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It took nearly 30 years after NASA's establishment for the organization to send its first Black astronaut into space, a milestone achieved by Guion Bluford in 1983 aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. In the 40 years since Bluford went to space, only 15 other Black astronauts, including Leland Melvin, have followed suit. Melvin's journey began in 1998 when he joined the Fiber Optics Group in the Nondestructive Evaluation Sciences Branch at NASA Langley Research Center. Subsequently, he was selected for the Astronaut Candidate Training Program by NASA JSC. In the documentary The Space Race by National Geographic, the stories of Black astronauts, also known as afronauts, including Melvin, Ed Dwight, Charles Bolden Jr., and others, are shared to redefine perceptions of achievement in space exploration and to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, bringing Afrofuturist dreams to life. The first step in Melvin’s path to becoming an astronaut was first realizing that it was possible for a Black man to venture into outer space. Before Bluford entered into space, millions around the world saw Neil Armstrong walk on the moon in 1969. “So when the moon landing happened and Neil and Buzz [Aldrin] walked on the moon, the next day, all the kids wanted to play astronaut. I didn't want to. I didn't see the transmission [and] I didn't want to be them. I didn't see someone who looked like me out there doing that,” Melvin shared about not feeling represented in the first historic moon landing. “My parents always told me I could be anything I wanted, but for some reason, that didn't seem possible because there was no one in the history books who had tried that, and that's exactly what this movie is talking about.” While during his childhood he didn’t see what a Black astronaut could be, the blueprint had already been set by Dwight when he arrived at NASA in 1989. Working at NASA wasn’t on Melvin’s radar when he was recruited. Melvin was a Materials Science Engineer who graduated from the University of Virginia with a Master’s degree. While at a job career fair, he credits Rosa Webster, a Black physicist at Rosa, for being his bridge to enter into NASA Langley Research Center. “They realized that the only way that they're going to bring diversity to NASA and Langley was to go out and recruit and get the talent. It was me, Keith Norwood and Brian Holman. We all went to UVA. They came and got us and were hiring us on the spot. We all worked together and it was just an incredible experience,” Melvin recalls. “So even though we didn't have that representation, the representation came and found us to make sure that we were part of the story. And that's where I met Katherine Johnson from Hidden Figures at NASA Langley.” Nine years later, Melvin would join the Astronaut Training Program at NASA. “So I was working at NASA Langley Research Center doing some engineering, some research and stuff on fiber optics and different stuff and this friend of mine said, ‘Hey, they're looking for astronauts. Here's the application; fill this out.’ I was looking at the application like whatever. I don’t want to be an astronaut and then I didn't fill it out. But one of my other boys, Charlie Camarda, filled the application out, and he got in. And I said ‘That knucklehead got in. Wait a minute. If he can get in, I can get in. So the next selection, I filled out the application, and I got in.” Once in the program, Melvin realized just how rare it was to be a Black man in the astronaut training program, as he was the only Black person in his class of 31. His main responsibility in space was to install a $2 billion laboratory in the space station. Years later, Melvin and other Black astronauts like Bolden would lend their support to Victor J. Glover, a Black astronaut who became the first Black astronaut to live in the International Space Station. “He was in space with a George Floyd painting, and we were all lifting him up on a Zoom call to give him what he needed. He has a wife and four daughters back in Houston, and this was right during the deliberations in Derek Chauvin's trial — whether Chauvin was going to be exonerated or charged. It was a really tough time,” Melvin said. While Melvin has seen breakthroughs in the achievements of Black astronauts, he has also seen tragedies. In 2003, Black astronaut Michael P. Anderson lost his life in the explosion of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and 17 years before that, Ronald McNair lost his life in the Challenger explosion. Melvin spoke about these tragedies and felt a sense of honoring the memories of both Anderson and McNair. “We don't let something like that keep us from continuing to explore, because we've always been explorers. And so the only way to honor the legacy of our forefathers is to keep doing it, to keep grinding in spite of. Harriet Tubman said, ‘I got to freedom.’ They said, ‘You can't go back.’ She said, ‘Watch me. Watch me explore, watch me build my own rocket, watch me keep rising, even though my forefathers perish under whips and chains and dogs.’ And so we owe it to them to not give up and keep going,” Melvin said. He also shared that although he didn’t meet McNair, he met his wife Cheryl and walked with her through Ron McNair Park, learning about McNair’s struggles at MIT and beyond. Although now retired from NASA, having served as NASA Associate Administrator for Education before retirement, he hopes to inspire future Black astronauts through his participation in The Space Race documentary. Melvin quoted black science fiction author Octavia Butler, saying, “You've got to write yourself into history. You might not be included, you've got to write yourself in.” Check out the full interview. Photo Credit: National Geographic

One moment you're in college, and the next, you're a full-fledged young adult man navigating his way through the world. From experiencing love to enduring heartbreak, changing careers to following your passion, growing pains are real. That's why having the opportunity to curate your sanctuary through your bachelor pad is invaluable. It's important to create a place of peace and tranquility— a place that welcomes you when it's time to refocus. Creating your ultimate bachelor pad is a reflection of you. Here are four items to elevate your bachelor pad. Elevate Your Decor A new age of bachelor pads has emerged in recent years. In the past, a bachelor pad was thought to be a “man cave.” Dark, mysterious and closed off from the world. Although you want a space to feel like you can hibernate, you still should know there is a world outside your window. One way to keep your pad modern is to add some art. Check out The Black Art Depot for all things Black art to add to your modern-day bachelor pad. The company has a goal to be the top supplier of African-American art, gifts and collectibles worldwide. Elevate Your Game Space Although the cost of living is constantly going up, investing in your happiness should still be a priority. Who doesn’t love a room that is dedicated to capturing the nostalgia of playing games and bringing together friends and family for fun? From card games to game systems to even a pool table, a game room is a must for your ultimate bachelor pad. Relive your youth with the Arcade1Up Pac-Man Arcade with Riser (14 Games &100 Stickers). Elevate Your Self-Care A home spa sounds very rich but it is something to wonder about. You don’t have to break the bank to have a self-care space. If you are fortunate enough to have a spare room to have a place of ultimate peace, start small with Sauna Box SmartStream Kit. The Sauna Box can be assembled and disassembled for those who have a tight space but still want to focus on self-care. The sauna helps to improve sleep and detoxifies impurities. Elevate Your Home Office In the age of entrepreneurship, individuals are turning their dreams into reality, supported by innovative businesses that empower the Black community. Scaling a business demands dedication, often blurring the lines between work and home life. Creating a dedicated workspace at home fosters productivity and maintains the entrepreneurial spirit throughout the day. Experience ample space and functional design with Wayfair’s Hangin desk by Wrought Studios.

Whether you intend to expand your professional network, celebrate the rich history of Black men, or delve deeper into subjects that pique your interest, a conference serves as the quintessential hub to achieve all three of these interests. At The Quintessential Gentleman, we've meticulously curated a list highlighting the best conferences set to unfold in 2024. We The People: 2024 Black Design Conference Nashville, TN March 14-16, 2024 At We The People, join fellow design enthusiasts, professionals and students for a transformative experience. Dive deep into the world of Black design and its impact across various industries. Renowned speakers and panelists will share insights, experiences, and success stories, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration. Explore the influence of Black designers in fashion, architecture, graphic design and more. Engage in hands-on workshops, connect with like-minded individuals, and build valuable relationships in the design community. Click here to register. Render ATL Atlanta, GA June 12-14, 2024 Immerse yourself in the unparalleled three-day software engineering experience at RenderATL. RenderATL sets the stage for a dynamic gathering where you can learn and enhance your technical skills and celebrate the diversity within the engineering community. From in-depth technical discussions to explorations of leadership principles and discussions on fostering inclusivity, this event provides a comprehensive platform for personal and professional growth. With a lineup that boasts over 80 expert speakers, like Adora Nwodo, Founder of Nexa Scale and other executives like her, this is not an event to miss. Click here to register. 100 Black Men Of America Annual Conference Atlanta, GA June 12-16, 2024 100 Black Men of America is the nation's leading organization in mentoring young Black men. The organization's conferences serve as a key gathering for top mentors, mentees, sponsors, partners, and community leaders. These events provide a valuable platform for networking and collaboration, bringing together individuals dedicated to empowering and guiding the next generation. Click here to register. Every Color Matters Gala Fundraiser Atlanta, GA June 22, 2024 We know this isn't a conference but Every Color Matters Gala is a great event to network and support. Every Color Matters Gala is an annual event hosted to raise awareness and money to help families affected by all forms of cancer. Prepare for an unforgettable black-tie affair with an array of delights, including passed hors-d'oeuvres a selection of exquisite drink options from an open bar, a live band and the opportunity to partake in a silent auction. Click here to register. 115th NAACP Convention Las Vegas, NV July 13-17, 2024 The annual NAACP National Convention is a powerful and engaging event that brings our community together to celebrate our collective strength. This immersive experience draws in innovative change-makers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives, creating a vibrant space for networking and idea exchange, with main stage discussions, luncheons, and the experience hall. This conference connects activists, allies, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, fostering an approach to advocacy. Click here to register. Black Men’s Mental Health Conference Atlanta, GA July 20, 2024 The Black Men's Mental Health Conference is a nationwide initiative raising awareness and educating on mental health care for Black men. On their tours, participants share stories, provide resources, and equip communities with tools for robust support systems. The events feature panel discussions, mental health experts and resources to address social determinants and specific psychological challenges facing Black men. Join the conversation, travel city to city, and collaborate to ensure a healthier future for generations of Black men. Click here to register. Black is Tech Conference Houston, TX August 19-21, 2024 The Black is Tech Conference is an event uniting Black tech professionals, students and entrepreneurs. Providing a dynamic platform, the conference offers a diverse range of resources for growth and development. From insightful discussions and workshops to networking with industry leaders, attendees gain valuable insights and tools for success in the tech industry. Click here to register. The Black Men Summit Atlanta, GA September 28, 2024 The Black Men Summit is a monumental celebratory event at the forefront of a powerful movement dedicated to transforming the world for men of color. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a community that embraces inclusivity, unity and empowerment. Click here to register. Culture Con New York City October 5-6, 2024 CultureCon is more than just a conference—it's a vibrant gathering of creatives, young professionals, and disruptors from across the nation, coming together for what can only be described as "the ultimate creative homecoming." At CultureCon, attendees are immersed in an electrifying atmosphere where diversity, inclusivity, and the intersections of culture and business take center stage. Click here to register. 2024 BLACK PROFESSIONALS SUMMIT Miami, FL November 8-10, 2024 Black Professionals Summit serves as a roadmap, guiding legacy builders toward achieving substantial professional growth and making a lasting mark in their communities. The summit is jam-packed with sessions and experiences for your goals in mind. Click here to register. Afrotech Houston, TX November 13-16, 2024 AfroTech is a vibrant conference and community celebrating Black professionals in the tech industry. It's a dynamic hub for networking, collaboration, and insightful discussions about unique experiences and triumphs in tech. Connect with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to build lasting connections. Hear from influential speakers sharing valuable insights to inspire your career. Stay ahead of industry trends with the latest innovations and advancements. AfroTech keeps you informed about emerging technologies for a competitive edge in your field. Click here to register.

The Sony Classics film WE GROWN NOW has won the 'Jury Best Feature Narrative' Award at the recent Pan African Film Festival. The film stars Lil Rel Howery, Jurnee Smollett, S. Epatha Merkerson in the lead roles with breakout performances from young child actors Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez. The 2024 Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) awards ceremony, a highly-anticipated showcase of African and African diaspora cinema and arts, was a celebration of diversity, talent, and cultural richness reflecting the festival’s commitment to promoting African heritage and narratives on a global stage. Directed by Minhal Baig, WE GROWN NOW is a compelling coming-of-age drama set within the Cabrini Green Homes in Chicago in 1992. It tells the riveting story of two young legends in their own right, best friends Malik (James) and Eric (Ramirez) who traverse Chicago, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing. Their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly. WE GROWN NOW will be released on April 19 in New York and Los Angeles with a wide release on May 10.

Since the mid/late 20th century, Black politicians have been a figure of Black power and progress. It’s almost a guarantee that in places with large Black populations, you’ll see lawmakers both local and federal that look like the people they serve. But in recent elections, there seem to be signs of that status quo changing. The Loosening Grip of the Black Fist Detroit is one of the country's Blackest cities. But you wouldn’t be able to tell from the top lawmakers. White Democrat Mike Duggan has won three elections and has led the city for more than 10 years, breaking a long 50-year-old streak of Black Detroit mayors. Second-generation Pakistani-American Rashida Talib and Indian-born Shri Thanedar represent both of Detroit’s House districts. And white politicians Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow are Michigan’s only delegates in the senate. For the first time since the Jim Crow era, Motown is left with no Black representation in Congress. Not only is this trend of Black voters turning away from Black politicians concerning, but it’s spreading. In Atlanta, a place hailed as the “Black Mecca” of America, former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms just barely defeated her white opponent Mary Norwood by 832 votes in the 2017 election. Stacy Abrams worked hard to fight voter suppression in the state of Georgia after losing a close race to white Republican Brian Kemp. But, in 2022, Kemp’s support from Black voters more than doubled and Abrams was sent home again. And Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson only won the runoff race in 2023 by a measly five points against his white Democrat peer Paul Vallas. The cracks forming in the Black political power structure are becoming more obvious with each voting cycle. Cities that are supposed to be places of Black excellence and solidarity seem to be slowly turning their backs on Black politicians. While there’s no study or data to give us hard evidence as to why this is happening, there seem to be clues hidden in the past that can shed light on the troubles of the present. Why Black People Loved Black Politicians The first wave of modern Black politicians came at the tail-end of the civil rights era in the early 70s. As hardcore racism began to soften across the country, many activists and organizers switched gears from shouting for change outside of the government to working for change on the inside. Bobby Rush was a Black Panther, Marion Barry was a founder of the SSOC (Southern Student Organizing Committee) and Coleman Young was accused of being a communist for his work with the National Negro Council. Though they all toned down their more radical beliefs over time, the passion to improve Black lives in their cities stayed with them. Rush championed the Blair Holt Firearm Owner Licensing and Record of Sale Act. Marion Barry is responsible for the incredibly successful DC Summer Youth Employment Program. And Colman Young almost single-handedly overturned the racist political machine that had plagued Detroit for decades. This is the kind of action Black people expect from Black politicians. These are the kind of people who Black people will fight through voter suppression to support. But over the past few decades, there seems to be an increasing number of facetious Black candidates that pop up with every election. Real Recognizes Real (Most of the Time) If we examine the string of mayors Detroit has had since Colman Young, Mike Duggan’s election starts to make a lot more sense. Dennis Archer was constantly at odds with local Black activists, Kwame Kilpatrick stole from the city and used the mayor’s mansion like a frat house, and Dave Bing was an incompetent leader in a time of great crisis. The examples of modern Black politicians only get worse as we look beyond Detroit. In 2015, during the height of the Baltimore unrest in response to the police killing of Freddie Grey, then-mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake referred to the citizens in the streets as “thugs” who were trying to tear down what previous generations of Baltimoreans had built. During his time as mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin accepted over a half-million dollars worth of bribes for post-Katrina reconstruction contracts. And Black Republicans like Tim Scott and John James constantly defend the white supremacy in their party in an effort not to seem “woke”. The common thread among these modern examples is that activism and pro-Black mentality seem to have taken a back seat to mainstream political issues and party solidarity. If you compared the resumes and voting records of many of these mayors and representatives, they’d be almost indistinguishable from their white counterparts. They might have a speech or two about racism, or they might have presented some grants to a few minorities. But when it comes to creating and pushing legislature that specifically helps Black people, they fall terribly short of their predecessors. That isn’t to say that all hope is lost though. There are still many Black politicians who do good for their community. Folks like the late Flint City Councilman Eric Mays and House Rep. Jasmine Felicia Crockett have both gone viral for their bold words against racism and the mistreatment of citizens. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has taken strong stances for multiple pro-Black issues like the CROWN Act and aid for the crisis in Haiti. And Mayor Chokwe Lumumba of Jackson Mississippi has spent the entirety of his term resisting gentrification and fighting to hold the state government responsible for harming the predominantly Black city he’s in charge of leading. There are obviously a large number of Black Politicians still dedicated to helping their people, but the ratio is off. Black voters are starting to see no difference between a Black politician who ignores their community and a white politician who ignores their community. Even worse yet, It’s hard to tell which smiling candidate really wants to help, and which wants power and status. It’s easy for a lawmaker to stand on a podium and quote MLK, but it’s hard for an audience to tell who really means it. As hard as it might be to pull off, Black politicians who actually mean to do good for their community need to start differentiating themselves from the ones who don’t. It’s still true that only Black people can be relied upon to consistently side with Black issues. But It’s becoming increasingly clear to voters that not all Black politicians share the same pro-Black mindset. You might get a Chokwe Lumumba, or you might get a Ray Nagin. For the sake of Black political power, those with good intentions need to make it clear who’s real and who’s faking. Otherwise, we might begin to see the government of other Black cities start to look a lot like Detroit’s. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

Microdosing is the practice of consuming psychedelic mushrooms in minute amounts through a consistent routine or schedule. A microdose allows the recipient to experience the neurological benefits without the psychoactive effects. This practice can be extremely effective in increasing cognitive performance, resolving a vast amount of mental health issues, and enhancing overall well-being. Black men who are looking to step fully into their power and activate higher levels of consciousness should consider utilizing this powerful tool. Improved Mental Health Microdosing is doing wonders globally in helping people overcome anxiety, depression, PTSD, addictions, and release trauma. Much of which disproportionately affects Black men and Black communities due to systemic factors. Nervous System Regulation Black men are especially prone to overstimulation and have been conditioned to operate under high levels of stress, which has resulted in a myriad of adverse health conditions. Microdosing can help alleviate the effects of this and provide deep levels of harmony and balance within the nervous system. Enhanced Creativity and Cognitive Performance Microdosing can stimulate creativity and divergent thinking, providing men with new perspectives and better solutions to tackle projects. It can also boost focus and overall mental capacity, enabling men to excel and navigate day-to-day tasks with greater ease. Increased Mindfulness Microdosing can promote the opening of the heart and present-moment awareness, empowering Black men to respond to triggers more effectively and operate through a lens of heightened connection and empathy. Spiritual Awakening and Expanded Consciousness For many, microdosing can facilitate transformative spiritual experiences, offering a means to receive messages, revelations, and reconnect with ancestral roots. As well as, activate levels of consciousness not generally accessible, resulting in profound understanding and philosophical downloads. While microdosing is not for everyone, for many it can be the beginning of living their best life. For those dealing with deep-rooted trauma, PTSD, complex addictions, and other concerns it’s often best to start with a higher-dose healing session in a safe space with a practiced facilitator. To find out more about psychedelic mushrooms in general and/or what might be best for you, consider booking a personal consultation with Blvck Lotus Herbals. Lo is the founder of Blvck Lotus Herbals, a holistic health company that provides tools and supplements for living a more connected and purposeful life. She is a herbal alchemist, tea enthusiast, and a practiced psychedelic facilitator. Lo splits her time primarily between Atlanta, Georgia, and various African countries, activating the healing and liberation of Black and Indigenous folks through transformative psychedelic experiences.

One film producer and dedicated philanthropist has made history. Charles D. King is the first Black recipient of the Prestigious Milestone Award at the Producers Guild of America Awards. Behind projects such as Judas and the Black Messiah and They Cloned Tyrone, the Macro studio founder joined the ranks of producers Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, James Cameron and Samuel Goldwyn — people who've changed the film industry. Macro is a multi-platform media company that elevates folks of color, according to The Grio. King said he doesn’t take the award lightly. “I’m honored and I don’t take it lightly,” he said. But this isn't the first time he’s the first of something. He’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi’s chapter at Vanderbilt University, where he was part of the first line to cross. Back in 2010, he was the first Black partner of a major talent agency. This was at the William Morris Agency where he worked his way up from the mail room. At this time, it merged to form WME. Another first happened when he launched Macro in 2015. And just nine years later, he’s been added to the list of cinemas' most well-known names. Still, King recalls his humble beginnings at the university. “To be honest, I was so surprised and filled with gratitude when it was announced. I look at it like we’re just getting started and this acknowledgement is not just about me. It’s also about Macro, what we represent, what all of my partners and colleagues represent,” he said. “Every one of these projects takes a complete village and every film that comes together feels like a minor miracle. The whole mission of our company is to amplify and to make sure that the full spectrum of our stories are being told.” Thanks to being a former agent, founder and producer, King has a unique view of the impact producers have on a project. “I’m an entertainment media company CEO and founder that has been blessed to be a producer on quite a few of our projects. The role that a producer plays is essential. A producer's a problem solver, an executor,” he said. Photo Credit: kwaku alston FOR foureleven.agency

One bus driver flew in to save the day like no other. But this one bus driver who happens to be a superhero is Kentucky native Larry Farrish, 35, who bought a first-grader pajamas on pajama day because the little boy was crying that he didn’t have any pajamas to wear, according to the press release of Jefferson County Public School. How did this all happen? When Farrish came to pick up the little boy, he noticed he was in a downtrodden mood, which was unlike him. “Normally when I pull up, he’s standing there waiting for me with a big smile, but on this day, he was sitting on the ground with a jacket over his head,” Farrish told People. “I asked him, ‘Hey buddy, what’s going on? What’s wrong?” Then the little boy, with a face full of tears, told Farrish that he didn’t have any pajamas on Pajama Day. “I thought, I gotta fix this,” he told Today. “It hurt me so bad. That just wasn’t my Levi, and I wanted him to have a good day. No child should have to miss out on something as small as pajama day.” Farrish immediately opened his button-up like Clark Kent turning into Superman, traveling to the Family Dollar store right after he made his rounds. He purchased a few pairs of pajamas in various sizes. He brought the PJs to the office and the school’s office asked the staff if they could bring Levi down. “It really turned the whole Friday around, for him and for me,” he said in the news release. Levi said in the release that he was thankful for the bus driver. “I can tell Mr. Larry is nice and his heart is filled with joy,” he said. “I’m usually really happy, but not on pajama day. ... When he got me the pajamas, I did a happy cry.” Farrish became a bus driver seven years ago after working as a corrections officer and truck driver. But he said this has been the most fulfilling job he’s had. “They become my kids after they leave their parents,” Farrish told school officials. I make sure they get to and from school safe, but I also try to bring some type of joy to their lives.” Photo Credit: Jefferson County Public Schools

One Alabama mayor issues a warning to student-athletes. Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin on social media said if lawmakers of the state pass a bill that bars inclusion, equity and diversity programs in the state’s public schools and universities, he would recommend parents of minority student-athletes to forgo any college in Alabama and select states that have diversity programs, according to NBC News. Birmingham’s mayor was reacting to the state Senate’s approval last week of a bill that would also ban public schools from confirming a divisive concept, including teaching that “slavery and racism are aligned with the founding principles of the United States,” and that “fault, blame, or bias should be assigned to members or a race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.” Still, the bill needs a House vote before it can even be signed into law by Republican governor Kay Ivey. According to Census.gov, Alabama is nearly 27% Black, and in the state, of course, college football is big business. The top program in the state is Alabama, which is rivaled by Auburn. In Woodfin’s post, he asked the “leadership, athletic directors and coaches” of those colleges if they supported the law. As of last Friday, the schools haven’t responded. “To the parents of minority athletes who are helping their children decide if they want to play sports at those institutions: Would you be cool with your child playing at schools where diversity among staff is actively being discouraged? Although I’m the biggest Bama fan, I have no problem organizing Black parents and athletes to attend other institutions outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are prioritized. If supporting inclusion becomes illegal in this state, hell, you might as well stand in front of the school door like Governor (George) Wallace,” Woodfin shared in his post. Birmingham resident Kena Clark, who supports Woodfin, said she wholeheartedly agrees. “He faces a lot of criticism for any position that he takes because he’s a Democrat in a Republican-run state,” she said. “(His words show) his character and his caring about us as a people. He’s willing to face the criticism and stand up for what we deal with as Black people here.”

Some Black brothers are set to make history. The Burns Brothers, co-founded by John and Mike Burns, will be expanding its exclusive private membership club, HQ, to Nairobi, Kenya this summer. The pair highlighted the wealth of business opportunities that were available from global expansion to international business hubs, with a focus on countries in the great continent of Africa, according to an official announcement reported by Afrotech. “Africa’s burgeoning status is a global economic powerhouse, its projection to account for one-quarter of the world’s population by 2050, and Kenya’s emergence as a promising economic epicenter underscore our decision to spotlight Kenya in HQ’s expansion,” John said. Also, the move will put HQ as the first-ever private membership club that is owned by African Americans in Africa, according to a press release. Founded in 2020 in response to growing changes in the business and lifestyle landscape, the desire to create this business was to carefully curate experiences for the business’ clientele in Washington, D.C. according to hq-dc.com. Last April, the brothers opened HQ DC House, an exclusive private membership club that’s been visited by notable individuals like Kirk Franklin, Omari Hardwick, DJ D-Nice, Kerry Washington and Ava DuVernay. John is an attorney and community activist, while Mike is a military veteran as well as a Fortune 100 executive. As co-founders, they intend on growing their brand and tending to the details that will assist their clients in feeling welcome. “We wanted a space that actually felt like a home. So that’s why each part of the house feels different but still comfortable, welcoming and elevated,” John told Travel Noire. This is a time when Black-focused initiatives, business funding and entrepreneurial opportunities are in an unstable place. So, the decision is “culturally significant because it means that Black-owned entrepreneurs are willing to forge ahead, despite challenges.” On a good note, the response to the brothers and what they are doing in the city has been positive since the HW DC House’s inception.

In a celebration of Black cinema, RATED BLACK by Á La MODE Films recently hosted a special event featuring a screening of the classic, The Great Debaters, in its original 35mm film format. Sponsored by the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival and partnered with Wax & Wane, On Set ATL, and the Plaza Theatre, RATED BLACK aims to preserve and honor the rich legacy of Black cinema while fostering dialogue across generations. The event took place at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, with over 100 guests in attendance, including students from Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University. Special guest Denzel Whitaker, NAACP Image Award winner and the actor who played James Farmer Jr. in the 2007 film, was also in the audience. After the screening, Whitaker participated in a discussion and Q&A session moderated by RATED BLACK curator Elisee Junior St Preux. Before the event, The Quintessential Gentleman's Editor-in-Chief Eric Keith engaged in a candid conversation with Whitaker. Reflecting on his mental state amidst the challenges of the industry, Whitaker expressed feeling uplifted and inspired, attributing his resilience to the support of his tribe and family. "Mentally I feel uplifted and inspired. That comes by way of tribe and family because, as an actor coming out of the strike, everybody within the industry is sort of figuring out what the new paradigm is, what the new future is that we have to look towards," Whitaker shared. "We all have our ups and downs. So to be honest with you, with something like that, that I've been a part of for so long, you really lean on your tribe, you lean on your team, you lean on your family." When asked about his outlook on the current landscape of Black culture in Hollywood, Whitaker shared his optimism but also calls for more diverse storytelling. He emphasized the need for increased representation in executive positions to greenlight projects that resonate with diverse audiences. "Once we start moving into these executive positions, we can start greenlighting more things that resonate with us. We can start putting more of us on screen," Whitaker explains. "here are certain diversity initiatives, whether you want to say they exist all for the look and show or whether they're genuine. I think what we need is more diversity within stories, and that's not just within the black diaspora; that's within all factors of minorities." Whitaker reflects on his fondest memory while shooting. "I even celebrated a birthday while shooting this film. There was a particular scene where it was my birthday, and I was fake sleeping," he recalls. "On the final take, we rolled it just like we roll any other tape, but instead, they rolled in with a birthday cake that was made for me. That was sweet. It's family everybody I still talk to today. I love these people." The Great Debaters is a film centered around mentorship. Whitaker credits Denzel Washington for encouraging his exploration of behind-the-scenes roles. "I like to say he'd seen a curiosity in me before I knew what I wanted to do," Whitaker shares. Washington's guidance and support ignited Whitaker's passion for filmmaking, leading him to pursue projects both in front of and behind the camera. Whitaker also discussed his creative endeavors through his company, Black Mouf, which serves as an incubator for his ideas and collaborations with other creators. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in artistic expression, urging fellow artists to create from a place of genuine inspiration. Reflecting on awards and recognition in the industry, Whitaker acknowledged their significance while cautioning against becoming overly reliant on external validation. He stressed the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and finding fulfillment in the creative process itself. Looking ahead, Whitaker teased upcoming projects like his new short Brand New, which he shot with Kris D. Lofton, Maestro Harrell, Chad Coleman and Quincy Ledbetter. He expressed his excitement for future endeavors, both in acting and filmmaking. With multiple projects in development, he remains dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and telling compelling stories. Check out the full interview below. Check out more photos from the event. Photo Credit: Plat Gamma

The highly-anticipated trailer for Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told has just been released. Initial tensions arose upon the announcement of a documentary on the Atlanta street party, accompanied by rumors of a potential lawsuit from attendees opposed to the idea of Freaknik footage being aired. However, now, we are finally able to get a glimpse into the legendary street party that helped put Atlanta on the map in the 80s and 90s, thanks to Uncle Luke, Jermaine Dupri and 21 Savage. "Freaknik was the greatest Black gathering in America," Rapper Lil Jon said in the trailer. Originally starting as a Black college cookout, Freaknik quickly evolved into a phenomenon known for its wild stories of highway hookups and legendary late-night parties. The festival's rise to prominence came to an end amidst controversy, but its impact on Atlanta's cultural identity remains to this day. "At its height, Freaknik was a traffic-stopping, city-shuttering juggernaut," said one of the producers in a press release. "It's deeply rooted in Atlanta's history of Civil Rights, Black leadership, and the celebration of Black culture and education. This festival could only have thrived in Atlanta." The documentary, which will showcase the journey from Freanik's grassroots celebration to its complex influence on Atlanta's social fabric, features commentary from Killer Mike, Jalen Rose, Too $hort, CeeLo Green, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and many others. Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told premieres on Hulu on March 21.