Author: tourist_yp6g7u

A host of celebrities and entertainers attended the Apollo Theater’s 2023 Spring Benefit Monday night.

The theater honored NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the Impact Award, which was presented to him by filmmaker Spike Lee, Sean “Diddy” Combs with the Icon Award and online glasses retailer Warby Parker with the Corporate Award.

While Combs was unable to attend the event in person due to a flight delay, he recored a video message thanking the Apollo for honoring him. He also made a $250,000 donation to the theater.

Outgoing Apollo President and CEO Janelle Procope was also honored for her 20 years of service to the theater. Procope is being succeeded by former Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks.

“Working here at the Apollo has been so special,” Procope told the audience. “Back in 2003, when I first became its President, I couldn’t believe that my office was actually in the theater, where all the magic was being made. For nearly a quarter of a century, the music wafting through the halls and on the stage of the Apollo created the most beautiful soundtrack for this period in my life. The soundtrack that is permanently imprinted on my mind and in my heart.”

The benefit concert was hosted by Apollo Executive Producer Kamila Frobes. This year’s gala theme was “The Next Movement” focusing on what’s ahead for the Apollo Theater, including the opening of the new Victoria Theater and the Apollo’s own multimillion dollar renovation.

RELATED: Apollo Theater CEO Jonelle Procope to leave the historic landmark on safe financial ground

Opening this year’s benefit was R&B singer STOUT, who paid tribute to the late Tina Tuner with a rousing rendition of “Proud Mary.” Wyclef Jean, MC Lyte, DJ D-Nice and Gladys Knight also took the stage.

Apollo legend and musician Ray Chew served as music director for the evening.

The event raised a total of $2.2 million. Proceeds from the celebration will support the nonprofit organization’s year-round, artistic, education and community programming.

Following the concert, attendees were treated to an after party with music provided by DJ D-Nice and DJ Kool at a special tent created by celebrity event planner and Apollo Board Member Bronson van Wyck in the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza.

The post Apollo Theater raises over $2.2 million at Annual Spring Benefit marking ‘next movement’ appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

The New York Urban League (NYUL) holds its 57^th Frederick Douglass Awards Gala earlier this month where actress, activist and producer Alfre Woodard was among the honorees.

The organization also saluted Tom Halloran, EVP & CFO of Fidelis Care and Alison Overseth, CEO, Partnership for After School Education.

The event was emceed by NBC4’s Myles Miller with Honorary Chairs Phylicia Rashad and James Rhee.  Wendy and Doug Eisenberg Co-Chaired the event with Ken DeRegt and Fidelis Care served as the Lead Sponsor.  And Diageo / Pronghorn underwrote this year’s reception. 

A special tribute video was created by NBC and narrated by NBC Anchor David Ushery that played for each honoree. Awards were presented by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, who presented the Ann S. Kheel Award to Overseth, Abenaa Udochi, who presented the Frederick Douglass Award to Halloran and Alexander Smalls, who presented Woodard with her awards

The theme of the evening was “RENEW.”  Each honoree shared what RENEW means to them including NYUL President and CEO Arva Rice. 

“RENEW means to double-down, to recommit, and re-center on the New York Urban League’s cause and its constituency,” she said.

Rice urged the over 450 attendees to “RENEW their commitment to social justice, RENEW their commitment to making a difference, RENEW their resolve to keep contributing when we move forward and even when we have to take a step back.” 

Guests were also able to enjoy the stories of individuals whose lives have been touched by the NYUL in a video created by Bronte’ Laurent. 

Bronx Legacy High School Principal Kameca Waugh shared how the partnership with the NYUL has positively impacted her students.  While District Attorney Alvin Braggs, Jr. shared how he had grown up in the New York Urban League and received a Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholarship. Current Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar Jalynn Perkins and her Young Professional mentor Courtney Jackson talked about how their relationship is helping ensure Jalynn’s success.

“The request for services is greater and the calls for support come more frequently – from parents and students who need support, corporations who are looking for meaningful partnerships and government with whom we work to provide critical programs and services,” NYUL Board Chair Ward Corbett. “This work requires more focus, more energy, more innovation and a renewed commitment.” 

The post Actress Alfre Woodard honored by New York Urban League at annual gala appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

Thursday, June 15th, 9:00PM-12:00M, The Sun is Also a Star outdoor screening at St. Nicholas Park, at 135th and the James Baldwin Lawn. Grab a blanket or a chair and enjoy The Sun is Also a Star. College-bound romantic Daniel Bae and Jamaica-born pragmatist Natasha Kingsley meet—and fall for each other—over one magical day amidst the fervor and flurry of New York City. More details for this FREE event on the NYC Parks site: LINK

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke is Harlem’s most followed blog website page on Facebook with original content! Join our growing community of over 14,655 followers on the Harlem Bespoke Facebook site and receive daily updates to your account by liking our page: LINK

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke: Number 730 St. Nicholas Avenue at 147th Street has recently had a price reduction  from $4.45 million to $3.99 $3.595 million for the stately corner castle-like limestone townhouse.

As previously mentioned, this large landmark historic 2-family home also has a garage included and pretty much all of the original details intact which make things quite ideal for residential purposes once polished up.  This block on St. Nicholas is also one of the most impressive ones in the neighborhood and a whole lot of charm factor is included.  Express trains are also just across the street which makes this location one of best on Sugar Hill.   More details on Streeteasy: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2023

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke: We are revisiting some of the great LGBT history post over the years on Bespoke and one of the larger than life icons of the Renaissance years was a cross-dressing lesbian that became an instant celebrity throughout the speakeasy society of New York City.

* This article was originally published here