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The 2024 CIAA Tournament highlights Black culture, sports and the impact of HBCUs

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Photo credit: Kim Hairston

Baltimore has long been the epicenter of black culture. Its roots in abolitionism, the advancement of jazz, and the civil rights movement, amongst others, only add to the city’s undeniable contributions to American history. As the world slowly recovered from the effects of the global pandemic in 2021, Charm City added one other layer to its wealthy history by introducing Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament to Maryland.

From February 26 to March 3, the famous tournament returned to Baltimore for a series of events going down at the newly renovated CFG Bank Arena. In addition to the range of activities participants can engage in, one of the most significant points of the CIAA weekend is that all of it takes place against the backdrop of this beautiful seaside city. “Baltimore is in the spotlight right now – our arts, culture, health and technology industries are tremendous assets that enhance our city’s attractiveness as a cultural center,” says Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “As for the CIAA, our entire community has truly embraced the tournament in a way that energizes our local businesses and brings great energy to CFG Bank Arena and beyond.”

The 2024 CIAA Tournament highlights Black culture, sports and the impact of HBCUs
Photo credit: Karl Merton Ferron

It’s protected to say that now, greater than ever, is the perfect time to plan a visit to this iconic destination. To find out about the city’s history, visitors can go to places equivalent to Reginald F. Lewis Museumwhich houses works of art and artifacts dating back to 1784, or cultural centers equivalent to Maryland Center for History and Cultureor Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum. In terms of event chronology, 2024 is the fiftieth anniversary of NCAA Division II and the twentieth anniversary of the Mister and Miss CIAA scholarship competition and the Ball Girl/Ball Boy tournament program. Through these groundbreaking initiatives, CIAA continues to leverage its influence to influence the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs.

In addition to the 26 games on this 12 months’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, the CIAA once more hosted fan-favorite events for all ages, including Fan Fest, the Career Expo, the eighth annual Samaritans’ Feet “Shoes of Hope” initiative, the John B. McClendon Jr. exhibit. Hall of Fame Breakfast and other exciting events. CIAA has also partnered with Visit Baltimore to host its third annual series of town hall meetings and symposia. Here, fans enjoyed annual entertainment events held during tournament week equivalent to the CIAA Legends of Hip Hop Party, CIAA High School and Greek Step Shows, CIAA Alumni Party and more.

CIAA’s family-friendly environment makes it a destination for people from all walks of life, but especially graduates and students of historically black colleges and universities – higher often called HBCUs. These institutions of higher learning were created to serve African Americans in a time when our opportunities are limited. Now, people of color can advance their careers with a level from a prestigious HBCU. These universities have grown in popularity lately, and CIAA is using its resources to further highlight them.

The 2024 CIAA Tournament highlights Black culture, sports and the impact of HBCUs
#3 Reggie Hudson, MVP of Wednesday’s game against Elizabeth City and advancing to the Final Four against Claflin University. (Photo by Bill Rudick/Lincoln University via Getty Images)

“It’s great to see more emphasis on HBCUs and their importance in American society, especially in recent years, although I think it’s long overdue,” Hutchinson says. “HBCUs are critical institutions for society at large because they advance education and create opportunities for historically marginalized communities while promoting social equity and diversity. These institutions also serve as champions of culture and heritage, preserving and celebrating the rich history and contributions of African Americans to the broader American experience.”

With tons of of 1000’s of people flocking to Baltimore for CIAA, the city could showcase its unique cuisine to the masses. During the weekend, Black-owned restaurant tour in Baltimore began. The third edition of BORT was intentionally aligned with the tournament dates, creating a chance to highlight local Black-owned restaurants while basketball fans were on the town. Each night, a number of restaurants would host a special menu or event and feature venues equivalent to Rooted spit, City Oyster, Soul of the Diaspora, Papi’s Kitchenand more.

After games, parties and plenty of food, visitors had plenty of places to pick from to loosen up. Baltimore has long been home to a set of boutique properties which are Black-owned and/or operated by leaders who bring the city’s local culture and history to their locations. Hotel Revival is the city’s only boutique art hotel, The Ivy is Baltimore’s only black-owned luxury property, and Sagamore Pendry in Fell’s Point is a luxury resort with sweeping views of Baltimore’s inner harbor, a shocking waterfront pool, and a whiskey bar offering locally distilled Sagamore Rye.

The 2024 CIAA Tournament highlights Black culture, sports and the impact of HBCUs
Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

For many, the CIAA weekend is a chance to reconnect with old friends, strengthen ties under the universal umbrella of sports, and find out about the history and culture of one of the largest cities in the country. The beautiful thing about this tournament is that it might provide much more to participants annually. “The CIAA Tournament is one of the largest and most prestigious basketball tournaments in the country and for anyone, whether you have played or not, this is a chance to come out and experience something incredibly special inside and outside the facility, but the venue is the best place to start this event by getting tickets and observing these young people and their talent,” says CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams in an interview with ESSENCE.

“I mean, there’s so much heritage that they’ll be able to have an experience right there, but when they’re gone, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy,” he continues. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can definitely be embedded in the CIAA family. And whether you went to an HBCU or not, it doesn’t matter. “It doesn’t matter if you are black, white, red or yellow, you will be a part of it if you come and experience something at this conference that I believe is greatness.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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