Bleu Magazine Issue 52 - Luis Fonsi

Fonsi

Talks with Dascha Polanco C I C E LY T Y S O N

C O L O G N E S A B R OA D

C O N S TA N C E C . R . W H I T E CHINESE NEW YEAR

F I LT E R E D

Luis

DJ IRIE

SUE IS

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MAGAZINE

PRESENTING THE ALL-NEW LEXUS LS 500

LONG LIVE THE KING Experience luxury performance that takes the crown with the 416-horsepower1 twin-turbo Lexus LS 500, or the 354 total system horsepower1 hybrid LS 500h. Accompanied by an available 23-speaker, 2400-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound System2, 24-inch full-color heads-up display, and Art Wood trim, the all-new LS is completely reimagined.

Lexus.com/LS | #LexusLS

Options shown. 1 Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease. 2Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc. Š 2018 Lexus.

Issue 52

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+).&/,+,)&% #/-

DRIVE THE WORLD FORWARD. THE NEW BMW M4 AND 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE.

With leading innovations in technology, the new BMW M4 and 4 Series Gran Coup move the world in a new direction. Each member inherits the engineering behind the unmistakable 425-horsepower BMW M4 which, with a 0-60 mph time of only 3.9 seconds, finds itself as the vehicle of choice for most BMW Motorsport racing teams. In other words, the BMW M4 is made for the track and the BMW was made 4 Series Gran Coupe from it.

It boasts its own impressive 320 horsepower and 0–60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

Visit your local BMW Center to experience athleticism and performance with a test drive in the BMW M4 and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe today.

Visit bmwusa.com to learn more.

Š 2017 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

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Contents Custom Jacket BOHEMIAN SOCIETY T-Shirt GUCCI

PAGE

64

The Global Man Big Song, Big Artist, Big Heart: Luis Fonsi Gives A Candid Interview On Music And Life Before He Became A Household Name

WORDS BY DASCHA POLANCO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAN FREIRE

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TAKE THE LEAD

Take an active role in your health.

Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

onepillchoices.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC4619 06/17 8

MAGAZINE

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Contents Hoodie and Sweatpants DEATH TO TENNIS Boots DR. MARTENS s Photography By OTHELLO BANACI

14 Access By Bleu

52 Fashion The Other Side of Me

16 The 4 By 5 Booze Control

70 Feature Style Maven

19 Gadgets Netflix and Travel

74 Feature Miami’s Heat

21 Cars Restofus

78 The Humans

26 Fashion

82 Fashion

Filtered

Feels Bleu

32 Grooming

90 Spotlight

Elevate your Senses

Whiskey at the Library?

34 Fuel Caribbean Comfort & Chinese New Year

36 Travel

92 Boss Moves

96 Bleu List

Tulum is Magic & Find your Oslo

48 The Creatives

97 Icon Cicely Tyson

Art over L.A.

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MASTHEAD

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief DéVon Christopher Johnson

On the Cover LUIS FONSI Words By DASCHA POLANCO

Executive Editor George Kevin Jordan

Creative Director Darius Baptist

Graphic Design Lead

Dominic Bielak

UK Fashion Editor

Sean Azeez

Fashion Market & Production Lead

Terence B. McNealy

Contributing Fashion Editors

Amber Leon Brian Goodwill Ronçois Francois Atiba Newsome Kenneth Kyrell Juan Ortiz

Contributing Editors

Raymond Mora, Chris Law

Copy Editors

Trevoy Ross, Jermaine Brown

Photography By JAN FREIRE Fashion By DARIUS BAPTIST Grooming By JUDITH PRINCE Hair By SHELDON BARKER

Contributing Writers

Dascha Polanco, Melissa Curtin, Allison Ramirez, Angel Quiles, Kezia Royer-Burkett, Dominique Carson, Kayla Davies

Contributing Photographers

Jan Freire, Christina Ebenezer, Ricardo Nelson, Edric Robinson, Othello Banaci, Dina Avila

Interns

Caitlin Durning, Liyana Mohd Radzi, Emily Spelman, Nicole Gorritz, Sabrina Ramirez, Rebecca Richards, Michelle Lee

BOMBSHELL by BLEU Editor

Ebony Allison

Contributors

Tanyka Renee, Cataanda J, London Burns, Matia Peebles

BleuLife Media Group

Chairman, CEO & President

DéVon Christopher Johnson

Director of Operations

Carlos Barksdale

Business Development

Brent Zachary, Massih Azad

AD Sales

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Digital Lead

Julian Kim

Regional Representative

Rannon Harris (Chicago - Midwest)

Newsstand Distribution

Ingram Content Group Inc. 1 Ingram Blvd.

La Vergne, TN 37086 Phone: 615.793.5000

Submissions

Bleu Magazine 119 West 24th Street New York, NY 10011 info@bleulife.com

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 119 West 24th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY METALEYE PHOTOGRAPHY

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Bad things It’s a lot of bad things That they wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’ They wishin’ on me Bad things It’s a lot of bad things That they wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’ They wishin’ on me Yuh, ay, ay G O D ’ S P L A N , Drake

People are scared. They are worried about their children’s safety. They are concerned about providing food for the table each night. They are worried that their efforts, regardless of how resilient they are, will result in the sum of nothingness. They are terrified.

I am terrified.

Growing up in the 80’s I was full of hope and nostalgia for the great American Dream. Hard work and good grades were going to result in a great job. Then, as the fairy-tale dictates, come the house, car, and a pretty hefty 401k balance.

Yes, Ronald Reagan was a dick. And Nancy’s “Say no to Drugs” crusade turned addicts into outcasts instead of helping them with the care their disease required.

But, we still had a shot. There were jobs. There was hope.

Today I just see so many sad and discouraged faces. The great optimism I palatably recall like those steaks that were delivered weekly to my parents doorstep has all but dissipated. We believed our dreams could be real. There was no violence in school just distant threats of nuclear war, requiring mad dashes under our desks when we heard the “special” siren. Since desks are not actual protection from nuclear rays I’m glad Gorbachev decided to tear down that wall.

Okay, now that I have shown my age and completely depressed you for missing the greatest decade, turn the page and indulge in this issue of Bleu. There’s plenty of travel, fashion and culture to let you, if only for a moment, escape into a world without borders and boundaries. Upgrade your wardrobe, buy an overpriced watch or take a trip to a country you can’t find on a map. There’s plenty to keep your life BLEU!!

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder And Group Publisher

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

DASCHA POLANCO

IMANI SULIMAN

Dascha Polanco is a Dominican American actress.

She is best known for playing Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on the Netflix hit series Orange Is the New Black, and is now playing one of the lead characters in the FX original series American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

Working in the fashion industry for the majority of her adult life, Imani Suliman is a styling force that does not plan on stopping anytime soon. She has worked with famed designer Laurel DeWitt for the past few fashion weeks seasons. She is preparing to take all she learned and step out on her own.

OTHELLO BANACI

JAN FREIRE

Othello Banaci is a photographer and visual storyteller from the D.C area specializing in fashion and commercial media. He started his career in fashion production which led to his debut as a photographer/ cinematographer at MBFW. Since then, his work has been featured in NYLON, Complex, Huffington Post, Washington Post, and The Fader.

Jan Freire, whose work is known throughout Florida, has also served as a fashion and celebrity photographer since 1991. He is known to be one of CzecoSlovakia’s best photographers. His clients love him for his amazing work and warm personality.

TERRENCE MIELE

DOMINIQUE CARSON

Terrence Miele discovered photography when he was 14-years-old and never looked back. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology and Salzburg College graduating with a degree in Photographic arts and sciences. He is based out of New York City with a client list that includes New York Times magazine, Fortune, Village Voice, Sony, Absolute Vodka, Vibe, Twisted Records, Nervous Records and Newsweek.

Dominique M. Carson is a freelance music writer, critic, and a proud Brooklyn College graduate. Dominique’s work has been featured in Singersroom.com, Soultrain.com, Birthplace Magazine, Rappersoom.com, Pure Soul Magazine, Brooklyn Roads, and NYCityWatch.org. She was an honorable recipient for Blackstreetonline.com’s Black Celebration Awards’ News & Journalism category in September 2013.

MAGAZINE

H O T O V E L I • N E W YO R K

| H . LO R E N ZO • LO S A N G E L E S

G E O R G E T O W N O P T I C I A N • WA S H I N G T O N , D . C .

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T H E A R C H I V E • SA N F R A N C I S CO | L A E Y E WO R KS • LO S A N G E L E S

A R T S E E B P C • N E W YO R K

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M O R G E N T H A L F R E D E R I C S • C H I C AG O - AS P E N

LORALI’S OPTICAL • BELLEVUE | BLINK • PORTLAND | MODERN EYE • PHILADELPHIA | ART OF OPTIKS • MINNEAPOLIS I M A G E O P T I C A L • N A S H V I L L E | T H E E Y E G A L L E R Y • H O U S T O N | E N V I S I O N • B O U L D E R | R I M S & G O G G L E S • M I L L VA L L E Y M A R C M I C H E L E Y E W E A R S T U D I O • P A C I F I C P A L I S A D E S | E Y E G O T C H A • S A N F R A N C I S C O | B R U C E E Y E W E A R • VA N C O U V E R B R ASS M O N O C L E • C A LG A RY

| K A R I R E Y E W E A R • TO R O N TO | M A R I E - S O P H I E D I O N • M O N T R E A L |

B L A K E K U WA H A R A . C O M

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

From Left to Right: Ty Hunter, Chris Chambers, Dévon Christopher Johnson, Erwan Alexis, Spencer Means

Burlesque Dancer

2 nd Annual Bleu Maverick Awards Presented By Celebrity stylist Ty Hunter, PR maven Chris Chambers and real estate power player Spencer Means honored at 2nd Annual Bleu Maverick awards presented by Nivea Men. in media, fashion, and business. Mr. Hunter, Mr. Chambers and Mr. Means and guests were treated to a special burlesque show by some of Duane Parks most notable acts. Cocktails throughout the evening were provided by BELVEDERE VODKA. And Harlem's own newcomer, Erwan Alexis, serenaded the crowd with a fusion of hip-hop & R&B to kick off the night.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY SPELMAN

On November, 14th 2017, Bleu Life Media Ventures founder and publisher DéVon Christopher Johnson hosted the 2nd Annual Maverick Awards presented by NIVEA MEN honoring Ty Hunter, Chris Chambers, and Spencer Means at downtown Manhattan's famed Duane Park burlesque venue.

The Bleu Maverick Awards is a prestigious annual ceremony honoring the achievements of Black men

Peformer

Group Photo 14

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Ty Hunter (left) and Dévon Christopher Johnson (Right)

Tonya Lewis Lee

AC C E S S BY B L E U

From Left to Right: Ella Mell, Stacie Henderson, Tonya Lewis Lee

A

Burlesque Dancer

Ty Hunter

Chris Chambers

Spencer Means

Ty is celebrated as one of the world's most influential fashion gurus. He has styled or contributed to the cover of almost every major international magazine.

He has also consulted for more than fifty national and international ad campaigns.

Owner of The Chamber Group, a boutique public relations, image marketing and special events company in New York City. A PR veteran of 21 years, Chris has helped guide the careers of some of the biggest names in show business - among them, Wendy Williams, Jill Scott, Drake, Erykah Badu, Future and more.

Generating more than 100 million in sales, he is a well respected real estate broker with experience that spans over a decade. He has an enviable track record and has honed an unparalleled instinctual ability to identify market trends. With a background in both commercial and residential real estate, he has a unique perspective and a wide range of industry contacts.

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T H E 4 BY 5

BOOZE CONTROL For our GLOBAL ISSUE we take you to our four favorite countries in South America for some of the best spots to grab a drink and to turn up! We all need a break from the states right now.

WORDS BY KAYLA DAVIES

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ARGENTINA, BUENOS AIRES

At Niceto Club you can vibe to live music and discover new South America artists while getting your groove on. For an unique rock scene as well as excellent food and drinks Kirie Music Club is the place to be! If you prefer happy hour options The Shamrock Bar & Basement Club is a great location to start your night. If you want a sophisticated night on the town The Doppleganger Bar has multi-layered cocktails and creative food choices. The Gran Bar Danzon consists of a fun atmosphere, amazing wine, and house music.

1 Niceto Club Av Cnel. Niceto Vega 5510, Buenos Aires, Argentina 1

2 Kirie Music Club Bolívar 813, Buenos Aires, Argentina

3 The Shamrock Bar & Basement Club Rodríguez Peña 1220, C1021ABB CABA, Argentina 2

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2 JazzNosFundos Rua Cardeal Arcoverde, 742 - Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05412-002, Brazil

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4 Doppleganger Bar Av. Juan de Garay 500, 1114 Buenos Aires, Argentina

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1 Clash Club R. Barra Funda, 969 Santa Cecilia, São Paulo - SP, 01152-000

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BRAZIL, S A O PA U L O

For all you EDM lovers The Clash Club is a perfect destination with neon lights. Amazing artists, unique drink selection, and fun atmosphere JazzNoseFundos is worth a visit! Known as the biggest gay club in Brazil as well as Latin America is The Week Club! If you enjoy dancing the night away with EDM music come by! The BrewDog Bar is a pet-friendly location with great beer and finger food. If you are tired and want a cozy night out All Black Irish Pub is an ideal location to relax and enjoy a beer.

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3 The Week Club R. Guaicurus, 324 Lapa, São Paulo - SP, 05033-000, Brazil

5 Gran Bar Danzon Libertad 1161, C1012AAW CABA, Argentina

4 BrewDog Bar Rua Coropés, 41 - Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05426-010, Brazil

5 All Black Irish Pub Libertad 1161, C1012AAW CABA, Argentina

T H E 4 BY 5

SANTO DOMINGO, DR

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Reviewed as the best club in Santo Domingo, the Jet Set Club is definitely worth checking out for crazy night out. For a typical salsa dancing night experience in Santo Domingo, Parada 77 is the best place for that. To learn merengue dancing as well as to dance to techno the Merengue Club is a great place to visit. This club is nicely divided for drinking, dancing and mingling. Voted the best gay bar in Santo Domingo with friendly service is definitely Esedeku Bar. Onno’s Bar is place with reasonably priced drinks and location for other fellow travelers.

1 Jet Set Club Ave. Independencia Km. 6 1/2 Plaza El Portal, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

2 Parada 77 Calle Isabel La Católica, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic

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3 Merengue Club Calle Hostos 156, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

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2 Hidden Bar Barón Pierre de Coubertin 62, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

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4 Esedeku Bar Mercedes 341 esq Calle, Calle Santomé, Dominican Republic

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1 Ruca Bar Av. Condell 868, Providencia, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

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5 Onno’s Bar Calle Hostos 157, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

SANTIAGO, CHILE

Sangrias and low priced drinks, Ruca Bar is worth a visit. For an underrated night out with locals, the Hidden Bar is the place to be. One of the best night clubs in Santiago, don’t go before 1AM! Club Chocolate has the best live performances! For diverse music genres and dance floors Blondie is a great option. If you are looking for a throw backs dance playlist Club Eve has it.

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3 Club Chocolate Ernesto Pinto Lagarrigue 192, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

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4 Blondie Av Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 2879, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

5 Club Eve Av Vitacura 5480, Santiago, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, Chile

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CARS

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WORDS BY RAYMOND MORA

ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC SPEEDBOATS , driven by John

F. Kennedy, was the 1961 Century Resorter. This 17-foot wooden speedboat, known as “RESTOFUS,” is a dynamic vehicle due to Kennedy’s fingerprints on the boat, and still profitable as someone bought it for $75,000. Going into 2018, the Century Resorter is taking its 1961 version and transforming into an all-around boat.

Starting at $103,966, this one of a kind 2018 Century Resorter Twin, located in Tequesta, FL, gives

drivers a remarkable boat with impressive features and an astounding dual console. Imagine sitting on the comfortable large bow shaped lounge, you and your friends, listening to Kendrick Lamar or Drake songs with a sound system that bumps so loud it feels like a club. Pretty surreal feeling for visitors and party-goers alike. As the driver, think about accessing the hybrid touch multifunction display to control everything from LED lights to GPS. A powerful boat like the 2018 Century Resorter Twin pleases big groups and families for water sports activities, day cruising and offshore fishing.

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FA S H I O N

Filtered

Jacket VALENTINO T-Shirt GUCCI Scarf LOUIS VUITTON

Jacket DSQUARED

Jeans DSQUARED

Sweater GIORGIO ARMANI

Model & Actor @_LuiThe1st shows off some of the dopest jacket looks to rock this season. Shot with the #iPhoneX these fits are sure to keep your swag game on point. #menswear #style #fashion Photo & Styling @DariusBaptist DARIUS BAPTIST Grooming @PDouble21 PORSCHE WALDO Model @_LuiThe1st LUI

FA S H I O N

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Vest and Shirt GIVENCHY Sunglasses and Necklace VERSACE Necklace ROOM 101 Bracelet and Cuff KONSTANTINO

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FA S H I O N

Jacket LES Hoodie and Joggers MATIERE Scarf and Goggles GUCCI Watch INVICTA

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FA S H I O N

Coat JIL SANDER Sweater PRINGLE SWEATER Jacket, Shirt, Pants SELECTED HOMME

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Boots FRYE

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GROOMING

Elevate Your Senses One of the longest lasting impressions that you can leave on someone is your scent. Check out some of our favorite luxurious colognes that will be sure to make you the best smelling man in the room.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRENCE MIELE

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CARIBBEAN

COMFORT Cove Lounge And Social Brings Caribbean Food To Harlem You don’t have to scour the earth to find good cuisine - although that is fun. Bleu found the perfect restaurant to fit all your needs. Add in a little carribean fire and you have eats and drinks to satisfy the pickiest connoisseur. Harold Breton, the chef at the Cove in Harlem, NYC, has been building on his heritage, experience on the line, and his passion for food.

helm in the kitchen, says there is a huge difference between offering guidance on a shaped concept and starting from scratch. “Walking into a place that has a menu you have to look at what’s working and improvise.” The French Culinary Institute grad says his days are spent thinking about the restaurant long before he enters the space.

This dish, The Road To Harlem, captures the spirit of the neighborhood, both global and home grown at the same time.

“My day already started yesterday,” Breton said. “I’m already thinking about the party the next day, which things need to get done and we communicate with the team on everything else so that the flavor and recipes are consistent.” And no matter where he goes, food is a constant inspiration.

“The road dish is a half chicken marinated in buttermilk,” Breton said in a phone interview recently. “We put our own spices on and let it marient and fry it off.” The dish is topped with red waffles that mirror the taste of red velvet cake.

Breton, who started off consulting for the restaurant before taking the

THE COVE R E S TA U R A N T 325 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027 212 665 3455 covelounge.com

Chef HAROLD BRETON

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“I take more being a chef as a personal thing more than a career,” Breton says. “Like if I’m walking by a store and I see a vegetable I take it home.

I just happen to make a living from it. You just have to have that passion.”

FUEL

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It’s The Chinese New Year – Let’s Toast With Hennessy XO Regarded as one of the most colorful events of the year, Chinese New Year has become one of the most celebrated gatherings around the world! Because it is based on the lunar calendar, the date varies from year to year, so for 2018 the festivities begin in midFebruary. Slated to last for about two weeks, we are recommend Hennessy XO as the cognac of choice for all your libations. This elegant and well blended spirit was designed to share with friends, family, and those closest to you in The Year of the Dog. jJ

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TULUM IS MAGIC How can a place so secluded offer everything a traveler needs? It’s Magical Realism personified as Tulum, Mexico offers sparkling beaches, amazing food, and that “get away” feeling with all the spoils of other major destinations. Bleu pinpoints all the hotspots for us.

WORDS BY MELISSA CURTIN

LO C AT I O N : EL PEZ

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T R AV E L

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W H E N WAS T H E L AS T T I M E YO U V I S I T E D

a place that had no municipal power or water? It may sound primitive, but that’s the magic of Tulum.

Only an hour and a half from Cancun, Mexico, at the southern tip of Riviera Maya, Tulum is a destination unlike any other in the world.

Forget the massive, annoying mega-resorts. This town is all about the chic boutique hotels that dot a 5-mile stretch of silky pristine sands and aquamarine surf. Only one road separates this relaxed boho beach sanctuary from the jungle along the Yucatán Peninsula coast.

Ten years ago, Tulum was pretty undiscovered, but now with rustic hotels – many with less than twenty rooms – vacation feels like staying in your own private villa. Generators and solar power all hotels on the strip and, new development maintain a simple essence while embracing eco-modernization.

The food scene rivals any major city; the local healthy ingredients are so fresh there is often no need for refrigeration and many restaurants cook on open wood fired grills. After you have had enough yoga, beach lounging, and shrimp and fish tacos, the adventurous traveler can satiate their curiosity with excursions, like viewing Mayan ruins, kite surfing, star gazing, and swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the ocean or in one of the many cenotes (natural underground limestone sinkholes).

Welcome to Tulum, where simplicity and nature are the new luxury.

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Mezzanine EAT The global cuisine in Tulum blends traditional Mexican fare with fresh caught seafood along with modern approaches thanks to the culinary creatives flocking to the area.

Get your cheap taco fix at Safari with their 1971 Airstream kitchen serving “campfire food” from a small wood fired pit, or bury your toes in the sand (day or night) at beachfront Taqueria La Eufemia - with two-for-one happy hour drinks and tasty dollar tacos. Head into town to the local dive spot Taqueria Honorio for dirt-cheap turkey, vegan, pork, carne asada, or breakfast tacos (and homemade bread) before it closes at 2:00 pm.

For breakfast (or yoga), don’t miss the The Real Coconut at Sanara Hotel with a dazzling breezy ocean scene offering uber healthy fresh made-to-order juices, tonics, coffee and smoothie concoctions.

Everything is gluten, dairy, lactose, and processed sugar free! Fresco’s at The Beach Tulum also offers a nutritious breakfast selection with Mexican flair.

Enjoy a variety of fresh juices, healthy smoothies, avocado toast, gluten-free pancakes, and so much more.

For pricier eats, try the scene-y amazing options like Arca, Gitano, Casa Banana, Casa Jaguar, and Beso (from Ibiza/Formentera). They’re all within a block of each other at the south end of the hotel zone. Expect locally caught seafood, grilled or prepared as ceviche, plus beef and local vegetables.

Everyone talks about Hartwood due to their wood fired cooking bringing grilled simplicity from the land and sea. Score a table by arriving at 5:30 p.m. when they are most likely to accept walk-ins. At the north end, make reservations for Kitchen Table (online up to a week in advance), for food so fresh, I swear the octopus was still moving. Nearby restaurants at Mi Amor and Mezzanine hotels are excellent alternatives with distinctly different flavor profiles.

Valladolid

Muyil Ruins

El Pez Bar

EXPLORE Visit the Mayan Tulum Ruins at sunset, where the walled city atop a cliff becomes awash with the sun’s glow while iguanas parade around these ancient fortresses along the coast. Go after 5:30 p.m. to miss the crowds. It’s three times the cost ($12 vs. $4), but worth it!

Explore one of the hundreds of nearby freshwater cenotes (sinkholes). Try spiritual cenote Sac Actun’s underwater cave system, where you can snorkel or scuba through a never-ending network of caverns filled with stalactites, fish, and bats while roots from above break through the limestone filling the caves with light.

Don’t miss climbing Coba, the tallest pyramid in the Mayan world (and the last one you can actually climb) that offers a tree-top panoramic horizon view above the jungle for miles. And be sure to experience the biodiversity of Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a 1.3 million acre UNESCO nature preserve. From the archaeological site of Muyil, float down a crystal clear canal dug by the Mayans. Walk around the 38

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nearby downtown (pueblo), not far from the main beach strip, for affordable local eats and cheaper souvenirs. You can often find the same goods as the hotel zone, but half the price.

The party set will want to dance the night away at Papaya Playa, where DJ’s come from around the world to shake things up, or frequent the new Boa Tulum Beach Club for a day bash situated in a stunning beach cove filled with lounge chairs and pumping tunes. For a more relaxed vibe, sign up for sunset music sessions at Habitas on Facebook.

Gran Cenote

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STAY Unplug at Hotel Cabanas Tulum nestled on the silky sand with beachfront or jungle views. Our room not only had a balcony to feel the warm breezes, but a private rooftop Jacuzzi to soak and gaze at the ocean. Designed in stylish beach-y minimalist décor, we adored this spot for the location and amenities. Spend your days lying on one of their many oceanfront beds soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand or walk/bike to one of the many hip stores, restaurants, and bars. Turn the romance up

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at adults-only mod Mi Amor. Zen waterways and a long reflecting pool invite you in. Rooms are airy and open with floor to ceiling sliding doors – many featuring private outdoor hot tubs. The service is among the best we have experienced and the private oceanfront ‘cabanas’ are unlike anything we could have imagined, as our room was backed up to the jungle situated on a blustery cliff. Enjoy cocktails under the stars with the crashing waves, and sample new flavor combinations from their French-Italian flair menu.

Escape from it all at El Pez, a boutique hotel property

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located on a stunning secluded cove where birds dive bomb, fisherman get their catch of the day, and the nonstop pounding surf is mesmerizing. We loved this spot so much we came back less than a year later to stay in one of their beach houses. With less than 20 beachfront rooms, El Pez feels like your own villa.

Stay here to relish in the simple things in life, like the sunrise streaming in your room, tea waiting for you in your casa each night, and live hypnotic music setting the dinner mood. Their scrumptious complimentary breakfast in the outdoor lounge area by the sea will always be seared in my memory. Tulum is magic. Trust me, you will never want to leave.

WHERE TO EXPLORE

Boa Tulum Beach Club

Habitas Tulum

Cenotes Sa Actún

Carretera Ruinas Tulum 33 tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico +52 984 218 5659 boatulum.com

Carretera Tulum-Boscapaila Km. 4.0 Quintana Roo Tulum, Mexico 77780 +52 1984 182 3124

Carretera Federal 307 (Cancun-Chetumal) pasando Xelha un kilometro hacia tulum 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico cenotessacactun.com

Taqueria Honorio

Hotel Cabañas Los Lirios

Avenida Satelite Sur Tulum, Quintana Roo 77760 +52 984 134 8731 @taqueriahonorio

Carretera Boca Paila Km 7.5 Zona Hotelera Tulum, QROO, Mexico loslirioshotel.com +52 (984) 231 1007

Coba Km. 47, Carretera Federal Tulum 307 77793 Cobá, Q.R. Mexico inah.gob.mx

The Real Coconut

El Pez Hotel Tulum

Sian Káan Biosphere

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico +52 310 933 6408 therealcoconut.com

Carretera Tulum - Boca Paila Km 5.5 77780 Tulum, QROO, Mexico +1 303-800-1943

Sian Káan - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Felipe Carrillo Pureto Quintana Roo, Mexico

Hartwood

Mi Amor

Laguna Kaan Luum

Carratera Tulum Bocoa Paila 7.6 Km Tulum, Q.R., Mexico www.hartwoodtulum.com

Boca Palia Km. 4.1 Zona Costera 77780 Tulum. Qroo tulumhotelmiamor.com

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

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FIND YOUR OSLO

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Norway’s capital, OSLO, is more than just a hub for work, it’s a wonderland of sights, eats, and culture that attracts celebs and travelers from across the globe..

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON RAMIREZ

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A AN INDUSTRIAL CITY KNOWN FOR TRADE,

banking and shipping, you’d think Oslo is all work and no play. But this is not the case at all - Norway’s capital is rich in arts, culture, food, coffee, and is even home to one of the World’s Best Bars. I could see why this country was named the happiest in the world, too, mere minutes after catching a ride from the airport to the hotel. Oslo is clean - pristine, actually, and people are polite and, despite its dark and cold winters, Norway provides a sense of security for its inhabitants. Universal healthcare, great workplace conditions, and social support all contribute to the well-being and happiness of Norwegian citizens.

As a tourist, I felt welcome immediately in Scandinavia. Norwegians know who they are and what they want, rooted in tradition but open to experimentation when it comes to cuisine, kaffe and cocktails. In winter, the sun is out for six to seven hours, giving you more than enough time to explore before retreating to a dark bar or cozy hotel room for some much needed downtime (especially if you’re experiencing a mean case of jetlag, like I did).

STAY The Thief is still relatively new in the hotel world, but has quickly risen up many A-Listers travel list, and has hosted celebrity guests including Jay-Z, Bill Gates, Rihanna, and Lena Dunham. Celebrating its fifth birthday this year, the five-star luxury property - part of the Nordic Hotels and Resorts group - stands alone, officially designated as the only design hotel in Norway. The waterfront spot is warm and inviting, with a selection of sculptures, paintings, and prints by Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, Damien Hirst, and many others, each selected by former National Museum curator, Sune Nordgren. Go for cocktails at the lobby bar 42

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or a more formal dinner upstairs; even breakfast at the THIEF FOODBAR is a delight, with classic Scandinavian options like reindeer salami and brown cheese, and lighter, organic alternatives like beetroot shots, smoothies, veggies and fresh fruit.

In warmer months, take advantage of the THIEF ROOF, the outdoor rooftop lounge, which overlooks both the beautiful hills of Holmenkollen and the sea.

to be the best in the world, but this roastery and espresso bar, which doubles as a training center, is well on its way. Coffee drinkers in Oslo love it so much here, that even snow doesn’t stop them from getting their daily cup. They’ll ski to the coffee shop when walking isn’t an option.

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Holmenkollbakken: Even if you aren’t an experienced skier, you should still pay a visit to this famous ski jumping hill, which has been hosting competitions -- including the 1952 Winter Olympics -- since the late 19th century. Don’t be surprised if you get butterflies just by looking at its crazy steep, kind of scary, beautifully steep slope.

Ett Bord: This family-style restaurant has floor-toceiling windows and one long communal table that seats 24 people and encourages trading electronics for real life conversation.

Hanami: Rumor has it that Jay-Z asked the chefs at Hanami to open the restaurant after hours for him -- and they did. He loved his meal so much, he took a sushi boat to go on the plane with him the following day.

Matthalen: Comparable to Barcelona’s Boqueria or Portland’s Pine Street Market and inspired

by Europe’s phenomenal food courts, this market sells baked goods, fish, coffee, wine, and more and hosts multiple food and drink festivals throughout the year.

Where to Drink (Coffee and Alcohol) Himkok: This speakeasy-type bar, one of the world’s best, according to Business Insider, boasts a crazy liquor cabinet, house made spirits and cocktails inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect place to impress a date or sip aquavit with friends.

Tim Wendelboe: Not every coffee shop aspires

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Nobel Peace Center: A must-visit while in Oslo, this museum showcases Peace Prize laureates and their work, as well as permanent and temporary exhibits that highlight and open up dialogue about important social issues. Take a guided tour of the independent foundation, and don’t miss Ban the Bomb (through November 25, 2018), a strong and timely exhibition that allows viewers to reflect on the human experience with nuclear weapons, past and present.

Nasjonalmuseet: Norway’s 15-year-old National Museum of art is a merger between the Norwegian Museum of Architecture, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Gallery of Norway and the National Touring Exhibitions. The museum, home to Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” is slated to move to a new, larger, and eco-friendly building in 2020 next to the Nobel Peace Center, where there will be an entire room showcasing Munch’s work.

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Photo by Jorg Greuel WHERE TO E AT

WHERE TO EXPLORE

Ett Bord

Mathallen

Hanami

Maaemo

Ruseløkkveien 3 0251 Oslo, Norway +47 22 83 83 03 ettbord.no

Vulkan 5 0178 Oslo, Norway +40 00 12 09 mathallenoslo.no

Kanalen 1 0252, Oslo, Norway +47 22 83 10 90 hanami.no

Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo, Norway +47 22 17 99 69 maaemo.no

Himkok

Tim Wendelboe

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Eight

Storgata 27 0184 Oslo, Norway +47 22 42 22 02 himkok.no

Gruners gate 1 0552 Oslo, Norway +47 400 04 062 timwendelboe.no

Sonja Henies plass 3, 0185 Oslo,Norway +47 22 05 80 00 visitoslo.com

Karl Johans gate 27, 0159 Oslo,Norway +47 23 21 20 00 visitnorway.com

Nobel Peace Center

Nasjonalmuseet

The Eternal Peace Flame

Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower

Brynjulf Bulls plass 1 0250 Oslo, Norway +47 483 01 000 Nobel peacecenter.org

Universitetsgata 12 0164 Oslo, Norway +47 21 98 20 00 Nasjonalmuseet.no

Holmenkollveien 119, 0787 Oslo, Norway

Kongeveien 5 0787 Oslo 91 67 19 47 visitoslo.com

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Art Over L.A.

Over The Inf luence Los Angeles Brightens Up The Downtown Arts District WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE KEVIN JORDAN

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s OVER THE INFLUENCE 833 East 3rd Street Los Angeles, Ca 90013 310-921-5933 Overtheinfluence.com

All photos of Alexandre Farto aka Vhil’s pieces in Annihilation exhibit

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It was a long February day and it wasn’t even noon yet. I had an amazing brunch at Bottega Louie an Italian staple in Downtown Los Angeles with my west coast friends. My partner and I were feeling energized. We strolled down the revitalized neighborhood, full of new buildings and shops. Not four years ago, when I lived here, this location was land to one level parking lots and lots of underdeveloped spaces. Now it was a wonderland of new possibilities. Boutique shops, high end stores, retail chains, and believe it or not, housing.

the real gallery. This is where the fun began. Over the Influence uses space like it is art. The gallery has artists who use space as part of the tapestry of your experience.

Downtown used to be the place where people ran out of gas on their way to or from a destination. Now the West Coast Metropolitan has an urban center.

This is an amazing opening for a gallery that just opened its doors February 22nd 2018.

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High off real waffles and great conversation, we wanted to see art. Really good art. We were told by several people that the arts district was “right down that street.”

“Right down that street” to an LA person, used to bopping down avenues in cars, feels very different on foot. Several long ass blocks later we come across an Oasis of buildings covered with graffiti. We had reached the art district and it was well worth the walk.

The first place we stopped in was Over The Influence. A space that looked like a small storefront gallery. We were greeted and given pamphlets about the featured artist Alexandre Farto, aka Vhils, a portuguese artists whose work expanded from painting to multimedia, to huge installations.

The storefront was amazing and left us wanting more. The host told us to turn the corner and enter

The gallery left such an impression, I called gallery director Guy Rusha to get an understanding of the place. Turns out not only was this my debut experience for the gallery. It was the gallery’s debut to Los Angeles.

“I mean it’s been incredible 10 days,” Rusha says in a telephone interview. “We get footfall of about 200 per weekday and 330 on the weekend.”

But don’t think OTI is new to the art game. The company has been in existence since 2015 with an inaugural space in Hong Kong. The chance to create community and conversation brought them out west.

“We’ve been in Hong Kong the last couple of years,” Rusha says. “We had an intimate space. We don’t think there’s any other place to be than Los Angeles. We wanted to be apart of the conversation and the community.”

“We spent a long time looking for the right space and we wanted to be inclusive. Downtown L.A. Is easily accessible. We wanted to grow with our artists and stay ahead of the curve.”

Not only did OTI want to find a large space they wanted to showcase artists with big presence as well. One of the key artists at the gallery now is Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. This artist’s work has been showcased around the world in places like MOCA

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San Diego, Lazarides Gallery (UK), the Perez Art Museum Miami and many more. This is Farto’s first solo Los Angeles exhibit, and OTI makes use of their 7000 square feet of space to allow ample room for the artist’s sculptures, billboards as well as a variety of other materials all used to create an experience. According to the press release the exhibit “reflects on the current model of globalized development and the forces shaping and affecting local identities around the world.”

“We didn’t want to play it safe,” Rusha says. “We didn’t want to just have LA artists,” referring to OTI’s first show. “We are a gallery from Hong Kong showing a portuguese artist. We wanted to show the breadth of what we can do. We’ve grown alongside Farto and still growing. It’s a great opportunity to show what we wanted.

When pressed about why the gallery chose Los Angeles over staple locations like New York, or Chicago, Rusha says in Los Angeles, “everything’s possible.”

Most of Rusha’s day as director is taken up talking - conversing with the public, “and educating them about who we are, and learning about the community.”

“I want them to have an experience that relates to [the public],” Rusha says. “ With Alex’s show it’s about people in the city. Everyone who comes to the gallery is who Alex is talking about. You see a little part of the world that we’re part of. It’s not hidden and unreachable.”

While Vhils’s Annihilation exhibit runs through April 1st 2018, you can also cath Nobuyoshi Araki’s exhibit “Hana Jinsei (Flower Life)” from April 15th to May 13th at the gallery.

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Fashion Assistants SYMONE KEISHA AND FATIMA OULD BOUKATTINE, Photo Assistant KYLE LO MONACO

THE OTHER SIDE OF ME

Fashion by SEAN AZEEZ-BRIGHT Coat FILIPPA K

Photography by CHRISTINA EBENEZER

Trousers SCOTCH & SODA

Model MUDI @AMCK MODELS

Shoes CLARKS W1w

Model in Front: Shirt LIAM HODGES Trousers GYMPHLEX Shoes COLE HAAN Model Behind: Jacket WOOD WOOD W1w

Shirt and Trousers SCOTCH & SODA Shoes CLARKS W1w

Model in Front: T-Shirt GYMPHLEX Jacket BERTHOLD Gilet THE NORTH FACE Jeans SCOTCH & SODA Shoes CONVERSE Model Behind: Shirt GYMPHLEX W1w

Shirt REMUS UOMO Trousers SCOTCH & SODA W1w

Jacket WOOD WOOD Trousers QASIMI Shoes CONVERSE W1w

Model in Front: T-Shirt GYMPHLEX Shirt BEN SHERMAN Trousers QASIMI Shoes CLARKS Model Behind: Shirt MAISON KITSUNE W1w

T-Shirt GYMPHLEX Trousers SCOTCH & SODA Shoes CONVERSE W1w

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LUIS FONSI GIVES A CANDID INTERVIEW ON MUSIC AND LIFE BEFORE HE BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME jJ

Words By DASCHA POLANCO Fashion By DARIUS BAPTIST

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Photography By JAN FRIERE

Grooming By JUDITH PRINCE

Hair By SHELDON BARKER

Custom Coat WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK Plaid Shirt and Pants PRADA Sneakers WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND/ANDY WARHOL

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D E S P A C I T O had already hit the top of the Bill-

board US Latin charts, and then Justin Bieber’s remix to Luis Fonsi’s hit catapulted the song to the top of the Billboard US Hot 100 chart for an astonishing 16 weeks (1.3 Billion streams), it became the most viewed video in history, further making it The Song of 2017. Many listeners hadn’t heard of the Puerto Rican singer prior to this hit, but Luis Fonsi has been creating Spanish love songs for over two decades, and has released nine albums. Actress and Humanitarian Dascha Polanco recently caught up with the legendary performer to discuss his newfound success, his take on being considered a new artist, and her bid to get into one of his music videos.

D A S C H A : First off, I must let you know I’m

honored to interview you. I’ve been a fan since the beginning. Your music has touched and inspired me in so many ways. Palabras del Silencio is one of my favorite albums still to this day. I know you’re very busy, and we don’t have much time, so I will just jump in and start asking questions. When I first heard Despacito, my initial response was it needed to be heard in all markets across the board. Was that your intention when recording the song?

L U I S : I knew the song had potential to be a crossover hit, but that wasn’t my intention. When I wrote Despactio, my intention was to write a song for my new album. When I start working on my album I usually take time off from touring and promoting, and I just go into writing mode. As the song unfolded, I knew it needed another element to it, something to

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give it the explosion that my voice can’t do. I have more of a romantic, pop voice, and the song needed another voice to cut through, so that’s where Daddy Yankee came in. I called him and said I really need you to do what you do.

How did Justin Bieber end up on the song?

We put out the song January 13th of last year, and

by January 15th we had a #1 Record. About three months later I was in Paris and I got a call from my management saying Scooter Braun reached out saying Justin heard this song Despacito and he wants to do a remix. They said he has one day off, he’s in Bogota, Colombia and he wants to do it now. Of course I said yes. The recording and success of the song happened so organically, nothing was forced.

The success of the song crossed you over to the American market and therefore many people have just been introduced to Luis Fonsi, does it bother you that some listeners think you’re a new artist?

Absolutely not! It actually makes us really excited.

Outside of Spain, Portugal, some parts of Germany, and the United States, no one has heard of Luis Fonsi. I’ve performed in Russia, Serbia, Dubai, and Qatar, and they knew none of my past work, and it was fine. I’ve been able to go to some beautiful places and be a new artist. It’s like going back to school again (laughs), and I love it.

Is there a venue or city you’ve performed in that has meant the most to you?

Obviously Puerto Rico! As a new artist, I was able to perform there for five nights, and to date it still has meant so much to me. I always get emotional when I perform in Puerto Rico because it is home, my family is there, and they knew me well before the success. Aside from Puerto Rico, performing in Chile is always special for me.

Let’s talk Grammys! Congrats on the 3 Grammy nominations: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Is there one that you would like to take home more than another?

Record of the Year would mean the most. I say that one because it’s an award that is given to your whole team. Whether we win or not, this entire ride has been a collaborative effort and a team win. Everyone worked so hard to get this beautiful fusion just right. The producers are like chefs, they were able to connect and mix everything and everyone together perfectly. They are the unsung heroes, so winning that award means they get the award also.

That says so much about the person you are.

So often artists overlook the team of people that have gotten them to the place they are, so hearing you acknowledge them in that way is very refreshing. Can you let us know when we can expect the new cd?

Before Despacito was released, I had my full cd recorded. The success of the song changed all of that. I realized a door has been opened for Latin music, so I went back in and recorded more songs.

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“Outside of Spain, Portugal, some parts of Germany, and the United States, no one has heard of Luis Fonsi. I’ve performed in Russia, Serbia, Dubai, and Qatar, and they knew none of my past work, and it was fine.”

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“I’ve always been gracious and humble, and giving back is so important to me. It’s our job as public figures to take time and give back to people. If it weren’t for them, there would not be an us.”

I did my latest single Echame la Culpa, with Demi Lovato, and a few others. I’m not saying I started the movement, or I’ve single handedly changed the music industry in some sort of way. I have tremendous respect the artists that have come before me like Jose Feliciano, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, and even the ones today ,Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, J Balvin, and so many others who are doing amazing things to bridge the gap between Latin and American music.

I couldn’t agree more. The same goes for me within the acting world. We are all working with the intention of putting great art out into the world, so the acknowledgement of being able to have a voice is so important and means so much to us all. As I speak to you, I can tell you possess a very calm and gentle spirit, how have you been able to remain so grounded in the midst of all this craziness?

I give a lot of credit to my parents. I’ve been blessed to have support from both of my parents. When I said I wanted to be a recording artist they stood by my side. Not many artists can say that, and I take my hat off to them as well. This hasn’t been any easy process. I’ve always been gracious and humble,

and giving back is so important to me. As cliché as it sounds, I get a bigger joy from giving versus receiving. The success that I’ve been blessed with just means I have to give even more. It’s our job as public figures to take time and give back to people. If it weren’t for them, there would not be an us. During the holiday season I did a free concert where I asked everyone to bring a new unwrapped toy for entry. I called the owner of JetBlue Airlines and asked him if I could get a plane to transport the toys collected.

In the end I was able to give out ten thousand toys to children in Puerto Rico this past Christmas. I didn’t do it for publicity or for press, but because this is what I should do.

I make the meanest mofongo on the block. I’m extremely organized to the point it’s a bit weird. I don’t want to give away too much (laughs).

What’s next for Luis Fonsi?

Touring, recording, releasing the full album, and to keep putting out songs. For me it is about making and giving people great songs, there will some more collaborations coming your way, not only on my cd, but others as well, so stay tuned.

What would you like to leave as your mark on the entertainment industry?

I want to be known as someone who was really passionate about music, and wanted to make a difference through song, someone who inspired people.

I’m not here to be famous I’ve always wanted to be a musician.

For the record, I’m putting my bid out there to be in one of your music videos. I have rhythm!

I can dance and move so keep me in mind.

Speaking with you has been a wonderful experience for me you are a true blessing and a wonderful human being. This is my first interview and I’m thrilled to have done it with you.

Much success to you always.

Thank you so much. I am a big fan of yours and the work you do. I will for sure keep you in mind for my music video.

What is something people don’t know about you?

People don’t know I am a skydiver. I’m a great cook

Dascha Polanco can currently be seen in: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

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Style Maven Award-winning journalist and brand consultant, Constance C.R. White knows a thing or two (or three) about style and fashion. Her credits are the envy of every writer, fashionista, or...basically human. Starting her career as an assistant for Gloria Steinem at Ms. Magazine, she quickly elevated up the ranks, with stints as an associate editor at Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine. She served as editor-in-chief at Essence and did brand consulting for eBay. This style director, and brand aficionado has just released How to Slay, a coffee table book paying homage to some of the most celebrated African -American style icons from the twentieth century and their influence on society.

WORDS BY DARIUS BAPTIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO NELSON

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Ms. White’s How to Slay is more than a coffee table book. It is a 150 page road trip journeying through the significant and sometimes forgotten contributions of African -Americans in style and culture. As a stylist and Creative Director myself, it was a privilege and honor to speak with this legend to discuss the past, present, and future of the ever changing world of fashion.

Darius Baptist: Why did you decide to do this book?

Constance C.R. White: Having a career in fashion exposed me to what African-Americans have done in this particular medium and what our contributions have been to the world of fashion and beyond. This has been a pet project of mine for quite some time, something I would have done even if I didn’t put out the book. I wanted to put all of this knowledge into a coffee table book to celebrate the style and beauty of our women and culture.

DB: How strong of a presence have we had within the fashion industry?

CW: The presence is incredibly huge. There are many ways you can see the impact we’ve had. One is through the people or big personalities who by virtue of their style has been able to showcase their style on a much bigger broader scale because of who they are and their presence. Diana Ross, Cab Calloway, or more currently Jay-Z and Beyoncé to name a

Style is how we present our self to the world. It’s how you show up, what you put on your body, how you walk, talk, and relate to people, it’s all a piece of how it comes together.

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few. Then you have it from a grassroots perspective in the way of say braids and cornrows for example, this style, which comes from Nigeria, Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania. The impact they all have had on style and fashion just by being who they are have shown just how influential we are. Through the decades, we have infiltrated the market place.

performing but through management. I have always had an interest and passion for fashion and observed it by seeing it as a form of creative expression.

DB: Do you feel it is now easier for African-American designers to get in the door and even get a seat at the table because of the influence they have?

CW: It still is a challenge. Part of the reason is not having the acknowledgement. If there is this trend of style and culture coming from the African-American community, you don’t see the parallel of then having the door opened for more black designers in stores.

There definitely are more black designers out within the industry, but it still is a challenge. I remember Stephen Burrows saying a big part of it to him was the lack of financing. The issues that affect African-American designers affect African-Americans in all walks of life. Having a lack of access to capital hits home to any entrepreneur. We are only participating at one percent or less of finance that’s available and this bias has been shown to be scientific.

DB: What advice would you give an aspiring designer?

CW: Network and make connections with people.

Many of us aren’t fortunate enough to have that uncle working at the bank to approve the loan, or that family friend at Calvin Klein who can just make a phone call and get us in. Get educated, [get] the best education you can at whatever point you can in your life within regards to time and money.

DB: When did your love of fashion begin?

CW: Surprisingly I didn’t start out in fashion. I started out thinking about theatre and music, not

DB: How would you define your style?

CW: My style has remained the same yet evolved: a very classic basis with an avant-garde twist.

DB: In this age of social media domination where everyone wants things immediately and microwaveable, do you feel the fashion industry has become watered down, making it tough to appreciate true talent and artistry?

CW: We are definitely in a time of transition, and the transition has made it both challenging and created opportunities. Because of social media you can be in Des Moines, Iowa, and show the world what you’re doing and you don’t have to get the say so or approval of a gatekeeper and that’s somewhat of a plus. On the other side, what are now the standards? Who

Who is the authority or expert in the field to say what is being put out is of any good? If you aren’t out there being tested by any sort of industry standards, then how would you as the designer even know? There appears to be a mixed bag at the moment.

Constance C.R. White

is the authority or expert in the field to say what is being put out is of any good? If you aren’t out there being tested by any sort of industry standards, then how would you as the designer even know? There appears to be a mixed bag at the moment.

DB: Who are some designers that have made a significant impact?

CW: Going back to the early days there was Scott Barrie in the 60’s and 70’s that came out freedom clothing in red, black, and green, to Patrick Kelly who was able to take his message all the way to Paris, or designers of 5001 Flavors, and FUBU. There are so many African-Americans that have given incredible contributions. I’ve just named a few from the past, not even touching base on current days or even five days ago.

DB: Who would you consider to be style icons of today?

CW: You have to say Rihanna. She came in under her little umbrella, and made an immediate impact. She seems to have a true appreciation and understanding of fashion. You also have Lauryn Hill, who with her style brought “Brooklyn Bohemia” to the forefront.

From a male perspective you must appreciate JAY-Z and Kanye West.

DB: But how much of this impact can you accredit to the stylist versus the artist themselves?

CW: I actually think it is both, there’s enough credit to go around. The stylist pulls from the community then brings it to their work by putting it on the celebrity. It’s both deliberately and authentically. The celebrity gets credit in two ways because wearing the look brings attention and influence to a brand and also by bringing their own aesthetic or twist to the look they are able to show their sense of individuality.

CW: Surviving and thriving within this industry called fashion.

DB: Has it gotten harder for you to stay relevant?

CW: It has become more complicated. The industry is changing, you can look at it with fear and say I’m done, or you can ride [the] wave and adjust. There definitely are areas that are more difficult, but change can be hard and you must adapt.

DB: What is your definition of style?

CW: Style is how we present our self to the world.

It’s how you show up, what you put on your body, how you walk, talk, and relate to people, it’s all a piece of how it comes together. I think that is why we all recognize the walk of the black man. It’s more common now, but it was very defined and key within the culture. It showed that it isn’t just about what you wear, but how you wear it. When you think about how the African-American man possesses a certain walk and talk with confidence, it all comes together.

DB: What would you like people to take away from How to Slay?

CW: My wish is for everyone to gain an appreciation for African-American style and our contributions. I also want people to gather knowledge on the history and legacy of the influence not only within our community, but worldwide. We are standing on the shoulders of pioneers who have created the path that you are able to walk down now, and for other generations to be able to walk down.

DB: How exactly does one Slay?

CW: You begin with bringing something of yourself to it. What’s a true expression of who you are, no matter what it may be. You slay by the way you put yourself together. For some people its layered and well put together and for others it’s simple and easy.

DB: What’s next for Constance White?

CW: Aside from promoting the book there are certain things that will always stay true to the core of what I do, and that is a continuance of loving and working with fashion and style, and celebrating black culture and the beauty of black women.

DB: What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Location: Courtesy Harlem Haberdashery Nyc

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Miami’s Heat B L E U M AG A Z I N E S P E A KS W I T H D J I R I E W H O S H A R E S W I T H U S H I S B AC KG R O U N D , S E C R E TS TO H I S B U S I N E S S AC U M E N , A N D H I S T R AV E L G OA LS F O R 2 0 1 8 .

WORDS BY KEZIA ROYER-BURKETT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH LAZO

DJ IRIE (BORN IAN GROCHER) IS AN EXAMPLE

of hard work and what it takes to live outside of your limits. Born in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands but has deep cultural and familial roots in Jamaica and Miami, Irie is a pioneering DJ for the three-time NBA championship team, Miami Heat. He is also a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder of several successful enterprises, his reach has extended beyond nightclubs, to global proportions. His collection of boutique business include the talent booking ArtistRelated, sponsorship marketing company Irie Music Corp, and event production Irie Weekend Management. These companies exemplify the “Irie” brand is a business in itself and attracts lucrative partnerships earn millions of dollars annually.

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B L E U : This issue we are focusing on travel.

So let’s start there: what has been your most memorable travel experience to date and where are you most excited to go in 2018?

D J I R I E : To date, my trip to South Africa has been my most memorable travel experience. Discovering different parts of South Africa, going on the Safari and especially visiting Cape Town was an absolutely magical experience. In 2018, I definitely would like to go somewhere I have never been before; two places on my list, that I think I can make happen this year are Tokyo, Japan and Australia. In Tokyo, I want to see it all, from the technology, the architecture, culture, food you name it. I would like to go and immerse myself. And Australia I want to see the kangaroos and all of the animals.

Traveling plays a major role in your career, and exposure to the cultures encountered. How has your worldview influenced your music choices?

I was always surrounded by cultural diversity. I had Cuban friends and Puerto Rican friends, and I would listen to salsa, merengue with my friends and their families. Miami also has a large Caribbean population, and my background all helped shape my DJing style. Being immersed in so much diversity was an advantage for me when I played events. I was a double threat because I was versed in music that locals would be familiar with, plus the novelty of a DJ coming from the states coming with Miami American flavor set my style apart.

BEING IMMERSED IN SO M U C H D I V E R S I T Y WA S A N A D VA N TAG E F O R M E W H E N I P L AY E D E V E N T S . I WA S A D O U B L E T H R E AT B E C AU S E I WA S V E R S E D I N M U S I C T H AT LO C A L S WO U L D B E FA M I L I A R W I T H .

DJ IRIE

Do you write or produce any original music?

I am currently working on music for a commercial project going into 2018 for the first time. I’m super excited about it, and I will be collaborating with other artists on music.

Why did you make the decision to evolve from a DJ to an entrepreneur? Or are the two synonymous?

My business started from a place of art; I wanted to peruse this art form because it makes people feel good. Beyond the passion, to successfully sell at this business I had to have a proper business structure around the product, and the product is

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me! I discovered the value beyond playing music because I have an audience and in any given week I could easily have an audience of half a million to a million people. Once I realized I had an audience and I could communicate with this audience on a regular basis, I used this as a platform to communicate messages to people.

The Irie Music Festival weekend raises funds for music education for at-risk youth in the inner cities. What inspired you to start an arts education initiative?

What I realized from my life experience is that there are many kids that are like me that have a musical interest whether it is DJing or production but never get a chance to touch a turntable and might not ever get a chance to go into a studio. I want to ensure that doesn’t happen to any more youth.

What is some advice or words of wisdom you can give to up and coming DJs and entrepreneurs?

Be self-aware of your passion and to follow the entrepreneurial spirit. Because there are so many people out there that are super talented musicians that don’t realize they are not just DJ's they are a walking talking entity. DJs need to understand that you are your brand and business representation and when venues hire you they are hiring you for your talent. Opportunities will multiply once you realize the full potential of your talent.

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THE HUMANS

Roberto Gonzalez Robert Gonzalez Florist and Event Designer WORDS BY DARIUS BAPTIST

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How did you start in floral design?

At 14, I got a job at an event firm that specializes in kids’ birthday parties. I worked there for free until a month later when I was hired full time.

Then at age 18, with help from my mom, I opened my own event firm that also specialized in kids’ events. I was ready to take kids’ parties to the next level. I knew once I had the freedom to express my own creativity, my company would bloom – which it did. After years of elaborate kids’ parties, I had developed my craft but was ready for bigger opportunities with adult attendees.

I left Venezuela for the USA, landed first in Orlando, then Manhattan, then finally, in Chicago in the year 2000. I realized the path to grander events meant building on my passion I developed at the Flower shop behind my house in Venezuela. Years Later I obtained the accreditation in floral design with the American Institute of Floral Design, the highest designation given only to premier florist worldwide.

Upon graduation, I opened my first company, ROBERT FINE FLOWERS. Chicago. Within 78

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the first year, my designs caught the eye of Ms. Oprah Winfrey. She invited me to work at Harpo Studios. Oprah’s stamp of approval led to more celebrity clients.

What has been your most difficult job to do thus far and why?

The most difficult job(s) are the ones with a large amount of details. Like they say, “the devil is in the details” which makes events design pretty challenging but that’s the part I excel at, I love the details! That’s the part of my job I’m most fascinated about - the little things nobody notice but when done perfectly it created a WOW factor.

Is floral design and event planning what you feel you were meant to do?

I always had a passion for aesthetics and I believe any job with a high demand on visual aesthetics I do great at, but my heart is in the design of an event, bringing all the elements together from flowers, furniture, lighting, drapery, flooring and all the layers to achieve the perfect look.

Your work was seen and acknowledged

by Oprah very early on in your career, did having this acknowledgement create more or less pressure for you moving forward?

Absolutely more pressure! I had no idea about the “Oprah effect” until I was already in it and the pressure force me to step up the level of creativity and innovation moving forward, and that is something I still do 14 years later. I am humbled by that experience.

What event or celebrity would you love to work with?

Oh Gawd! (Laughter)I would love to design events for the once I haven’t being able to meet yet The Kardashian family I think they could be super fun to work with and the Dalai Lama he is my biggest spiritual leader.

What is next for you?

Currently I’m the Creative Director For Platinum Events Chicago - New York - LA and I could be more happy to have such a big position, but in addition to that I would love to start teaching floral design, start a candle line, [create a] coffee table book. That’s all for now.

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Diana Mao President and Co-Founder of Nomi Network WORDS BY DARIUS BAPTIST

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What is the Nomi Network?

Nomi Network is a vital non-profit economic development agency fighting human trafficking globally. We provide training and job opportunities for survivors and women at risk of human trafficking, workforce and community development services in areas where human trafficking is prevalent, and products made by survivors and women at risk of human trafficking for global brands aiming to develop a more ethical supply chain. Nomi Network also operates a fashion school and incubator in Cambodia for women who previously could not even sign their name to rise up in the fashion industry.

How did you become involved with Nomi?

It’s hard to believe that there are 46 million slaves today and human trafficking a $150 billion industry.

70% of it is attributed to forced or child labor, which means it is in the coffee we drink, chocolate we eat and cotton we were. This fact became a reality to me when I was working for a micro-finance bank, visiting an impoverished area in Northern Cambodia and a single father with seven children offered my male colleague his youngest daughter out of desperation. I looked into his eyes and could tell he really didn’t want to give her up but had no hope he could provide for her. In trafficking hot-spots, like Cambodia and Northern India there are very few jobs

for low-skilled workers, and what jobs there are pay unlivable wages which means they are extremely vulnerable to slavery and human trafficking.

You left your job in the corporate arena to fully commit to this cause. What has been your greatest challenge with making this decision?

The greatest challenge was the financial security that came with a corporate job. I was a senior consultant for a large global firm so it was a huge leap of faith for me to leave. My boss at the time told me that if Nomi Network did not work out, I could always come back, which made me think of how blessed I am to have a safety net. I thought of some of the women I had met in Northern India who don’t even have clean water or electricity to drink while trying to provide for their children living off of less than $1 per day. What is the worst thing that can happen?

If Nomi Network doesn’t work out, I can always crash with my family and friends. I put myself in “her” shoes and realized that I had nothing to lose.

Do you believe this is your life’s mission?

I was volunteering my time the first few years to start Nomi Network and in 2012 joined as full time staff.

It has been the most rewarding five years of my life.

I have seen Nomi Network grow tremendously since my tenure as President but most important the thou-

sands of women and children that we have served keep me going. Women like Naj who was illiterate and married into a family that prostituted her and her children. After finishing our training program, we helped her open a savings account where she was able to use her savings towards opening a poultry shop in her village. She is now earning 500 times more money than the average villager. I believe this is my life’s mission to help those who are the most vulnerable and oppressed reach their full potential.

In the words of one of my heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

How can others help stop human trafficking?

Nomi Network aims to train and empower 100,000 women in the next few years and we need your help.

It takes $2 per day to sponsor a woman in our 12-18 month training program. https://www.nominetwork. org/sponsorher/. Also, some women in our program make products. You can purchase them by visiting https://www.buyherbagnotherbody.com/ 100% of the proceeds are reinvested back into Nomi Network’s programs.

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Nadeem Waheed Owner of Daniel’s Leather WORDS BY DARIUS BAPTIST

jJ

This past Super Bowl turned out to be more than just one of the best games of the year. It solidified people will always root for the underdog. It also turned out to be a literal showcase for one such underdog, Nadeed Waheed, owner of Daniel’s Leather. If you caught that Gram of Diddy draped in fur and fabulousness - that was Daniel’s Leather. A hefty gaggle of superstars were rocking fur created by Waheed. The young tastemaker came to the states with a degree in Civil Engineering, but his idea of success transformed into something far beyond his initial pragmatic dreams. Bleu got a chance to talk to the entrepreneur and the go to man for leather and fur about his favorite two subjects.

When did you start designing outerwear?

I have been designing coats since 1995.

How do you continue to stay relevant in the ever-changing fashion industry?

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industry. I always keep my eyes and ears open and see what the street is telling me. I listen to my regular customers and try to see what the next big thing is going to be.

How important is having a celebrity wear your designs?

It is important because it brings awareness to the brand. With social media being so important and relevant when a celebrity wears one of my coats and the picture goes viral (as it happened with Diddy or with Maino) it helps spread the word that we are doing something special and unique.

Who were you most surprised to see wearing one of your designs?

I was pleasantly surprised that Lathan Atkins who is a golf player turned out to be a fan of my work.

I expect the hip-hop community to be fans but now it’s people from all walks of life. I would say P Diddy who is a fashion icon and a media mogul wearing not one, but two coats designed by me

was a pretty big surprise and a source of pride that my work [is] finally being acknowledged.

What would you say is the biggest trend in outerwear right now?

Sometimes it’s leather. Other times it’s a fur. Lately it’s been shearlings. It’s kind of a revival from the late 80’s but with a new twist.

What’s next for Daniel’s Leather?

I am gonna keep on building this brand. There are lots of ideas. There are some amazing designs in this head and soon you will see them being produced. I am working on my spring line and I think it’s gonna create a lot of buzz. We have a lot of offers from all over the world who wanna collaborate with us. I found it very interesting that some people from Ethiopia wanted exclusive rights for the whole continent of Africa. So I am optimistic that Daniel’s Leather has a very bright future and people all always waiting to see what design we are gonna post next and I will not disappoint them.

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Shameka Sanders Senior Entertainment Editor at Hello Beautiful WORDS BY EDRIC ROBINSON

jJ

Shameka Sanders is a passionate creative writer with a penchant for great diction. As a native New Yorker, Sanders got her start in journalism through an internship with Harris Publications. That was 10 years ago. Now Sanders is the senior entertainment editor at Hello Beautiful.

How did you get your start in journalism?

When I was a kid I used to write fan fiction. I didn’t really identify what that passion was yet, I just knew I loved to write. I had books and books of hand written short stories that I would pass to friends in school. I went to John Jay for criminal justice and failed out the first semester. The only way I could get back into John Jay was to complete a year at Kingsborough College – they didn’t offer criminal justice, but they did have journalism.That put me on the trajectory to where I am.

What have been the most challenging aspects of this career choice?

The most challenging part was not getting paid not in the beginning because I expected that – you have to pay your dues.I worked for free for two years at internships. I didn’t get anything – no metro card, no stipend - nothing. Luckily, I was still living with my mother so you can do things like that. I would come in early and leave late.

After a while you start to realize that you’re putting in all these hours and not getting paid and all these people are getting so much money and you’re like the work horse.

What do you do at Hello Beautiful?

As the Senior Entertainment Editor, I’m in charge of celebrity news, gossip, and pop culture. I do a lot of the interviews. That’s what drives a lot of

our traffic at Hello Beautiful. I am constantly interviewing celebs, booking talent, cutting editing and producing video in a timely fashion to get those celeb hits.

Are you working on any side projects?

I’m trying to build my personal brand. I want to be a TV host – like the female Terrance J times black Giuliana Rancic meets Kim Kardashian. I’ve done some TV, hosted red carpets, and screenings. I’m not saying no to anything.

What is your advice for upcoming journalism professionals?

I would say hard work trumps everything. What’s the short cut to success – hard work. You have to pay your dues and be consistent. Also, don’t be afraid to say yes because there is no paycheck.

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Photography By OTHELLO BANACI

Fashion By IMANI SULIMAN

Make Up By ROBERT RUFFIN

Fashion Market By TERENCE MCNEALY

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Whiskey At The Library?

INSIDE PORTLAND’S COOLEST WHISKEY BAR WORDS BY ALLISON RAMIREZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DINA AVILA

Portland, Oregon is a cool place, with a food and wine scene which rivals that of almost every other major city in the U.S. The City of Roses should be on every whiskey lover’s list, because in downtown Portland, there’s a whiskey bar so exclusive, the annual fee for membership starts at $600 a pop. Not cheap. And the wait list is said to already have hundreds of names on it.

ADDRESS

1124 SW Alder St. Portland, Oregon 97205 503 954 1381

HOURS

Monday — Thursday 4—12 am Friday — Saturday 4—1 Am

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M U LT N O M A H W H I S K E Y L I B R A R Y (MWL) has taken

the whiskey scene by storm and has been featured in multiple publications over the years, including Forbes, the Guardian, Paste and Esquire, and five years since its opening, MWL is not slowing down at all. It was named one of the seven best U.S. whiskey bars by ScotchWhisky. com and the Library, owned by Alan Davis and Greg Goodman, stocks 1,800 or so spirits total; about 1,200 of these bottles are filled with whiskey -- a carefully selected balance of new and vintage.

The Library, which is more of an educational experience than “just a bar,” is decorated in dark wood and leather, exposed brick, candelabra-style chandeliers and is furnished with portraits of people who were significant in whiskey history, like Jack Daniels, Shinjiro Torii (of Suntory Whisky), Mary the Jewess (one of the first alchemists and alchemical writers -- she lived sometime between the first and third centuries) and George Washington. Mixologists access spirits on bar-to-ceiling shelves with sliding ladders and then come to you, with traveling bar carts, to make tableside specialty cocktails right before your eyes.

If you don’t know what you want, don’t worry,

your bartender will ask you about foods and flavors you’re partial to, in order to craft the perfect drink just for you. The Old Fashioned at MWL is a favorite amongst bar goers, no matter what their previous experience with whiskey. Most drinks are reasonably priced, with the exception of one particular whiskey. A shot of single-malt Macallan Royal Marriage will cost you $1,800, more or less, the same as one month’s rent.

It’s not just spirits and cocktails that MWL does well. The food program, led by Chef Ben Grossman, who took over the MWL kitchen in 2016, is comprised of seasonal ingredients brought in from local farmers markets and artisanal vendors.

The dishes are exceptional, and the Library makes sure to pair the best meals with the best libations.

The menu consists of small bites as well as main courses and some even include -- you guessed it -- whiskey. The signature burger is served with ryesoaked caramelized onions and the salt and pepper fries are meant to be dipped in a mouthwatering whiskey-sour aioli.

In order, however, to try all these drinks and dishes, you have to first get in first. Joining the club can be tricky because individual annual memberships are expensive and are currently at capacity. The wait, for those already on the list, can be up to two years, but the good news is there are other options

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for those too impatient to wait and/or unwilling to dish out yearly membership fees.

Public walk-ins. If you’re OK with practicing a bit of patience (the wait can be from one to three hours on any given day) and aren’t on a tight schedule, this may work for you. The Library has a great waiting room with food and drink options, so no need to wait out in the cold. If you don’t feel like waiting and are unable to get a membership, opt for a Hall Pass. The Hall Pass at MWL works as follows: Pay a $25 nonrefundable fee per person, which allows non-members to skip the line one time, and one time only. You can purchase a Hall Pass for up to eight people and must call to request a reservation at least 48 hours in advance.

There are a few rules when visiting MWL. If you think you’re running more than 10 minutes late, give the bar a courtesy call. If you want to keep your table for more than two hours, same thing.

The host will try to accommodate you, but no promises. It all just depends on how busy of a night it turns out to be. Other than that, sit back, relax and enjoy your cocktail(s) in a setting where you’ll never have to fight for the mixologist’s attention or a place at the bar.

Website: Mwlpdx.com

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Boss Moves

No man wants to go through his entire life just being ordinary. Bleu has curated a few items that will help you step your pimp game up and turn you into a real boss.

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$205

1 PASOTTI UMBRELLA No matter where in the world you go, it rains, so why not protect yourself with a unique Pasotti umbrella.

Manufactured in Italy, these umbrellas come with a vast collection of designs, styles and handles. pasottiombrelli.com

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$38.95

2 3 KILOS VODKA 3 Kilos Vodka, also know as the gold standard in vodka, has a smooth, sensual taste that will be sure to make your night one to remember.

3kilos.com

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$65.400

3 I C E L I N K WAT C H An ICE Link watch is a must have for any man on the go. With the ability to display six different time zones, this luxury watch will allow you to make money moves all across the globe. icelinkwatch.com

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$275

4 FACTO SNEAKERS Any guy can wear a sneaker, but it takes a certain type of gentlemen to pull off Facto sneakers. Step your game up in these sleek sneakers that will get the entire crowd saying, “What are those?” facto.global

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Abroad

Graffiti

Salsa

Amahoro

Hiking

Ĺžerefe!

Apparatus

Holland

Sightseeing

Artistry

Invent

Sketch

Augustiner

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Ski

Blue Ridge

Journey

Souveinurs

Botswana

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Speakeasy

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La discoteca

Sternberg

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Limitless

Tanzania

Cava

Map

Tesekkur Ederim

Chile

Migrant

Tour

Compass

Mosaic

Transit

Corvus

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Cruising

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Unbounded

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Navigation

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ICON

Cicely Tyson The Embodiment of Eloquence and Elegance WORDS BY DOMINIQUE CARSON

jJ Cicely Tyson is a triple threat in stage, film, and television for over four decades. Throughout her career, she has achieved mainstream success in several movie roles including, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” “Alex Haley’s: Roots,” “The Help,” “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion,” and Broadway’s “The Trip to Bountiful”, just to name a few. She is also an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominated actress.

Tyson’s career began in New York City when she resigned from a secretary job and started modeling. It was a risky move but she was ready to have a career in show business but it cost her relationship with her mother. Tyson’s mother was not fond of her decision to act and she was forced to leave home. She repaired her relationship with her mother two years later.

Despite a rough patch at home, Tyson made history in 1963. She was the first African American star in the TV show, “East Side/West Side.” Then in 1972,

she was nominated for an Academy Award for the movie, “Sounder,” and earned two Emmys for the movie, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.”

Tyson’s career shifted gears when she made her debut in Broadway in the early 80’s. She landed a lead role in the Broadway play, “The Corn is Green.” Tyson added another Emmy to her plethora of awards for the CBS’ television mini-series, “Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.” Tyson is an accomplished actress but her road to success was quite bumpy for a while. She did not land certain roles due to her morals and values. She specified the importance of selecting roles without losing her integrity when she said, “Unless a piece really said something, I had no interest in it. I have got to know that I have served some purpose here.”

Tyson stayed true to herself and landed significant roles in later years. In the 2000’s, she was featured

in several Tyler Perry movies and casted as maid Constantine Bates in the movie, “The Help.” She also won a Tony Award for her role in “The Trip to Bountiful.” Tyson also appeared in director, Richard Linklater’s film, “Last Flag Flying,” The 93-year-old megastar is still acting and has a recurring role on the Shonda Rhimes hit ABC television show How to Get Away with Murder.

Along with acting, Tyson received many awards and gave back to the community. She is one of the co-founders of the Dance Theater of Harlem.

It was build so children can have a performing arts school in the inner city. She received honors by the Congress of Racial Equality, National Council of Negro Women, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the 44Th President of the United States, Barack Obama.

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