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

{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...

Pharrell's 'Black Ambition' Launches Virtual Learning Lab for Florida Entrepreneurs

Rex

...you can do it too.

Icon Pharrell Williams further expands his Black Ambition non-profit organization with a new virtual program geared towards Florida-based entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.  The launch of the 'Fundable Founders Learning Lab' supports the initiative with an extensive 10-week virtual program offering mentorship, expert training, solid networking, and access to capital over the next two years.   

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Black Cowboy: American Muscle" by. Brandon Hill Opening Reception

Washington D.C. based artist, Brandon Hill, held an opening ceremony to debut his new exhibition "Black Cowboy: American Muscle".  It examines the significance of Black Cowboys in the American West, shedding light on the often neglected contribution.  Visitors can expect an immersive exploration through paintings, sculptures, and video.  From the art to the ongoing DJ set to the themed outfits, this ceremony was a prime vibe.  Check it out through my lens:

Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt Album Will Be Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

 Music has the unique power to shape culture and mark moments in time. Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.

- Harvey Mason Jr./CEO of the Grammy Recording Academy.  

Politics as usual.

Jay-Z 's 'Reasonable Doubt' album will be inducted into this year's Grammy Hall Of Fame on May 16, 2025.  Released in 1996, 'Reasonable Doubt' is still revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest albums and arguably (I've been in many debates) Jay-Z's best album.  

The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame serves as a vital bridge between music’s past and present, honoring recordings that have left a lasting mark on our cultural landscape.

- Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the Grammy Museum

{Watch} ALL DAY I DREAM ABOUT SPORT : A Short Film by. Gabriel Moses and Pharrell Williams

I didn’t go to film school or study photography. I’ve always had my own way of working, really trusted that, and stuck with it. My style is made up of all of the things that make me me.

-Gabriel Moses

Le Cinéma Club presents the exclusive online premiere of Gabriel Moses and Pharrell Williams 'ALL DAY I DREAM ABOUT SPORT' film.  Running a little over 20 minutes, the film serves as a visual love letter of culture in Senegal.  The cinematography throughout is striking; fluidly following a story of life and emotions in Senegal's capital city, Dakar.  The film unexpectedly includes a new song from Pusha T- "Mike Tyson Blow to the Face".  Underlying puns peek.

I recently saw Pharrell's 'Piece by Piece' biopic and it was fan-tas-tic.  There was no doubt that he and Gabriel Moses creative minds worked favorably in their synergy.  

Time Warp... 1988: Keep Looking | Sade #BlackHistoryMonth

Twentieth Century Fox

Don't lay awake at night 

Thinking about your worries 

Thinking about your problems...

Don't let them bother you, no...

  It's no use sitting down 

Don't walk 'round with a frown, oh no

Keep looking...

 

Related Post:  Time Warp... 2003: Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly | Lizz Wright #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  SOULECTION presents new Sade compilation "Love is King"

Meet Robert F. Flemming Jr: The Inventor of the Acoustic Guitar #BlackHistoryMonth

Born in Baltimore, MD in 1839 as the first of five children to Robert F. Flemming Sr and Mary Jane Flemming, the Flemming family relocated to Massachusetts.  As a young adult, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy in May 1863 and discharged from service in June of 1865.  Flemming Jr. returned to Massachusetts where he worked as a guitar manufacturer and music teacher.  His curiosity and desire for a louder and more resonant sound, compared to traditional guitars then, led to his creation of the 'Euphonica' guitar.  In modern times today, we know this as the Acoustic guitar.   

Meet Alonzo "Lonnie" Clayton: The Youngest Jockey to Win the Kentucky Derby #BlackHistoryMonth

Born in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1876, Alonzo "Lonnie" Clayton had a reputation for being 'exceptionally bright'.   One of nine siblings, Clayton joined his brother Albertus, who was a Jockey for Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin in Chicago, IL.  After starting as an exercise rider, he debuted as a Jockey in 1890 in Clifton, NJ.  He won the Jerome Stakes and Champagne Stakes in 1891.  The following year, Alonzo "Lonnie" Clayton made history.

Time Warp... 2011: Universal Train | Father's Children #BlackHistoryMonth

The world keeps going around 

Don't you know that I'll keep singing my song...

 

Related Post:  Time Warp... 2020: Almeda | Solange x Playboi Carti x The Dream #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  Time Warp... 2003: Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly | Lizz Wright #BlackHistoryMonth

{Trailer} HULU presents... Sly & The Family Stone Documentary, "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)"

If you want me to stay...

Oscar Winning Director and renowned Musician, Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson, brings forth a new documentary examining the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone.  SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) captures the rise, reign, and fade out of the groundbreaking band and man while engaging a closer look on how Black artists navigate through the veiled burden that comes with their success.  

Watch the trailer after the jump!

Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation Announces Financial Education Program for HBCU's

Getty Images

Every day at the Shawn Carter Foundation, we dedicate ourselves to uplifting students and communities that are underserved. To launch a financial education program that will reach more students and communities, along with dedicated partners like Toyota and the Wharton School of Business, is a vision we are finally seeing come to fruition. We are so excited to see the incredible impact of CFFL unfold and look forward to its growth.

- CEO/Co-Founder (and Jay-Z's mother) Dr. Gloria Carter

Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation has partnered with Toyota Motor North America to launch a financial education program for HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) across the U.S.  As of now so far, it will be available to students enrolled at Lincoln University, Norfolk State University, and Virginia State University.  The program is set to be introduced in Spring 2025 containing curriculum developed with the Coalition for Equity and Opportunity at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  Structured through budgeting, credit scores, stock market and other financial topics, this program will serve as a foundation and tool for wealth and success.  

Getty Images

Sha'Carri Richardson Glows as the Latest Face of OLAY

Her look and the necklace being the centerpiece promo in this ad is fire.  I love it. 

The current 'fastest woman of the world' has conquered any obstacle thrown her way and continues running upward.  Ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, it is announced that Sha'Carri Richardson is a new Brand Ambassador for OLAY.  This is her first beauty partnership and surrounds OLAY's cleansing melts-- water activated cleansing squares that dissolve and 'melt' away sweat, makeup, excess oil, and sunscreen.  

{Trailer} NETFLIX presents... The "Black Barbie" Documentary

...black barbie, dressed in bvlgari

- Lil Kim

Barbie debuted in 1959.  It was in 1980, over 20 years later, that the world received the first Black Barbie doll.  From Shonda Rhimes/Shondaland Media in conjunction with Netflix, this documentary unpacks the origin and evolution of Black Barbie while highlighting the legacy of three Black women pioneers who worked at Mattel.  The impact of representation matters.  
Watch the trailer below:

Venus Williams is Honored with her own Mattel Barbie

img via Mattel

In a continued celebration of Barbie's 65th anniversary, Mattel honors athletes in their new Team Barbie collection.  Tennis Legend, Venus Williams, is among the athletes featured.  Others include Rebeca Andrade (Gymnast), Mary Fowler (Football), Alexa Moreno (Gymnast), Estelle Mossley (Boxer), Federica Pellegrini (Swimmer), Susana Rodriguez (Paratriathlete), Christine Sinclair (Soccer), and Ewa Swoboda (Sprinter).

I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams. 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Divine Woman by Reginald Cunningham" Opening Reception

It has to be ok that certain things are just for ya'll and no one else.

- Reginald Cunningham

International Women's Day kicked off the opening reception for the "Divine Woman" exhibit by. Reginald Cunningham (@kidnoble).  It featured his stunning shots throughout of Black Women encapsulating through photo our pure allure in countless ways.  The event was curated by Selena "Noir" Jackson (@_selenoir) and described as

"... a space where we take the time to appreciate the multifacetedness of Black Womanhood.  Their hoop earring, braids, and gold jewelry are more than just a means of following trends on social media; they are part of a collective experience that is unique to Black Women and cannot be replicated or consumed."

The legit energy of feeling loved and appreciated as a Black Woman in this space was so empowering.  A heartening force.  Take a walk with me through its housing at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery to see for yourself...

Time Warp... 2020: Almeda | Solange x Playboi Carti x The Dream #BlackHistoryMonth

Brown liquor, brown liquor 

Brown skin, brown face 

Brown leather, brown sugar 

Brown leaves, brown keys 

Brown freckles, brown face 

Black skin, black braids 

Black waves, black days 

Black baes, black things 

These are black-owned things 

Black faith still can't be washed away...

As the 2024 Black History Month comes to an end, forget all the noise.  Just take a second to embrace... and be PROUD.

Related Post:  Time Warp...1979 : Ain't No Stopping Us Now | McFadden & Whitehead. #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  10 Ways to Promote Black History All Year Long... #BlackHistoryMonth

Meet Beatrice Gray: Organizer of the First Co-op Grocery Store in Washington D.C #BlackHistoryMonth

via Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

In the 1960s, Beatrice Gray noticed her neighbors and residents in the Southeast (S.E) Washington D.C community lacked access to quality grocery food within their quarters.  She decided to make a change and take action.  Initially, Gray generated a food buyers' club of affordable quality fresh food for 18 months before becoming the main organizer of the first co-op grocery store in Washington D.C.

photo via Smithsonian

Time Warp... 2003: Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly | Lizz Wright #BlackHistoryMonth

Cast away the chains of doubt

Have a courage to be free...

Don't cloud your eyes with other lies

See only what you want to see...

Open your eyes

you can FLY.

Related Post:  Time Warp...1984 : Black Butterfly | Deniece Williams #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  Time Warp... 1973 : "I Forgot to Be Your Lover" | The Mad Lads ("Pirates" sample/ Rick Ross) #BlackHistoryMonth

Meet Dr. William Conan Davis: The Developer of Instant Mashed Potatoes and More #BlackHistoryMonth

Born in Waycross, GA on August 22, 1926, Dr. William Conan Davis served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War; receiving a Purple Heart in 1953.  In adolescent days, his father drove he and his brother Kenneth to the Tuskegee Institute to attend a workshop with thee George Washington Carver and Henry Ford.  It was here that his love for Chemistry blossomed.  Davis received a B.S. in Chemistry at Talladega College, a Masters of Science in Organic Chemistry at Tuskegee, and was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. at the University of Idaho.  Dr. William Conan Davis thesis research, contrary to irony, involved the potato.  He applied for the Industrial Research Dept. at Washington State to study the buildup of particles on saw blades in lumber mills.  He identified arabinogalactan, which at the time.. no one knew how to use.  Davis was able to isolate the substance within fried potato chips and added arabinogalactans to the potato mixtures.  There... Instant Mashed Potatoes was created.