Connect with us

Entertainment

Eastside Golf Invitational Proves Golf Is For Everyone – Essence

Published

on

Under a warm September sun at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, New Jersey Eastside Invitational Golf Tournament It felt like a historic moment within the making. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, black athletes, celebrities and business leaders gathered on the pristine fairways not only to play, but to redefine what golf could appear to be.

Invitation, presented by Mercedes-Benz USAwas greater than only a sporting event — it was an announcement about inclusivity, luxury, and the facility of representation. Stars like Anthony Anderson, Terrence J, Angie Martinez, CC Sabathia, and Victor Cruz got here out in support, adding their voices to the growing chorus that golf really is “everyone’s game.”

The Eastside Golf Invitational proves that golf is a game for everyone

Erica J. Bolden, head of diversity and inclusion at Mercedes-Benz USA, was the driving force behind this groundbreaking partnership with Eastside Golf, a brand founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper. Both former collegiate athletes, Ajanaku and Cooper founded Eastside Golf with a mission to make the game more accessible to communities of color. Their iconic logo—a black man in mid-swing in jeans and a sweatshirt—quickly became a logo of cultural fusion, combining streetwear with a sport that had long been the domain of the elite.

“When we first approached Eastside, we knew it was about more than just sponsoring an event,” Bolden said. “We wanted to help them create real, lasting change, and golf was a powerful way to do that. This partnership is about more than branding—it’s about changing the way people see the sport and who has a place in it.”

The Eastside Golf Invitational proves that golf is a game for everyone

The relationship between Eastside Golf and Mercedes-Benz USA goes beyond the superficial level of sponsorship. Bolden emphasized the importance of constructing long-term, sustainable change within the communities they serve. “Anything I do in the community, I want to make sure it’s mutually beneficial. I don’t want it to be just a sponsorship where we slap our logo on something and go away,” she explained.

The partnership not only lifts up black athletes and entrepreneurs, but additionally opens doors for future generations. Mercedes-Benz has supported the Morehouse College golf team and provided scholarship funding for college students excited by the game. “We’ve made it clear that we’re building a pipeline for talent,” Bolden said. “There are internships, scholarships, even emergency funds to make sure students don’t lose out on opportunities to succeed.”

The Eastside Golf Invitational proves that golf is a game for everyone

Liberty National Golf CourseWith its world-class facilities and iconic backdrop, it has hosted prestigious events just like the PGA Tour. But the sight of black golfers, celebrities and entrepreneurs having fun with the course was groundbreaking in a sport where diversity had been left behind. For many years, golf had been synonymous with exclusivity, a world that seemed far faraway from the lived experiences of many black athletes and fans. But the Invitational was a daring statement that it was time for change.

The roots of exclusion in golf run deep. From the times of Charlie Sifford and Althea Gibson fighting for his or her place on the course to Tiger Woods breaking barriers, the game has struggled with diversity. But Ajanaku and Cooper are a part of a brand new wave of innovators pushing the game into uncharted territory. Mercedes-Benz, with its heritage of luxury and innovation, saw the vision and joined forces with Eastside Golf to make an actual impact.

The day of the Invitational was electrifying. Celebrities and competitors strolled the course, joking with one another, however the camaraderie was full of purpose. Eastside Golf, which began as a vision between two friends, is now making waves in an industry that has historically been slow to alter. “I love seeing how diverse it is now,” Bolden noted, taking within the scene. “Started by two black men, originally thinking about the black community, but now expanding beyond it. That’s what makes the partnership so special—now it’s everybody’s game.”

The Eastside Golf Invitational proves that golf is a game for everyone

The Invitational wasn’t only a golf tournament; it was a culture shift. Eastside Golf’s signature apparel, from fitted caps to polo shirts that remember black culture, was worn with pride by attendees, a walking billboard for what the brand stands for. But as Bolden notes, it’s the brand’s growth and continued deal with giving back that sets it apart. “They started small, but now their ambassadors are everywhere, and they’re still giving back. That’s what I love most—they haven’t lost sight of where they came from.”

By the top of the day, the event’s significance was undeniable. Black athletes, influencers, and executives reclaimed an area that always felt off limits. “That’s how you make a lasting impact—you have to engage, feel it, and be there,” Bolden said. “And we’re just getting started.”

The Eastside Golf Invitational proves that golf is a game for everyone

Looking ahead, Bolden sees even larger things for Eastside Golf. “I’d like to see more women involved in the game. And with the pace at which Eastside has grown, I know we’ll see even more progress. This partnership is about more than just golf—it’s about changing the culture.”

As the sun set over Liberty National (with a closing performance by rapper Fabolous), the Eastside Golf Invitational wasn’t just in regards to the celebrity competitors or the luxurious setting. It was in regards to the power of representation and the long run of black excellence in golf. Eastside Golf and Mercedes-Benz USA are coming together to prove that the sport isn’t only for the elite—it’s for everybody.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

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
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending