{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...

{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!

{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'...

{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...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "One Last Job: Art Enables Assembles" Opening Reception

Art Enables is a Washington D.C. based studio gallery specifically committed to amplifying the creative careers for artists with disabilities.  In "One Last Job: Art Enables Assembles", the group exhibition themes a motley crew of misfits–each a highly skilled expert called out of near-retirement–teaming up to complete a high stakes operation.  I'm in.  Let's take a look inside...

 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Dreams of You - The Genius of Marvin Gaye" Opening Art Reception | Baltimore, MD

A little over a week after Marvin's birthday, The Black Genius Art Show held the opening reception for their latest exhibit "Dreams of You: The Genius of Marvin Gaye".  The event featured pieces from over 20 creatives embracing the legacy impact and passion of the late great legend.  Artist talk, food, wine, and a live band.  Come get to this.

Take a peek inside...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Tyler, the Creator "Chromakopia" World Tour | Washington D.C

Chromakoooooopia.

Over the last 14 years, this is my 6th Tyler concert.  Would be 7, but I was sick during the Flower Boy show and had to sell my tickets.  Seeing him grow to a star of this magnitude has been quite the journey.  I grabbed these the moment they went on sale last year.  The album had already consumed my veins.  It was a must I go.  

The date finally came and was the last show of the North America leg of the tour.  Excitement is an understatement.  The show was nothing short of AMAZING.  Literally, perfecto.  Let me add... you can tell my boy's budget has increased.  The theatrics and more.  The price has definitely gone UP. 

From merch to the concert itself, I tried to capture the essence of it all through my lens.

Can you feel the light?

Grab my hand...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Primordial Spirit: Transcendence of Duality" by. Blake Pierre Opening Reception

As the soul undergoes transformation, it experiences illumination, embodying the path to wholeness.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana...raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, Artist Blake Pierre debuted "Primordial Spirit: Transcendence of Duality" via open reception.  His new exhibition reflects on the cynical nature of growth and transcendence of spiritual duality, representing the divine light that emerges from this union within, guiding the soul beyond physical limitation toward spiritual fulfillment.  Visitors are invited to take in a deeper understanding of transformation and divine purpose expressed through art.  An intimate gathering with details details details.  

Check it out below.  

{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:

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: National Museum of Women in the Arts #InternationalWomensDay

International Women's Day called for a trip to the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  The unofficial holiday commemorates women's fight for equality, rights, and liberation.  This particular museum is the first in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. Our journey began with a piece by Yael Bartana/What If Women Ruled The World.

Fitting, right?