by NOLWEN CIFUENTES
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND WITH THE MOON BOY KNOWN AS BLEUPhotography
Publisher/Editorial Director
DéVon Christopher Johnson
Head of Content EIC Bombshell by Bleu Ebony Allison
Art Direction & Design
Anahi Flores
Managing Editor Taylor Edwards
West Coast Fashion Editor Apuje Kalu
UK Fashion Editor Sean Azeez Copy Editor
Trevoy Ross
Bleulife
Contributing Writers
Kent Olden, Reginald Dominique, Becca Bond, Riley S. Wilson,Dakota Jackson
Contributing Photographers
Nolwen Cifuentes, Ryan Plump, Rowan Daley
Contributing Editors
Chevy Wolf, Elle Nelson Interns
Eric Munson, Jonas Van-den-heuvel
THE BLEULIFE MEDIA GROUP Chairman, CEO & President DéVon Christopher Johnson
Digital Partnerships Sam Doliner, Max Dalton Print AD Sales Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021
Web Design Muhammad Azeem
East Coast Partnerships & Ecommerce Justin Wallace
West Coast Partnerships & Special Projects Antheny Raiy
Licenses & Joint Ventures David DeGraff, Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips
Brand Ambassadors
Rannon Harris (Chicago-Midwest) LeRoy Williams (New York- Northeast)
Newsstand Distribution TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste 400 Smyrna, GA 30080
Submissions
Bleu Magazine 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004
[Kendrick Lamar:]
Doyouloveme?(Okay)Doyoutrustme?(Okay) CanItrustyou?(Okay)Don’tjudgeme(Okay) I’madiehard,itgetsugly(Okay) Toopassionate,itgetsugly(Okay) Mmm, ah-ah IwonderwhereIlostmyway Mmm, ah-ah Beenwaitingonyourcallallday Tellmeyouinmycornerrightnow WhenIfallshort,I’mleaningonyoutocryout Weallgotenoughtolieabout Mytruthtoocomplicatedtohidenow Can I open up? Is it safe or not? I’mafraidalittle,yourelateornot? Havefaithalittle,Imighttakemytime Ain’tnosavingfacethistime
[Blxst:]
IhopeI’mnottoolatetosetmydemonsstraight IknowImadeyouwait, buthowmuchcanyoutake? IhopeyouseetheGodinme, Ihopeyoucansee Andifit’sup,staydownforme,yeah
DIE HARDKENDRICK LAMAR, BLXST & AMANDA REIFERIs the hard part ever really over? As the World moves forward in a post-Covid hangover I find that people haven’t really changed. The sensitivity, understanding and patience that we all possessed as a coping mechanism to deal with the forced pause the pandemic ushered in has disappeared. We are back to business as usual.
Haters are back to hating. Doubters are up to their same disruptive antics. And what was once an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration has been usurped by individualism and sociopathic trances. Shouldn’t we be better than this? Like, wasn’t a two-year pandemic tragic enough to let us tap into our more sensitive and empathetic side?
Unfortunately, the answer to those questions is a resounding no! Some of us have forgotten how hard it was to keep pressing forward. Keeping businesses open by any means necessary. Finding ways to get thighs done with depleted resources. And most importantly the personal sacrifices made by individuals for the sake of someone else.
We could be better. We choose not to be.
DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher
Nolwen is a self-taught portrait photographer based in Los Angeles. She was born and raised in the desert of California to multi-racial immigrant parents, an upbringing that has greatly inspired her work. Nolwen is best known for capturing a mix of raw and dreamy portraiture.
Apuje Kalu’s talents are indefinable. He is an instinctive freelance fashion stylist and creative director from Washington, DC known for his eye for detail. Apuje injects forethought, creativity, and boundless energy into every project and brings an aptitude for organization and structure thanks to his engineering background.
Buffalo native Kent Olden is an Aquarian creative who gets excited to push people to see life through a different set of shades. Extremely involved in his community, he is a proud and active member of both Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free & Accepted Masons (Paramount Lodge #73), and instills that commitment to community in his daughters, Kendall and Khloe (no, they’re NOT named after the Kardashians -- he didn’t even know who they were when his daughters were born). Kent holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse.
Kirby Carroll Wright, MA is a passionate creative with a zest for brand-building and storytelling based in Atlanta, Ga. Her love for the arts and creative marketing shows through her authentic writing style and past projects. When not immersed with work, you can find her bingeing the latest television series, exploring new places, or simply spending time with loved ones. Keep up with Kirby on social media at @AskKirbyCarroll.
Across two days in August 2022, BleuLife Media and TD Bank teamed up to host a Black Business Month Dinner.
Through this partnership, BleuLife and TD wanted to engage and reach out to local communities, but particularly celebrate and support Black-owned businesses.
The event was located in two key locations; Harlem in Upper Manhattan and Bushwick in Brooklyn. The events were intentionally intimate allowing attendees to engage with local TD representatives.
One was held on August 23 at Brunch Harlem, a brunch and seafood restaurant in Harlem, New York. The other was held on August 30 at Club Lambda, a gay nightclub in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The events ran for about three hours each and consisted of cocktails, dinner and a highlight reel of various small businesses created by TD Bank.
Both organizations pride themselves on their diversity and trying to appeal to a broad audience.
BleuLife Media represents Black culture and the people who make it what it is. BleuLife is published in 21 countries, speaks 20 languages and has over 100,000 followers on social media.
Its audience comes from various metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, DC.
Around 70% of the audience identifies as BIPOC and 51% identifies as LGBTQ+. The audience works in various fields such as education, healthcare, government, information technology, etc.
Much of the audience is around two times as likely to be interested in music, movies, videos, vehicles, health, fitness, style and fashion than the average internet user.
TD wanted to deliver its mission to a more diverse group of New Yorkers. TD wanted to enhance current relationships with the community while also creating new and future relationships.
BleuLife has a decades-long relationship with local influencers, business owners and community organizers. Across the event, these groups helped advocate for TD products and drive sales towards the national banking chain.
Mental health has become a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), in 2020, one in five adults experienced mental health issues and one in 20 adults experienced serious mental issues.
NAMI also said that in 2020, only 46.2% of adults received treatment. That number is 64.5% for serious mental issues.
“The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years,” according to NAMI’s website.
NAMI’s data shows that minority groups, particularly Blacks (37.1%), Hispanics (35.1%) and Asians (20.8%), have the three lowest rates of mental health treatment. This is partially due to more than 150 million Americans living in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, according to NAMI.
However, with the advent of the digital era and novel technologies, mental health is becoming more accessible, particularly for minority groups. Three such apps have recently been created and are designed specifically to help Black Americans with mental health issues.
Liberate is a subscription-based meditation app created by Julio Rivera that is designed to provide daily meditation and lead to a better mental state.
According to the website, Liberate has more than 100,000 users. All of them use the app to reduce anxiety and stress and to sleep better.
The app is designed to support Black people by “offering resources for common cultural experiences, like internalized racism and microaggressions.”
Liberate has a team of more than 40 teachers from a diverse range of cultures and traditions. Liberate believes that “culturally relevant practices are essential for healing.”
The subscription allows access to more than 240 meditations and talks from the team. There is also offline listening, allowing content to be played without wi-fi or cellular data.
A monthly subscription costs $9.99 per month. The annual subscription is a one-time payment of $71.99. There is also a seven-day free trial.
“We can move past the opinions that we have to change who we are to fit in and be successful,” Liberate said on its website. “We can move past self-blame and criticism to love and connection to ourselves and others.”
ShineShine is a mental wellness program app founded by Naomi Hirabayashi and Marah Lidey, that offers its users daily meditations, self-care courses, personalized support and virtual community workshops. The app was named the Best App of the Year by Apple.
Shine provides a lot of data showing how minority groups disproportionately suffer from mental health issues.
For example, Black adults are more likely to report “persistent psychological distress.” LGBTQ+ individuals are between two to four times more likely to suffer mental issues. There is also a major lack of diversity in the psychology field, with about 86% of specialists being White.
In a blog post on Shine’s website, Hirabayashi and Lidey discuss their own struggles with mental health and their approaches to self-care.
“Self-care, to me, is about prioritizing my mental and emotional wellbeing above all else, even if just for five minutes a day. I know it can be hard —we all have a lot going on,” Lidey says.
“For me, practicing self-care boils down to being grounded in the present moment, creating space for the people and experiences that bring me fulfillment, and being compassionate with myself about what I’m able to get done in a day,” Hirabayashi says.
The Shine app is free and provides one daily mediation and one daily article. However, there is also a premium membership that costs $64.99 per year. The premium membership provides access to more than 1,000 meditations, personalized content, one-on-one support and members-exclusive events.
Poppy Seed Health is an app founded by Simmone Taitt that connects mothers, who are suffering from postpartum depression and other pregnancy-related mental issues, with mental health professionals.
According to data from Poppy Seed’s website, one in four women will experience a pregnancy loss and Black women are twice as likely to have a stillbirth than Hispanic and White women.
“My experiences first hand made me realize that having emotional support allowed me to melt in my own vulnerabilities, joys and fears when I felt the most isolated,” Taitt said on the website.
Members also receive access to unlimited, on-demand text support from a human at any time. The app allows users to connect instantly with a doula, midwife or nurse.
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional support for birthing people. A midwife is a medical professional who helps birthing people before, during and after delivery. A nurse is a licensed medical professional with an education in medicine.
Poppy Seed has more than 400 doulas, midwives and nurses across the country.
Poppy Seed provides numerous services such as birth and postpartum planning, lactation support, infant care and processing miscarriage and loss.
The website also provides guides that are titled “Invisible Loss Care Guides,” allowing people to “navigate the nuances of support that often go unspoken.”
There are two forms of payment. One is a pay-per-chat, in which users pay $5 per chat. They receive access to the library of resources and have one-on-one, 24/7 chatting with any of the Poppy Seed team.
There is also a monthly plan that offers similar benefits and costs $29 per month. The monthly subscription helps support Medicaid members.
For sneaker collector Ryan Plomp exclusive kicks symbolize big payoffs. With the sneaker resell market expected to surge over the next few years, one-off footwear is backed with high-interest. With a collection full of limited editions, his niche hobby has now proven to reap serious financial rewards.
The Italian luxury automaker creates its first SUV
CARS
Ferrari once said it would never make an SUV. However, due to increasing demand and recent competition from other luxury automakers such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini, Ferrari succumbed to the market pressure.
September 2022, Ferrari unveiled the 2023 Ferrari Purosangue, the first SUV made by the Italian luxury automaker. The Purosangue is estimated to cost around $400,000. The name is Italian for “thoroughbred” or “pureblood.”
Although it may be odd to have the iconic Ferrari logo adorning an SUV, Ferrari incorporated its signature high-performance and luxury. As a result, it more closely resembles a sports car than a typical SUV.
The Purosangue comes with a 6.5-liter, V-12 engine that can reach 715 horsepower. Ferrari claims it can reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 193 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the market.
The Purosangue is 195.7 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, 62.6 inches tall and has a 118.8-inch wheelbase. It is also the first Ferrari model to fully accommodate four riders, making it the most spacious Ferrari model to date.
It makes use of rear-acess doors (sometimes called “suicide doors”) to provide easier access to the rear seats while maintaining the appearance of a typical two-door Ferrari. These doors were originally used for horse-drawn carriages. Both rows have a central console.
Unfortunately, the front and rear seats are individual buckets, meaning it would be difficult to accommodate a fifth passenger. Cargo space is 16.7 cubic feet, which is unusually large for a Ferrari, but making it much shallower than other SUVs on the market.
The cockpit is very driver-oriented, in that every control for the car is located on the steering wheel. It comes with numerous driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
The Purosangue does not have a center-mounted infotainment touchscreen, which is highly unusual for cars manufactured in the 2020s. Instead, there are separate screens for the driver and front passenger. An in-dash navigation system is not offered because many people use their smartphones for navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both still standard.
The Purosangue is a unique business decision, but it was released comparatively late to other luxury SUVs. As the most recent luxury car brand to jump on the SUV bandwagon, Ferrari will have a lot of competition during the upcoming 2023 car market.
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including: Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: dofetilide rifampin any other medicines to treat HIV-1
Tell your healthcare provider if you: Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. Have any other health problems.
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including: Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5
If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
Rae & Nu Beauty & Co is providing something “new” for the culture, merging external beauty & internal wellness for men and women.
Nu Beauty’s official merge with Nu Beauty Parlor in which consumers can shop online and in-store at the newly rebranded Nu Beauty Parlor & Wellness Space located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Nu Beauty Parlor & Wellness Space provides clients with a safe space to obtain an array of beauty treatments, while also being able to obtain holistic wellness products and solutions such as all-natural and organic sea moss gel, capsules, loose leaf herbs, and sea mossbased male performance enhancer, Morning Wood.
While Nu Beauty is known for its sea moss gel, Rae & her father came up with a product that men can’t get enough of, now the brand’s top-selling product, Morning Wood. Morning Wood is Nu Beauty’s first male-specific product in which it promotes overall enhanced performance & energy in everyday life and for added benefit in the bedroom, amongst men young and old.
Along with a “NU” space, Nu Beauty will also be launching an array of new products such as raw sea moss, purple sea moss gel, hand-crafted tea blends, an all-natural pain reliever, kidney flush, and a women’s specific tea, Wet Knights.
After moving from Cleveland, Ohio to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 18 and beginning her career in one of Atlanta’s top salons (Snob Life Salon by influencer & hairstylist Ming Lee) Rae’s love for beautifying a woman externally has grown to enhance women holistically as well. Nu Beauty’s mission is to provide Nu Solutions & Nu Life for the culture, showing that it is cool & it is culture to be healthy, alive, and well in life and love – Healthy is the Nu Sexy.
“PR is a mix of journalism, psychology, and lawyering – it’s an ever-changing and always interesting landscape.” – Ronn Torossian
Few people can resist the urge to pass by a food truck. The hot food smells, good vibes, and cool themes typically make curiosity hard to fight. Spotted at busy intersections, popular streets and plazas, or your favorite outdoor events, mobile meals are made with love and appreciated everywhere.
Check out these Black-owned food truck flavor-ites!
Harlem Seafood Soul @Harlemseafoodsoul
Located in the heart of Harlem; Harlem Seafood Soul is a stateof-the art mobile and food kitchen. Specializing in gourmet seafood and traditional soul food staples such as fish and chips, shrimp and grits, Harlem Seafood Soul offers many southern favorites. Launched by Chef Tami in 2016, food lovers can spot the eco-friendly mobile kitchen in front of the Harlem State Office Building on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and West 125th Street.
Based in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York, DF Nigerian’s food truck is a family-owned and operated business specializing in Nigerian and African cuisine. Staples include spicy jollof rice and soup made from the seeds of the egusi melon. Nigerian staples are the footprint of many diaspora cuisines. The flavors and spice blends of DF Nigerian is widely-recognized by lovers of Cuban Puerto Ricanm and African American soul food.
For something light, funky, and fresh, Local Green is your answer. Co-founded by songwriter Zak Wallace and his wife Robyn, Local Green is a vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian restaurant serving fruits and veggies with flavor to food desserts first and the world immediately after! Menu items named after hip-hop figures like Notorious Tacos, Rappers Delight Philly, and the Badu Wrap, Local Green is not just a local hit. They can also be found in Orlando Florida at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs as the famous destination’s first Black-owned food truck.
A gem on Atlanta’s westside, Bankhead Seafood is a staple in the stomachs of its city. Recently purchased by rappers T.I. and Killer Mike, the historic restaurant turned food truck is a favorite for fish, shrimp, and their world-famous (or so it feels) hush puppies. For over half a century, original owner Helen Harden served seafood and dessert in the communityincluding T.I. and Killer Mike amongst many in their childhood. Unwavering and signature to the brand, Bankhead Seafood remains the “home of the $8 special”.
Big Mike’s Tacos is taking Americanized tacos to another level. Home of the ATL-Mex (Atlanta Mexican), Big Mike’s tacos, quesadillas, and bowls with swag through the imagination of an ATLien. Serving items such as the Vegan Shawty, Dirty Birds, and AL Pastor Troy, every meal is made to order and topped with your favorites in front of you right before serving. Big Mike’s is a true Atlanta experience with classic throwback music and slang-uage that only natives can respect but everyone can enjoy.
Established in March of 2020 by Keith & LukaSavage - the exact same day Los Angeles County shutdown all non-essential businesses due to the pandemic - Savage Tacos has three operating trucks, which speaks to the success of their business (and their food). They are Black-owned, with universal flavors from around the world that speaks to their mission statement, “People Over Profit”. Savage Tacos feed the homeless every Monday, stand in solidarity against racism and prejudice, and support LGBTQ, while spreading love through food. LA is known for having some of the best tacos spots around…and true to fashion, most often these places aren’t fancy decked out restaurants – they’re usually family-owned, ‘mom & pop style’ businesses like Savage Tacos Truck in Long Beach.
If you’ve ever traveled to LA, going to the beach, hitting Hollywood and eating ‘chicken and waffles’ are some of the things you must do. When it’s time to do the latter, don’t count out popular food truck Wings n’ Waffles. Thanks to its secret seasoning, this hot spot serves some of the best chicken, waffles and soul food side dishes in town, but this establishment is more than a food truck. Wings n’ Waffles Foundation, is an entity of the company that feeds over 600 homeless a month, awards scholarships to students, and offers mentoring programs for entrepreneurs and first time homebuyers. Not only are Wings n’ Waffles keeping the community fed, they’re doing their part to enrich it as well.
‘When A Dog Comes To Stay’ is a character collection comprising three pendants; The Dolly Pendant, The Iggy Pendant and The Weezy Pendant, the H-Bone series; a Pendant, Bracelet and Ring, in versions with and without diamonds, an ESA pendant and the H-Bone High Jewelry Necklace. As well as silk scarves and silicon keychains in six colors.
The pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are assembled from nano ceramic colored sterling silver, American lab-grown diamonds and 18 karat yellow gold. Three additional colors, and a solid 18 karat yellow gold edition, of the ‘When a Dog Comes to Stay’ collection will follow.
As more states in the United States begin to legalize recreational marijuana, cannabis tourism has grown in popularity. Recreational marijuana is not legal everywhere with laws and regulations varying state to state. Right now, cannabis is still illegal at the federal level.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. Ever since then, the Mile High City has become one of the most popular destinations to purchase cannabis, such as Denver Recreational Dispensary and Euflora.
The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is a luxury hotel within walking distance of the famous Larimer Square. Those wishing to spend less should consider the nearby Embassy Suites or the Curtis DoubleTree by Hilton.
Larimer Square contains various shops and restaurants such as Russell’s Smokehouse and Bistro Vendôme.
Denver has lots of museums, particularly focusing on art and history. There are also various places to do shipping such as the Denver Central Market, which provide a diverse array of shops and vendors.
Portland, Oregon
Portland provides marijuana across numerous state-licensed retailers, such as Jayne and Chalice Farms Recreational Dispensaries. The Portlandia Experience is a tour package that shows off dispensaries, breweries and the city.
The Nines is a luxury hotel located near Pioneer Square. Those wishing to spend less money should consider the nearby Hilton Portland Downtown or the Portland Marriott Waterfront along the Willamette River.
Portland has tons of creative eateries such as Voodoo Doughnut, but it also has plenty of restaurants such as Lechon and Portland City Grill.
Portland has lots to explore such as the International Rose Test Garden. Those with a car should consider paying a visit to the iconic Multnomah Falls, about a 30-minute drive from the city.
As a major tourist city full of casinos and nightlife, Las Vegas now has a new tool in its arsenal to attract tourists such as Planet 13 and Las Vegas ReLeaf Dispensaries.
The Las Vegas Strip has tons of hotels and resorts, almost all of which contain a casino. The Mandalay Bay, the Bellagio and the MGM Grand are just some of the many establishments.
There is a huge array of restaurants, particularly seafood, Italian and steakhouses, such as Oyster Bar and Andiamo Steakhouse.
Although the casino resorts make up the bulk of the tourism sector, there are also numerous natural sights nearby such as Tule Springs Fossils Beds National Monument.
Anchorage, Alaska Alaska was one of the more recent states, allowing legal recreational marijuana in 2018. Numerous dispensaries have opened up around Downtown Anchorage such as Cannabaska and the House of Green Recreational Dispensaries.
The Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska is for those who want to go skiing and experience a more wilderness-based experience. Otherwise the Hotel Captain Hook or the Marriott Anchorage Downtown are both close to the sea and downtown.
The majority of the restaurants in Anchorage are notable for their seafood, such as salmon and crab. Simon and Seafort’s Saloon and Grill and Haute Quarter Grill are two such establishments.
Due to the rugged terrain the majority of the sights all have to do with nature. Whether it be mountains, glaciers or forests, Alaska has everything that hikers and other intrepid tourists would enjoy.
Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, making it one of the most recent states to do so. As America’s third-largest city, Chicago is a major transportation, commercial and culture center. Some of the many dispensaries are Sunnyside Cannabis and Chicago Cannabis Company.
The Viceroy Chicago is a luxury hotel right near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile commercial district. Those wishing to spend less should consider the nearby Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile or the Loews Chicago Hotel. All three are within walking distance of Lake Michigan.
Chicago has tons of restaurants, such as The Purple Pig, Girl and The Goat and Monteverde. However, Chicago is known for its signature style of pizza, which can be ordered from one of many pizzerias such as Pequod’s and Giordano’s.
Chicago has a lot of major museums such as the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. There is also the iconic Navy Pier with rides, shops and food. Also, try to catch a show at the Chicago Theater or see the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
We’re gonna fly away, plan to go my way
I love it when we’re cruisin together
Music was made for love, cruising is made for love
I love it when we’re cruisin together
As the Hamptons are to New York, Martha’s Vineyard to New England, and the Napa Valley’s Wine Country is to California, when the summer sun hits the DMV, boating on the Potomac is a must…with Noire Waters.
On the Potomac River personality resides and its best features come alive in the immediate and surrounding areas of the District of Columbia. The preferred means of travel is by boat, no matter your destination.
Making waves - literally - the Blackowned yacht chartering service offers the most intimate, versatile, and curated boat experiences. Each charter is catered specifically to your liking including spirits, apparel, and accents of retro entertainment.
Made to “make noire memories’’, Noire Waters is a true captain for the culturestarting with the signature yacht, Bowetic Justice, and the annual Juneteenth dock party. Owner Kevin Clarke and his partners Ashley Hixson and Abedeen Oshunubi lead the charge to make Black boating culture a land of its own.
With its existence a void is pleasantly filled for millennials, creatives, independent contractors, the melanated, and beyond. Where the specific groups have been overlooked and forced to fit in, Noire Waters is a standout in creating a space to sit back, relax, and celebrate.
For solo traveling or a staycation with friends, Noire Waters expands nautical adventures in an untapped manner.
Elevate date night with a curated experience for couples and double dates. Stay on board and enjoy complimentary champagne and charcuterie or indulge on land. Sunset is best for booking to enjoy National Harbor in all its glory - particularly the night beam of the Capital Wheel. A prime location for Prince George County, the entertainment-rich district claims several restaurants with celebrated chefs, local boutiques, and world-class gambling with the MGM National Harbor entertainment resort and casino.
Meet new friends and network at the resident happy hour, Po’ Up On the Potomac. The perfect pregame to any plans with friends, Po’ Up On the Potomac is a night opener, an alternative to weekend plans, and a great way to tour the ship, Bowetic Justice, before booking your personal charter. Nostalgia is well-played with a Nintendo console, Monopoly and Uno.
GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT | The Georgetown Waterfront is the perfect place to view the Potomac and grab a bite to eat. Enjoy happy hour outside and waterside dining at Farmers Fishers Bakers or Nick’s Riverside Grill where the views are best. For variety, a few steps away from the water is a sudden modern posh sushi restaurant, Susheria, and Kafe Leopold, a quaint Austrian cafe tucked away in Cady’s Alley.
M STREET SHOPPING | The M Street shopping experience is required in the Georgetown district. Top brands, household names, and unique shops lace the streets, like Major. An iconic sneaker boutique, Major is a must-visit in the area. Owned by the adored Duk-ki Yu, Major is a widelyknown distributor of the latest in the world of sneakers from Nike to the hometown staple New Balance, and an exclusive line of headwear in collaboration with New Era Caps.
Every day of the year, the most fundamental FRIED RICE inspiration is the diversity of creative and cultural perspectives in urban life, in our own neighborhood and around the world.
by: CLEANT G. EDWARD
Long before a cosign from Boosie and Drake, Jeremy Biddle bka BLEU was designing his own style of music in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama
It’s minutes before call time with one of the most celebrated artists of this generation-BLEU. As the crew hustled to fulfill any last minute set ups, the overall vibe on set was a bit more laid back compared to other cover shoots. A black SUV pulls up at 1:30pm with our cover star inside. His punctuality, demonstrated his professionalism and set the tone for the day. Outside of being one of the most creative music artists to date, he is a husband, a father of three, and is all about his business. This shoot was business, as usual.
Sporting black denim and a black tee; the diamonds glistening from his chains and bracelets made for the perfect accents to his otherwise relaxed look. Surrounded by his security, a few of the homies, and Teldrick, his manager and best friend. His circle is tighter than the melodies he sings on the hit singles we all love. He greets everyone with an infectious smile and though living on the high side of life, he remains grounded - anchored by the very roots keeping him humble.
Racks of designer fashions, footwear, and accessories await his selections and he gravitates towards pieces that reflect the megastar he is becoming. His eye for detail and “fly shit” is just as precise as his ear for great music. After a quick fitting, he heads over to his barber, while the crew gets ready for the first look. His star power is eminent and our job was to capture it.
His love for music first began with his father, “Music was always in me. My dad made music. He helped me get comfortable performing in front of people. He was a big influence because I watched him do it all — from playing the drums, to singing. I started writing my own music young.”
Everything but an overnight success, BLEU’s first mixtape Hello World, dates back to 2012. Years before catching the attention of one of the biggest acts in music — Drake, Yung Bleu had major buzz in the Southern United States and was a household name in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.
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After releasing several mixtapes, Bleu took the ultimate chance on himself.
I sent my music to Boosie first, but then I thought I should try to reach someone close to him, so I ended up finding his brother’s page. I DM’d him and he hit me back and everything just took off from there.”
Exactly as he planned, his music ultimately landed in Boosie’s lap, he signed a deal with Boosie’s label, Badazz Music Syndicate which led to a collaboration deal with Columbia Records. His time being signed to a label was short lived as the independent route proved to be better for him creatively and fiscally. Weeks after being asked to be released from his deal, a DM from Drake would ultimately reroute the trajectory of his career.
“When I dropped my EP, ‘’ Love Scars, “You’re Mines Still” was one of the songs I was playing for a lot of people. DeMarcus Cousins is from my city and he was close with Drake. Boogie [DeMarcus] was like ‘I can hear Drake on that’ and I ain’t really think nothing was going to happen from that, but I told him to send it to him, joking. A week goes by, I’m chilling at my house, I see Drake in my DM’s. He’s like ‘Boogie sent me the song, send it to me. I sent him the song immediately, he sent it back the next day and the rest was history.”
As a musician on a mission to conquer Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop, BLEU lives with the knowledge that self mastery has been the key to his success. Fresh off his summer tour with Chris Brown he released his latest single, “Love In The Way” with the Queen of Rap, Nicki Minaj. The single shot to number one on the charts worldwide. His artistry shines through each carefully crafted track he drops.
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Taking his vision to infinity and beyond, The Moon Boy shared on Instagram his construction site for what will be known as “Moon Boy University”.
“Moon Boy University otw,” Bleu wrote. “This January! Facility for all my Moon Boy University producers, My artist, video production team etc . Top of the year gone be some amazing shit getting done I promise— studio, conference room. Video/Movie production room. I’m even going to start inviting young upcoming producers to do classes etc.! I’m so excited about this. @moonboyuniv.”
In a recent interview with Gillie Da King and Wallo267 from The Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast, Bleu speaks to the importance of artists having knowledge of the industry before signing a deal. And why the independent route has a better payoff. “Less is more when you own your shit”, he says.
As fans sit in heavy anticipation of his next studio album, slated to drop later this year, the certified moon boy wants people to know, “I didn’t take any short cuts with this. And ultimately, it’s not about the money for me. It’s about creating timeless music that resonates with all audiences.
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The Windy City. Chi-Town. Chiraq. The Chi Whatever you want to call Chicago, there’s no denying that it’s provided some of the greatest artists, athletes, and actors we’ve ever seen. The birthplace of Common, Kanye, and America’s favorite rebooted Dreamgirl, Jennifer Hudson. Home to Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and the legend that is Michael Jordan. It gave us Jesse Williams, Terrance Howard, and the late, great Bernie Mac. Chicago even gave us the most iconic president of our lifetime (and probably in history): Barack H. Obama. Now, it’s fitting that the City of Big Shoulders gives us a young king on the rise that has all these legacies to learn from and live by as he solidifies his star in the constellation that is Chicago celebs. Now Chicago has given us Michael V. Epps.
Becoming a well-known name in the hearts and homes of The Chi fans everywhere, Michael V. Epps plays Jake Taylor – a Chicago teen trying to navigate his way through life and love – on the Showtime series created by Lena Waithe. Since 2018, we’ve watched Jake grow from a boy living in a not-so-ideal situation as he finds himself the focus of a custody war between his ex-con brother, Trig, and street boss of a guardian, Douda, who just happens to win Chicago’s mayoral election, to a young man staring down the barrel of grown-up decisions as he and his girlfriend Jemma learn of their own impending teenage parenthood. Through it all, Michael – who goes by MIKEY in the music world –tackles each task that Jake faces with the poise and professionalism of a seasoned vet and lets the world know that he has no plans of going anywhere any time soon.
“When I started acting, I was young and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was focused on playing basketball,” says Epps when touching on his introduction to the industry. “My mom was an actress, and she brought the idea to me.” Willing to take on this new challenge, Epps landed a role on a small local YouTube series filmed in Chicago which led to more and more background work, including a spot on Fox’s music-fueled drama Empire. Just one year later, he landed his starring role on Showtime’s The Chi. “My mom is living her dream through me…and I’m loving it!”
Starting Season 5 off as strong as ever, Epps really thrives with every new twist and turn Jake takes him on, building his craft into a wheelhouse that leaves no stone unturned. With The Chi’s cast and crew serving as the strong foundation that young actors dream of, Epps is excited for everything that this experience has already taught him, and even more excited for everything that is to come. “It just lets us know that everybody’s loving what we’ve done and what we’re doing,” he says. “They love what the writers got going on at the writing table. They’re loving the storyline. They’re feeling it.” When asked about what we can look forward to for the rest of the season, Epps simply sums it up with, “Oh it gets real rocky this season! Just wait!”
“It’s not really hard for me to relate to Jake. He’s just your average Chicago teenage kid. I was brought up in Chicago, so I already know his ways and the way he responds to things; the way he acts and how he wears his clothes,” Epps says when comparing his character to himself. “I know a lot of Jakes. I grew up with a lot of Jakes. We’re very similar.” Being Chicago-bred, Epps takes full advantage of growing up in Chi-Town and applies it to the stories he tells through Jake, but it doesn’t stop there. His Chicago upbringing has also led the 16-year-old star to become a community leader and advocate, being named an ambassador for the Project Outreach Prevention (P.O.P.) Youth Violence Foundation dedicated to eradicating youth violence and promoting healthy lifestyles and positive behaviors.
Never wanting to find himself at a standstill, he’s also getting his feet wet in the gaming community with his own Twitch channel up and running, is in the process of writing a book with his mother that discusses how they navigate his newfound celebrity, and has started his own apparel line – Crown Me – (also with his mother) that encourages fashion lovers everywhere to remember who they are. “It’s reclaiming your royalty, you know? That’s what it’s all about. Whether you’re a king or a queen, don’t forget to get your crown.”
Keep up with Michael V. Epps on social media at: @officialmichaelepps (IG), @michaelvepps (Twitter), and @king_mike54 (Twitch). For more on Crown Me Apparel, visit www.crownme.co.
ThesethrillernovelsbyBlack authors offer fresh takes on the classicliterarygenre
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
American Spy is a spy thriller novel by Lauren Wilkinson, written to be a twist on the classic Cold War spy thriller. The novel is set in the 1980s and focuses on Marie Mitchell, a Black intelligence officer for the FBI.
Marie is tasked to investigate President Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso so the United States can overthrow his communist regime. Nicknamed “Africa’s Che Guevara,” Sankara was a real man who was president of Burkina Faso from 1983-1987.
Marie has misgivings and concerns about her mission. Throughout the novel, she is forced to reckon with her duty and her own personal morals.
The Obama
by Gary Phillips
The Obama Inheritance is a collection of 15 conspiracy noir short stories compiled by Gary Phillips. The collection is a satirical and humorous take on the modern American political climate.
The collection takes various rightwing conspiracy theories, such as lizard people and shapeshifters, and takes them to completely delusional and outlandish extremes.
The numerous conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama, including the infamous Kenyan birther conspiracy, also feature quite prominently in the collection.
Obama himself does not appear in most of the stories, but they use the content to take aim at former President Donald Trump’s presidency and the far-right.
Assume
by Gar Anthony Haywood
Assume Nothing is a crime thriller novel by Gar Anthony Haywood. The novel tells the story of a volatile man named Joe Reddick, who lives with his family in Los Angeles.
Due to his bad temper, Joe’s new life is on the verge of collapse. Joe is also still reeling from the trauma of losing family to crazed killers. After a run-in with a member from a notorious criminal enterprise, he and his family are threatened in their home. Not wanting to suffer anymore, Joe decides to take matters into his own hands. He sends his family to safety and embarks on a mission to kill those responsible for his trauma.
by S.A. Cosby
Blacktop Wasteland is a crime thriller novel by S.A. Cosby. The novel tells the story of an honest mechanic named Beauregard “Bug” Montage. He is a model citizen, but has a dark secret: e was formerly known as the greatest getaway driver on the East Coast.
Although having left his past criminal life, Bug finds his life slowly crumbling and he is struggling to pay bills and provide for his family. Eventually, a former crime associate tells Bug about a massive jewelry store heist.
Despite the risks, Bug decides he has no choice and returns to his past criminal life as a wheelman.
Lawrence Robinson sits down with Bleu to discuss his latest roleonTalesBET,beingaBlackmaninHollywood,andmore
BLEU: How did you get your start in the TV/Film industry?
LR: I got started in New York in 2012. The first acting class I attended was TSAW ( Tasha Smith Acting Workshop.) Afterwards, I got an agent and started pursuing the craft full time.
One of your biggest jobs was “Brotherly Love.” Tell us about your experience being on set.
LR: I truly enjoyed working on ‘Brotherly Love,’ it was my first feature film, and I got to work with people like Keke Palmer, who I’ve watched on tv forever and have great respect for her talent. I learned a lot being on set.
What has been a big struggle for you or other people may face in the TV/Film industry, being a man of color?
LR:Having to always be strong in any and every situation. As a black man, being vulnerable is sometimes looked upon as weak.
Your upcoming role on the hit show “Tales” on BET will be airing in August. Tell us more about what we can expect for this season and your role.
LR:Well, I play a character named “RayFul Edwin” in the “Act Up” episode song by the City Girls. I play a kingpin that seems honorable, although his profession may not seem such. His crew is involved with sex trafficking women and is totally against it. Although he has good qualities, he’s not a good guy 100%. That’s all I can say. This season is going to be fire!
What’s next for Lawrence Robinson?
LR:I have another series coming called “Heaux Phase “on the For Us By Us Network. I play a character named “Burt Robert” who gets an underage girl pregnant and lies about her age. That show is pretty crazy. It has a good life lesson overall. I think the show is going to do great. I also have a few feature films coming very soon.
I used to think that it began after college, but the more I’m digging into who I am as a designer, I notice it started much earlier. From laying out my outfits for school, to school shopping in elementary. The love began with sneakers, and developed in its weird way over time. I remember at Summit Place Mall, every Saturday the new Jordans always came out, so I was there every Saturday at noon ready! So, I would say it started then.
Menswear has always been a part of my life. From being an athlete, I think I was naturally already wearing it. Playing basketball, riding bikes, going skating I was wearing the white tees, the hoop shorts, the Jordans so it’s always been a part of me. As I started in the fashion industry, I started styling NFL players and making things I couldn’t find for them. From there it just grew and started developing a brand from one creativity but what I felt as necessity.
HAHAHA! This Olive Shirt with a suede patch. It didn’t stretch at all, and I didn’t know how to hem a neckline, so I pitched it as Avant Garde. Lol it worked.
To me it hasn’t happened yet. I’m keeping my head down and designing and continuing to be a voice in the menswear lane. I would say a pivotal moment for outside looking in would be us opening our first brick and mortar independently this past year. I think for me, it’ll be when I debut.
As a Black woman in Fashion, what advice would you give to other Black designers trying to break into the industry?
TRUST YOUR VISION - Trust your gut! It’s a reason you are you, lean into that. Everything will not go perfectly, but consistency is the key.
Darryl Brown - Darryl Brown / Midwest Kids
Diandra Darosa - Faith in Funerals
David Weeks - Reves Paris
Edvin Thompson - Theophilio
Alex Collins - The Faded Penguin
Nestled in the Adams Morgan area of Washington, D.C. Manifest earns its stripes as king of the barbershop jungle with an in-house speakeasy.
Nestled in the Adams Morgan area of Washington, D.C., Manifest earns its stripes as king of the barbershop jungle. A “local barbershop and then some” Manifest is a barber, shop, and bar concept wrapped with swagger.
Through several generations, the barbershop has proven to be a staple in the Black community. A safe space for men to relax and release, get shaved and groomed, dive into dialogue, and share opinions - unhinged and uncensored. The barbershop is an unofficial country club for men of color. Now, Manifest has taken the traditional man cave to the next level.
A charmingly lit entrance starring a full glass frontal invites you to take a look beyond the window. Into the space, a blend of glass, woods, and leathers makes it an ideal place to explore the five senses. Everything you see, touch, taste, hear, and smell make for a memorable moment. From the barista custom brewing herbs and coffee beans by request to the crisp upholstered bar stools and barber chairs, all the details matter.
Manifest delivers two things above all: a good day and great coffee.
The house boutique hangs garbs you never knew you needed from Marni and several collections. Leather goods, candles, house grabs, and fragrances perfume the air completing the total package. The lighting is great, the service is stellar, and the icing on the cake is a hidden speakeasy perfectly named, Out of Office.
Up an unassuming entrance cleverly hidden by a full-length mirror, lies a stairway to social heaven. The entryway is dimly lit and challenges the main floor lighting (and its ambiance). The barista smiles and bids you a pleasant farewell as the one-way corridor opens only by the electronic access of the front podium.
The perfect stop to pregame before a night out with friends or a nightcap with a great date, Out of Office is the answer to your work-life balance.
Up the stairs the private bar seats 30 for capacity. Saved for reservations only, the space is patronized by a hush-hush hyperlink on the Manifest website. Hidden in plain sight, a single image of a beverage takes you to a site to confirm your seating and time slot. While Google only shows the business hours of the barbershop, the great escape is open until 1am.
A secret society for “in the know” millennials, Out of Office appeals to a mashup of entrepreneurs, young professionals, and enthusiasts. With great drinks and an even better atmosphere, every seat is the best in the house - Out Of Office quenches thirsts literally and figuratively.
At Manifest you can start your week with a fresh cut, and end it with a great cocktail. Merging barber space, boutiques, and bars in a stylish form, Manifest moments are made for men, but women are welcome.
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Narragansett, Rhode Island
Lexington, Kentucky
Cincinnati, Ohio Tucson, Arizona
Hermann, Missouri Atlanta, Georgia Deadwood, South Dakota San Marcos, Texas Big Sky, Montana Denver, Colorado Iowa City, Iowa Minneapolis, Minnesota Washington, D.C. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lafayette, Louisiana Austin, Texas Montpelier, Vermont Montgomery, Alabama Traverse City, Michigan Boise, Idaho
Catalina Island, California Wilmington, Delaware Seward, Alaska
White Sands, New Mexico San Luis Obispo, California
Athens, Georgia
New River Gorge, West Virginia Rockport, Maine Spring Lake, New Jersey Ocean Springs, Mississippi Ithaca, New York
Wilmington, North Carolina Columbus, Ohio
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Virginia Beach, Virginia Lake Tahoe, California Key West, Florida
Bill Russell was a trailblazer both on and off the court. He played for the Boston Celtics for 13 years while also using his platform to advocate for racial equality and civil rights.
On July 31, 2022, Bill Russell died at his home in Mercer Island, Washington at age 88.
Russell was born in Monroe, Louisiana on February 12, 1934 when the Southern United States was still plagued by segregation and Jim Crow laws. Russell and his family suffered frequent racism and struggled to live in the segregated South.
His father, Charles, was threatened with a shotgun at a gas station and his mother, Katie, was detained for wearing “white women’s clothing” (a fancy dress). Even in Boston, Russell was bombarded by racist insults, including racial slurs painted on the walls of his home.
Jim Crow laws were designed to deny African-Americans education, employment and the right to vote. However, Russell refused to let such laws get in the way of his work no matter how society viewed him.
Famously in 1961, Russell led a player protest in Lexington, Kentucky.
While in Lexington to face off against the St. Louis Hawks (now the Atlanta Hawks), Russell and his other Black teammates were denied service at the Phoenix Hotel café. Russell told his teammates that they should boycott the game.
The Hawks’ Black players also joined the protest, leaving only the White players on the field.
“I will not play any place again under these circumstances,” he told the media after returning to Boston.
In 1963, Russell stood alongside civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the March on Washington. In 1967, he was a very vocal members of the Cleveland Summit, a conference of Black athletes who joined together in support of Muhammad Ali.
Ali, the heavyweight boxing champion, faced intense backlash and scrutiny for his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War. He faced jail time and the stripping of his boxing titles. However, Russell alongside the likes of NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and NFL stars Jim Brown and Bobby Mitchell, defended Ali.
“It is the first time in four centuries that the American Negro can create his own history,” Russell said. “To be part of this is one of the most significant things that can happen.”
In 1966, Russell would succeed Celtics head coach Red Auerbach, becoming the first Black head coach in all four major American sports leagues.
“I wasn’t offered the job because I am a Negro,” Russell said. “I was offered it because Red figured I could do it.”
In 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, numerous NBA teams followed Russell’s example, using their platform for activism.
During the NBA Bubble, the Milwaukee Bucks led a leaguewide protest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
“In ‘61 I walked out of an exhibition game much like the NBA players did yesterday,” Russell wrote on Twitter. “I am one of the few people that knows what it felt like to make such an important decision. I am so proud of these young guys.”
On August 8, 2022, the NBA announced that it would be retiring Russell’s No. 6 jersey league-wide. Those who currently have the number will be allowed to wear it until they change numbers or retire.
“All NBA players will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys, and every NBA court will display a clover-shaped logo with the No. 6 on the sideline near the scorer’s table,” the NBA wrote in a statement.
Russell will always be remembered for his illustrious basketball career, but his civil rights activism became such an integral part of his life. Russell persevered and stood up for his values, inspiring an entire generation of enterprising athletes.
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