My Work

Forbes • 5th September 2025

Jermaine Dupri Headlines Fine Wine Festival For The Perfect Blend Of Music, Wine And Culture *Travel/Interview*

Ten years ago, a collective of young Black creatives and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, New York, began fostering cultural connections through wine. Now, a decade and countless pours later, the Fine Wine Series has grown into the nation's largest cultural wine experience.On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the brand will commemorate its global impact and expansion with the return of its annual Fine Wine Festival. To celebrate the milestone of their flagship event, the brand cofounded by brothers Dozie O...

Miami Herald • 5th September 2025

Mickey meets island time: Disney brings Caribbean flair to water parks, resorts *Travel*

The taste of summer is a distinct one. Oftentimes, the sweltering season is associated with the tropical, island flavors of Caribbean and Latin cultures. Imagine smoky jerk chicken cooked to perfection on an open-flame at a roadside shack, beckoning you to stop by for a mouthwatering bite. Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.

Can’t make it to the islands for these delightful bites? Mickey and Minny have you covere...

Forbes • 28th July 2025

Missed Out On Bad Bunny Tickets? No Problem—Here’s Why Puerto Rico Is Still The Place To Be *Travel/City Guide*

So you didn’t snag tickets to Bad Bunny’s sold-out residency in Puerto Rico? Well, don’t let that keep you from exploring the beautiful island, which is full of fun, flavor and culture that goes way beyond the concert gates.
On Friday, July 11, the global reggaeton superstar, born Benito Ocasio, kicked off his groundbreaking 30-show residency titled "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí" ("I Don't Want to Leave Here") at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (El Choli) in San Juan.
The residency runs until Sept...

Essence • 18th July 2025

Where Them Fans At: Are Carnival Cruise Line’s Policies Anti-Black Or Just Miscommunication? | *Travel*

For many, cruising evokes memories of bottomless drink packages, staff-led conga lines, and effortless travel. However, recent updates to Carnival Cruise Line‘s onboard policies and regulations have created their own waves on social media, raising questions about whether these new rules target Black cruisers and Black culture.


At the heart of the discourse is the so-called ban on handheld “clack” fans and a perceived crackdown on hip-hop music.


On June 7, 2025, the 53-year-old cruise line...

Forbes • 6th July 2025

Master P’s Ultimate Guide To New Orleans Includes His Last Performance, College Basketball And A Po’Boy *Travel/Interview*

Rap legend Master P has seen the world. His lifetime of careers, from founding and running No Limit Records to stints in the NBA and numerous entrepreneurial ventures, has afforded him the opportunity to be a globetrotter. However, to him, nothing beats the streets of New Orleans.
"I was 8 years old," Master P recalled of his first time participating in a "second line" with Forbes in a digital interview.
He reminisced about the excitement he felt partaking in his first traditional NOLA street p...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 4th July 2025

Samuel L. Jackson And Pierce Brosnan Saddle Up In Western 'The Unholy Trinity' - *Interview*

Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan ride onto the big screen together in their new western, The Unholy Trinity.


Directed by Richard Gray, The Unholy Trinity is a story of seeking vengeance and uncovering secrets in a town torn apart by the battle between lies and virtue.


The film follows Henry Broadway (Brandon Lessard), a young man on his journey back to his childhood home of Trinity, Montana, to avenge what he believes was his father’s unjust murder.


Along the way, he realizes his qu...

Forbes • 27th June 2025

These Global Destinations Embrace LGBTQ+ Travelers During Pride And Beyond *Travel*

The earliest Pride celebrations were held in June 1970, marking the first anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Over time, the protests and marches for resistance and acceptance evolved into massive lively festivals that represented progress while continuing to strive for equality. Today, across America, the month of June is filled with members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrating equal love and acceptance.However, under the current political climate and social hostilities, the...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 20th June 2025

'Noah's Arc' Cast Is Still Redefining Black Queer Love 2 Decades Later With New Movie: 'We're The Elders' - *Interview*

In 2005, the groundbreaking series Noah’s Arc brought revolutionary representation of LGBTQ+ individuals to television, particularly for Black gay men.


Now, after nearly a 20-year hiatus, the show that has been acknowledged as a beacon in the LGBTQ+ community is back with a brand-new movie: Noah’s Arc: The Movie, premiering this week on Paramount+ with Showtime.


Created by Patrik-Ian Polk, Noah’s Arc centers on the careers, love lives and friendships of four Black gay men in Los Angeles....

Forbes • 17th June 2025

Experience Juneteenth In These Cities Honoring History And Culture *Travel*

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery to more than 250,000 still-enslaved Black people. The announcement came nearly two years after former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.As the westernmost Confederate state, Texas still maintained a stronghold on institutional slavery, requiring the physical presence of Union soldiers to enforce emancipation. Galveston was their final stop, where they declar...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 6th June 2025

How Queen Latifah Champions The Truth In The Fight Against Obesity Stigma - *Interview*

For decades, Queen Latifah’s presence on screens and stages has represented body positivity and diversity in an industry where the beauty standards can be anything but realistic. Along with her consistent representation, the multihyphenate has always used her platform to make an impact and inform even beyond entertainment, and her latest initiative is life-changing.


In April, Latifah partnered with Novo Nordisk to launch their latest initiative, TruthAboutWeight.com. The platform is a digital...

Essence • 22nd May 2025

The Black Girl's Guide To Travel: 6 Cruise Lines Perfect For Millennial And Gen-Z Globetrotters | *Travel*

My earliest memories of cruising begin with annual family reunions and summer trips.The older members of my family enjoyed the casino, unlimited drink packages, and deck games with large groups of strangers they befriended while listening to Whitney Houston covers performed by the subpar onboard entertainment. While they had a blast, my underage cousins and I were confined to the neon-clad “teen club” and late-night pizza line.


Due to the repetitive boat activities and typical excursions (lik...

Forbes • 10th May 2025

Mom-Led Brands Giving Back And Cultivating Change Around The World *Travel*

As mothers, women are often acknowledged for their abilities to nurture and foster community, exhibit high levels of empathy and embrace collaboration—all skills essential for building impactful, purpose-driven brands.
Mothers and those in maternal roles are natural multitaskers, adept at planning, problem-solving and adapting under pressure. The daily demands of molding the next generation enable them to juggle business responsibilities alongside family life efficiently.
Businesses led by these...

Forbes • 4th May 2025

Why A Travel Experience Is The Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift *Travel*

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and you’re still clueless about what to get the woman who won't let you forget your awkward teenage years. While the typical flowers and brunch are sweet gestures, it’s okay to deviate from the norm and go all out for the special lady in your life, especially when you're in a time crunch.
Why not turn it up a notch and gift Mom an unforgettable trip or travel experience that will solidify your spot as the favorite child?
Travel is a great way to reduce st...

Forbes • 30th April 2025

How This Luxury Cruise Line Is Leading The Way In Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Voyages

Given the havoc that mass travel can cause on the environment, Earth Month is the perfect time for travelers to consider the impact of where they go and how they get there.
Historically, the cruising industry has faced scrutiny due to its carbon footprint, massive waste output and aquatic disruption.
Fortunately, several cruise lines have modified their approach over the years by utilizing cutting-edge technology such as operating from battery power, revising their onboard disposable systems a...

The Black Wall Street Times • 28th April 2025

Rome Flynn reignites legend of Kingpin Frank Lucas in 'Godfather Of Harlem' - *Interview*

After a nearly two-year hiatus, MGM+’s acclaimed series, “Godfather of Harlem,” returned for its fourth season on Sunday, April 13th. Created by Chris Brancato (Narcos, Hotel Cocaine), “Godfather of Harlem” gives viewers an inside look into the turbulent and unscrupulous underworld of Harlem during the 1960s by creating enthralling fictional storylines involving real-life figures and events.Season 4 starts with historical context as it picks up on the aftermath of Malcolm X‘s assassination and t...

Forbes • 22nd April 2025

Trinity Fatu Talks Life On The Road, Global Fans And How Travel Fuels WWE’s Growth *Interview/Travel*

For almost two decades, Trinity Fatu has laced up her boots and made her way down to the square ring, captivating sold-out crowds worldwide.
Known to millions as WWE’s Naomi (Trinity during her time at TNA), Fatu's infectious personality and "Glow" gimmick have made her a fan favorite regardless of her place in a storyline.
Due to her demanding schedule, Fatu has seen more hotels and airports than her home since 2009.
"It's definitely not for everybody," Fatu told Forbes in a recent phone interv...

Forbes • 2nd April 2025

Shamans And Sound Bowls: 5 Luxury Resorts Redefining Wellness Travel - *Travel*

Luxury travel has become more than just caviar and cabanas. Within recent years, extravagant excursions have evolved from pure indulgence to experiences leaving the traveler feeling enriched and awakened.
Travelers are seeking to escape the mundane physically, spiritually and mentally, resulting in an upward shift in the demand for culturally immersive spiritual experiences and healing wellness-focused journeys. The 2024 Wellness Tourism Market reported that global wellness tourism had reached a...

Essence • 31st March 2025

The Disruptors: How Brandi Rhodes Went From Ice Skater To Making History In The Wrestling Industry | Essence - *Interview*

In the pursuit of your dreams, life often presents difficult choices. Brandi Rhodes understands this better than most.


From the age of 4, she knew she wanted to be a figure skater. “I watched Debi Thomas compete in the Winter Olympics. I loved what she was doing and wanted to try it. And the rest was history,” says Rhodes, born Brandi Alexis Reed.


The Canton, Mich. native trained at the Detroit Skating Club, home to Olympians like Tara Lipinski and Todd Eldridge. “By her teens, she had be...

Forbes • 2nd March 2025

New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Indians Represent The Connection Of Cultures *Travel*

In February 2021, the usual bustle of New Orleans’ Canal Street stopped when onlookers noticed that the stone pedestal, which had once held a bronze statue dedicated to Confederate President Jefferson Davis, now showcased a plastic-encased Mardi Gras Indian ensemble. This striking garment was a massive, intricately beaded, feathered dark green creation belonging to Demond Melancon, the Big Chief of the Young Seminole Hunters Tribe of the 9th Ward.
Commuters may have thought the suit’s unusual di...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 11th February 2025

Keith Lee Went From DoorDash Driver To Partnering With Them: Here's His Valentine's Day Tips - *Interview*

Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day can be a challenge. Between packed restaurants, scarce parking, and the dreaded possibility of settling for a meal you don’t actually want, the struggle is real. But for social media food critic Keith Lee, the most romantic moments don’t have to be complicated.


“DoorDash and my family go hand in hand,” Lee said.


“The most romantic thing is when you can sit down, order dinner, watch TV, and just enjoy each other’s presence,” he added. “DoorDash has been...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 8th February 2025

Taylor Rooks On Battle Of The Paddles And 'Why People Enjoy Seeing Their Favorite Athletes In Different Elements' - *Interview*

Emmy-nominated sports broadcast journalist Taylor Rooks took her talents to the tables at Super Bowl LIX, competing in Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) Battle of the Paddles on Wednesday.


This marked the third year of the event, and the competition was intense.


“It’s always high stakes and electric! Everybody really wants to win, but it’s such a fun idea,” Rooks told Blavity in a recent interview.


Battle of the Paddles featured four of the NFL’s top table tennis players alongside four celebrity...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 7th February 2025

How Mannie Fresh And Juvenile Are Helping Honor New Orleans During This Year's Super Bowl - *Interview*

Football fans heading to Super Bowl LIX this weekend will experience more than a great game; they will also get to experience the culture of New Orleans.


And who better to welcome the fans to the greatness of NOLA than music royalty Mannie Fresh?


The DJ, rapper and producer will give a private performance alongside fellow NOLA icon Juvenile in the heart of the French Quarter at The Starter House as part of the fan experiences from Starter and Crown Royal. Celebrating their significance in...

Essence • 30th January 2025

Black Women In Wrestling Are Ready To Rumble | Essence *Interviews/Print Article*

This story is featured in the January/February 2025 issue of ESSENCE.


On April 10, 2021, wrestling fans at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, witnessed history. Performers Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks faced off at the 37th annual WrestleMania, the flagship event for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). This match marked the first time Black women battled each other on the “grandest stage of them all.” Their emotional reactions, as they stared at each other across the ring, highlighted...

Charlotte Observer • 17th January 2025

‘Miles of Magic’: How Disney’s runDisney Marathons ensure fitness and fun for everyone *Travel/Event Coverage*

After completing my first marathon in 2024, I learned running the race is half the battle.

As a plus-size Black woman, I have often felt intimidated or out of place when it came to participating in marathons. When annual marathons are shown across television screens, the athletes they showcase don’t often look like me and would leave me at a loss at where to start.

So, when I chose to participate in Disney’s annual runDisney Marathon, I figured there would be no better way to accomplish a pers...