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This past weekend, The Gentlemen’s Foundation hosted their 6th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. The 2017 theme “We Are Royalty” celebrated all people of color identifying as LGBTQIA. Additionally, the black-tie gala ball and awards ceremony celebrated individuals within the LGBTQ community who have been committed to social change and enhancement of the quality of life. Guests and honorees for this year’s ball included Tarell McCraney (“Moonlight”), Tracee McDaniel (founder of “Juxtaposed Center for Transformation”), Amiyah Scott (“STAR” on FOX), Charles Stephens (Writer/Creator of The Counter Narrative Project), Darlene Hudson  (“State of Black Gay America Summit and Southern Unity Movement”), Julian Walker (“Blackbird”/“Being Mary Jane” on BET), Jack Mizrahi, Melissa Scott (VH1 “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”), Chief Joel Baker (City of Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department), Sharon Lettman-Hicks (Executive Director/CEO National Black Justice Coalition), Coriology, Tyra B, Derek J (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Miss Lawrence (Bravo’s “Fashion Queens”) , Jussie Smollett (“Empire” on Fox), Kelly Price, Bevy Smith (“Radio Andy” on Sirius XM) and more. Under the theme, “We Are Royalty,” this year’s fundraising gala and celebration was the signature event of The Gentlemen’s Ball Weekend, September 29th through October 1st, 2017. The three days of programming were filled with activities for guests and allies to recharge and reimagine their lives. Empowering experiences included: a health & wellness fair, workshops on love, relationships and financial planning, along with parties, mixers, and socials before and after the ball. On Friday, September 29, ball attendees were invited to two free panel discussions with tastemakers in the business and entertainment industries. Special panelists included Ryan Anderson (“SunTrust Bank”), Vaughn Alvarez (“CR8 Agency,” Publicist), Gocha Hawkins (We TV, “LA Hair”), Melissa Scott (“Traxx Girls”), Lisa Cunningham and more. On Sunday, October 1, following the ball, The Gentlemen’s Foundation hosted a “Royal Brunch,” that featured a special Q&A with current select Atlanta Mayoral candidates. In attendance were Mayoral candidates: Cathy Woolard, Ceasar Mitchell, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Laban King, Michael Sterling, Peter Aman and John Eaves. All candidates addressed important issues impacting the city of Atlanta and it’s LGBTQIA citizens. The Gentlemen’s Foundation was founded by Juan and Gee Smalls, an African American Atlanta based same-gender loving couple who also serve as certified relationship counselors, philanthropists, and life coaches. The foundation is a non-profit organization committing to broader social change and encouraging individual and collective empowerment as well as public service, leadership, philanthropy, and networking. To learn more about The Gentlemen’s Foundation click here. Photo Credit: Umeek Images #TheGentlemansBall #AmiyahScott #JuanandGee #JussieSmollett #TheGentlemansFoundation

Living a healthier and longer life has really become a trend in today’s world. From dieting to working out, everyone is trying to look their best and feel their best. We had the opportunity to speak with Celebrity Trainer, Ramese Long and he was able to fill us in on his new workout plan, Mood Workouts, treating your body like a car and fitness tips. What are The Mood Workouts? The MOOD Workouts are online workouts designed to mentally coach you while you are exercising. The MOOD Workouts help you get out of the negative state of mind you may be experiencing at the time…to a more productive, energetic and positive frame of mind. Where did your passion for fitness come from? My passion for fitness has always been a part of me since high school, however, when life got the best of me and my good habits gradually turned to bad habits, resulting in a 70+ lb weight gain for me. Once I lost the weight, regained my confidence and positive outlook on life, I then realized the foundation of my body and life changes revolved around fitness which inspired to help others to never go down the same path. How important is eating healthy? I like to keep it simple and use common sense when it comes to fitness and that includes eating, which is the hardest struggle. Look at your body like a car. If you wash and detail the car every week but never open the hood, never change the oil and put cheap gas in your car, what result do you expect to get from your car? Think of your body the SAME way. Put junk in…get junk out. Period. What are some tips for having better diet and nutrition? Create momentum and don’t go from 1-10. If you’re eating plan consists of fast food, missing meals, drinking and sugar, there is no way you’re going to go from eating this way to healthy overnight. Start off by making small changes and that starts with your eating patterns/habits. There are 7 days in the week…focus on eating “healthier” 4 out of 7 days a week. Watch either your portion sizes, frequency of when you eat, carbs, late night snacking, drinking or all of the above. If you make small changes in some or all of these areas coupled with movement (exercise), then you are guaranteed to create momentum and start to create healthier eating habits. There are so many statistics out there about weekly workout routines and how many times you should be working out. How many times should someone workout per day and per week? There is not a perfect plan for everyone when it comes to how many days a week is required to workout. I keep it simple and tell my clients to “mentally visual” what they want to look like once they hit their goal. Next, I tell them to visualize that person walking down the street and then ask themselves, “how many days a week would you think that fit person you want to be would exercise in a week? 2 days week? 3? 4? 5? 6? 7?” Apply that answer to your current routine and you’re on your way to unlocking that visualization in your head. I like to keep it simple as long as you keep it moving! What can we look forward to from Ramese Long? Expect Ramese Long to continue on his mission to get as many people as possible to not complicate the fitness process but also understand that anything you do in life will not be hampered by exercising and getting healthier…but it will, in fact, improve everything you do physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually. To sign up for the Mood Workouts click here. #Fitness #RameseLong

Ford, America’s truck leader, unveiled a new F-Series Super Duty Limited that sets new luxury standards for high-end heavy-duty truckers. With pricing at $87,100, the F-450 Limited delivers technology and comfort previously reserved only in premium flagship sedans, and it’s capable enough to tow more than 30,000 pounds – about the weight of a stealthy Air Force F-35 fighter plane. “The Super Duty lineup is a win for all of our customers, from successful ranchers to contractors to RV owners,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Super Duty Limited is the most luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup truck ever created by Ford for those accomplished buyers with an appetite for the high life and the hard-earned dollars to match.” Customers who check every option box can top one out for as much as $94,455. After taxes and fees, it will cost you well over $100,000. Super Duty Limited Crew Cab arrives this winter with Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8 across F-250, F-350 and F-450 single- or dual-rear-wheel configurations. The big competitor to the Ford pickups is of course the Chevrolet Silverado, which is also one of America’s favorite and most popular vehicles. If you’re interested in seeing one for yourself, you may want to head on down to somewhere like a Wichita Chevy Silverado dealership. Check out photos of the new 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty Limited below. Will you purchase a new Ford luxury pickup truck? #Ford #Luxury #PickupTruck

It’s not new that athletes after coming off the field head over to the world of entrepreneurship. Nowadays, they are actually starting their businesses while playing sports. Drew Westervelt, is a Lacrosse player who has recently launched an incredible product that’s changing the way gym-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and athletes in general clean and take care of their gear called HEX Performance. While starting his business, he realized he had a few gems that he learned while playing Lacrosse. Check out his 3 tips that helped him in the business world! There are always significantly more valleys than peaks.  Stay positive and drive forward, because focusing on losses will only drag you and your team down. Each challenge is a learning experience you can build from and grow in many ways. Like training to be the best athlete, the path of bringing your idea to life is full of setbacks and challenges. Trust Your Team. You cannot do it all– nobody can! Trust your teammates enough to let them do their work. If you try to micro-manage everything, nothing will get done. And these days, we all need to be quicker. Surround yourself with great people.  Challenge them, and be challenged by them. Identifying team goals and metrics to achieve those goals is key to a positive trajectory. Lead, Don’t Follow. Lead in your own way and believe in what sets you or your business apart. We all have roles in business or on the field.  Whether or not you are assigned a leadership position, believe in your ability and have the confidence to make your value be seen by actions to drive your team or business. Create a compelling case for why you or your business is needed and solves a problem. And be a challenger– “me too” ideas are never game changers. Hex Detergent – Drew Westervelt New Business Venture #DrewWestervelt

Finances is a topic that needs to be discussed with every couple and it needs to be had sooner rather than later. You need to know how much student loan debt they have, what’s their credit score and their spending habits. But how do you have this conversation? We spoke with an expert over at Experian on a few tips on how to have the money conversation with your spouse. Have an open and honest discussion. Make sure your spouse understands your financial goals as well as your spending habits and any of your financial “flaws,” this will help there be fewer surprises down the line. You must understand that everyone handles money differently. Be willing to compromise. Set specific financial goals with your spouse, whether it’s buying a house or even taking a big vacation, working toward a common goal together can help you align financially, especially when it comes to spending. Set a spending limit. This should be the amount of money each of you can spend without consulting with your spouse. Initiate “Finance Fridays” with your spouse — setting aside time one Friday each month to check your bank accounts and credit cards – as well as your credit score and report – together. A useful product for couples is Experian CreditWorksSM which provides access to credit scores and reports, as well as credit monitoring services, so you can keep an eye on your joint finances. Education is key when it comes to improving your finances. Couples should work to become better at credit and finance together. The Experian Education Blog is a great resource for couples who want to learn the basics. Experian.com/education Tips provided by Rod Griffin, Director of Public Education at Experian #Experian #Lifestyle #Money

Google’s Made With Code program has joined with Snap Inc to host a contest for teens to code a geofilter (ie, a creative overlay that shows where you and what you’re doing) that will go live nationally in the Snapchat app. The contest, called #MyFutureMe, launched Wednesday, September 27, and five finalists will be sent to the TEDWomen conference in New Orleans in November to work with Google and Snap engineers to create lenses for the Snapchat app. They’ll also receive a trip to Los Angeles, CA, for a private, VIP tour of the Snapchat and Google offices. A panel of amazing people will judge the lenses from the five finalists. The panel includes Ruth Porat (SVP and CFO of Google and Alphabet), Evan Spiegel (CEO of Snap), Malala Yousafzai (student, activist and Malala Fund Co-Founder), Joanna Coles (Chief Content Officer at Hearst), Laurie Hernandez (Olympic gymnast), Victoria Justice (actress and singer), Lilly Singh (YouTube personality, entertainer, and founder of Girl Love) and Dr. Yvonne Cagle (NASA astronaut). To enter your teen into the contest, click here. #Coding #Google #SnapInc #Technology

Earlier this week, Nike announced that they would be releasing a Skate shoe specifically for women. This was and is something long awaited from skaters of all ages. The change comes from the influence of Nike SB Pro Skateboarder Lacey Baker, Leticia Bufoni, and more. While some shoes were considered uni-sex the first intention when designing the shoe was often male. Female Skateboarders would often have to make “adjustments” to the shoes to get the proper feel on their feet. Finally, after a long-awaited absence, Nike has unveiled their first female Nike SB, the Women’s Nike SB Bruin High: Image Courtesy of Nike The Following is an excerpt from Nike’s statement on the SB Bruin High: Baker’s insight is echoed in similar anecdotes — about modifying men’s skate shoes to improve fit — from female Nike SB athletes including Leticia Bufoni, Sarah Meurle, and Josie Millard, as well as multiple female skate crews surveyed by Nike. Some of these adjustments are admittedly ritualistic, potentially helping to boost an athlete’s confidence, and involve tape, microwaving, and other similar actions. Yet they point to a very real need: a skateboarding shoe built for a woman’s foot that doesn’t compromise performance or require modification. You can read the full article here on Nike News. The women’s Nike SB Bruin High will be released on October 5 through the Nike App, Nike.com, and select retailers. Image Courtesy of Nike #Nike #NikeSkate #Skateboarding #Women

Essence, partnered with Ford, brought together Atlanta’s most notable tastemakers, innovators, and leaders during its My City, 4 Ways culture festival. For the 2nd year in a row, the event created an unparalleled Atlanta culture guide from the perspectives of four young dynamic African-American influencers representing the city’s social and cultural landscapes today: Designer Charlene Dunbar (Style Influencer); Melissa Mitchell (Art Influencer); Singer Algebra Blesset (Music Influencer); Chef Willie Wallace (Food Influencer). The curated experiences moderated by co-hosts Essence Lifestyle & Relationships Editor Charreah Jackson and comedian Loni Love  included a Q&A with Creative Director June Ambrose, culinary experiences by restaurateur and Grammy-nominated singer Kelis, interactive art installations, pop-up fashion shops from local designers, “Ride & Drive” experience in the latest lineup of Ford vehicles including Ford Fusion and Explorer, a sultry performance by R&B singer Algebra Blesset and more. *Photo Credit: Michael Walker/UMeek Images #4Ways #Essence #Ford #MyCity

Last week, DL Hughley held a live taping of his podcast The Hughley Truth during AdWeek at the Playstation Theater in New York City. DL and the crew invited a full panel of guests for this special event. The introduction was given by Matt Scheckner, Founder of Stillwell Partners and Global CEO of Advertising Week.  Guests included: Ali Velshi (“Velshi & Ruhle” on MSNBC), Taneshia Nash Laird (Former director of economic development for the city of Trenton, NJ), Tamika Mallory (an activist and the founder of Mallory Consulting), and Byron Garrett (Director of Educational Leadership & Policy for Microsoft) Michael Garner (Chief Diversity Officer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority). To hear more about the discussion listen below. #DLHughley #TheHughleyTruth

On September 24th, Tomorrows Luminaries Foundation hosted their 8th Annual Charity Polo Match. This event brought out over 500 of Atlanta’s Elite including Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Marlo Hampton who also served as the event’s co-host along with Kelli Stancil Brooks (TLF Founder). TLF raised over $30,000 to provide academic programs and support for Atlanta metro youth. This year’s theme was 8 Years of Sweet Success which featured many sweet surprises throughout the event. The charity polo match is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Attendees were treated to a one-of-kind outdoor experience featuring live performances by Offscript Band and Surround Sound Band, luxury car displays provided by North Atlanta Audi, an amazing dessert bar provided by Ben & Jerry’s and Jamba Juice, complimentary champagne and wine and an exciting casino lounge, complete with cigars and refreshments. Special thanks to our most generous corporate sponsors: Audi North Atlanta, Virtual Properties Realty, Royal Regime, Aviva by Kameel, Whole Foods, Ruth’s Chris, Andretti’s, Total Wine, Tito’s Vodka, Milo’s Tea, Shane’s Rib, Ben & Jerry’s, Jamba Juice, Cigaros, Gold Star Vodka, United Distributors, Stella Rose, Waffle House, Cliff Robinson Photography, Village Ice company, Bliss Consulting Services, The LIKE Booth, TJFunso Photography, Costco and Total Fitness Revolution. “Yesterday afternoon, Tomorrow’s Luminaries Foundation excelled to another level because of the giving individuals who attended the charity polo match. The past eight years we have provided academic support for over 10,000 students and this year we did an amazing job rallying behind the cause and making it happen for our youth,” said Kelli Stancil Brooks, Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Luminaries Foundation. “We always aim to provide a wonderful experience for our guests but the most important aspect of the polo match is the money we raise for our deserving youth.” In the wake of the recent hurricanes, TLF has partnered with schools and organizations to assist students affected by the hurricanes. TLF will travel to the Texas and Florida to host free ACT/SAT prep courses for students. To volunteer or donate to Tomorrow’s Luminaries Foundation click here. To continue the conversation use hashtags #TLFPOLO or follow @tlfprpep Photo Credit: TJ Funso Trenton Brown #MarloHampton #PoloMatch #TomorrowsLuminaries #TomorrowsLuminariesFoundation

Last week, New York City played host to the 2017 Urbanworld Film Festival. Founded by Staci Spikes, the festival is in its 20th year and curates many films which tell stories about diverse characters and cultures. During the festival, attendees are able to see special screenings and attend panels with the cast and filmmakers. Sponsored by AT&T and Revolt, the film festival is one of the largest internationally festivals. Baltimore Rising and Marshall were among some of the films that were premiered and the newest episode of Queen Sugar was screened as well. Over the 3 day event, many celebrities walked the red carpet including Sterling K. Brown, Chadwick Boseman, La La Anthony, Irv Gotti, Woody McClain, Jermel Howard, Kate Hudson, Kofi Siriboe, Ava Duvernay and more. Check out the photos from Day 1 of the Urbanworld Film Festival below. To see all of the films that were screened click here. Check out the photos for Day 2 here. #FIlm #Movies #TV #UrbanworldFilmFestival

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview Josh X, who has recently written for hip hop’s current no. 1 female rapper Cardi B. Not only have the pair collaborated on “Heaven on My Mind,” but Josh X can be seen in the “Bodak Yellow” video, as well as being accredited for producing and writing 2 songs on Cardi B’s latest mixtape. Josh X is definitely a megastar in the making, with talent, substance, and acute musicianship that is ready to take your soul to the next level. Josh X’s music is almost as unique as his background, born to Haitian parents in Brooklyn New York, Josh has studied at Julliard in classical piano. Some may ask “how does a classically trained musician end up working in hip-hop”? Josh attributes his studies and success to a promise his mother made to herself at a young age. “Growing up my mother wanted to take lessons but her parents were not able to afford them…when she came to the United States at a very young age she kind of taught herself to play…she vowed that when she had her own kids that they would play the piano…which is how I was introduced to the piano.” While at Julliard, Josh X discovered his passion was no longer for classical music, where he also studied jazz and eventually transferred to focus more on r&b music. “As I got older I said I really love R&B music, the artist I loved and listen to was Brian McKnight because he was a piano player.” This past March, Josh X released the critically-acclaimed mixtape, “AMOUR” with close to 2 million streams. AMOUR is definitely not your everyday mixtape, in fact, I would not call it a mixtape at all, instead, I would call it a baby maker. “A lot of people see me with tattoos and don’t think I am about to play Chopin or Bach, I am an artist that really just represents music.” Josh X’s sound mixes various feels, from r&b, reggaeton extravasated of romance, passion and sex appeal. The album’s title, AMOUR, truly encompasses all of the song’s themes. The album gives me a contemporary troubadour feeling, something music has been lacking. I too love a good trap song and club banger, but I wish more rappers spoke from the heart and showed compassion for their love interest. This perhaps is why Drake has been so widely successful, as he has the ability to mix rap and compassion in a way that resonates with both men and women. Josh X, mixtape AMOUR resonates with me with the same ease and appeal that has garnered Drake much success in the industry. With velevty vocals, beautiful instrumentation, and strong reggaton influnce in the beats, AMOUR takes credence in ingenuity and beauty. I would expect nothing less from an artist endorsed by Steve Wonder, to which he promised that he, “ had to be an artist that helps and brings happiness and uplift people with my music.” Still, Josh X brings a level sophisticated swag to r&b that has been so truly needed as of late. His next album “Trapped in Loved,” is one song away from being completed. Josh X describes the masterpieces  asa mix of “traditional r&b sound and put them on top of trap productions.” For me, I have never been a big fan of r&b music, sure I love early Whitney Houston, but her crossover songs, especially her ballads have always been my favorite songs I listened to growing up. When she transitioned into popular music, her soul poured gospel, and r&b into every perfectly placed note within her range. This idea of mixing genres, styles, and sounds is the true work of an artist’s ability to find their own unique voice within an industry that prides itself on originality. But my disdain for r&b music is not just a personal preference but universal movement towards hip-hop seen across the globe. Hip-hop is the top selling genre this year, finally outselling country music. This is significant to the field because, for me, it is a cultural phenomenon that a genre once displaced is finally earning financial and musical success, at a level in which many have felt it always should have had. Still the soul of r&b is deeply needed more so now then ever, as Josh X explains, “We are living in a very complex time where it is better to hate than to love, and when you look at r&b music, that was about love and putting yourself first, respecting yourself, and not letting people break your heart. Today’s music is about popping pills, getting drunk, and getting intoxicated, love is getting pushed out of the way.” Josh wants to bring to hop-hip motives and themes that for thousands of years have been the pinnacle of the musical Josh wants to bring to hop-hip motives and themes that for thousands of years have been the pinnacle of the musical canon, love, heartbreak, upliftment, and soul. As of late, mainstream music has turned away from this and decided to focus on escapism, running away from the truth of pain, poverty, and burden. While I love so much of trap music, I often find myself perturbed by the lyrics and subcultures that not only consume the artist lyrics but the personification of being. I look forward to hearing more Josh X, as I do feel the world needs more music that aims to bring hope and inspire, sure we need to turn up for the club, but we also need to turn up for our soul. Check out Josh X mixtape Amour below. What are your thoughts on Josh X, please comment below. #Entertainment #JoshX #Music