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Toronto Is an Oasis of Food, Culture, and Empowerment for BIPOC Creatives – Essence

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Photo credit: Steven Kriemadis / Getty Images

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.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Drake Hotel. Photo: Brandon Barré

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.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Courtesy of RioCan

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.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Photo credit: George Pimentel

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.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Tonya Williams receives the 2024 Changemaker Award. Courtesy of Reelworld Screen Institute

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.

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

Black love was everywhere on the red carpet at the 2024 Emmys

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Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

The 2024 Emmys took place in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15. And while no Black stars swept the Emmys this 12 months (congrats to Leo’s LaMorne Morris for taking home the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series), the event brought out a few of our brightest stars and their partners. There were Idris and Sabrina Elba, Niecy Nash and wife Jessica Betts, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, and more. As we do for each major event, we’ve rounded up all the Black love moments from the 2024 Emmys. Scroll right down to see who showed up and showed out at TV’s biggest night.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Meet Tricia Lee, Real Estate Champion: Rising Star of Netflix’s ‘Owning Manhattan’ – Essence

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Tricia Lee was a lady. Long before she wowed Netflix viewers along with her enviable style, personable personality, and savvy business acumen on the hit series, which was just renewed for a second season, she was giving her elementary school friends bathroom makeovers. As she grew, so did her entrepreneurial spirit. “In college, I would do other students’ makeup before parties in my dorm room,” Lee recalls with a smile. “I always wanted to be an entrepreneur.”

Lee, who’s of Jamaican descent, was born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Arizona, and moved back to the Big Apple after college, where she’s lived for 23 years. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lee desired to work in the wonder and fashion industry—and she or he did. After climbing the ranks at cosmetics giant Estée Lauder, Lee joined cult favorite makeup brand MAC Cosmetics within the brand’s early days and quickly rose through the ranks. Then, in 2005, Lee opened The Polish Bar in the center of Brooklyn. Her chic beauty salon also offered waxing, makeup, and lashes to her trendy clientele. In 2016, Lee desired to try her hand at a brand new field: real estate. The small-time powerhouse closed her beauty business to pursue real estate full-time and concentrate on learning a brand new craft. Her drive paid off. Eight years later, it’s winning the hearts of people around the globe because of the Netflix series.

We managed to squeeze in a bit interview with this savvy businesswoman about her daring profession moves, the realities of working along with her husband – and the surprising the explanation why buying real estate is more attainable than most of us realize.

ESSENCE: Congratulations in your success ! The show was ranks in the highest 10 in over 40 countries worldwide. What have your opinions been for the reason that series debuted?
TRICIA LEE: Most of the feedback is, “I need to watch more of you! They don’t show you enough.” Sometimes that annoys me because it isn’t my show. It’s Ryan [Serhant] show. My family, people near me, usually are not surprised by the show and the general public opinion I receive. I also discovered that I’m superb in front of the camera. [laughs]

ESSENCE: We discovered that you just work along with your husband, Jeffrey St. Arromand. You each have even been guests on ! What does constructing a business along with your spouse appear like?

LEE: I believe we may very well be rather a lot more decoupled from our marriage. We haven’t got all of it discovered yet. We’ve set some boundaries. But it’s hard. I don’t need to be the boss on a regular basis. I need to be soft. I don’t need to must select. I attempt to separate it. We’re kind of like yin and yang in relation to strengths. Jeff is more of a curious type. He can sense the energy of the client or the vendor. Whereas once I walk right into a house, I take a look at the interiors and the aesthetics. I believe, “Oh, this needs to change. Or this needs to change.” He doesn’t take a look at those things. When a client works with us, they get two different strengths, but they’re only paying for one.

ESSENCE: You are such a refreshing example of a successful black woman on reality TV. How does that make you are feeling?

LEE: Honestly, I just desired to be myself. You’ll see some attitude. You’ll see some humor. You’ll see some gentleness. You’ll see all of that, because that is all I’m. I’ll talk my mind, because I even have every reason on the earth to be confident. And sometimes I’ll be nervous, because I’m beginning to tackle parts of this business which might be recent to me. I can not control how people perceive me. It’s not my business. I don’t need to own it. I believe it’s great that individuals have accepted me so well. I believe it’s higher that I do not live and die by this, like most individuals would.

ESSENCE: Amen! Speaking of women and property, what are some creative ways we will get into the true estate game with lower than ideal funds or resources?

LEE: How much does it cost you to attend to own a house? More single women are buying homes now than single men. Imagine that. Forty years ago, you could not even get a mortgage with no man’s signature. So owning a house must be viewed as an asset-constructing issue, similar to where you reside. But sometimes we wish to examine off other things first. For example, you wish to get married, you wish to have a baby, and you wish to buy a house. Well, how much does that waiting cost you in the true estate conversation?

When we girls take a look at buying real estate as constructing assets, we’re more prone to do it with our mom, our sister, our greatest friend. So possibly you may’t afford a Bed-Stuy brownstone that you just buy by yourself. But possibly you and I should buy it together. Maybe in five years we’ll have 2 or 3 of them. Too often we devalue our own communities. But we’re seeing a revival in places like Detroit and Baltimore. Thankfully, individuals are starting to grasp that. Don’t underestimate the proven fact that you begin where you might be.

GIST: I’d like more advice for first-time home buyers.

LEE: Credit, money, and criteria! What is your credit rating? How much money do you might have not just for the down payment, but in addition for closing costs. Criteria: You must know the way much your needs and needs will cost you. When buying a house, your budget is the deciding factor. What are your criteria for must-haves and negotiables? For example, the very first thing I normally ask my clients is: What is your timeline? 2 months or 2 years? What are your criteria? Type of home (apartment, single-family, multifamily), size, price, and site. Here’s a tip… Budget and site are the true questions on this case.

THE ESSENCE: How do you already know if you’re ready to begin searching for a house?

LEE: If you do not know if you’ll be able to buy a house, nevertheless it’s a brief-term goal (about 18 months), contact a mortgage lender for a financial assessment. You must know the way much you may save in that point, what you may afford based in your credit rating and income. You’ll have a plan of motion. The house hunt starts if you’re able to shop.

ESSENCE: We hear rumors about unusual 40-12 months mortgages. What do you think that?

LEE: 40-12 months mortgages can work, especially in case you plan to purchase and hold for some time. They can dramatically offset the monthly maintenance fees. That’s an enormous help with current rates of interest, nevertheless it also lets you buy more home at a cheaper monthly cost. That’s in case you plan to carry for some time.

ESSENCE: You are captivated with empowering women, especially black women, in some ways. How can people be told about your upcoming projects?

LEE: Yes, the following Money Matters event with Tricia Lee will likely be this fall at Serhant [in New York City]. I also organize a luxury event called Dinner in Noir. People can follow me on social media to get updates on @lovetricialee.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Arrested in New York After Grand Jury Indictment – Essence

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Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested in New York after grand jury indictment

Photo credit: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested Monday night on the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan after being indicted by a grand jury, authorities said. Combs, who has faced multiple sexual assault lawsuits and a federal human trafficking investigation over the past 12 months, was detained by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, CNN reports.

The specific charges against the music mogul remain unclear, but U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams confirmed the arrest in a press release. “Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY,” he said. “We expect to file a motion to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time.”

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, criticized the choice to file charges, calling the indictment “unfair.” According to the report, Agnifilo said, “We are disappointed with the decision to bring what we believe is an unfair indictment against Mr. Combs by the United States Attorney’s Office. Sean “Diddy” Combs is a music icon, a self-made entrepreneur, a loving family man, and a proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years constructing an empire, adoring his children, and dealing to uplift the black community.”

Agnifilo continued by emphasizing his client’s cooperation with investigators, adding, “To his credit, Mr. Combs has cooperated with this investigation and voluntarily moved to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve judgment until you know all the facts. These are the actions of an innocent man who has nothing to hide and is eager to clear his name in court.”

Combs, 54, has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, and the arrest is the most recent in a series of legal challenges he has faced. The federal investigation features a human trafficking probe and a series of sexual assault lawsuits. In one in all the most recent cases, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit on Sept. 10 accusing Combs of verbal abuse, sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Earlier this 12 months, Homeland Security agents raided Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami as a part of a human trafficking investigation. HSI confirmed the searches in a press release, saying, “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York conducted the law enforcement action as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.”

Combs also got here under fire in May when CNN released a video of him physically attacking his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, in 2016. The video was consistent with allegations made in lawsuit filed by Ventura in November 2023. Although the lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, it added to a growing list of legal issues the entrepreneur has faced.

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