​The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs’ (OCA) annual ELEVATE public art festival recently partnered with Facebook to install five new murals, which are a part of this year’s festival — presented digitally on the ELEVATE website, Facebook, and YouTube from October 4 to 10.

With 2020 marking a pivotal election year, Facebook launched the “Voting is Voice” campaign and set a goal to register 4 million new voters during the largest voter drive in U.S. history. Facebook’s partnership with the OCA and ELEVATE was a natural fit as the festival will explore the concept of social justice and equity through this year’s programming.

​For the “Voting is Voice” campaign, five artists from across the U.S. created original artwork commissions in response to the prompt “Voting is Voice.” Within this theme, each artist explored voting as a powerful tool of the personal and collective voice, the importance of a diversity of voices to a healthy society, the powerful impact of personal narratives as vehicles for change, and our collective responsibility to acknowledge and amplify a broad spectrum of voices. These five murals are a part of Facebook’s push to increase voter engagement and participation during this election year.

Each mural will feature the artist’s bio, Q.R. codes, and URLs that direct viewers to Facebook and Instagram’s Voting Information Center, where they can find more information on the 2020 U.S. election and a quick and easy way to register to vote.

In addition, the murals encourage public interaction through compelling, relevant design & digital features that create multiple levels of access for every member of the community.

​​WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ACTOR JERMEL HOWARD ON WHEN WE SPEAK TV

This year’s ELEVATE Art Festival examines arts and culture through the lens of our changed reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have experienced racial unrest, economic recession, isolation due to social distancing, and a divisive political climate. The festival theme is Equity, Activism, Engagement, and through our programs we seek to provide hope, inspiration, and food for your soul. Join this year’s free virtual programs from Sunday, October 4 through Saturday, October 10.  It’ll be streaming live via Facebook, YouTube and website. Check elevateatlart.com for details.  Below is the music lineup.

This year’s ELEVATE Art Festival examines arts and culture through the lens of our changed reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic, racial unrest, economic recession, and a divisive political climate. Dance performances being presented are dazzling, dreamlike, and defiant. They provide insight into issues that we, and our communities, are dealing with including inequity, food insecurity, and isolation, but also seek to inspire hope, resilience, and activism as we move forward. Join this year’s virtual programming from Sunday, October 4 through Saturday, October 10.

The 74th annual Bronner Bros. Int’l Beauty Show (BB) returns with an all-new virtual format to provide salon pros the education and skills needed to adapt and evolve during COVID-19. The tech-powered platform is designed to meet the unique needs of barbers, stylists, and cosmetology students in the growing multicultural industry. Hosted on September 26th & 27th, the event will feature more than 60 master classes and 100 exhibitors from around the world. This is the nation’s first and largest virtual beauty show of its kind.
​To register, visit bronnerbros.com.

​As the impact of COVID-19 ripples through the multicultural beauty community, salon professionals, manufacturers and suppliers are facing unforeseen challenges. Due to the pandemic, BB cancelled the company’s in-person event for the first time in its history.

​The virtual Show’s agenda is dedicated to continuing education and celebrating the culture. Programming includes classes taught by some of the industry’s foremost artistic teams, global educators and business experts. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the virtual platform to sharpen their skills. 

​Other virtual Show highlights include:

• Digital Marketplace: Attendees can connect with exhibitors to preview and buy new products and services. Sponsors and partners include Allied Beauty Association (ABA) Canada, Andis, EAP Heat, and UPS, among others.
• Master classes:  Classes for barbers and stylists at all levels; Learn the latest techniques on cut, color, weaves, natural haircare, barbering and more.
• Business panels: Interactive discussions on topics such as safely re-opening your salon or barbershop, disaster proofing your business, and maintaining your health behind-the-chair.
• Competitions: Live streams featuring some of the industry’s top talent as they battle for cash and prizes on the virtual main stage.
• Charles Gregory Tribute:  Special presentation honoring beauty industry legend and icon, Charles Gregory. He was best known for revolutionizing the industry with his ready-to-wear cuts. For more than three decades, Mr. Gregory served as a master educator and judge for the BB Show and BB® Professional.

​Tyler Perry accepts the Governors Award at Emmys 2020.
​Watch highlights from 'The 72nd Emmy Awards' streaming on ABC and Hulu.

​Pianist, Joe Alterman addresses the generational question, "Is Jazz Dead?".

News Source:  Bossip.com

​WELL would you look at the change in the air! Glamour Magazine unveiled their September issue today and low and behold, the entire magazine is devoted to Black Hair! The issue delves into both the discriminatory stigmas Black women often face in the workplace over their hairstyles, as well as our unique styles and beauty rituals.

Experience the ministry of Stellar Award Winning/ Christian Music Hall of Fame Artist