Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Jaden Smith Is Bringing Clean Water To Flint, Michigan According to PageSix , Jaden Smith‘s foundation and a church are on a mission to bring cleaner water to the people in Flint, Michigan . Smith’s organization and First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church on Friday announced that they’re teaming up to bring a mobile water filtration system known as “The Water Box” that reduces lead and other potential contaminants to those affected by the water crisis. His “JUST” goods company collaborated with the church to design and engineer the system. Flint has been replacing water lines after lead-tainted water was discovered in 2014. Lead began leaching from pipes after the city tapped the Flint River for drinking water without properly treating it to reduce corrosion.
Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com Yacht Week. When you close your eyes, you can feel the wind from the water and smell and taste the ocean on your lips. The sun is warming your melanin skin and you are surrounded by lots of other party goers ready for a good time. You hop from boat to boat, partying, drinking, connecting. The music is blaring, the drinks are flowing, you are surrounded by paradise. While there is fun in Croatia, beauty in Greece, and you can never go wrong with Montenegro, Kelsy Horton realized there was a major miss for people of color: no Yacht Week focused on an African or Black experience. Thus, three years ago, Yacht Week East Africa was born. Talk about sailing for the culture! Source: Alexandra Wontorra / EyeEm / Getty This Yacht Week sets sail in the Seychelles where guests can spend two days on land learning about the Seychelles and experiencing the culture prior to setting sail. There are options for attendees to sight see, go shopping and learn more about the islands. During the actual sailing experience, there are options as well. Guests will be able to go on a tropical rainforest hike, snorkel, fish, bike riding, exploring and more. It’s more than just a boat and water! Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com We caught up with Kelsy Horton, Founder and Host of Yacht Week East Africa , who got candid with us regarding why he started East Africa Yacht Week, things you need to know, and more. Starting a business can be daunting, what placed Horton up for the task? He told Hello Beautiful , “I started Yacht Week East Africa to provide an Afrocentric alternative to the sailing events that take place in Europe and the Americas. I also wanted to showcase the beauty and culture of East Africa, which is under the radar for many people.” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com In addition to East Africa being under the radar for many people, sailing isn’t something that Black people are culturally involved in on a large basis. Horton has been sailing since he was a child, “My first sail took place when I was a kid in Chicago, on the waters of Lake Michigan,” he shared with Hello Beautiful. How he got from sailing to a kid to running a yacht week was a little more complex. “In 2015, I moved to Tanzania, which sits on the Indian Ocean, and has a strong sailing community. I started sailing with friends for birthday parties, when guests were in town, and other special occassions. It was at this point that sailing became one of my passions.” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com And passionate he is! Horton is hosting three different trips in 2019. Currently, there is room to register for two more trips occurring in September and October. The first one is August 30th to September 8th, 2019 and the second one is October 11th – October 20th, 2019. Anyone can attend! Horton shared, “We celebrate Black culture and we welcome anyone from any background to join us.” If you are worried that you can’t swim, don’t be. Horton assured, “You don’t need to know how to swim to attend Yacht Week East Africa. Swiming during the event is totally optional.” Just wear a floatie girl and get ready to slay some serious beach photos! Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com If you are someone that has been to other Yacht Weeks and wondering what makes this one different, Horton reveals, “in addition to sailing, beautiful beaches, and partying, our emphasis on culture and cuisine separates us from the rest. Our sailing locations are also off of the beaten path.” So yes, you will have a one of a kind experience with unique photos focused on our culture. While personally, I have never been to East Africa, Horton was able to help me understand what makes this region so special. “East Africa calms your spirit and is good for your soul.” He boldly boasts, “There’s a strong change that East Africa is more beautiful than your favorite vacation spot.” Wow! He also adds that “the people are extremely welcoming and the culture is very accommodating,” which is also a plus for people traveling while Black. Source: Courtesy of East Africa Yacht Week / EastAfricaYachtWeek.com I was looking through images and the company’s Instagram page and I noticed one thing: there were so many Black women in attendance! It made me wonder if Horton was focused on our demographic and behold, he is most definitely catering to Black women. (Come on, Black man!). “There is something that is very appealing about a beautiful woman in her best swimsuit, laid out on a yacht in the middle of the ocean without a care in the world,” he swoons. What makes this trip so attractive to us? Horton explains, “Add a beautiful backdrop like the Seychelles, plus the fact that the event is curated with them in mind, and our Sisters are ready to sign up!” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com As mentioned, the company has been around for only three years; however, they are already thinking of expansion. Horton is looking closely at routes in other countries as well as land-based events in Tanzania and Kenya. He tells us to “stay tuned!” …and we are. We end our interview with Horton encompassing Yacht Week East Africa, “It is for us, by us, and we sail for the culture.” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com You can find out more about Yacht Week East Africa on their website, here . Currently, you have until February 28th, 2019 to book for the August/September or October trip. Get on it! DON’T MISS: HELLO WORLD: Everything You Need To Know For A Girl’s Trip To Martinique HELLO WORLD: Bonaire Is The Perfect Island Antidote For Holiday Fatigue HELLO WORLD: Travel Essentials For Your Next Trip Out The Country [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3022084″ overlay=”true”]
Today for Black History Month 2019 , we are highlighting the music business entrepreneur behind Motown– Berry Gordy . Source: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com / WENN Birth Date: November 28, 1929 Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Fun Facts: Berry Gordy founded the epic label Motown, which helped develop artists like the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and other great acts Berry Gordy has 8 kids Berry Gordy’s son and grandson make up the EDM/hip hop group LMFAO, best known for their hit single “Party Rock Anthem” Berry Gordy’s success helped him to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “To Be Loved” is an autobiography by Berry Gordy, that goes into detail about his life and legacy in the music business We thank you for your contributions Berry Gordy . [ione_media_gallery src=”https://thebeatdfw.com” id=”3111486″ overlay=”true”]
Today for Black History Month 2019 , we are highlighting media mogul Byron Allen . Source: WENN.com / WENN Birth Date: April 22, 1961 Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Fun Facts: Byron is the founder of Entertainment Studios, a billion dollar media company Byron went to college at the University of Southern California Byron bought The Weather Channel Byron is also known for his stand-up comedy Byron is married to Jennifer Lucas, with whom he has 3 kids (2 daughters, 1 son) Byron’s first TV appearance was on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson Byron was the executive producer for the 2017 film ’47 Meters Down’ We thank you for your contributions Byron Allen . [ione_media_gallery src=”https://thebeatdfw.com” id=”3110683″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Scott Legato / Getty Future speaks on longevity, new album, 6 kids, and relationships with Jay Z, Rocko, Wendy Williams, Russell Wilson and more in a new interview with Durtty Boyz.
Source: Scott Legato / Getty Future speaks on longevity, new album, 6 kids, and relationships with Jay Z, Rocko, Wendy Williams, Russell Wilson and more in a new interview with Durtty Boyz.
Source: James Devaney / Getty Winners Unorthodox Dems Newly elected officials were sworn into Congress this week causing the Democrats to take over the House from Republicans. The Dems line-up features diverse representatives including Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, the first Muslim women elected to Congress, Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids , the first Native women elective to Congress, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the youngest person elected to Congress at 29 years old. Less than a week in office and the new faces are already proving they’re not your typical Congress people. Rashida Tlaib made this even more apparent when a video surfaced of her dropping the F-bomb to a crowd of supporters. In a speech about winning her seat, Tlaib said she was going to take on “bullies” while in office (ahem…TRUMP). “When your son looks at you and says ‘momma look you won,’ bullies don’t win,” Rashida said. “And I said ‘baby they don’t’ because we’re going to go in there and we’re going to impeach the motherfucker.” Rashida Tlaib on Trump: “We're going to impeach the Motherf***er” https://t.co/cCyKN4mzYk pic.twitter.com/hoFUOsxuQp — Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 4, 2019 RASHIDA IS NOT PLAYING GAMES. The Internet was shocked by her frankness, but for the most part, her supporters were on the verge of a praise break… “Impeach the mother fucker,” said new Dem Rep Rashida Tlaib. I think I love this new House. — Scott Dworkin (@funder) January 4, 2019 I have no problem at all with what freshman Rep. Rashida Tlaib said. The people of Michigan didn’t send her there to bake fucking cookies for all them assholes. #Morningjoe — Luke (@JDLuckenbach) January 4, 2019 But of course Republicans were clutching their pearls at Rashida’s language…despite having a president who has a river-length history of foul statements. Even some Democrats chastised Rashida with California Rep. Jim Costa calling her words “inappropriate,” according to CNN . But Rashida wasn’t about to take back her delivery. She posted a tweet on Friday saying “I will always speak truth to power.” I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe — Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) January 4, 2019 This is not your respectable Congress. Now let’s hope those policies match with the big talk.
Source: SAUL LOEB / Getty Rep. Rashida Tlaib Vows To “Impeach The Motherf**ker” Yesterday was a very exciting day on Capitol Hill as a new class of Congresswomen and Congressmen removed the “elect” from their official titles after being sworn in on a variety of religious books that fully recognize their diversity. That excitement spill over into the night when Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan told a jubilant crowd of her plans while in Washington… The cry for impeachment set off a series of reactions from unnerved Democrats who think Rashida has too much dip on her chip, and Republicans who vow to use it as proof that Democrats are playing politics with the fate of the President. Word got back to orange Hitler about Rep. Tlaib’s words and had this to say, on Twitter of course: How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time, done nothing wrong (no Collusion with Russia, it was the Dems that Colluded), had the most successful first two years of any president, and is the most popular Republican in party history 93%? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2019 If Donnie thought for a second that he was about to get an apology, then he played himself. I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe — Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) January 4, 2019 Always.
Source: Julia Marie Burton / Bossip/Julia Marie Burton Bossip’s Exclusive Report From Michelle Obama’s Motown Museum Surprise Pop-Up BOSSIP was on-hand in Detroit, Michigan at the Motown Museum inside of Hitsville, USA when our forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama surprised a group of 18 male students of color from Wayne State for an event produced by her Reach Higher initiative. The young men believed that they were solely there to take part in a roundtable discussion about life, school and career paths with Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele) and Mrs. Obama’s brother and NBA coach Craig Robinson. Source: Julia Marie Burton / Bossip/Julia Marie Burton The energy in the room was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced being that WE knew at any minute during the conversation, Michelle Obama was going to burst into the room and leave us and the students with our eyes wide, picking our jaws off the floor. It was a glorious moment. Yes, she really said “you know how I do” in response to the idea that this was a “boys only” meeting. God, we love this woman. Mrs. Obama was in the “D” as part of the nationwide Live Nation tour for her best-selling book Becoming , but she wanted to take the opportunity to speak specifically to a group of minority men for the first time and give them encouragement and insight into being successful students, professionals, and people. FLOTUS went on to say that part of letting go of that fear and embracing discomfort, is not being ashamed of hardships and life struggles that you may have endured. “Put it on the table”, as she so eloquently states, “let folks deal with it.” Motown Records is a sponsor of the Fall 2018 Becoming: An Intimate Conversation With Michelle Obama tour. Motown President Ethiopia Habtemariam spoke about their role in spreading and supporting FLOTUS’ message: “We’ve established this partnership because Motown’s continued growth and evolution over decades embodies the message of Mrs. Michelle Obama’s new book, Becoming. The playlist reflects our past dedication and continued commitment to remain the voice of today and tomorrow. Like Mrs. Obama, some of our artists experienced Hitsville for the first time and stand on the same ground that Motown artists and staff built into the iconic emblem that is globally recognized and loved by so many today.” It was surreal to be just mere feet from the woman that has inspired us along with millions and millions of others. If you haven’t picked up a copy of Becoming, then congratulations, you are playing yourself in a way that would make DJ Khaled ashamed. Pick up one for yourself and someone you love for Christmas, Michelle Obama has written an amazing gift. Continue reading →
Source: STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – SEPTEMBER 08: Ms. Lauryn Hill performs in support of the Powernomics Tour at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on September 8, 2017 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images) Uploaded By Godspeed It looks like there is some hope for Lauryn Hill . She reportedly was in a much better place for a recent concert. According to Page Six the Fugees songstress pleased fans during a stop of her Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th-anniversary tour. Hill apparently was only fashionably late to her London concert at the O2 Arena on Monday. Reporter for British periodical The Independent Roison Connor wrote “‘She’s on time!’ A ripple of excitement has just gone through the O2 Arena. The lights have dimmed, and Lauryn Hill is as about as ‘on time’ as she’ll ever be – just 20 minutes late.” Apart from being somewhat punctual her rendition of her classic album was well received by ticket goers. Connor penned that “the former Fugees member’s free-jazz approach to the live set is often scattershot, but it makes the set feel loose and relaxed rather than messy.” The improved showing came to her fans and the public alike as a pleasant surprise. Over the last five or so years Hill has built a reputation for starting her sets very late , upwards to almost two hours behind schedule. Additionally the rumor is that since she was sued by the album’s ghost producers and lost in 2001 she is not allowed to perform original songs. Thus Ms. Hill has been playing renditions that ticket goers claimed sound nothing like the versions they grew up to. She has about 20 shows left in the tour, let’s see if she can keep it together. Photo: Johnny Louis / WENN.com
