It was an exciting evening for a super exclusive crowd this past Monday, August 30 at New York City’s historic Bowery Ballroom, reknowned for its stellar musical performances. The event kicked of American Airlines Blackatlas.com series of exclusive events, with a performance by Grammy-winning recording artist John Legend and Grammy-winning Super Group, The Roots, in celebration of their latest album Wake Up. BlackAtlas is the first-of-its kind social networking site, combining the best features of a travel site with the power of social networking for travelers to share experiences unique to the Black community.

As press and VIP’s enjoyed a pre-concert reception consisting of open bar and hors d’oeuvres  courtesy of Shiraz, the real opportunity was to snap Mr. Legend, Blackatlas.com Travel Editor-at-Large Nelson George, and American Airlines President Art Torno as they graced the small red carpet.

We lept at the chance to speak with Nelson George. The one-time Author, Film Director, and TV Producer explained the real handy-work of blackatlas.com.

“When the opportunity came up I had to go ahead and do it.  I feel like the potential for it [BlackAtlas] is still untapped.  You know the thing is it’s black people communicating with each other about travel, and you learn so much,” said George.  ”Black people are everywhere doing interesting things–there’s Black people in Alaska who are involved in politics and who are involved in culture. You can go somewhere and feel comfortable– I had soul food in Alaska!”

Immediately following the pre-concert reception, press was led to the main room where Questlove dazzled the decks with a little over an hour of hip-hop and soul mash-ups.  At one point, the music was interrupted for a LIVE raffle, courtesy of American Airlines and Blackatlas.com, offering 6 prizes that ranged from Broadway show tickets to a weekend in Chicago.

Near 9:00 pm, the beautiful crowd arrived, and from the looks of the ladies and gentleman that entered the balcony we do mean, BEAUTIFUL, the Roots took to the stage.  Minutes later John Legend and the Roots took the stage.  Blackberrys and cell phones filled the air. Everyone wanted to capture the moment.  Amazing sounds filled the air, and the standout? WakeUp!

Album hits stores September 21.

*photos courtesy of Chambers Group

It was our distinct pleasure to attend the third and final installment for The Diversity Affluence Brunch Series presented by Jaguar on Sunday, August 22 at Docker’s Waterside  Restaurant and Marina. Leading figures in the philanthropic community gathered to be honored by Diversity Affluence, the New York based consultancy specializing in marketing communication,  research and business development.

Recognized for their commitment to elevating and supporting far-ranging issues including childhood development and education, the arts and aid to the indigent, Dwayne Ashley (CEO of Global Operations, Success for Kids), Jacques-Philippe Piverger (Founder and Chairman of the Global Syndicate and Director of PineBridge Investments), and Reginald Van Lee (Senior Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton), were honored at the invitation-only event.   They joined an illustrious and diverse array of individuals honored on July 11 and July 25, respectively, from the worlds of media, entertainment, fashion and hospitality.

The afternoon began with the early arrival of the honorees who happily spoke of their recent successes and their level of involvement with Diversity Affluence. Honoree Reginald Van Lee shared “I’m the CEO of  Success for Kids…and Andrea and I have known each other for a number of years.  I was the former CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College fund, so we connected through a  lot of events that we did there .  So its (today) a great opportunity to come out and look at how do you honor people with Jaguar, which is a great brand…we’re making a difference in communities across the country, so I ‘m glad to be here.”

Prior to dining,  attendees enjoyed Jagatini’s, a specially served cocktail served alongside hors d’oeuvres of grilled mini reuben sandwhiches, crabcakes and crispy shrimp.  Before long, Diversity Affluence Founder Andrea Hoffman kicked off the opening remarks as brunch was served.  The  presentation was led by Bernie Jackson with a champagne toast via Jaguar’s Richard Beattie.

Awards were later handed out to each of the honorees, with each thanking the attendees for their support.  The afternoon closed with a grand spin in a 2010 Jaguar XJ for all honorees– quite a send off, after also arriving  in style–yes, each honoree had also experienced the luxury vehicle by way of a chauffeured  arrival.

An exciting time was had by all.

*photos courtesy of Alex Lipowec

Reginald Van Lee, Joyce Jackson, Ronald K. Brown

A banner afternoon it was at the home of Bernard H.  and Joyce Jackson for the 7th Annual On Our Toes in the Hamptons” celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Evidence, A Dance Company.*** This year’s event honored Prince Kunle Omilana and wife princess Keisha Omilana, who are each longtime supporters,  the event was co-chaired by Reginald Van Lee.

Touted as the premiere  African-American cultural  event of the season the annual performance and fund raising gala offered cocktails, auction and performance.   Early  on,  guests were afforded an incredible to sign up and bid online for an array of auction items  ranging from a a gorgeous Judith Leiber handbag **** to  a 7 night travel package at a beautiful Elite island resort all via Charitybuzz.

Princess Keisha Omilana & Prince Kunle Omilana

The three hour event meant a  bevy of prominent guests were present including Emmy winning Actress Lynn Whitfield, Susan Taylor, and the renowned Judith Jamison among others.   Other noteworthy attendees included: Andrea and Maurice DuBoise, Noel Hankin, Kephra Burns, Caron Wheeler, Dwayne Ashley, Gayle Monroe Perry, Veronica Claypool, Lesilie Mays, Zaid-Abdul -Aleem, Monica F. Azare, Joanne E. Hill,  Andrea Hoffman, Jennifer Streaks, Brian Haynes Copeland,Lisa Walker, Ancy Verdier and Kathleen  Vita.

Actress Lynn Whitfield

The cocktail hour lent to longtime friends and supporters enjoying the picturesque roof deck and pool area over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  On display and available for sale, the specially designed silk Hermes scarf, complete with the Evidence a Dance Company insignia, valued at $375.   Among the attendees were Evidence dancers who mingled just a bit before heading off to prepare for the the performance to come.

Immediately following cocktails all were led to  a grand tent where they were addressed by the kind words of host, Joyce Jackson, who thanked everyone for their continued support, as well as gala chair Reginald Van Lee who proudly showed the Hermes scarf to the captivated crowd.  Ron Brown, Evidence A Dance Company’s Founder also spoke words of thanks to supporters and guests.   Soon after, the performance began, a 15 minute stint of incredible modern dance, we particularly enjoyed seeing dancer Arcelle Cabuag and dancer Francine Elizabth Ott-two stunning standouts.

The party continued at full blast until 7:30 or so with guest taking to the dance floor in style.

***-Evidence a Dance Company founded by Ronald K. Brown is rooted in African dance fusing contemporary jazz and ballet with Rhythms and sounds of the African Diaspora and Caribbean cultures.

****- Judith Leiber jeweled handbags were carried by all Committee Co-Chairs at the event.

*photos by Derrick Salters for The Quest for “it”

B Smith at the D. Williams Public Relations Private Tent

There couldn’t have been a more opportune time than Week 3 of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field to run into Restauranteur and Socialite B Smith.

Ms. Smith, an enduring Hamptonite by way of her famed restaurant in Sag Harbor, was a standout in her chic and stylish casual summer look.   Sporting a multi-colored paisley print tank and jeans.  Of her look  she shared “it’s all about the  accessories, the belt that I’m wearing, the shoes that I’m wearing, a little glam, it’s all about glam for me. ”

Delicate 14k gold filagree earings and matching necklace (with  delicate white topaz stones) came courtesy of her very own jewelry collection B Smith with style.***  Of her jewelry collection she adds ” I like the fact that I am now working on a jewelry collection because it’s an extension of who I am.   There are those days when I give a friend a gift and it’s a piece of jewelry and it sort of changes their day and so it’s the little things.  It has to be something that’s exciting and fun and kind of forever, you know jewelry is forever.”

***-B Smith with Style will be available this fall.

*photo courtesy of The Quest for “it”

Honorees Bethann Hardison, Fern Mallis, Edward Wilkerson

Have you heard? Diversity Affluence is making waves, the New York-based consultancy specializing in marketing communication, research and business development hosted the second Leaders,Achievers & Pioneers Brunch Series™*** on July 25th honoring a diverse array of individuals from the worlds of media, entertainment, fashion, hospitality, and philanthropy.   The Brunch Series™ , presented by Jaguar to herald the new 2011 Jaguar XJ, celebrates individuals who have achieved success and advanced the diversity agenda in America.   The first event held on July 11th honored individuals in entertainment and media.

Audrey Smaltz

The July 25 event honored groundbreaking former model Bethann Hardison, owner of Bethann Model Management; Fern Mallis President of Fern Mallis LLC, founder of  Seventh on Sixth currently Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and former President of the CFDA, Brian Reyes Colombian-American Fashion Designer, and Edward Wilkerson the accomplished Design Director of Lafayette 148.

Leah Watkins Hall, Andrea Hoffman,Edward Wilkerson,Connie Cunningham, Bernie Jackson

Katherine Creag ( WNYW-TV’s Good Day New York), hosted the event.  In addition to an awards presentation in which honorees received a personalized crystal award from Diversity Affluence and Jaguar, honorees were chauffeured to and from the event in the new Jaguar XJ. All guests had the opportunity to enjoy a test ride and drive of the 2011 Jaguar XJ and 2011 XK along East Quogue’s scenic Dune Road.  VOSS, artesian water from Norway, is being offered exclusively at the events.

Andrea Hoffman & Bernie Jackson

Inspired by the highly-touted book, Black Is The New Green: Marketing to Affluent African Americans, co-written by Diversity Affluence Founder Andrea Hoffman with Uptown Magazine’s own Len Burnett, the events will provide the corporate sector with access to some of the most influential leaders and key tastemakers of the affluent African American, Hispanic and Asian communities and those  who have mastered the art of marketing to these important audiences.

***-All Brunch Series™  events are held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Dockers Waterside Restaurant & Marina on scenic Dune Rd in East Quaogue.

*photos courtesy of Alex Lipowec

It was a perfect day of fun in the sun on Saturday, August 7th in Bridgehampton at the private tent of Dionne Williams PR, during Week 3 of Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field. The afternoon which benefited The Ben Gordon Newlife Foundation was hosted by Designer Terri Stevens of Project Runway (Season 5) fame, and attended by Socialite/Restauranteur B. Smith, Actor Grizz Chapman of 30 Rock fame, and Shawn Ward ( one half of the shoe  design team Shane & Shawn) to name a a few.

Notably we  enjoyed  speaking with the very fashionable Terri Stevens who is fast at work, preparing for a SUPER runway show this coming Fashion Week, in New York City. We also enjoyed speaking  with Socialite/ Restauranteur B. Smith who shared the nuances of the pairing of a spirit such as gin with food.

Ms. Williams ( see photo above far left), the Chicago based publicist to the likes of NBA great Ben Gordon and many more, was all about the hospitality.   Guests quenched their thirst with specialty cocktails made with Bluecoat Gin or simple bottles of Figi Water.   Guests noshed on gourmet cookies over cool glasses of Manhattan Milk. Event production by D. Williams Public Relations & Events Management Group, REWARD Public Relations meant a visit from Channel 12 News, a local favorite on Long Island for coverage.   By 7:30 pm the day had wrapped and guests departed,  meeting again later for the polo after party*** The Eldridge East .

Left to Right:  Terri Stevens; B. Smith; Shawn Ward; Jay Williams & James Shotwell; Eric Green; Peggie Walker

*photos by The Quest for “it”

Jarvis Green

Looks like Wilhelmina Denver is announcing the official signing of Jarvis Green of the Denver Broncos to a marketing and endorsement contract.  ”We are very excited to sign Green to our Sports Board, as he is Wilhelmina Denver’s first professional athlete from the state of Colorado,” Wilhelmina Denver Sports Director Patrick Brougham stated.  ”Green is a very valued veteran on the current Broncos squad with two Super Bowl rings to his credit.”

Wilhelmina Sports, based in New York City, represents a roster of talent that includes world-renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter, Utah Jazz basketball player Andrei Kirilenko, U.S. Olympic speed skater Allison Baver, seven LPGA golfers, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens, former world champion boxer Roy Jones Jr., and Kansas City Chiefs running back Thomas Jones, amongst others.

Wilhelmina Sports helps create, develop, and maintain the brand identity of artists and athletes through securing major fashion and beauty campaigns, endorsements, and marketing opportunities for its artists with companies such as MAC, Avon, Brown Shoe, Coca-Cola, Cover Girl, Dessert Beauty, Donna Karan, Hershey’s, Hugo Boss, L’Oreal, Mattel, Nautica, Nestle, Nike, Pizza Hut, and more.

Wilhelmina Denver Sports Director Patrick Brougham is no stranger to the world of sports sponsorships and endorsements. Brougham spent over three years in the marketing department of the Denver Broncos securing corporate sponsorships.   He then moved on to Director of Marketing with top NFL sport agency, All Pro Sports & Entertainment (APSE), based in Cherry Creek, where he garnered sponsorships and endorsements for the athletes.

Learn more about Patrick Brougham and Wilhelmina Denver by visitingwww.wilhelminadenver.com.

*photo courtesy of D4SM.com via So Be Fit Magazine

Despite all the hoopla of celebrity fitness and the ever growing field of personal training nowadays, it’s a plus to have a pro that knows her stuff both inside and outside of the gym.  Enter Shanay Norvell, NBC’s American Gladiator Runner Up Champion, Shanay Norvell inspires many to physical fitness through her endless pursuit of physical excellence.

Possessing credits that range from an impressive celeb clientele*** to fitness writing for publications such as Oxygen Fitness and Ebony Magazine there is little that Shanay Norvell is not capable of.

At 5’5 and 135 lbs., ShaNay can climb a 10-foot wall in a single bound, scale a 20-foot cargo net in less than ten seconds, and hurdle over the average third grader. Nearly ten years ago, ShaNay embarked on the ultimate test of physical adeptness, the Obstacle Course competition. It was a race performed on an open field with the objective to complete 7 ñ 10 obstacles in the fastest time. The obstacles included a 10 foot wall, 20 foot cargo net, incline decline monkey bars, 60 lb jug carry, cable speed grip, low hurdles, high jump bar, leap box, and more. After two consecutive wins, ShaNay earned the titles Obstacle Course Champion for Galaxy Nova Obstacle Course Competition and National Champion for Womenís Tri Fitness Competition.  ShaNay has created a program called NoObstacle which helps adolescents learn how to use fitness and health as a power life source.

Present day brings us to Ms. Norvell’s  beauty and bootcamp fitness her latest claim to fame.  The highly tailored, “results guaranteed” beauty and the bootcamp fitness where she asks “Would you like to have more energy?”, “Do you want to change your life?” to which we say if you do--ShaNayNorvell is your woman.

For more information please visit www.supershanay.com

***- Dallas Austin, Stevie Baggs, Tameka Raymond, Gary Owens, Takeo Spikes, WNBA Atlanta Dream Dance Team, Jacque Reid,  Soledad O’brien,Nicole Lapin, Malik Yoba, Finesse Mitchell, Alexandria Anderson, Lady Mustangs Professional Dance Team

*photo by d4SM.com

CONGRATULATIONS to Wyclef Jean, (see photo above with Yéle Haiti Staff and Haitian Friends and Delegates).   Grammy-winning musician and record producer and co-founder of Yéle Haiti,*** presided over the NASDAQ Opening Bell today Friday, July 23, 2010 at 9:30 A.M.

***-in 2005, Grammy Award–winning musician, humanitarian and good will ambassador to Haiti Wyclef Jean co-founded Yéle Haiti. It is a grassroots movement that has built global awareness for Haiti while helping to sustain the country through its short-term emergency relief efforts and long-term programs in education, job creation, environment preservation, sports and the arts. Yéle Haiti is a U.S.–based nonprofit charitable organization with tax-exempt 501(c)3 status.  For more information, please visit www.yele.org.

*photo courtesy of NASDAQ QMX Group, Inc. reprinted with permission

Looks like Wyclef Jean‘s reach knows no bounds. The Grammy-winning musician and record producer and co-founder of Yéle Haiti, will preside over the NASDAQ Opening Bell on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. The NASDAQ Opening Bell ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m. EST with a video presentation, visualizing the devastation of the earthquake that took place just six months ago in Jean’s homeland of Haiti, followed by remarks from Jean prior to the bell ringing and opening.    The event can be accessed live on NASDAQ’s website.

The ringing of the bell is a very meaningful event for Jean, who just returned from Haiti this weekend. “I’ve seen for myself the situation there. It’s still bleak:  Rubble and collapsed buildings are everywhere. I need to continue to keep Haiti in the spotlight to make sure promises are kept to my people,” said Jean.

In a series of national opinion pieces and interviews coinciding with the anniversary, Jean recently made a strong call to action to those who can help, as the conditions in Haiti worsen.   Jean asked the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission to release $150 million of pledged funds in the next 90 days to carry out coherent public safety and security plans addressing current violence, kidnappings, abductions, rapes and sexual abuse rampant in the most vulnerable communities. He also asked the commission to release an additional $150 million for rubble removal. Lastly, in the next 120 days Jean would like to see the commission’s leaders, the United Nations and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, commit themselves to collecting the billions of dollars pledged by the international community to the Haitian relief effort, making sure those promises are converted into actual cash, to ensure Haiti’s infrastructure is rebuilt and the country is on track for a new destiny.

Yéle Haiti initiatives, such as sustainable housing, schools, health clinics and agricultural communities, are well under way and will allow Haitians to one day flourish independently.  Yéle Haiti also continues to provide vital support to Haitians with daily supplies of water and food to communities hit the hardest by the earthquake.  Working alongside community leaders in 34 tent camps across the country, Yéle Haiti understands the immediate needs of the people better than any other organization on the ground.