Yesterday, Joe Odom, Lamar Odom’s father, was barred from visiting his son at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and he blamed Khloe Kardashian. Even though he wasn’t on the visitors list, Joe said he was sure Lamar wanted him to visit.

But it turns out that Lamar is coherent enough to make his own decisions at the hospital, including who visits. Khloe wasn’t even at the hospital Wednesday night because she’s not needed. Lamar is communicating with his doctors and helping to make decisions about his own care.

Lamar may have realized that his father, an alleged drug addict, isn’t a good influence. Joe says that he and his son hung out in Las Vegas everyday before Lamar’s medical emergency that was brought on by drug use.

Source

A Black Multnomah County, Ore. sheriff’s deputy is suing Elmer’s Restaurant chain for $100,000 after he was forced to prepay for his meal at a Vancouver, Wash. franchise, even though white customers weren’t asked to do the same, reports The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Brian Eason, who is also a real estate agent, filed the discrimination lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court Tuesday. He had gone to Elmer’s on Dec. 16, 2014 to have a quiet bite to eat while writing Christmas cards to his clients, according to the lawsuit filing.

According to the suit, the waitress “demanded that he prepay for his meal” after taking his order.

“I was kind of curious about it and said ‘Well, is that new?’ And she said ‘Yes, we had a few walk-aways and my boss asked me to ask for prepayment,” Eason said to the news outlet Wednesday.

Eason, 44, paid the request no mind until he ordered another drink and the waitress again asked for prepayment.

“I said ‘This is kind of odd that I have to prepay every time I order my food and drink,'” Eason explained. “She said, ‘I think it’s discrimination and my boss is here, and she’s forcing me to have me do this.'”

Since the waitress was apologetic and he felt bad for her, Eason said he left her a big tip and one of the $10 Starbucks gift cards he was giving to his clients.

However, Eason became concerned about his treatment at the restaurant again and returned about a half-hour later. He asked two white diners if they were asked to prepay, and they said no. Eason asked for their names and phone numbers, which they gave him.

The lawsuit names Karsan, Inc., which operates the franchise, and Elmer’s Restaurants. An Elmer’s representative told the news site Wednesday that she couldn’t comment on pending litigation, but was “actively looking” into the incident.

“At Elmer’s, we are proud to provide a welcoming Guest experience to everyone in the communities we serve,” wrote Jill Ramos, the chain’s director of restaurant support. “We are disappointed to hear about the complaint which occurred at one of our franchise-operated restaurants.”

Eason says the incident has caused him to lose sleep and he feels racially stigmatized.

“My office is right down the street there,” Eason said. “It’s a constant reminder of ‘They don’t want me in there.'”

Source

“Forget that, darling. I’ve slept with Prince.”

— Boy George wins a game of name-dropping against Paloma Faith while filming The Voice. The conversation began with Boy George saying, “I have duetted with some of the greatest soul singers in history including Luther Vandross and Smokey Robinson.” Faith replied, “Well OK, if we’re throwing big soul names out there I’ve performed with Prince.” And that’s when Boy George shut it down with his bomb of a revelation. The audience went into a frenzy, and Will.i.am couldn’t stop high-fiving Boy George, said a fan present for the popular music competition show. Shortly after things calmed down, Boy George began back-tracking on his statement.

Is 85-year-old international jewelry thief Doris Payne a kleptomaniac, who just can’t keep her hands off expensive, luxury baubles? Well, the West Virginia native who is the subject of the 2013 documentary The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne has allegedly struck again — this time at Atlanta’s Phipps Plaza Mall.

Payne was arrested Oct. 23rd for allegedly lifting a $650 pair of earrings from the Christian Dior boutique locating within the mall’s Saks Fifth Avenue. Quintin Alvarez, an assistant asset protection manager for the department store, reportedly watched Payne stealing the jewels on surveillance video.

According to the police report, Payne was stopped in the mall and the earrings were recovered from her pocket.

She was charged with theft and later released from the Fulton County Jail on $2,500 bond.

The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne details how Payne has stolen $2 million-worth of jewelry around the globe. As recently as 2014, Payne plead guilty to stealing a diamond ring from a Riverside County, Calif. store.

However, her lawyer Shawn McCullers says, “For those who have an automatic assumption, everyone is entitled to their day in court. Her past should not dictate her present.”

Source

[Main image: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office]

Halloween weekend is here! Whether you’re going out or staying in, have a party in a glass with one of these Halloween cocktails inspired by the flavors of late fall.

Pumpkin Bourbon Cider

(Created by Larry Piaskowy, San Francisco, CA)

Ingredients:
2 parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
¾ part Fresh Lemon Juice
½ part Sweet Vermouth
¼ tsp. Superfine Sugar
¾ part Pumpkin Puree
6 dashes Angostura Bitters
2 parts Dry Hard Cider
1 piece of Fresh Nutmeg (for garnish)
1 Cinnamon Stick (for garnish)

Method:

1. Combine pumpkin puree, superfine sugar, sweet vermouth, bitters and lemon juice into a mixing glass.
2. Stir until sugar is nearly dissolved.
3. Add Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon and ice.
4. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass.
5. Top with dry hard cider.
6. Garnish with grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

The Headless Horseman

(available at Dante, NYC)

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Campari

Juice of 1 orange

Method:

Pour over ice and stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Candy Orange Spritz

By Herndon Holmes

Let’s go back. It’s 1968, and Dr. King’s assassination created a racial divide in America that is felt worldwide. However, the tragedy birthed a colorful new character into the iconic PEANUTS comic strip: Franklin Armstrong.

Creator Charles M. Schulz introduced the strip’s first African-American character—joining Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, and Peppermint Patty in the Emmy-winning series—after being challenged by Harriet Glickman, a suburban schoolteacher in Los Angeles, who thought the popular ‘toon could ease racial tensions. Initially, Schulz thought introducing a black character would be more condescending to the black community than constructive. However, after several exchanges with Glickman, Franklin was created and introduced.

Now, fresh from celebrating his 47th birthday but not looking a day over 6 years old, the breakdancing, ice-hockey playing Leo rejoins his best friend Charlie Brown and the other usual suspects on November 6th, with the release of The Peanuts Movie, his first big screen appearance since 1999. Cheers to black not cracking!

“Are you Black?” is a question Tom Jones has faced throughout his career. And now he’s attempting to learn definitively whether he has Black ancestry.

“When I first came to America, people who had heard me sing on the radio would be surprised that I was white when they saw me,” said Jones in an interview. “Because of my hair, a lot of Black people still tell me I’m just passing as white.”

Jones was born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales. His father is of English descent. Although his mother Freda was of Welsh and English ancestry, she also was questioned about her ancestry. Jones says she was born with dark patches covering her body. When Jones was born, his mother was asked whether she had any “Black blood,” he told Times Magazine.

With the help of a DNA test and a sample of saliva, Jones may no longer have to wonder where his tan skin and coarse hair come from.

How did your favorite celebrities celebrate Halloween? In fabulous and creative costumes, of course! Check out Beyonce, Jay Z, and Blue Ivy’s Coming to America-themed costumes; how Keke Palmer channeled Aaliyah and The Game morphed into Jidenna; and more …

Beyonce and Jay Z channeled Queen Aoleon and King Jaffe Joffer, respectively, from Coming to America, while little Blue Ivy was the jilted Imani Izzi.

Kelly Rowland donned two costumes. She went as Cleopatra for ABC’s The Chew and played Minnie Mouse to son Titan‘s Mickey Mouse.

The Game morphed into Jidenna for Halloween. (Isn’t the resemblance uncanny?!)

Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish nailed Martin and Gina from the classic sitcom.

Keke Palmer‘s Aaliyah costume was spot-on! And she even recreated the late singer’s “Try Again” music video.

LeBron James not only donned a Prince costume, he also performed as the living legend.

Grace Gealey and fiance Trai Byers made for a very chic and dapper Bonnie and Clyde.

Usher looked to Questlove for Halloween inspiration.

Keyshia Cole and friend Paris Phillips transformed into Nisi and Mickey of B*A*P*S.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made for a rather sexy Popeye.

Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, and the Dean boys enjoyed some family fun.

Hacktivist group Anonymous has made good on its vow to publish the names of alleged Ku Klux Klan members.

Anonymous said last week it acquired the information through a compromised Twitter account associated with the hate group, and it would publish 1,000 names.

On Sunday and Monday morning, Anonymous posted four listings, including 57 phone numbers and 23 email addresses of alleged members, on the text-sharing website Pastebin, according to an International Business Times report.

It seems that phone numbers of KKK members are on the internet. https://t.co/XFmxjIQKQb

— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) November 1, 2015

But Anonymous has more havoc planned for the KKK. The hacktivists are planning to unleash a social media campaign against the Ku Klux Klan on Nov. 4th, using the hashtag #hoodsoff.

The alleged outing of 1,000 supposed KKK members by Thursday coincides with Anonymous’ Million Mask March, which marks the first anniversary of the grand jury decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

An Anonymous press release issued Sunday promises “This is just the beginning.”

Source

[Image: Everett Historical/Shutterstock.com]

During a trip to the Newark campus of Rutgers University on Monday, President Obama ordered federal agencies to stop asking job applicants about their criminal history at the beginning of the application process, according to a New York Times report.

Obama said America would be stronger if it allowed criminals emerging from prison to find paying jobs, but employers often dismiss them early in the hiring process if they answer honestly by checking the box that says they’ve been convicted of a crime.

“It’s not too late,” said Obama to the audience that included a few ex-offenders who have made positive changes in their lives, reports the news outlet. “There are people who have gone through tough times, they’ve made mistakes, but with a little bit of help, they can get on the right path. And that’s what we have to invest in. That’s what we have to believe. That’s what we have to promote.”

In an effort to allow prospective federal employees the opportunity to make a positive impression before being dismissed for their criminal history, Obama instructed the federal Office of Personnel Management to delay inquiries later into the hiring process for most competitive federal jobs. Although most federal agencies have already taken this step, the Times reports that in the new year, requests for criminal backgrounds will be banned until the most qualified applicants are sent to a hiring manager. Exceptions to the ban will be made for sensitive positions like law enforcement and national security.

Obama didn’t “ban the box” completely though, because he would prefer Congress write a prohibition into law that will last long after his administration, said his aides.

[Image: Shutterstock]

However, the president also revealed a series of smaller initiatives to help former inmates reintegrate into society. The Times reports:

Mr. Obama also unveiled a series of small initiatives intended to make it easier for former prisoners to find jobs and live in subsidized housing, moves that were important less for their individual effect than for the momentum they continue. Collectively, they reflect a belief that former inmates should have greater leeway to apply for jobs and housing without disclosing criminal records.

The president announced grants to provide job training for those with criminal records, including a software development program in Newark, and issued new guidance for public authorities that clarifies when arrest records can be used to determine eligibility for assisted housing. In addition, he announced the creation of a national clearinghouse to help former inmates expunge or seal records, when possible, and a program to help public housing residents under the age of 25 do the same.

This focus on helping former inmates turn their lives around is rather timely as the United States Sentencing Commission announced last month that about 6,000 federal prisoners will be released earlier than expected under reduced penalties for drug offenses, according to the New York Times.

Source

For the first time since Bobbi Kristina Brown‘s untimely death, her aunt Pat Houston is opening up.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Houston, who was confidante; manager; and sister-in-law to the late Whitney Houston, says she was planning to send Bobbi Kristina to rehab for drug addiction before she was found unconscious in a bathtub in January.

“When we really found out that Krissy was in trouble, we were really making plans to do something about it, but it came too late,” said Pat.

Pat also said the world had it wrong about Bobbi Kristina’s strained relationship with her family.

“Where the world saw that she was angry and mad at me, she was texting me all along,” she explained. “I really tried to show her [that] I’m going to do this to let you know that you don’t have to be afraid of anything. I got you.”

As for Bobby Brown‘s plans to write a memoir, Pat says it could be a cathartic experience for Bobbi Kristina’s dad, but she has a warning for him too.

“I don’t really judge when it comes to that, you know? It could be something that could be very healing for him,” Pat said in the interview. “You really never know what a person is going through so if he feels that he wants to write, he’ll do it. But the only thing is you have to be very truthful. If it’s good or bad, you have to own it.”

Ex-husbands David Justice and Eric Benet have no love for Halle Berry and blasted the actress for vilifying her exes, in the wake of her messy split from third husband Olivier Martinez.

Justice, Berry’s first husband, took to Twitter to explain his opinion on the demise of Berry’s relationships. “Yup..Me,Eric,Gabriel and Olivier were all her ‘Knight in Shining Armor’ until it ends..Then we all become the worst guys in history,” wrote Justice in a tweet that has since been deleted.

Benet, Berry’s second husband, cosigned Justice’s tweet. “My man @23davidjustice is tweeting some truth dis’ mornin’!” wrote the singer.

My man at @23davidjustice is tweeting some truth dis’ mornin’!

— Eric Benet (@ebenet) November 3, 2015

Justice also takes issue with the rumor that he abused Berry during their five-year marriage that ended in 1997 and attempted to dispel the rumor in a series of tweets. He shot down reports that he punched Berry in the ear, causing irreparable damage, and seemingly blamed Wesley Snipes, whom the actress dated in the early 1990s.

“Reading the latest Halle Berry Reports, it wasn’t me who hit Halle causing the ear damage. Halle has never said that I hit her,” Justice tweeted.

“It was a former Hollywood boyfriend (WS) that she told me! #getyourfactsright,” Justice continued.

Reading the latest Halle Berry Reports,it wasn’t me who hit Halle causing the ear damage.Halle has never said that I hit her.

— david justice (@23davidjustice) November 3, 2015

Justice also alleges that Berry wouldn’t “name the ‘famous’ former boyfriend (WS)” when she first went public about having “been in abusive relationships.”

However, when they broke up, Justice claims “she was mad at me leaving the relationship so she and her Hollywood Team just tried to destroy my character.”

Justice, then, issued a direct warning to Martinez about Berry’s alleged pattern of vilifying her exes. “Just wait,Olivier..It’s coming! She insinuated that her daughter wasn’t safe around Gabriel..look it up and see the reason!” he tweeted, referring to the Oscar winner’s contentious custody battle with ex-boyfriend Aubry over their 7-year-old daughter Nahla. It seems Justice thinks Berry will initiate another custody battle regarding her and Martinez’s son Maceo.

By Satchel B. Jester

Anthony Anderson has arrived. His latest role as Andre “Dre” Johnson and Executive Producer on ABC’s second highest rated show Black-ish (7 million viewers weekly) has earned him an Emmy nomination and he’s living his life like it’s golden. Fresh off of filming Barbershop 3, hosting the Food Network’s Eating America and on the brink of the second season premiere of Black-ish on September 23, Anderson is smiling and laughing, but not playing games. We spoke to the hilarious husband and father of two to see just what type of ish he’s on these days.

It shocks me . . . that some people still don’t know who I am or what I do! I’m joking. Or am I?

I get tongue-tied . . . when I’m wearing my Invisalign!

My greatest accomplishment . . . is being nominated for an Emmy. It’s such an amazing feat that I dreamed of as a kid but, honestly, I don’t need awards to validate who I am and the capabilities of my talent. My acceptance speech is written though!

I won’t lie . . . I use the N word. Where I’m from, it’s common. I actually grew up hearing it. Depending on how you say it, it can mean or be so many things. As a term of endearment, it can be used like GTF away from me or it can be a tribal call. I don’t use it in mixed company though, and yes, when I hear it, I get offended.

I didn’t . . . speak to my brother for three years after I gave him a loan to buy a condo. Instead, he bought a souped-up Chrysler 300 with rims, tint and the whole nine, and told me that his job financed it. Why didn’t they finance your condo then?! He definitely got put on a time out.

My favorite memories. . . are of times when I was sitting in the yard at Howard University with the likes of Wendy Raquel Robinson, Ananda Lewis, AJ Calloway and Puffy. We were just soaking up the creative energy in that one place and it paid off. Look at how we’ve all changed the world.

I celebrate my success . . . by working every day. That’s how we keep the lights on!

My ultimate reward . . . is how my family looks at me.

I’m excited that . . . my son is a young, talented actor and following in my footsteps. He’ll actually be guest starring on Black-ish this season.

I’m proud that . . . I’ve executive produced work that tells truthful and honest stories with humor. It’s a perspective I wouldn’t change.

America is. . . a melting pot. One of the few great places you can come to with nothing and the sky can still be your limit.

I’m not . . . rushing to end this interview, so relax. I have to be at a funeral, but no worries, he’s dead. He’s not going anywhere!

Musa Jackson with his daughter Jade Jackson in Harlem

By Satchel B. Jester

Musa Jackson is Harlem. A venti blend of elegance, urbanity and smarts with a power shot of wit. The supermodel turned fine artist and producer extraordinaire is the personification of this constantly evolving cultural center of upper Manhatta—picking up where legendary Harlemites like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and James Weldon Johnson left off.

Finding favor in his formative years, Musa, born Stacey, earned a scholarship and soared through elite private schools beginning as a precocious kindrgartner at The Allen-Stevenson School through to his collegiate entrance at the acclaimed Parsons School of Design. Studying within this select sect not only afforded Jackson a tony education, but it also introduced him to the power of presentation. “During my first year at Parsons, I met an editor from GQ who took an immediate interest in my aesthetic. I was tall, handsome, non-threatening and I looked good in a Polo shirt, which led to me being one of the youngest African American men in the magazine.”

This spawned a career in modeling that made Karen Alexander, Veronica Webb, Roshumba and Cynthia Bailey his colleagues, Tyson Beckford his protégé and Grace Jones, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Andy Warhol and Keith Herring playmates (at the legendary clubs Area and Studio 54). Even more impressive, in the ’80s, he was the first black model to open a Jean Paul Gaultier runway show in Italy, as well as the first black male model to star in a Gap campaign. Had social media been a part of that era, he would’ve undoubtedly been a reoccurring trending topic.

Today, Jackson, also once a successful Hollywood screenwriter, influences Harlem with his Musa Jackson Productions imprint, creating experiences and connecting dots that support him having one foot in the old Harlem and the other in the new. Now that players in his circle have evolved from bookers to editors and models to icons, Jackson’s presence is as influential as ever, because he’s stayed true to his home’s beauty.

“I’m from a place of authority that is deeply rooted in historical and cultural significance. My neighborhood is black history, yet we welcome an amalgam of culture, religion, sexuality and background,” he offers with pride. “At 19, in Paris, I was asked where I was from. I did not say New York or America, I said Harlem. I was willing to roll the dice on this place when there were only crack heads, poverty and AIDS and I won. Harlem won and is still winning. I’ve always carried Harlem.” Carry on Musa.

RELATED: My Uptown World: Harlem Is NYC’s New Food Mecca

A woman in charge of caring for Bobbi Kristina Brown at the hospice where she passed away is facing charges of identity theft and nursing without a license.

Taiwo Sobamowo was responsible for caring for Bobbi Kristina at Peachtree Christian Hospice in Duluth, Ga. According to the police report obtained by The Associated Press, there is no indication the 22-year-old’s care was affected by Sobamowo, however.

Police said Sobamowo was impersonating a licensed nurse with a similar name.

Homestead Hospice, which contracts with the hospice to provide employees, performed a background check and reviewed references from area health care agencies. “We had no reason to believe that she was anything other than a good nurse with proper credentials,” CEO Mallie Sharafat wrote. “As soon as the credentialing discrepancy was discovered by one of our employees, we immediately took action and notified the appropriate authorities.”

Sobamowo was fired Aug. 5th when she couldn’t provide proof of a nursing license, according to a Georgia Board of Nursing alert.

Sharafat also said the credentials of all employees have since been re-certified.

Sobamowo was arrested Nov. 1st in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has addresses in that city, as well as Buford, Ga. She’s being held on charges of being a fugitive from another state.

Source

[Image: Wake County (N.C.) Jail]

If you’ve checked out the trailer for season eight of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, then you probably are curious about a scene in which one of the women appears to be passed out on the floor. According to sources, there was some real-life, violent drama that went down during filming.

Back in September, RHOA producers brought Tammy McCall Browning into the fold to test her for a full-time gig. She brought her nephew, former Washington Wizards player Glen Rice Jr., along to Miami, thinking it would help her chances of landing on the show. However, things didn’t go well because they began drinking and Rice allegedly became aggressive, which made the real cast members uncomfortable.

TMZ sources say Rice “lost it” when Browning asked him to leave, as a result of his bad behavior. Rice allegedly went as far as trying to confront one of the housewives and Browning tried to stop him unsuccessfully. Rice knocked Browning to the floor and she smacked her head very hard and began to cry.

Fortunately, doctors determined Browning was OK.

She and Rice returned to the home and the women made it clear Rice was no longer welcome. The group began to argue and the cops were called. However, no one was arrested and Rice eventually left the shoot without incident.

In the end, Browning was not offered a featured role on RHOA, even though the altercation was featured in the season eight trailer.

Rice was recently arrested after being shot at rapper T.I.‘s restaurant in Atlanta.

Source

Step inside the new Harlem with noted model, writer, producer and native son Musa Jackson. Each issue, as UPTOWN’s Harlem Ambassador, he will bring to the pages what’s in the air in America’s most famous and cultural neighborhood.

Model, writer, and producer Musa Jackson

Harlem—where actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family, Empire creator Lee Daniels and Law & Order divas S. Epatha Merkerson and Tamara Tunie all call home—is New York’s new food mecca.

Back in 2000, Settepani Bakery had the first outdoor seating in the area. In 2009 there were seven top restaurants; today there are 47. The Cecil—owned by former Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons and top chef Alexander Smalls—under the guidance of wunderkind chef JJ Johnson, was named the number one new restaurant in America by Esquire. Diners have included Gloria Steinem, Gayle King, and Mariah Carey (when I was last there, I eyed Beyoncé’s dad Mathew Knowles). Over on Lenox Avenue at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster, on one summer evening New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and President Bill Clinton were seen holding court and posing for selfies.

Bevy Smith, Musa, Jussie Smollett and Ryan Tarpley

Next door at the gorgeous speakeasy lounge Gin Fizz (above Chez Lucienne), run by David Chevreaux and his handsome general manager Terrance McCleveland, I threw a joint birthday party over the summer (the most magical and social time in Harlem) for fitness king and Insanity Workout creator Shaun T. and CAA agent Ryan Tarpley. The intimate soiree was hosted by media personality Bevy Smith and attended by Empire’s Jussie Smollett, Emil Wilbekin (looking dashing having come directly from the GLAAD Awards), NBC anchor Shiba Russell, UPTOWN Editor-In-Chief Isoul H. Harris, music legend Nona Hendryx and more.

Emil Wilbekin and Nona Hendryx

Cheri in Harlem

Cheri, with its fabulous living room décor (including a grand piano and fireplace), outdoor seating and garden, has snatched the crown as the number one Harlem restaurant from Trip Advisor. The real star of this gorgeous French bistro is kind and generous owner Alain Eoche. One Sunday brunch, house chanteuse Lady Leah serenaded music icon Clive Davis and it’s rumored Michelle Obama made an appearance last April.

The biggest metamorphosis is happening on Fredrick Douglas Boulevard (8th Avenue) with six new cafes, bars and restaurants. Mainstay Lido, although tastefully done, now feels awkward: it looks as if it were reassembled piece by piece from East Hampton (Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ruffalo filmed a movie scene there—go figure). Harlem requires some measure of swag or soul—preferably both. Vinateria is a sexy trattoria with a mix of delicious Italian and Spanish dishes, where the delightful owner Yvette Bueno is always on hand (retired, openly gay NBAer Jason Collins recently enjoyed brunch there).

Marcus Samuelsson

The splashiest (and perhaps noisiest) culinary debut on the avenue had to be Marcus Samuelsson’s hip-hop-themed rotisserie joint Streetbird. I attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and sat directly between future rap icons Slick Rick and Dana Dane. So I recognized the lack of soul and authenticity of Streetbird’s opening—put together by downtown Paper magazine (I did spy Fab Five Freddy). However, Marcus rose like the phoenix with Harlem Eat Up!—a food festival held in Morningside Park: huge tents, huge sponsors (Ernst & Young), huge supporters Mayor DeBlasio and President Clinton (does Marcus have these two on retainer?) and Grey’s Anatomy hottie Jessie Williams.

MIST finally emerged out of the shadow with the new partnership of Madiba Harlem. This multi-functional theater, café, bar and restaurant, united with South African theme and cuisine is now looking like a singular focused concept showing promise with recent sold-out live performances from a newly (and thankfully) pulled together Lauryn Hill, a rather mature A$AP Rocky and Academy Award–winner Common, who performed “Glory” with Gina Belafonte (daughter of Harry) and her beau and music partner Raoul Roach (son of Jazz icon Max Roach). Atlantic Records held a private listening party for Jill Scott’s latest album Woman. She performed new and fave selections for industry insiders and tastemakers, including an enraptured Nikki Garth Taylor (Essence).

Some things never change or should: as in the case of the recent demolition of the
Renaissance Ballroom, built by black architects so that black people could have a place to party because the Cotton Club and other nightclubs wouldn’t allow them entry. En route to my friend Aliyah Horsford-Sidberry’s Cove Lounge to attend UPTOWN’s summer issue party with cover girl, Grammy–winner and recent Broadway sensation Brandy, we passed the now-shuttered Lenox Lounge. The spot where I hosted my first Harlem event to rave reviews (featured on the BBC and in German Glamour) and, more importantly, where icon Billie Holiday launched her career. While walking, my friend, the beautiful attorney Lisa Bonner, pointed to a familiar-looking white gentleman walking briskly past us. It was an odd (and rare) sighting of Mikhail Baryshnikov—the greatest Russian dancer of his generation (and Carrie’s last lover on Sex and The City)—crossing 125th Street & Lenox Avenue in front of the frame of the future Whole Foods rising into the sky. Welcome to a new Harlem, indeed.

xo,
Musa.

RELATED: Musa Jackson: An American Dream

By Isoul H. Harris

Forget what you’ve been taught: please judge a book by its cover. Well, at least in the case of The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood (Atria, $26). The front image, Powell as a toddler, features a face of innocence—but also curiosity. Grinning, he looks eager to set off a rapid fire blast of questions. Powell grew a few feet and eventually built a substantial career as a journalist, author and activist. This book is a continuation of his officiousness. However, now it’s directed inwardly— Education is a study in self-examination. He writes candidly of his intense relationship with his Southern-raised mother, the search for the father that never was, of his battles with depression and alcohol abuse and his introduction to celebrity in the early ’90s as a star writer at VIBE and one of the first reality stars on MTV. Yet, this gorgeously-written recollection (in the vein of Baldwin and Angelou) is ultimately charitable. Instead of a laundry list of accomplishments, these decades-spanning anecdotes decidedly intersect with major touchstones of American history and pop culture. Thus, The Education of Kevin Powell moves beyond memoir: it’s an experience.

Insiders say Tyra Banks and Chrissy Teigen are very disappointed with the direction of FABLife and their lackluster attitude is spilling onto the production crew.

The supermodels have been “spending an inordinate amount of time commiserating about the misdirection of the show, both on and off set,” and “even the crew is taking notice … morale is low,” say Page Six sources.

Tyra supposedly is frustrated that FABLife — which also stars Joe Zee, Lauren Makk, and Leah Ashley — hasn’t set itself apart from other multiple hosts talk shows, like The View, The Real, The Chew, and The Talk.

“[Tyra’s] smart and has pivoted her career numerous times,” a source said to the gossip outlet. “She wants the show to be innovative and different but it hasn’t been. It’s been super-frustrating for her and Chrissy. It’s not what she wants.”

FABLife might not make it to season two if ratings don’t climb. “The show’s a ratings disaster,” said another Page Six source, “specifically with [adults 25 to 54]. By comparison, Bethenny [Frankel’s] delivery of the [25 to 54 demographic] was 29 percent higher than FABLife at the time of its cancellation” in 2014.

Although ABC is reportedly hiring new producers to make FABLife actually fabulous, a source also claims the network is seeking a replacement.

The show’s representative, however, cautions not to believe every rumor. “This utterly ridiculous story is … what happens when people traffic in unfounded gossip and rumor,” said the rep.

One thing is for sure, both Tyra and Chrissy have star power and are very entertaining. Tyra’s America’s Next Top Model has been on the air for 12 years and she won two Daytime Emmys for her other talk show, Tyra.

Chrissy is one of the best features of Lip Sync Battle, bringing her brash sense of humor to the popular show.

And both have a connection to Black-ish creator Kenya Barris. Tyra is filming a spot on the show this week, and has a pilot deal for an ABC program.

On Nov. 3rd, the Black Women of Bond Tribute celebrated Naomie Harris, Halle Berry, Trina Parks, and Gloria Hendry — four of the six Black Bond Girls of the James Bond franchise — at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.

Essence and the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) hosted the historical evening, which was presented by Columbia Pictures and MGM.

Parks (Diamonds are Forever) was the first African-American Bond Girl and blazed the trail for Hendry (Live and Let Die), Emily Bolton (Moonraker), Grace Jones (A View To Kill), Berry (Die Another Day), and Harris (Skyfall, Spectre).

The tribute consisted of a performance from Long Beach-based R&B artist Choklate and the Essence December issue cover reveal with Harris.

As the photos from the event prove, Parks, Hendry, Berry, and Harris continue to epitomize beauty and excellence. The event also welcomed a mix of celebrities and tastemakers. Keep clicking to see more images from the Black Women of Bond Tribute. And be sure to check out Bond Girl Naomie Harris in the latest Bond installment, Spectre, which hits theaters Nov. 6, 2015.

[All images: Getty Images for THAurban]

Naomie Harris

Halle Berry

Gloria Hendry

Trina Parks

Garcelle Beauvais

LisaRaye McCoy & Chante Moore

Elise Neal

Singer Freda Payne

Actress Judy Pace

Singer Choklate

Jay Ellis

Actor Amin Joseph

Essence December issue cover reveal featuring Naomie Harris