The American Black Film Festival Presents Business of Entertainment Conversation Series in Partnership with the City of Miami Beach

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October 5, 2022

Featuring NAACP Image Award-Nominated Actress Logan Browning (Dear White People, Hit the Floor) on Thursday, October 13, 2022

LOS ANGELES – October 3, 2022 – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, will present the second installment of its biannual Business of Entertainment Conversation Series on Thursday, October 13, 2022, 6 p.m., at O Cinema South Beach located at 1130 Washington Avenue.

With National Arts & Humanities Month providing the perfect context, the conversation will feature actress Logan Browning (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,Hit the Floor, Dear White People.) with Nicky Gelin, M.I.A.Soul host and founder of the brand 2 Fro Chicks and“Nicky Says Yolo” who will moderate the discussion. The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is requested as seating is limited. To register for the event, go to, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abff-business-of-entertainment-conversation-series-logan-browning-tickets-427623412137.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the City of Miami Beach for this second iteration of our Business of Entertainment Conversation series, which brings Hollywood talent like Logan Browning to the city and allows us to help grow our community engagement,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF Ventures, LLC.

ABFF launched the Business of Entertainment Conversation Series to bring top film and television artists and industry leaders to the Miami Beach area, sharingtheir career experiences and best practices for navigating the business.

Logan Browning is a Georgia native who began her professional acting career in television and film at 14-years-old. After a successful start at a young age, which included starring in Bratz: The Movie, she attended Vanderbilt University. Browning then returned to Hollywood starring in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, Vh1’s Hit the Floor, Netflix’s The Perfection and critically acclaimed series Dear White People. She has received two NAACP Image Award nominations for ‘Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.’ Logan is also an op-ed writer and has had her work published online. She most recently directed her debut film Hey Boo for Women Write Now, Hartbeat’s fellowship program. Browning is a passionate participant in several non-profit organizations advocating for civil rights, sustainability, inclusion, and mental health.

The 27th American Black Film Festival will be held June 14-18, 2023, in Miami Beach followed by a virtual event June 19-25 on ABFF PLAY. The festival brings together Black culture enthusiasts, artists, executives and filmmakers from around the world. Submissions for the upcoming festival are open. For more information about ABFF, including submission, deadline and eligibilitydetails, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

About the American Black Film Festival

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to empowering Black artists and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder & CEO Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black filmmaking community by encouraging resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. The ABFF has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood and having premiered the early works and showcasing the talent of many of today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians, is an acknowledged platform for emerging Black artists. Today, the festival is the pre-eminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in Hollywood

Comcast RISE to Award $1 Million in Grants to South Florida Small Businesses, Expands Eligibility to Include All Women-Owned Businesses

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admin

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October 5, 2022

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For the second year in a row, program will give $10,000 grants to 100 small businesses owned by people of color, including Hispanic and Black-owned businesses, and now women, in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties

Eligible businesses can apply online October 3-16

Comcast today announced it will award $1 million in grants to 100 small businesses owned by women and people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others, in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, bringing the Comcast RISE program’s total investment in South Florida to $2 million. Comcast RISE stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment.”

From October 3 through October 16, eligible small businesses in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties can apply online for one of the $10,000 grants at www.ComcastRISE.com. Comcast is also awarding grants in Chicago, Oakland, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

The Comcast RISE program previously awarded $1 million in $10,000 grants to 100 South Florida businesses in November 2021. In total, $21 million in Comcast RISE grants have been awarded to small businesses nationwide.

One of the South Florida recipients was Broski Ciderworks in Pompano Beach, founded and owned by brothers Daniel and David Verdugo.

“Receiving the $10,000 Comcast RISE grant was a game changer for our business. We used the money to make significant upgrades to our operations, including establishing an online retail store so that our award-winning ciders can be available to not just our customers here in South Florida, but across the country,” said David Verdugo.

“We are very grateful to have been selected as one of the Comcast RISE grant recipients. We encourage all other entrepreneurs who are eligible to apply for the grant and to tell their stories, because the Comcast RISE program could end up being a huge blessing for their businesses just like it was for ours,” said Daniel Verdugo.

“We are very thankful that Comcast is contributing once again to the revitalization of Miami-Dade’s economy with another $1 million in Comcast RISE grants,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We need lasting and meaningful change in our region, and we know Comcast is a committed community partner, not just today, but for years to come.”

“Small business owners throughout Broward County are still navigating the ups and downs of the post-COVID pandemic economy. We must continue to support businesses of diverse ownership, of all sizes and across different industries,” said Broward County Mayor Michael Udine. “By committing another $1 million dollars in grants for small businesses, the Comcast RISE program is supporting the growth and development of the economy of our entire community.”

Comcast RISE to Award $1 Million in Grants to South Florida Small Businesses, Expands Eligibility to Include All Women-Owned Businesses — *Jackie Michel*, Owner /Designer of Bare Reverie is a past recipient of the *Comcast RISE* Grant program.

Comcast RISE was formed in late 2020 to give small businesses owned by people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian American owners, among others, the resources they need to not just survive, but thrive. In November 2021, Comcast RISE announced a major expansion to all women-owned businesses nationwide as a part of the program’s first anniversary.

“Many circumstances for small businesses are vastly improved since the height of the pandemic. However, for some businesses that had to close their doors for weeks or had to put production or their services on hold because of supply chain disruptions, recovery is ongoing,” said Beatrice Louissaint, President & CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council. “Support and resources from companies like Comcast are a lifeline for these small business owners and their neighborhoods.”

In addition, Comcast RISE invests in ongoing mentorship and resources to help businesses succeed over the long-term. The program has partnered with Ureeka, an online platform for entrepreneurs, to provide grant recipients with business coaching to help build skills in company foundation, growing customers, and financial stability. All Comcast RISE recipients will also have a specialized online networking community within Ureeka with access to educational resources, sources of capital, and vetted experts such as U.S. Black Chambers, National Asian Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Walker’s Legacy, and Operation Hope.

“Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund offer the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color and women to help grow their businesses, create jobs, and play a vital role in supporting our communities. This new round of Comcast RISE Investment Fund grants will provide more South Florida entrepreneurs with the resources and tools they need to scale their businesses and thrive for years to come,” said Rich Rollins, Vice President of Business Services for Comcast’s Florida Region. “While we know that no single organization can solve historic and systemic inequities overnight, we are committed to taking tangible actions that can drive long-term impact and change.”

Comcast RISE Marketing and Technology Services

In addition to the Investment Fund, Comcast RISE, provides the opportunity for small businesses owned by people of color and women nationwide to apply for grants for one or more of the following support focus areas with the opportunity to receive one.

Marketing Services Grant: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including:

Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period.
Creative Production: Turnkey 30-second TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and a 90-day linear TV media campaign.
Consult: Digital audits by Ureeka in the form of Website Repair Reports and SEO Keyword reports to target website mechanics and effective organic marketing

Technology Makeover Grants: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.)

All eligible applicants will receive a monthly Comcast RISE newsletter with educational content, and all small business owners can visit the Comcast RISE destination on the X1 platform featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote.

Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.

Diary of a Jamaican in Puerto Rico: Day 1

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Calibe Thompson

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October 4, 2022

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I hadn’t visited Puerto Rico since I was a teenager. I had come on a school trip as an Immaculate High student and didn’t remember much about the place. It was a short 2.5 hour flight from Fort Lauderdale (short because I’m blessed with the gift of being able to sleep through any flight), and though a hurricane had recently devastated a part of the island, the area I visited seemed fine. Tourism is the lifeblood of many of our islands, so while recovery efforts are important, so are the efforts to reinfuse commerce and industry.

This trip was a media outing. I’m covering the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace, where our Caribbean islands, their hotels, as well as various tour operators and service providers meet each other to solicit business and promote their destinations.

On the drive from the airport to the hotel, the Hilton Caribe — literally the birthplace of the Pina Colada — I began to understand the personality of the island. Like the USVI, Puerto Rico is both part of the Caribbean and part of the United States. Like other Caribbean countries, it calls itself a rum capital. (We’ll enjoy the spoils while they figure out among themselves who actually holds titles).

In San Juan, history meets modern, old meets new. I passed old buildings and forts situated beside towering high-rise buildings, all comfortably creating a textured backdrop of bustling Latin-Caribbean life.

Diary of a Jamaican in Puerto Rico: Day 1 — Modern structures of the city sit behind the ruins of an old fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The surprising squawk of two large parrots greeted me in the palatial lobby of the Hilton Caribe Hotel. I was checked in and was off to my room in minutes. I walked by food and beverage options including old faithful, Starbucks, as well as an Italian spot. I could take a few steps down toward the pool and stop in the modern “Caribar,” where a custom metal sculpture sporting sinewy strands interwoven among themselves hung over the service area as its stunning centerpiece. Through the locked doors, I could see what seemed to be an infinity pool carrying my eyes across to the ocean beyond.

The decor was modern, with touches of sea shells and tropical colors here and there. The room was appointed similarly, with modern decor, stone counters, and a cool sliding barn door to the bathroom. From my sixth floor balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea, I could see an old fort to my left. I had noticed another off the opposite side of the building when I alighted the elevator minutes before.

I’ve already made mental plans to go down and see if there are any canons I can visit before I leave. In the background, the ads playing between my YouTube videos are suddenly speaking to me en espanol, reminding me that I’m really not on home territory any more. I could have forgotten, since the view and the sound of the ocean so remind me of Jamaica.

I hopped on a shuttle over to a swooping, majestic convention Center with stunning architecture. In multiple spots, the “I heart PR” branding convinced me that I, too, loved Puerto Rico.

After collecting my credentials and heading back to the hotel for a quick change, I came to what is known as the T-Mobile District, (Distrito T-Mobile), where a few hundred acquaintances danced, ate and drank as the red carpet was rolled out for delegates, exhibitors and media. Live entertainment, including choreographed dancers, singers and cultural ambassadors dressed in traditional attire put on a show to remember, welcoming us to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.

If this is day one, I’m really looking forward to what happens next!

Looking to the Future with SEORA

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Hannah Gulics

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September 26, 2022

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What does our future look like?

Future Caribbean by SEORA — Photo: Jimmy October For SEORA, Shot By Olajùwon Scott.

We’ve all tried to imagine the future. From flying cars and houses on the moon to jetpack backpacks and moon boots, the world has skimmed through varying perspectives of what the future looks like. We all know The Jetsons and Back To The Future. We’ve seen their perspective. But what about ours? Is George Jetson flying to go play a game of dominoes as he listens to his favorite hot new reggae chune? Are we taking our flying car from Trinidad to Tobago to get that well needed beach day, with a crate of Carib beer in the trunk? Most importantly, what are we wearing?

With the Caribbean’s biggest exports being culture and good vibes, we know that one thing is for certain—fashion is at the heart of it all. With our eye-catching hues, form bending silhouettes and edgy styling, there’s no question that nothing defines an era like what is worn at the time.

Future Caribbean imagines modern fashion (namely street wear) drenched in Caribbean flair. We are wearing our gender neutral cargo jacket set, bleached to perfection to favour our beloved Caribbean Sea. We’ve got on our wrap visor sunglasses, and our hang earrings—but we can’t forget our timeless meshaz (mesh marina) and our clean clean sneakers. Oh, and we’re also wearing every single chain we own, 24 karat or not (thank you Shabba).

Looking to the Future with SEORA — Photo: Jimmy October For SEORA, Shot By Olajùwon Scott.

We determine modernity. We embrace our history. We choose the elements we want to bring forward with us. The future of the Caribbean is interlinked with its past. And our future feels familiar, it feels like home. We continue to push forward— one hand on the door to the future, the other holding the pieces that made us. We juxtapose future with vintage, because we stand on the shoulders of those who championed our past, forever grateful for their sacrifices. Maybe our flying car is playing Dennis Brown and Chronixx. Judy Mowatt and Lila Ikè? Gregory Isaacs and Jesse Royal? Whatever it is, we’re definitely still jamming to Jimmy’s verse in Magic.

See the entire creative concept images here.

Future Caribbean

Written By Shampagnex

Jimmy October In SEORA FW2022, Captured By Olajùwon Scott At Green Yard, Port-Of-Spain. Styling, Creative Direction & Set Design By Shampagnex. BTS By Richard Carrington.

Special Thanks To Ayanna Wadada And The Wadada Movement & Dubwise Trinidad.

Five Ways to Practice Self-Care During Breast Cancer Treatments

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September 26, 2022

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A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Cancer by itself is a scary word. Hearing you have cancer is an entirely different level of terror. In an instant, everything changes. In just a split second, there is a before cancer and an after cancer. You can recognize the line drawn in the sand. With good reason, everything is focused on your physical health. What can I do to get better? How do I beat this? But just as, and sometimes more important, is your entire well-being. Your mental, emotional, and physical self needs tender loving and care now more than ever.

In the new normal after diagnosis, the sudden onslaught of doctor’s visits can be anxiety-inducing. The genuine questions and phone calls from concerned family and friends can be overwhelming. The “what ifs” and treatment decisions can be paralyzing. The aftereffects of surgery and treatment make you feel like a different person. Being an advocate in the community is extremely fulfilling but can also be exhausting. Let’s not even get into survivor’s guilt.

While figuring out my next steps, I realized that self-care needed to be at the top of my list. I needed an arsenal of tools ready on the days that cancer knocked me down. I needed to know how to get my groove back after a difficult doctor’s appointment. I wanted to know how I could be gentle with myself while my world felt like it was closing in around me, and I craved ways to ground myself in the beauty that remained within me and my life.

1. Journaling

A habit I picked up at the start of my diagnosis was journaling. I started it to document test results, questions I had for my care team, and things I wanted to remember, but it quickly became my outlet. I journaled about the things I was feeling. I poured out my hopes and my fears. It also helped me to examine why I was feeling certain things and what I could do about it. I could reflect on my thoughts, and I felt lighter when I left it all on the page. I could be brutally honest even when I thought I couldn’t be honest with those around me.

2. Meditation

I never thought I could meditate. I still don’t. When my anxiety spiked, I learned that even if I couldn’t hold perfect attention, meditation helped quiet my racing thoughts. I turned to YouTube university and fell in love with guided meditation. It helped me follow a set path to meditation rather than trying to figure it out alone. I could choose the length and types of meditation I engaged in depending on my needs of the day. I also really enjoy sleep meditations. Sleep meditations allow me to sleep peacefully, knowing that my subconscious mind is thinking peaceful thoughts.

3. Baths

Baths have always been my comfort place. Whenever I need to think, I’m not feeling my best, or I want to get comfy and cozy, I love to soak in the tub. I don’t always add candles, bubbles, or fancy bath salts, but nothing feels as good as sinking into a steaming hot bath and letting my feelings go. As a natural girl, I don’t worry about getting my hair wet, so I am able to sink until just my eyes, nose, and mouth are peeking out. This is the time I chose to be alone with myself. This is my downtime when I have no other priorities. On the days I feel the yuckiest, I muster up the strength to get in the tub. In addition to freeing my mind and spirit, hot baths also loosen up stiff joints and tight muscles. During cancer treatments, it’s important that you find the energy to do the things that make you feel good.

Five Ways to Practice Self-Care During Breast Cancer Treatments

4. Affirmations

Another new habit I picked up during treatments was affirmations. Words mean things. Words heal, and words hurt. I had to be more conscious of my self-talk during treatment. It was easy to say my body was failing me, or I felt like shit. While, in some instances, those things might be true, there is a better, more affirmative way to speak to and about myself. While saying affirmations out loud is still uncomfortable to me, I do draft my own. I don’t necessarily say them, but I write them and read them.

Thanks to a person near and dear to my heart, I try to speak life and gratitude over myself. I reframe my words to be more positive. I am first honest about my thoughts, but then I consciously reframe my words. I might feel like crap today, but I am also grateful that the medicines are working to kill the cancer cells in my body.

5. Apps

I’m a total tech geek. I love the newest gadget, and if there is an app for it, I have it. To help me keep a good balance and to stay on track with my self-care, I found apps to support my journey. I have affirmation apps that keep affirmations rotating on a widget on my phone screen, and I am reminded and given the space to write my affirmation once a day. I have a guided journal that provides different prompts to ensure that I am putting my feelings in a journal regularly. I have mood and symptom trackers. I have meditation playlists that I can queue up at any moment. These apps help me feel like I have a little more control over all the things that are happening to me.

Whatever speaks to your heart, do that. Your self-care doesn’t have to look like mine, but please find at least a few things that can help soothe your soul, pick you up when you’re feeling down and take you away when the reality is all too real.

For the Breast of Us(FTBOU) is an organization born three years ago with a single mission: Create a safe space for women of color diagnosed with breast cancer and reinforce that they are not alone. Understanding the importance of representation, FTBOU has successfully expanded its diverse ambassadors from the two founders to thirty Baddie Ambassadors over the last two years. Tapping into a variety of women from all walks of life, with different diagnosis and treatment routes, allows the organization to expand its voice and the women who can benefit from it.

Additionally, all ambassadors have a personal commitment and bias for action regarding advocacy and staying up to date with the latest cancer treatment developments—all to give it back when helping new breast cancer patients. In the last two years, FTBOU has also accomplished two successful retreats that have brought survivors from all over the nation together to inspire and educate them as they craft their own personal journeys.

FTBOU is the first organization to lead with an inclusive spirit for all women of color, all ages, ethnicities, and sizes. They are proud to have African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Indian women a part of their organization. They hope the list continues to expand as they carry on their mission to have our current and future cancer warriors see a familiar face in the souls that make FTBOU.

For the Breast of Us Houston-based Bajan Baddie Ambassador-Cynthia Johnson

Cynthia is the CEO & Creative Director of Our Like Vibes. Cynthia crafted the design aesthetic for Our Like Vibes and other brands like Bajans & Friends for Health & Education and Caribbean Heritage Magazine. Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018, one year before she was old enough to begin regular mammograms. After a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation, Cynthia is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, Cynthia shared her journey candidly on social media. This led her to educate and advocate for breast cancer and health disparities.

Cynthia lives by the mantra, “If you’ve got to go through it, GLOW through it.” An educator by day, at night, Cynthia glows by volunteering her time as a Baddie Ambassador with For The Breast of Us, an Advocacy Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy, a certified global educator with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie!

She believes one of the major issues is women of color being misdiagnosed or their diagnoses being delayed. This can be due to ignorance or unfamiliarity with the culture the patient represents.

Johnson states, “We have to teach doctors to look past the fact that a woman speaks differently or that as black women we’re bigger women most times or that we’re overweight, and see what our concerns are, because they may not even understand that reality. You’re not going to tell Caribbean women to stop eating carbs – that’s just not real!”

Johnson makes it clear that understanding the cultural nuances is integral in making the best choices for those impacted by breast cancer. FTBOU helps those in the medical industry in this fashion and advocates for the right persons to be in the room when important decisions are made.

Special note: For the Breast of Us will host their inaugural sneaker ball, “We Run This Gala,” during Breast Cancer Awareness month on October 15, 2022, in Houston, Texas. The Gala provides a platform where breast cancer survivors and thrivers are celebrated nationwide, along with those advocating and educating our community and those no longer with us. This Gala is another creative idea from the organization aiming to mobilize support in the fight against breast cancer, connecting their favorite wear – sneakers – with their favorite elegance.

Helpful Tips To Get Ready for Your First Boat Tour

By

Emma Radebaugh

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September 23, 2022

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Helpful Tips To Get Ready for Your First Boat Tour

Boating tours and trips are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the fresh air and water around you. If you’re getting ready for your first boat tour, read on for a few helpful tips that will get you in the boating mindset.

Dress for the Occasion

First of all, get ready to be on the water all day. When you choose your outfit for the boat tour, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting damp or outright wet. Depending on the boat you’ll be riding in, there may be a splash factor involved. Leave your dry-clean-only goods at home and opt for light, waterproof layers.

Slather on the Sunscreen

Neglecting proper sun protection is one of the most common mistakes novice boaters make. Even if your skin doesn’t tend to burn, that’s no excuse to skimp on the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 and reapply it every hour or so.

Tip:

When applying sunscreen, don’t forget your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Bring along a lip balm with some SPF, too—that skin is very sensitive and needs extra care.

Follow Safety Precautions

When you board the boat, listen to your captain or tour guide when they review safety procedures. You will likely have to wear a life jacket aboard the boat, so be courteous and buckle in without complaint. Know the location of the first aid kit and any emergency entrances or exits.

Bring Plenty of Sustenance

Pack plenty of water and snacks before you board the boat, and try to pack more than you think you’ll need. Being surrounded by water during your boat tour may make you thirsty, so bring an extra bottle of drinking water just in case.

Get ready to enjoy your very first boat tour by following these helpful preparation tips. When you arrive ready to set out, you’ll be able to kick back, relax, and enjoy the nautical vibes on your boat trip.

Key Tips for a Thriving Beachfront Garden

By

Emma Radebaugh

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September 23, 2022

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Key Tips for a Thriving Beachfront Garden

Whether or not you’re an experienced gardener, creating an oceanfront garden can be a massive challenge. The excessive wind, sandy soil, and salty air are just a few factors that make it difficult for plants to thrive. While this sounds like bad news, you don’t have to let it discourage you from planting a beautiful seaside garden. Dive into a few key tips for a thriving beachfront garden to make your property stand out above the rest.

Choose Native Plants

One of the best ways to ensure your beach garden thrives is to use plants that belong there. If you’re unsure which plants are native to your area, consider asking around or walking up and down the beach to look for inspiration. You can take photos of plants you see and show them to your local nursery staff to ensure you get the best plants for your area.

Use Additives To Combat Sandy Soil

Sandy soil can be a huge issue for many plants, as they typically require moist, nutrient-rich soil. Unfortunately, beachfront property often lacks nutrients and doesn’t retain enough water to keep plants healthy. However, you can fix this by adding organic compost to your soil. Consider adding about three inches of compost to the soil before you begin the planting process.

Protect Your Plants From the Wind

Excessive wind can wreak havoc on plants, and beachfront properties tend to be windier than any other location. With that said, you may have to provide extra protection for your garden to ensure the plants grow properly. Depending on your personal preferences, you can use fencing, sturdy shrubs, or large rocks.

Use Heat- and Drought-Resistant Plants

Because tropical weather is often hot and sunny, your plants may not receive much rain. Therefore, drought-resistant plants are the best option for your seaside garden. Even if you provide supplemental shade and water, your plants may not survive the heat of the summer in a tropical climate. Alternatively, beach-native plants have a better chance of surviving despite the harsh conditions.

Planting a garden is just one of the many ways to maintain beachfront curb appeal, and you can do so successfully with these key tips for a thriving beachfront garden. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a beginner, you may need a little extra help figuring out the best possible way to maintain your plants.

Caribbean American Appointed as Associate Director of External Affairs of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture

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admin

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September 20, 2022

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Island-origins-Smithsonian-nmaahc-outside — Fuzheado, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

September 11, 2022 – Washington, D.C. — Effective September 11, 2022, Denise Robinson Simms was appointed as Associate Director of External Affairs of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). In this role, Simms will direct and coordinate all aspects of the Office of Public Affairs, Office of Public Programming, Office of Special Events, and the Office of Visitor and Guest Services. She will also serve as the Museum’s liaison to the Smithsonian’s Office of Government Relations. As a member of the Museum Director’s senior management team, Simms will work closely with senior staff in setting priorities and devising strategies for advancing the Museum’s objectives.

Born in Maryland and a child of immigrants from Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, Denise joined the staff of the NMAAHC as Manager of Special Events in February 2016, just seven months before the historic grand opening events of the Smithsonian Institution’s 19th Museum. After managing, coordinating, and assisting the NMAAHC Grand Opening Team with producing all of the celebrations and Museum Dedication, Denise began managing the daily operations of the Museum’s first Office of Special Events. The Museum has hosted thousands of events and public programs each year and has welcomed over 8 million visitors since opening on September 24, 2016.

Denise Robinson Simms, as Associate Director of External Affairs of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support a very hardworking team as we continue to do the work of telling the unvarnished truth of American History through the African American lens.”

Denise has spent the majority of her career at the Smithsonian, working for 10 years in the Office of Special Events at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) as Special Events Coordinator and then Manager of Special Events. Before her time at NMAI, she worked as Special Events Coordinator at the National Museum of American History (NMAH) preceded by several internship appointments within the Museum. Prior to the Smithsonian, Denise worked in her hometown at the Baltimore Museum of Art as the Board Liaison from 2004-2005.

In 2004 Denise earned her Master’s degree in Museum Studies from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Art History at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland in 2002.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Since its grand opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than 7.5 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital presence. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.

4 Tips for Reviving an Outdated Kitchen Design

By

Emma Radebaugh

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September 15, 2022

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4 Tips for Reviving an Outdated Kitchen Design

Your house is where you should feel at home, enjoying the décor and relaxing in the space. Designing areas of your home to your personal liking and standards will make you feel even more at home.

The kitchen that you once loved can begin to feel outdated and incompatible with your life over time. The cost of constructing your dream kitchen—gutting old cabinets, replacing appliances, or ripping up flooring—can be very high. Instead, there are small ways you can bring your kitchen back to life. Keep reading to learn four tips for reviving an outdated kitchen design.

Find Your Dream Kitchen Inspiration

Some people know what they want from their dream kitchen. If you’re a little unsure, that’s OK!

Find a color scheme and a style that fits your home. Go to home improvement stores to see what they’re selling. Research kitchen designs that professionals have done before. This will help you figure out what designs you like, what you dislike, and what small changes you could implement into your own kitchen.

Understand Your Budget

This is the most important aspect of any home renovation project. If you have a small budget and need to make changes, pick one feature of the kitchen where you would most like to see improvement. Ensure that renovation costs will not affect your ability to pay for everyday necessities.

Changing Up Your Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are the most eye-catching feature of your kitchen. To save money, consider painting your kitchen cabinets or refacing them entirely! If you prefer to paint them, find a color that matches the walls, kitchen backsplash, flooring, and countertops.

Find One Kitchen Appliance That Needs Updating

When browsing through all the different tips for reviving an outdated kitchen design, it’s important to focus on what is going to make you the happiest. For some people, having functional appliances is more important than the appearance of the space.

Choose an appliance that falls within your budget and is both functional and pleasing to the eye. Don’t forget to consider installation costs. When you decide to make further home improvements in the future, you already have one item checked off the list!

Renovating any room of a house can be daunting and costly. Take each improvement one day at a time. As you slowly make these changes, one day, your outdated kitchen will be like new!

Afrobeats’ African Giant Burna Boy Headlines Tipsy Music Festival Miami for Miami Carnival Weekend 2022

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September 14, 2022

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island-origins-tipsy-miami-2022-music-festival — Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

MIAMI, Fl. (September 9, 2022) – Afrobeats has been sizzling the airwaves with chart topping hits across the globe. Afrobeat artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems and Rema have been dominating the music charts and for good reason. Delivering sensational performances on his current Love, Damini 2022 Summer Tour; Grammy Award Winning Burna Boy kick starts Miami Carnival Weekend 2022 by headlining Tipsy Music Festival Miami on Friday, October 7th at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Fl 33132 from 3pm to 11pm.

“Carnival in Miami is a beautiful time to see a plethora of Caribbean cultures converge to showcase their freedom of expression through music, food, dance and fashion. We hope to give you a taste of all things multicultural and want to make Tipsy Music Festival Miami an unforgettable experience. We are bringing the best Caribbean and African acts that music has to offer,” says Crystal Cunningham, Tipsy Music Festival Spokesperson.

Produced by Twisted Entertainment and Project X Productions, the very best of Caribbean artists like Skinny Fabulous, Voice and Hypasounds with an all-star cast of DJ’s like Deejay Puffy, Tony Mix, Jus Jay and Travis World are set to perform.