DOWNTOWN WEEKLY LA

ON THE COVER

DENNIS

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SOUTH

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NEW DISCOVERIES AT PROSPERITY MARKET

Prosperity Market returns to the California African American Museum (CAAM) on Saturday, February 25 from 11am3:30pm.

Co-founders Kara Still and Carmen Dianne have assembled over 30 Black-owned local businesses for an outdoor celebration concluding Black History Month and commemorating the last two years of their popular pop-up markets showcasing Black farmers and entrepreneurs across Los Angeles.

Prosperity Market is well known for being a place where visitors can find one-of-akind items, eat, and relax due to the many vendors and interactive health exhibits.

This weekend vendors include Farmer Ken, California Coffee Company, Gloria’s Shito and IGH Gardens among others along with cooking demonstrations, a popup coffee shop experience, a photo booth, a kid’s corner, and a live DJ.

The event is also set to host wellness activities including a healing sound bath and group meditation by Sol & Sound (1011am) and yoga by Constance Hartwell (11am-12pm).

“Our intention with Prosperity Market is to support Black farmers and entrepreneurs by helping them scale and grow, by making it easy for people across Los Angeles to discover and shop these businesses, and increasing food access in our communities,” says co-founder Carmen Dianne. “It has been amazing to see our vendors grow over the last two years, and to watch people discover their businesses through our in-person markets!” @propersity.market

ROME NIGHTCLUB PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE OF DTLA HOSPITALITY

2000 years ago, Emperor Vespasian fortified the Roman empire with a great Colosseum.

The largest amphitheater ever constructed, his oval arena became an architectural wonder and stood as the ultimate testament to human ingenuity.

Within its epic symphony of travertine arches, heroes clashed with man and beast making way for one glorious Maximus mix of commerce, music and adventure the likes the world had never known.

All abandoned by the Gods … Until now.

Soon, a new iconic worldwide entertainment destination unmatched by any other will rise here in Downtown Los Angeles.

In September 2024, D'Camp Hospitality Group plans to unlock the lavish gates of ROME NIGHTCLUB, an alluring feast of nightlife and hospitality complete with all the splendors of ancient Rome but with a sexy modern flare. Simply put, CEO Dennis L. Smith plans to marry class and culture with modern nightlife, perhaps even gaining him the title of “DTLA Nightlife Caesar”. Set high upon the rooftop, ROME will be the first of its kind and the best of what LA has to offer for upscale nightlife entertainment and private event hosting.

Created by Los Angeles entrepreneur and developer Dennis L. Smith, this flawless achievement of modern architecture employs the build team, world-known architect Kap Malik of MVE+Partners, Tony Ghodsi of Englekirk Structural Engineering, and Matthew Blake of Buildly Design & Construction as General Contractors. ROME’S nightlife arena will

pay homage as a modern-day Roman Colosseum spanning 25,000 sq. ft. on the rooftop of the soon-to-be newly restored and rebranded LA Hotel.

Yes, this is the same LA Hotel now being utilized as “Project Room Key”. The temporary housing program will end amidst the construction of the refurbished hotel as our new Mayor Karen Bass' “Inside Safe” program transitions guests out to permanent housing.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Forever engulfed by and impressed with the culture, cuisine, and experience so singular to LA living, Dennis sincerely looks forward to using all his hard work, experience, and talent to become an integral part of the Downtown LA Renaissance, as only a worldclass gentleman could.

“It’s my belief that ROME will spearhead the renaissance of DTLA hospitality and nightlife scene with a worldwide audience, because when in Rome…” Smith jest DT Weekly.

And it’s true. With all due respect to its DTLA rooftop venue predecessors, such as the Standard, Elevate, or Spire 71, ROME is set to dominate the DTLA nightlife scene by unleashing a unique experience that has not been seen since Studio 54 with aesthetics that cannot be found anywhere with the exception of those on the shores of Dubai or in Shanghai. That coupled with becoming part of the DTLA Skyline will set the bar and catapult ROME the most powerful nighttime empires this town has ever witnessed.

Upon arrival at ROME, Nightclub guests will be welcomed by a miniature, modern Trevi Fountain of Rome, and greeted with a safe, clean, and entertaining environment.

With a private helipad allowing landings for their most discerning guests, ROME will provide two levels of luxury complete with four dance floors and four full bars, VIP Jr. suites with private booths, as well as VIP suites with private restrooms and bartenders.

The outdoor area will immerse visitors in breathtaking views of Hollywood, and the Westside and provide an electric nighttime DTLA backdrop with full eye-level views of the Westin Bonaventure, Gas Company Tower, and US Bank Tower among others.

Private rooftop cabanas will allow guests to relax aside a shallow pool, ROME Nightclub’s modern take on the classical Roman bath. Emperors are invited

to explore ROME Nightclub’s walk-in humidor providing upscale imported cigars from around the world, presented and provided by Cigars by Chivas while empresses indulge in top-shelf, spirited cocktails the world has to offer. The infamous “D’Martini” will be a must to try.

For the loyal Senators (devote wine connoisseurs) ROME will service a walk-in cellar with imports from around the world and command the assistance of the most knowledgeable sommeliers at their service.

Amplified EDM sounds from world-class Djs Thursday through Saturday will usher their way into a Sunday Chill Dayclub and drift softly into high-energy Sunday Night where all may enjoy top hit selections from local guest DJs.

Not just Bread and Circus. Given the climate of our country today, ROME will become the first socially conscious nightclub to donate 2.5% of

its annual net proceeds to the homeless epidemic.

Additionally, 2.5% will be donated to the Academy of Media Arts High School in Downtown LA to help financially assist urban students in their education giving them the tools to navigate through life, and reducing their chances of becoming unhoused.

Smith states: “It is no longer just the City’s responsibility but Our responsibility to take action on improving the quality of lives today while paving the way for the quality of life tomorrow for generations to come.”

ROME is open to all ages 21 and up regardless of race, creed, color, or pronouns. They only ask their patrons to follow the rules of the house and fully enjoy themselves or be fed to the lions. romenightclub.com @romenightclub_dtla

DTLA SECRETS of BLACK SUCCESS

Black Owned Business Owners Share Their Secrets of Success and Longivity in Downtown Los Angeles

Our relationship with real success isn’t transactional – it’s fluid. Defending your version of success is the foundation, developing a plan to achieve our objectives is the formula, and increasing the frequency of these behaviors is the secret.” –

Marques L Williams, Entrepreneur, The Catalyst Vision

“I met a lovely young African American dancer and she told me she did not go to the audition because no one on the brochure looks like her and I said that’s because you didn’t Walk through the door, we all must walk through the door.”

-Robyn Gardenhire – Artistic Director & Founder, City Ballet of Los Angeles

“Work everyday towards a goal and opportunities will

present themselves don’t get Discouraged, everyday is a new day” –Boketto Cold Brew

“There comes a time in everyone’s life when one must trust what they know to be true over what others tell them is the truth, especially when those amount to two different truths” –General Jeff, Activist

"I can remember being homeless sleeping on the streets of Skid Row and eventually going to prison in 92 and upon my release becoming an advocate for the less fortunate and victims of violence. 30 years later. My journey has seen me go from the crack house to the White House. I believed in myself regardless of my past and the critic’s and naysayers. That’s one of the keys to success for

the next generation of Black leaders ” – Najee Ali – Activist

“Beyond back history month, keep the #blacklivesmatter movement alive everyday because lasting change won’t happen without actively deconstructing our beliefs about race. If you’re afraid to use your voice, give up your seat at the table”, –Kinya Claiborne, Style & Society Magazine

“Meditation and Self-Care is paramount in being successful in my opinion. You can burn yourself out and make mistakes if you don’t take care of yourself, how will you be able to motivate your team and drive your business. A good life-work balance is what we live by.” –Kwini Reed – Owner, Poppy & Rose Restaurant

“When you put your best foot forward, the universe will provide the rest. -Aja –Owner & Operations Manager (abeautifullife) Jamaican Restaurant

“Never, ever, ever, EVER give up on your dream. Believe in yourself. Believe that you are enough, because you are. Positive mindset only. Bet on yourself and don’t be afraid to fail, it’s ok! Work hard, be good to people, and you’ll be surprised how far it’ll get you.”

-Devin REED – Sommwlier, HOST OF WINE & CULTURE LA

“Sometimes you have to do it scared, you’ll thank yourself later. And remember to never be afraid to ask for what you want.” -Vanessa Punche –owner, LA Grind Coffee & Tea

“Mean what you say and say what you mean. What you put out in life is what you get back.

” -Fhedesh – Musician & Dark Lord of the Underworld.

“Nurture yourself and your passions as you would your business, your children, or someone you love. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.”

–Naima Woodson, Creator, Beachbum Wisdom

“At Comfort LA we stay focus on our objectives while blocking out all the distractions.” –Comfort LA

“My secret of success is underpromising and overproducting ”

-Itika oldwine, Old Vine Floral

“If people consider you a disrupter because you do things your own way and you don’t work within the system

that’s probably a good thing. It’s called being an artist and staying authentic. ” –Justin Bua – Famed Artist

“Not all Queens live in a castle…some live on the street. Regardless of one’s financial situation you can never lose your station. “-Shirley Raines –Beauty2theStreetz

“Black owned doesn’t mean cheaper or lower quality!

Know your worth. Charge it confidently and then add shipping + handling” -Doctor Dapper, Branding Expert/ Coach

“Never give up, never surrender -Keri Freeman, Publisher, Downtown Weekly LA

MISSING SOMETHING? GET ON THE MAP

Black History Month Honors Legendary ICE CUBE

This Black History Month

DTLA honored the legendary Ice Cube in more ways than one.

Making history with the iconic pop star began on the stage on February 2nd as fans got a chance to see the veteran hip hop performer live at Belasco Theater.

Ice Cube will be on tour in Ontario, Canada this weekend.

While on stage Ice Cube spoke briefly in between songs, sharing his historic journey in entertainment which he confessed to the audience began shortly after he wrote his first song at age 12. Signed by age 15, the Los Angeles native formed his first rap group, C.I.A. in 1986. In 1987, with Eazy-E and Dr. Dre, he formed the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A. The trio went on to gain international fame with the album Straight Outta Compton.

Ice Cube turned thespian in the role of Doughboy in director John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood, 1991 followed by cowriting and starring in the 1995 massive hit comedy and cult phenomenon Friday.

ICE CUBE made his directorial debut in the 1998 film The Players Club. Since 2000, Ice Cube has made or starred in over 40 films.

Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles City Council President Curren D. Price, the Board of Public Works, Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and Los Angeles Urban League officially commemorated the opening of African American Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles with an online celebration. During the celebration, the Committee, made up of the most prominent and influential civic leaders of our time, presented Ice Cube with the 2023 Living Legends Award. It was a good day.@icecube

Ice Cube with Ice Tea, MIke Epps, Russel Simmons and Chuck D among others on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - Photo by Gary Leonard

TAKE A DIP! COOKIE DIP COMPANY

Accessory to the World's most famous snack.

The People have spoken: CEO Zakiya Ellick

“The

Cookie Dip Company” takes the cookie lover experience to an entirely new level.

Zakiya Ellick has created “accessories” for cookies using innovative concepts mixed with premium ingredients that overwhelmingly burst with flavor. Since 2018, hundreds of happy "First Time Cookie Dippers" have crossed her path, sampling then buying jars of her naturally flavored creamy cookie dips made in flavors that include Vanilla Bean, Butter Toffee Bourbon, Mango Chili, and Milk Chocolate Horchata.

The 43-year-old has always had a taste for good food and was able to tailor her knowledge as a student of the African American Culinary Institute of America to create her delicious dips. Today, she is best known for her positive, upbeat attitude and her bold flavors of Cookie Dips that have ultimately set her apart in the industry and pushed the imagination beyond the mere pleasure of what a bare cookie bite had to offer. With Cookie Dips ordinary cookies take the sweet tooth on an entirely new journey.

What started as support from family and friends after discovering the unforgettable tastes of Ellick's Cookie Dips flowered into monthly opportunities followed by a revelation at the Playboy Jazz Festival. It was then Ellick decided to incorporate and “The Cookie Dip Company” was born.

With a booked schedule of events and an ever-growing line of fans, surely her dreams of store-bought Cookie Dip will come true before long.

To become a "First Time Cookie Dipper" catch up with The Cookie Dip Company at your neighborhood farmer's market or weekend artisan show. Favorites include the Banana Cream and Butter Toffee Bourbon Cookie Dips. Ellick says these are the best sellers loved for flavors that are bold, refreshing, and comforting. www.thecookiedip.com

“I am looking forward to expanding my brand and getting my products into upscale and specialty grocery stores nationwide.”