Uncategorized

LifestyleThe LatestUncategorized

Lotte New York Palace Hosts Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!

by Jaylin De Guzman
written by Jaylin De Guzman

All Photography taken by Brian Schutza Photography.

Amid basketball, marathons, and baseball lies one sport New York remains incomparable of: Christmas Tree Lightings. This past Tuesday, November 27, Lotte New York Palace Hotel lights up its iconic courtyard. Known widely as Gossip Girl’s “The Palace,” Lotte secures their spot in this season’s must-see spectaculars. 

While scarves blew awry and the colorful garden of wool mittens filled the courtyard, Lotte had the crowd covered! While the bar was stocked with apple cider, hot toddies, and champagne, trays of hot cocoa came circling around. Chef Bill Leonard, Lotte’s Head Pastry Chef, warms the crowd with his grandmother’s hot chocolate recipe. It was the perfect remedy for a night cold enough to see your breath!

Joined by the New York Yankees Shortstop Anthony Volpe, David Sherman dedicated the Palace’s hard work and magic to the staff and partnership with the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. The Lotte New York Palace Hotel has been a generous supporter of the foundation, aimed at aiding pediatric cancer patients and their families. For years now, Lotte has offered their beautiful rooms for families to experience the wonder that is New York at Christmas time. Following a touching speech, Volpe and Shenman counted down the seconds revealing the glimmering tree.

After a long-awaited hold since 2018, the Lotte New York Palace returns with its classic tree lighting. Right in the heart of the city, the Lotte New York Palace’s Christmas tree is ready for all its holiday visitors! 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EventsUncategorized

UJC & Roc Nation’s 2nd Annual Social Justice Summit

by JaMir Robert
written by JaMir Robert

The Knockturnal attended Roc Nation and the United Justice Coalition hosted the 2nd annual social justice, at the Javits Center.  Additionally, the summit featured over 60 national and local non-profit organizations 1including REFORM Alliance, Last Prisoner Project, Innocence Project, Gathering for Justice, etc provided programs and resources to all attendees to advocate for change in their respective communities.   Not only did they create a space to have these conversations to be had together they also provided access to vendors and resources and services from mental health to prison reform. In these times we need community, events like these are actively applying healing to the many scars we need to unload and heal in our society.

It is refreshing to know some people do care and are on the front lines doing this work.

Showing up sharing their stories the atmosphere was brimming with like-minded individuals who also wanted to active positive change.

The summit also included an art gallery that leveraged artwork that told the stories of activism. In New York City that included speaking appearances from New York Attorney General Letitia James, Fat Joe, Charlamagne Tha God, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Angela Rye, Until Freedom co-founder Tamika Mallory, Soledad O’Brien, CNN chief legal analyst Laura Coates, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice Kristen Clarke, and many more that drew over 3,000 attendees.

Additionally, the summit featured over 60 national and local non-profit organizations including REFORM Alliance, Last Prisoner Project, Innocence Project, Gathering for Justice, etc that provided programs and resources to all attendees to advocate for change in their respective communities. The summit also included an art gallery that leveraged artwork that told the stories of activism.

A few highlights from the day included

Letitia James, Kristen Clarke, and Michelle Miller participated in a fireside chat to discuss the ongoing fight against hate crimes, especially in this political climate.

Fat Joe introduced a panel that featured the families of Sean Bell and DJ Henry both of whom were shot and killed by police officers.

Charlamagne Tha God moderated a panel about mental health treatment within the criminal justice system with The Solution Focused Universe founder Elliott Connie, family therapist Dr. Jay Barnett, Vibrant Emotional Health national director LaraEvans, and Deputy Director at the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justin Derek Hamilton.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Uncategorized

Modern Blk Girl Turns Three in NYC

by Lenique Vincent
written by Lenique Vincent

What started out as a personal investment, turned into Tiffany James investing her time into a whole community through her company, Modern Blk Girl (MBG).

After her $10,000 dollar Tesla investment grew past $2 million in 2020, James earned her wings, and began to teach others to fly shortly after. Fashioned to give black women access to the stock market and lessons on trading, Modern Blk Girl has gained over 400,000 members, mainly women of color, who hope to one day follow in James’ footsteps.

On November 20, James, alongside skincare brand Topicals, spirit curator Rémy Martin and more, celebrated three years of MBG with We Rise: A Toast to Women and Financial Literacy.

Held at the exclusive 2045 Studio in NYC, the celebration introduced guests to products from Topicals stashed in the ladies room, mani/pedis from Laqlab, 20 different scents courtesy of Mind Games Fragrance and the honoree of the evening; Ms. James.

Hailing from Brooklyn with Caribbean roots, James opened up about her journey during a Q&A. In short, the support from her community and interest in finance fueled MBG. “Knowing how Black women supported me, I had to pour back into them,” James noted.

As for the future, James plans on opening an AI based restaurant in Los Angeles. Be sure to keep up with the CEO and get in on the financial fun @modernblkgirl and/or @tiffanyj.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentEventsFilmUncategorized

LA Premiere: Adam Sandler’s Animated Comedy Leo

by Katherine Wright
written by Katherine Wright

The Knockturnal attended the Los Angeles premiere of Adam Sandler’s animated comedy “Leo,” held at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood Village on Sunday, November 19th.

The star-studded carpet included producer, writer, and titular character Adam Sandler, comedian and actor Bill Burr, along with directors Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim, and many more.

 

 

“Leo” is a heartwarming story about an elementary school’s 74-year-old pet lizard, weary from the exhausting repetition of substitute teachers, overbearing students, and general childhood tomfoolery. With only one year left in his life, he decides to escape the classroom and embark on a chaotic journey in the outside world, launching a hilarious and absurd musical adventure riddled with Adam Sandler’s beloved humor.

Watch “Leo” now on Netflix!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Uncategorized

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph talk ‘The Holdovers’

by Jess Lucero
written by Jess Lucero

A familial bond goes far beyond bloodline. In acclaimed director Alexander Payne’s 1970’s based film, The Holdovers, an unconventional trio builds a bond in time for the holiday season.

The film is set at a New England prep school where Paul Giamatti’s character, takes on the role as the teacher, Paul Hunham. Hunham is forced to watch student’s with nowhere else to go during Christmas break. One of those students is Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa. Tully’s mom decides she’d rather spend the holiday season celebrating her new marriage. The trio is complete with school cook, Mary Lamb, who recently lost her son in the Vietnam War. Lamb is portrayed by Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

I had the opportunity to speak with Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph to discuss their time working on the film. Dominic, a high school senior drama kid, made his on-camera debut as a lead in The Holdovers. Sessa shares that he originally auditioned for a background character. Casting directors, on the other hand, had something else in mind for him. Like a true high school senior his first call to share the good news was to his mom.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has had an eventful couple of years in the industry, but explained that this character in particular, required a ton of studying. From the war that took place, to her Boston accent, learning how to properly hold and smoke a cigarette. Mary lamb was an intricate character.

While Paul Giamatti is a veteran in the industry, he praised Sessa’s debut performance. Saying he learned more from Dominic than Dominic learned from him. Taking note of his, “openness,” as well as how much Sessa, “fought for his character,” in comparison to Giamatti’s typical adaptable response.

Experience the The Holdovers in theaters now.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentEventsUncategorized

ESSENCE Girls United Summit 2023: Atlanta’s Celebration of the Black Experience in the Era of Disruption

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

On Saturday, Nov. 11. the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta, offering a vibrant celebration of the diverse facets of the black experience. With the support of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, attendees of all ages gathered for a day filled with panels, beauty, and music.

Throughout the lively event, trays of complimentary McDonald’s French Fries circulated the venue while guests engaged in various activities including photo-booths, crafting flower crowns, and more.

Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga kicked off the event with her ‘Disrupt or Be Disrupted’ panel. A thought-provoking episode of the podcast ‘If Not for My Girls’ featured comedian and actress Pretty Vee, rapper BIA, and singer-songwriter Muni Long discussing walking in one’s purpose and aspiring for more.

Girls United Co-Founders Rechelle and Sophia Dennis joined sisters Jordyn and Jodie Wood for a heartfelt conversation on the joys of sisterhood and how they’ve learned eachother. Despite their age gaps, the sisters displayed a genuine closeness that made the panel feel more like a relaxed chat between life-long friends.

Jordyn and Jodie Woods, despite their undeniable impact across social media, have solidified themselves as more than just influencers. Jodie has emerged as an inspiration for the new Gen Z, while Jordyn has continued to establish her brand with her newly launched clothing line, Woods by Jordyn.

Notable personalities such as Aliyah’s Interlude, Yung BBQ, TM Twins, Karma Bridges, Anisa Brenee, and DJ Tootz were also in attendance.

The summit offered diverse interactive experiences, from speed mentorship sessions to a beauty makeover station. In front of a massive photo wall featuring the season 5 cast of ‘If Not for My Girls’—BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee—attendees enjoyed Coca-Cola mocktails at a mocktail bar and explored a Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar photo activation.

Guests personalized airbrushed tote bags and pouches and indulged in some light shopping at the Soko Marketplace, featuring a range of products from jewelry to haircare.

The day concluded with an electrifying performance by Mariah The Scientist, singing her hit songs, including the fan-favorite “Spread Thin.”

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentEventsLifestyleUncategorized

ElewaTv Host Their 3rd Annual Creative Chat Link-Up at Black Gotham Space in NYC

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

ElewaTv, a full service Black women owned creative agency and multi-media platform founded by Abisola Sanya, hosted its 3rd annual Creative Chat Link Up at the Black Gotham Space in South Street Seaport NYC earlier this November. With a vision of becoming Africa’s largest creative network. The women run team of makeup artists, hair stylists, set designers, PR  and creative directors are all passionate about seeing ElewaTv become a platform that builds community around emerging talent and the competitive creative industry.  

Panelist included Jean Paul Dia, Sadin Moore, Noel Camacho, Fatama Kamara, & Kobina De Graft-Johnson with host Ariel Laura facilitating questions. Each creative got the opportunity to discuss how they navigated the industry, setting boundaries, centering their faiths and community in their work, and leaning into their authentic selves to set them apart. Event sponsors included George’s Sparking Drinks and Sugarcane Restaurant in Brooklyn.

ElewaTv founder Abisola Sanya

Launched in September of 2019 Elewa, deriving its name from the Yoruba word for beauty has persisted even in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. . ElewaTv illustrates a concept needed more of in the media, fashion, and beauty industry. Historically, Black individuals have been marginalized, their beauty standards often overshadowed by prevailing norms that primarily celebrate white women. This discrepancy is particularly evident in modeling agencies, which have a deep-rooted history of favoring specific models characterized by predetermined body types and a particular skin complexion.

In response to these entrenched biases, the industry is undergoing a transformative shift with heightened awareness. There is a concerted effort to challenge and overcome issues like colorism, texturism, and body shaming. ElewaTv stands at the forefront of this movement, actively working to be more inclusive and challenge the traditional norms and perceptions surrounding beauty. By fostering a community-driven ethos, ElewaTv seeks to redefine the standards of beauty, emphasizing authenticity, diversity, and the celebration of all forms of beauty, irrespective of societal stereotypes.

Back in 2021, ElewaTv started a crowdfunding campaign Called Creatives Alike on Seed & Spark to fundraise for their 24/7 docuseries that would platform creatives across the diaspora. ElewaTv premiered episodes of the 24/7 Daily Show shot during Covid at the Creative Chat Link Up featuring Dotun Abeshinbioka, Fatamata Kamara , Clint Catul  and others. 

The resounding message echoing from the event was a call to honor oneself, nurture personal dreams, and safeguard one’s beliefs. In an industry often characterized by pressure to conform, the emphasis remained on staying true to one’s identity, embracing authenticity, and leading with unwavering faith. The panel of creatives, many of whom shared a Christian background, underscored the significance of faith as a foundational force. This grounding element serves as a compass during the unpredictable journey of the creative industry, providing clarity and resilience amid challenges that might otherwise seem overwhelming. The acknowledgment of something greater than themselves enables these creatives to maintain a broader perspective and persevere on their paths of self-determination.

When delving into the challenges creatives encounter at the outset of their journey, a recurring theme emerges. Fundamentally, the hurdles revolve around securing funding, garnering support, and finding meaningful work opportunities. This creates a sort of catch-22 scenario, where one essential element is often required to fulfill another. As the panelists highlighted, navigating this challenge may involve thinking creatively about how you engage with the space you aspire to be a part of. This might include avenues such as interning, volunteering, or even initiating your own projects to kickstart your journey. The creatives on the panel shared insights from their non-traditional paths, serving as a reminder to the audience to consistently believe in themselves and their vision.

Check out out ElewaTv’s 24/7 Daily Episodes on Youtube and a  recap of  the Creative Chat Link Up below!

 

 

 

1 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts