Toronto is an amazing place to go to for any occasion, but the town is most enchanting throughout the summer months. When the season began in late May, I had the chance to go to Ontario’s capital to experience creativity like I had never experienced before. Toronto was buzzing with energy, art, and a palpable sense of community. Every day was full of visits to exciting places, interviews with inspiring people, and unforgettable experiences that showed the wonder and depth of the town.

Stay in Drake’s Hotelan iconic and eclectic hub situated on Toronto’s Queen Street West, added a major element to the trip. The hotel itself felt like a creative haven—a fusion of art, design, and urban comfort. The décor, combined with the view from the rooftop, made it the proper backdrop for my city adventures. Every morning began with a burst of inspiration, whether it was savoring pancakes on the Drake Café or admiring the gallery-worthy art scattered throughout the property.

One of the highlights of the trip was the VIP event at Wellington Market, affectionately often called Well—throughout the reopening celebration. With greater than 50 food and beverage vendors, the market was a showcase for Toronto’s diverse culinary scene and an ideal option to kick off summer. The 70,000-square-foot space offered the whole lot from fresh local produce to globally inspired dishes. The market felt like a microcosm of the town—bustling, diverse, and full of flavor. Whether it was artisanal baked goods or fusion cuisine, each meal told a story of Toronto’s culinary culture.

Another vital event was my visit to Nia Art CenterLocated in the guts of a historically Caribbean neighborhood with a protracted history of artistic and creative entrepreneurship, this space is the primary skilled Black arts center in Canada and is greater than just a spot—it’s a logo of cultural preservation and empowerment. Walking through the exhibit with its spaces and theaters, it was clear that the Nia Center serves as a spot for Black artists and creators to thrive. The sense of purpose and commitment to the humanities was deeply inspiring. The digital media lab and youth center create opportunities for the subsequent generation of talent, ensuring that the humanities remain accessible and Black voices are amplified in meaningful ways.

During my stay at The Drake Hotel, I had the chance to talk with the incomparable Kadon Douglas, Executive Director BIPOC TV & Film. In 2023, Indeed partnered with Hillman Grad and TIFF to launch Rising Voices Canada, a program designed to uplift and speed up the careers of emerging BIPOC filmmakers. Kadon’s words resonated deeply as she spoke concerning the importance of making a protected and supportive community for filmmakers of color. “The cornerstone of BIPOC TV & Film is community and creating that safety,” she said. “There’s a place where people can come to rest.” The freedom she described—where filmmakers could give attention to their craft without the burden of racial trauma—was inspiring. The program itself is groundbreaking, giving talented individuals access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that may propel their careers forward.

Toronto’s summer charm spread to each corner I visited, especially during Indigenous Fashion Art Festival. The event, held on the Eaton Centre, was a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture through fashion. Six Indigenous fashion collections were presented, each telling a robust story of tradition, innovation and transcendent love. The atmosphere was electric, with daring designs that combined modern aesthetics with deep cultural meaning. This festival was a reminder of the wonder and resilience of Indigenous art, and it was an honor to witness this fusion of fashion and cultural pride.

The next day brought a change of pace with a visit to OverActive Media, Canada’s largest esports ownership group. Their headquarters was a haven for gaming enthusiasts, and I had the chance to take an in-depth take a look at how the corporate operates from the within, in addition to a glimpse into the long run of the gaming industry. Here, we discussed Toronto’s burgeoning esports scene and its impact on the town’s economy. Demand for live events has skyrocketed, and OverActive Media is on the forefront, bringing world-class esports events to Toronto while constructing a world fan base through its offices in Madrid and Berlin.

Toronto’s film and television industry was on full display on the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards held on the CBC Broadcasting Centre. The event was an impressive tribute to the perfect of Canadian film, television and digital media. Speaking to the numerous attendees — who included actors, directors, producers and industry influencers — I used to be reminded of how Toronto has turn out to be a beacon of artistic talent, attracting creators from around the globe. Tonya Williams received the Changemaker Award, the comedy award and the documentary was an ideal success on the ceremony, providing a fitting end to a journey that highlighted Toronto’s role as a centre for culture and creativity.

When you consider your time in Toronto, it’s amazing how much the town has to supply, especially in the summertime when its energy is at its highest. From art to culinary experiences, fashion to esports, Toronto thrives on diversity, creativity and a way of community. The Drake Hotel, with its artistic flair, has only enhanced this experience, making every moment of your trip feel like a fusion of luxury and culture. Toronto is a spot it is best to aspire to go to not less than once in your life.

Since 1984 MAC Cosmetics has a unbroken influence on the black community, providing us with essential tools and a variety of shades.

Think: their annual Glamour Ball VIVA— which has welcomed glam-clad guests like Mary J. Blige, Eve, Fantasia, Diana Ross, and more. Additionally, with its backstage presence at fashion weeks over time, with supermodels Naomi Campbell and Iman, MAC has proven to be accountable for the makeup behind a few of the biggest beauty moments in popular culture history — including Lil’ Kim’s archival metallic lipstick.

Now, as we have fun their fortieth anniversary during Fashion Week (where the brand will sponsor shows by Area, Kim Shui and Luar), we glance back on the legacy they built for black women.

“I think the brand, more than ever, is still rooted in what made MAC special from the beginning,” Aïda Moudachirou-Rebois, senior vice chairman and general manager of MAC, tells ESSENCE. “Artistry, inclusivity, culture… that was the heart of the brand, so that we could help people in our community who needed it the most.”

Despite the noise and competition in a saturated industry, MAC has remained the loudest within the room—largely due to its ability to take heed to its community. That means internally, too.

For MAC makeup professionals, Romero JenningsBeing with a brand for nearly 30 years means being heard. “I feel like I helped build and sustain that brand all those years ago,” he says. “Now, a lot of brands would say it’s on, but we had it from the beginning, which is why we had such a huge following of Black and brown people back then.”

Jennings recalls women from Harlem and the Bronx visiting MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation because no other brand had their shade. “A lot of people would say it was their first time doing makeup because before you had to mix or the colors weren’t right or they were too light,” says Jennings, as a powdered Grace Jones and the Prince.

Meanwhile, lip pencils developed firstly, we use them to at the present time (as Uche Natorifavorite shade chestnut) alongside the lipsticks we crave like CD 96, gave black women the representation they deserve.

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Beyond products, MAC has built initiatives to support its teams and customers from inside. From participating in Black Beauty List to investing in funds, grants and creating internal secure spaces like Black At MAC and MAC Movement, the brand’s foundation is rooted not only in culture but in addition in influence. “We don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach because that’s kind of performative and a box-ticking thing,” says Moudachirou-Rebois.[We’re] “we really continue to strive to elevate culture in all its nuances.”

With 22% of MAC customers identifying as black (in comparison with the common 8% of U.S. luxury beauty consumers), the brand’s future is in our hands. “We don’t like to think of ourselves as a makeup brand, but as a cultural brand,” she says. “We have a responsibility to that consumer to really meet their needs.”

Happy Friday, folks. As the first weekend of September heralds a brand new season, the music world is heating up with fresh releases that set the tone for the coming months. With a mix of energetic tracks and soulful melodies, these latest tracks are the perfect strategy to end the week.

Today, Flo Milli rocks “Wet Dreams,” while Leon Bridges brings his signature smoothness to “Laredo.” A$AP Rocky and J.Cole team up on “Ruby Rosary,” raising anticipation for the upcoming album. Our roundup includes music from Megan Thee Stallion, Queen Naija, Durand Bernarr, Lola Brooke, and more.

Check out the best latest music of the week.

Lola Brooke ft. Jeremih – “No One Else”

Lola Brooke teams up with Jeremih on “No One Else,” mixing R&B and rap for a smooth, romantic vibe. Listen to this HERE.

Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, Pharrell Williams, Doodles, Kyle Richh – “Can’t Hold Me Down”

Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, and Pharrell Williams Drop Animated Single “Can’t Hold Me Down” Featuring Kyle Rich and Doodles, It’s a Dynamic Collaboration. Check It Out HERE.

Megan Thee Stallion from RM – “Neva Play”

Megan Thee Stallion and RM team up on “Neva Play,” combining their styles for a singular collaboration. Stream the song HERE.

Flo Milli ft. Coop & G – “Wet Dreams”

Flo Milli lights up the week with “Wet Dreams,” showcasing her daring, uncompromising style. Listen HERE.

A$AP Rocky with J. Cole – “Ruby Rosary”

A$AP Rocky and J. Cole Collaborate on Highly Anticipated Track “Ruby Rosary” Off Rocky’s Upcoming Album Don’t Be Dumb. Listen HERE.

Queen Naija – “Good Girls Finish Last”

This week Queen Naija released “Good Girls Finish Last,” a soulful anthem about love and resilience. Check it out HERE.

Durard Bernarr and Charlie Vettuno – “Where in the World is Randi’s Carmen!?”

Durand Bernarr and Charlie Vettuno Deliver New EP From Randi’s Where In The World Is Carmen!? Check It Out HERE.

Samara Tsin – “Chrome”

Today, Samara Cyn releases “Chrome,” offering an edgy, alternative vibe. Listen to it HERE.

Leon Bridges – “Laredo”

The eclectic musician offers a soulful latest track titled “Laredo,” which pairs his signature retro style with a contemporary twist. Listen to the track HERE.