual concert to the parking lot, a TIME was had.  My voice was gone from rapping along the entire show.  This particular stop on the tour had a special treat as they performed Virginia... in well.. you see where the show was ;). Countless Clipse songs were blasting from cars during the let out (including ours).  We actually ended up staying until it was empty.  Just vibing man.  There is nothing like Hip-Hop.

You know we back right?  Clear the streets out...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: 'Culture Meets Luxury' Art Exhibit

And we're back again.  Jerome Hood held his 3rd annual art showcase, "Culture Meets Luxury"... presented by the Hood Collection.  It was housed at the same location as the previous showcase, 'Buy Art Not Drugs', which inexplicably is perfect for the celebration of the art, music, and vibes they bring.  I really enjoyed these pieces and recognized some of the artists.  They spoke volumes to say the least.

Step inside...

Is This Thing On?...

I went back to Europe for 2 weeks in June/July as a treat to myself for accomplishing something major.  Plus, I really was in dire need of a vacation.

I packed my laptop with plans to publish draft blog posts and new ones during my down time on the trip.  What I found was that... I was completely exhausted from screentime and just wanted to enjoy the various cities/countries I visited.  Not being confined or pressured to a schedule, but rather just doing whatever the hell I wanted to do.

Once I landed back to my home turf, I unpacked my laptop to use it to look something up.  What I then found was... it wouldn't turn on.  I left it plugged up for an entire day thinking maybe it just needed a good charge.  To no avail.  

That was the beginning of July.

In case you were pondering the reason for the pause in posts.  I am happy to say today...

I want you to put the word out there that we back up.