[Image: Instagram]

The Power star dropped $895,000 on her bachelorette pad in Downtown Brooklyn in February.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium is located in a luxury 18-story building that offers 24-hour concierge service and a doorman. The home features a private balcony and boasts views of the Manhattan Bridge and New York skyline. The in-unit highlights are a wine cooler, SubZero refrigerator, and other stainless steel appliances.

Naughton’s apartment, like the one featured in these images, has an open layout for the kitchen and hardwood-floored living room. The bedrooms are located on opposite sides of the apartment, which is sometimes called a roommate layout.

The building offers shuttle service to the subway, parking garage, fitness center, and two gardens.

The former 3LW member was born in East Orange, NJ and grew up in northern part of New Jersey, but we’re happy to welcome her to New York.

Keep clicking for more …

[Images of similar apartment in Naughton’s building: Zillow]

RELATED: Go Inside Beyoncé And Jay Z’s New Orleans Mansion

[Images of similar apartment in Naughton’s building: Zillow]

Korryn Gaines‘s 5-year-old son Kodi recounted the moments leading up to the Baltimore County police shooting that tragically left him injured and his mother dead Monday.

In two Instagram videos, Kodi, who police shot in the arm, spoke about the shooting from his hospital bed.

“The police kicked the door down, and then my mom — I was hiding, I was hiding in the closet and then my mother — I was hiding in the closet and then Korryn was hiding in the door,” Kodi said. “So my mama didn’t want me to come out. So I come out and then I had my camera …”

He continued: “My mother said, ‘Back off’ and then … she then said, ‘Back up.’ So the police said, ‘Please back up,’ and then they started shooting.”

Kodi’s account finishes with him witnessing the police fatally shooting his mom.

On Monday, Aug. 1st, we reported the Baltimore County Police Department’s account of the incident:

Police Chief James W. Johnson said, during a press conference, the officers were trying to serve warrants for failure to appear relating to charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and several traffic violations from March of 2016. The officers repeatedly knocked on Gaines’s door, identifying themselves in the process, said the chief. They reportedly could hear voices inside the apartment, which is located in Randallstown, a community in Baltimore County. The landlord provided the police with a key to the apartment. When an officer entered, he saw Gaines sitting on the floor with the 5 year old and pointing a shotgun at the officer, said Johnson. An hours-long standoff ensued, and police said Gaines pointed the weapon at them, threatening to kill if they didn’t leave.

According to Johnson, the Baltimore County police fired one round at some point. Gaines allegedly returned fire, shooting several rounds. Officers fired again. The bullets struck Gaines and killed her.

Kodi’s courageous videos are below …

NBC will air the Olympic opening ceremony tonight, but fortunately there’s one skit that has been omitted from the event.

A racist video segment came to light during a dress rehearsal Sunday. In it, a Black boy robs Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, which leads to a police chase, according to those who watched the rehearsal.

“It’s totally unacceptable, it’s got to be dropped,” said Fernando Alvares Salis, head of the communications department at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, after he saw the skit.

He also admitted that the skit reinforced a racist stereotype of Black people being thieves.

The skit was created by Brazilian filmmaker Fernando Meirelles, who said the reaction was a “tremendous misunderstanding.” He says the boy was actually trying to snap an usie with Bundchen and the security guards were trying to stop him.

“It was a gag that was not funny so we cut it,” he said to The Washington Post. “There was nothing that looked like a robbery in the scene except two security guards chasing after a vendor. They are three professional clowns.”

The video was reportedly supposed to convey the message of peace. It has been cut from the Olympic opening ceremony.

When Pres. Barack Obama needs to get amped for a big speech, he turns to Eminem‘s “Lose Yourself.” A video from behind-the-scenes of July’s Democratic National Convention shows Obama bopping his head to the 2002 hit song. Later in the video, the POTUS takes a tiny jab at former Pres. Bill Clinton. “I hope you don’t mind me saying, she’s a little more qualified than you,” he said. “I included myself in that category.”

Obviously, Hillary Clinton is featured prominently in the video, but there are also cameos of Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Andra Day, Sarah Silverman, Meryl Streep, America Ferrera, Alicia Keys, Cory Booker and more.

Skip to the 58 second mark to watch Obama “lose it.”

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR
NEW YORK CITY CENTER SEASON NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 31, 2016

Artistic Director Robert Battle Leads the Company in Five-Week Holiday Engagement Featuring
Over Two Dozen Diverse Works and a Variety of Special Programs

“An Evening of Ailey and Jazz” Opening Night Gala Benefit on Wednesday, November 30th

World Premieres of Ailey Dancer Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream. &

MacArthur “Genius” Kyle Abraham’s Completed Three-Part Untitled America Series

Company Premiere of Johan Inger’s Walking Mad and New Productions of Billy Wilson’s The Winter in Lisbon & Alvin Ailey’s Masekela Langage to Showcase the Artistry of 32 Exceptional Dancers

Tickets starting at $25 go on sale September 6!

NEW YORK – August 4, 2016 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company, returns to the New York City Center stage from November 30th – December 31st, 2016. In his sixth season as Artistic Director, Robert Battle leads Ailey’s 32 renowned dancers during this annual five-week engagement, which has become a joyous holiday tradition. An expansive repertory of over two dozen works by some of the world’s most celebrated dance-makers will feature world premieres by Kyle Abraham and Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, a Company premiere by Johan Inger, and new productions by Billy Wilson and Alvin Ailey.

The season will launch on November 30th with an Opening Night Gala Benefit performance at New York City Center and party at the New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom to raise support for Ailey’s extensive educational and training programs for young people. “An Evening of Ailey and Jazz” will feature Robert Battle’s Ella – a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald preceding the 100th anniversary of her birth – along with a variety of one-night-only performances set to jazz music and the uplifting finale of Revelations with live musicians and singers.

On Wednesday, December 7th, MacArthur “Genius” Kyle Abraham will unveil the completed three-part suite Untitled America, which shines a light on the impact of the prison system on African-American families. Developed over three seasons, the haunting production features interviews by those impacted by incarceration and Abraham’s signature avant-garde aesthetic.

Veteran company member Hope Boykin was inspired by the sermons and speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to create r-Evolution, Dream., following a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta during Ailey’s annual U.S. tour. She is creating a large ensemble work to premiere on Friday, December 9th in which the Ailey dancers will be joined by members of Ailey II. Boykin melds creative storytelling, new music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and historic and original writings narrated by Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton).

The Friday, December 2nd company premiere of Walking Mad (2001) brings revered Swedish choreographer Johan Inger’s daring contemporary take on Maurice Ravel’s Bolero and his choreography to the Ailey repertory for the first time. With additional music by minimalist master Arvo Pärt, the riveting work brings waves of emotion – first laughter, then tears – and employs a long, movable wall that can also be viewed as a symbol of the barriers people construct in their relationships.

Returning to the Ailey stage this season are vibrant new productions of Billy Wilson’s The Winter in Lisbon (Thursday, December 8th) and Alvin Ailey’s Masekela Langage (Tuesday, December 13th). The Winter in Lisbon (1992) pays tribute to consummate jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie, evoking an atmosphere in which the dancers challenge, tease and romance against a backdrop of rhythm, color and four decades of his brilliant music. Masekela Langage (1969) is Alvin Ailey’s searing portrait of oppression that draws parallels between the era of South African apartheid and the race-induced violence in Chicago during the 1960s. Trumpeter and composer Hugh Masekela’s driving music propels the dancers through a string of theatrical tableaus, as the commanding choreography speaks of passivity, militancy, despair and defiance anywhere, at any time.

“Now more than ever, I’m proud to have a platform to share the power of dance with New Yorkers – inspiring and bringing them together while shining a spotlight on important issues,” stated Artistic Director Robert Battle. “This season, Ailey’s passionate artists will transport audiences with over two dozen works, including timely and relevant premieres by Kyle Abraham and Hope Boykin that follow in the powerful footsteps of Alvin Ailey’s Masekela Langage. We will also revel in the marriage of America’s two great art forms – modern dance and jazz – from the one-night-only opening to a variety of dances throughout the season that move to music by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.”

Among the over two dozen works showcased are 2015-16 season premieres: Awakening, Robert Battle’s 2015 world premiere – his first since becoming Artistic Director; Open Door, Ronald K. Brown’s Cuban-inspired work set to Grammy Award-winning music by Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra; Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti’s soulful ensemble work Deep set to the music by rising global music stars Ibeyi; and Paul Taylor’s sizzling Piazzolla Caldera.

Recent new productions coming to life onstage are Robert Battle’s thrilling The Hunt for six men and Ulysses Dove’s raw and dramatic Vespers for six women, as well as three of Alvin Ailey’s most beloved classics: Cry, the signature female solo made famous by Judith Jamison and dedicated to “all black women everywhere;” Love Songs, set to music by Nina Simone and Donny Hathaway and often considered the male counterpart to Cry; and Blues Suite Ailey’s original masterpiece that launched the Company during its first performance in 1958. Conjuring Alvin Ailey’s “blood memories” of the barrelhouses and fields of rural, Depression-era southern Texas, the work is danced to heartfelt blues music that will be performed with a live, on-stage band.

Special season programs include a special performance on Wednesday, December 14th “Celebrating Ronald K. Brown,” who first began choreographing for the Ailey organization 20 years ago; All Ailey performances comprised entirely of works by Alvin Ailey (December 3 mat, 10 eve, 13, 16, 18 eve, 21 mat, 28 mat, 31 mat); and All New programs containing season premieres (December 11 eve, 15, 17 eve, 21 eve, 30 eve).

Other season highlights consist of Family Matinee Series performances presented each Saturday at 2pm with a question-and-answer session featuring Ailey’s revered dancers following the finale of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, which is acclaimed as a must-see for all ages. Revelations will bring an uplifting close to performances on Christmas Eve (December 24 mat and eve) and Christmas night (December 25 eve), as well as a Special Season Finale on New Year’s Eve. Live music performances of Alvin Ailey’s signature Revelations will take place on November 30, December 2, and 3 (matinee and evening), and of Blues Suite on December 13, 16 and 18 (evening). A detailed performance schedule is attached (subject to change).

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater inspires all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. Nearly 60 years after its founding, Ailey continues to move forward under the leadership of Robert Battle, revealing once again why Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the world’s most beloved dance companies.

Tickets starting at $25 are on sale September 6 at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org. Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID and for groups of 10 or more (discounts do not apply to $25 tickets). For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or e-mail groupsales@alvinailey.org. For further information about Ailey’s New York City Center season please visit www.alvinailey.org.

Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s New York Winter Season.

American Express is the Official Card of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Major support for the creation of Awakening was provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

The creation of Awakening was supported in part by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County with lead sponsor support from Ira and Carole Hall.

Awakening is supported by commissioning funds from Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley.

The creation of Untitled America and Open Door are supported by commissioning funds from New York City Center.

The World Premiere of Untitled America is made possible by Denise R. Sobel and Tikkun Olam Foundation, Inc., and also, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

The creation of r-Evolution, Dream. is supported by commissioning funds from The Music Center of Los Angeles.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater gratefully acknowledges the support of Diageo

during the New York Winter Season.

Opening Night Gala Benefit Sponsors: Emily & Len Blavatnik, BET Networks,

BNY Mellon, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill and The Weill Family Foundation.

Major support for Ailey’s Arts In Education & Community Programs is provided by Southern Company.

The 2016 season is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

[Image: AAADT’s Jacqueline Green and Jamar Roberts. Photo by Andrew Eccles]

“The scene was hard enough man, it’s not a regular sex scene. Courtney you of all people know this you wrote this sh*t. Ok I calm [sic] down Courtney call my phone. BITCH CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT WITHOUT TELLING ME FIRST, WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!!! Ok ok wait a little while before you call me. SMH”

— 50 Cent is pissed after watching his penis make a cameo during Sunday’s episode of Power, and blasted show-runner Courtney A. Kemp in a now-deleted Instagram post. However, this could be another publicity ploy from the rapper because Kemp claims he was fully aware of the sex scene and says he signed a waiver like the rest of the Starz series cast.

“As a first time mom, I am proud to be a part of the celebration and acknowledgment of #WorldBreastFeedingWeek. For some strange reason… This topic… this action…this natural magic of a woman’s body comes with so much controversy and debate. No woman should have to apologize or sacrifice the necessity to feed her child, whenever and wherever she can, to cater to the discomfort of others. Trust me… Most women who breastfeed in public are not even thinking about you or anything else at that time, other than satisfying the hunger of her little one. If this was back in the day (pre formula) you would’ve either fed from the tit of another woman or died, if your mother couldn’t breastfeed. Think about that!!! I have openly shared my #breastfeeding journey on my #YouTube channel, and in return, heard the stories of many women’s breastfeeding stories and struggles in the comment section. It is not easy. I feel blessed to be bonded with my child through breastfeeding, and support every mothers choice for how they choose to feed their child. To the mamas who commit to breastfeeding… Despite the odds, the struggles, the pain, and the judgment… I Congratulate & Celebrate You. Carry on… ✨✨ Happy #WorldBreastFeedingWeek!!! Xo”

— Melanie Fiona celebrated World Breastfeeding Week, which occurred from Aug. 1st to 7th this year, by reminding everyone that breastfeeding is a natural, life necessity in an Instagram post. This year’s theme for the annual global event raised awareness that breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development, according to the website. Breastfeeding promotes the healthy development of a child, and children are the foundation of a country’s development. Fiona welcomed son Cameron Lincoln on March 14, 2016.

[Image: Instagram]

Mariah Carey and Empire co-creator Lee Daniels go way back, so it was only a matter of time before the chanteuse graced the hit FOX show with her voice.

Carey will take on the guest starring role of Kitty for season 3, which premieres Sept. 21st. The character is “a mega-superstar who comes to … collaborate with Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett) on an explosive new song,” according to a FOX press release obtained by the New York Daily News.

“She’s fabulous,” Taraji P. Henson, who plays cunning and fabulous matriarch Cookie, said at the Television Critics Association panel on Monday. “I wish I could wear a leotard like that.”

Taye Diggs will also guest star on Empire during season 3 as an Obama-like city councilman. Rapper French Montana and Sierra McClain, who appeared in Tyler Perry‘s Daddy’s Little Girls, will also have guest starring roles.

[Homepage image: Instagram]

Christmas came early this year and in the form of the visually stimulating official Marvel’s Luke Cage trailer.

Marvel’s Luke Cage is the third show in the Defenders series to launch on Netflix, following Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s Jessica Jones. The series will lead up to Marvel’s Iron Fist and eventually Marvel’s The Defenders.

The Netflix original stars Mike Colter in the title role.

About Marvel’s Luke Cage:

“After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Colter) becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city — forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury.”

Colter is joined by Alfre Woodard (Mariah Dillard), Simone Missick (Misty Knight), Theo Rossi (Shades), Frank Whaley (Rafael Scarfe), and Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple).

Cheo Hodari Coker serves as show-runner and executive producer, along with Charles Murray and Jeph Loeb, who is also Marvel’s head of television.

Marvel’s Luke Cage premieres globally on September 30, 2016 at 12:01 a.m. PT.

“This is my final week of shooting #FastAndFurious8. There’s no other franchise that gets my blood boiling more than this one. An incredible hard working crew. UNIVERSAL has been great partners as well. My female co-stars are always amazing and I love ’em. My male co-stars however are a different story. Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don’t. The ones that don’t are too chicken shit to do anything about it anyway. Candy asses. When you watch this movie next April and it seems like I’m not acting in some of these scenes and my blood is legit boiling – you’re right.

Bottom line is it’ll play great for the movie and fits this Hobbs character that’s embedded in my DNA extremely well. The producer in me is happy about this part. Final week on FAST 8 and I’ll finish strong.
#IcemanCometh #F8 #ZeroToleranceForCandyAsses”

— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson didn’t mince words when he took to Instagram to let his male Fast 8 co-stars know exactly what he thinks of them. He published the Aug. 8th post in the same week in which the latest film in the Fast & Furious franchise wraps. Even though The Rock has zero f*cks to give, he was smart not to piss off Universal Studios honchos. All his ire is directed at his male co-stars, but it’s not obvious who specifically. It could be Scott Eastwood, Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, Kurt Russell, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, or Ludacris. Guess we’ll have to watch for the Fast 8 scenes in which The Rock’s “blood is legit boiling.”

[Image: Universal Studios]

Big egos are reportedly at the center of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel‘s beef on the set of Fast 8.

The Rock had a mouthful for his co-stars yesterday, but he didn’t mention anyone specifically.

“My female co-stars are always amazing and I love ’em. My male co-stars however are a different story,” wrote The Rock on Instagram. “Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don’t. The ones that don’t are too chicken shit to do anything about it anyway. Candy asses.”

Today, it’s been revealed that the wrestler-turned-actor’s anger was directed towards Diesel, who wasn’t pleased about The Rock’s disparaging remarks on Instagram. Diesel reportedly confronted The Rock in private yesterday, but nothing was resolved.

A source close to the situation says their issue is all about ego.

Diesel wrapped his final scene at 1 a.m. Wednesday. He then gave a speech in which he said, “Daddy’s gone,” and broke out. Diesel thinks of himself as the father figure of the Fast and Furious franchise. He’s the only Fast 8 co-star who starred in 2001’s The Fast and the Furious.

The Rock doesn’t wrap until Thursday, but today he posted a subliminal message on Instagram. It’s true he’s promoting Under Armour, but “Blood, sweat and respect. First two we give, last one we earn,” could be taken as a shot at Diesel.

RELATED: Floyd Mayweather & 50 Cent And More Celebrities Who Squashed Their Beef

Source

“First I want to say thank you everyone for all your support! It’s a huge honor for me to be able to represent #TeamUSA. In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played. I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country.”

— Gabby Douglas responds to criticism that she was being disrespectful by not placing her hand over her heart while the “Star-Spangled Banner” played, after the American gymnastics team won gold in the All-Around competition. Honestly, an athlete can’t be more patriotic than not only representing Team USA at the Olympics, but also bringing home the gold. Give Gabby a pass, and let’s celebrate this WIN!

According to De La Soul’s Facebook page, Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon describes new song “Drawn” as “a dreamy journey about not taking anything for granted in life. About love and being lost in something dangerously good.” De La’s new album, and the Anonymous Nobody, is available for pre-order here.

Now, take a listen to De La Soul’s “Drawn” feat. Little Dragon.

[Image: Facebook]

If you’re an UPTOWN reader of a particular age, there’s a huge chance you watched the Atlanta 1996 Olympics in awe of Dominique Dawes and her “Magnificent Seven” teammates, who brought home the gold for Team USA. She’s the only American gymnast to win team medals at three Olympics — the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 2000 Sydney Games, in addition to the ’96 Games. Dawes is also the first Black gymnast to win an individual medal. She took home the bronze for a stunning floor exercise performance in ’96.

It’s now been 16 years since Dawes last competed at an Olympics, but she’s still tapped into the sport. In celebration of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Tide PODs partnered with Dawes, living legend Nadia Comaneci, and current Team USA powerhouse Simone Biles for its #SmallButPowerful campaign. As an Olympic sponsor, Tide PODs knows that power can come in small packages — whether it’s a detergent packet or the U.S. women gymnasts who won gold in the team competition this week. To drive home the point, Tide PODs recently released its video, “The Evolution of Power,” which looks back at the last 40 years of gymnastics from Comaneci to Dawes to Biles.

Dawes is now a motivational speaker, wife, and mother of daughters Kateri, 2, and Quinn, 11 months. I caught up with her during a private Tide PODs event to reminisce about competing at the Olympics and to discuss today’s gymnasts, what diversity means for the sport of gymnastics, and more.

UPTOWN Digital Content Director Annika Harris & Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes

UPTOWN: You mentioned that it’s been 20 years since you competed. Do you ever mentally relive your time at the Olympics? What do you feel when you do?
Dominique Dawes: It’s been 16 years since my last Olympics, but 20 years since I won gold; that’s the one people remember which is perfectly OK with me. Uh, do I relive it? I relive it every four years when there’s a Summer Olympic Games and I have the opportunity. I do motivational talks throughout the years and I talk about it at corporate events and events speaking to youths. But I really do relive it when there’s a Summer Olympic Games coming up because I hear the Olympic theme song and I see athletes, I see the Olympic hopefuls, I see them march out during the Opening Ceremony as a big fan now, and it takes me back to my Olympic Games. It allows me to reminisce and think about another part of my life that feels like it was a whole lifetime ago.

U: What do you think about as you watch today’s gymnasts compete? You have an inside view to the frustrations or the pressure they might be under.
DD: First, I look at the gymnasts and I want to make sure they’re smiling. And those who have been smiling, I’m truly happy that they’re enjoying and taking in this amazing experience that is unique to anything that they will ever accomplish again. For those who are not smiling, it always concerns me because what they’re doing is spectacular. What they’re doing, one in a few millions of people will ever experience it, and I want to make sure they’re having fun. This is something that they’ve been dreaming about since they were children. Since they were young kids, 4 or 5 or 6 years old when they first stepped into the gymnastics gym, they’ve wanted to become an Olympic athlete. They wanted to quit. They wanted to give up. They didn’t think it was possible. But they accomplished their dream and I want them to recognize that this is something to be very proud about. No matter whether you walk away with one gold medal or no gold medals … Yeah you made it, but for a lot of them, like Simone, showing up wouldn’t be enough. She needs to win Olympic All-Around. She needs to win Team, so reaching your full potential is what matters most.

U: I was about 15 when you won your gold. Gymnastics now seems a lot more diverse than it was back then, when I was watching you compete. Why do you think that’s important for future athletes?
DD: I think it’s a lot more diverse on the Olympic and the elite level. Back in the day when I was at the gymnastics gym, there were always African-Americans around. A lot of my best friends were African-American, Asian-American, and you name it. They were in gymnastics and training with me. However, for some reason, you didn’t see a lot of African Americans get to that Olympic level. Dianne Durham was en route to be the first African American, and she was injured, I believe, at Olympic trials. She then didn’t finish the meet, and she was told she was going to be petitioned on the team, but they chose not to put her on the team for some reason. So I became the first in 1992, along with Betty Okino. And I think a lot of young African-American kids saw myself and Betty achieve the pinnacle in this sport and thought, “You know what? I think I can do that too.” And their parents saw it and saw that this is a sport where they can excel, get a scholarship, and go to the Olympics. I think that’s why you’re seeing the dominance today.

U: Why was partnering with Tide PODs a good fit for you?
DD: Well, definitely “Small but Powerful.” Back in the day when I was in the sport of gymnastics, I was small and I was very powerful. Having the opportunity to team up with such an amazing Olympic sponsor that’s celebrating the evolution of power with Nadia Comaneci, myself, and Simone Biles and recognizing that there’s been a transition, has truly been a wonderful partnership. Highlighting the score changes, highlighting the equipment changes, and kind of seeing the 40-year change, has been pretty spectacular for the sport, but also spectacular for Tide through the years — going from powder to liquid to Tide PODs. It’s a perfect fit!

RELATED: Dominique Dawes Hosts Tide PODs #SmallButPowerful Event

“Yeah, it means a lot. I mean, this medal’s not just for me, it’s for a whole bunch of people who have came before me and have been an inspiration to me … and for all the people after me who believe they can’t do it. And I just want to be an inspiration to others that you can do it.

“It means a lot, especially with what is going on in the world today, some of the issues of police brutality. This win hopefully brings hope and change to some of the issues that are going on. My color just comes with the territory.

“I want to be an inspiration, but I would like there to be a day when it is not ‘Simone the black swimmer.'”

— Simone Manuel became the first Black woman to win an individual medal for swimming Thursday night. Shortly after seeing she’d won gold in the 100m freestyle, Manuel expressed her hopes that police brutality will cease in the U.S. and what her accomplishments as a Black woman can mean for America.

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National Rum Day, Aug. 16th, presents the perfect excuse to mix up an ice-cold cocktail to cool off, refresh, and celebrate!

Cruzan Rum tapped two top mixologists, Jane Danger (Cienfuegos, NYC) and Tiffanie Barriere (One Flew South, Atlanta), to create cocktails that highlight the flavors of Cruzan Black Strap Rum. With robust licorice and molasses flavors, Cruzan Black Strap adds an exotic element to fruity or tropical ingredients, like lemon, lime, ginger, and pineapple.

Cruzan Black Diamond Swizzle
(Recipe by Jane Danger, NYC)
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 parts Cruzan Black Strap Rum
• 1/2 part red bitter liqueur
• 3/4 part fresh lime juice
• 1/2 part simple syrup
• 2 fresh strawberries

Method: Muddle two strawberries in the bottom of a Belgian beer glass with the red bitter liqueur and fill with cracked or crushed ice. Then, in a cocktail shaker combine fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Whip and shake with no ice. Pour lime juice and cane mixture over ice, and fill again as needed. Gently float Cruzan Black Strap Rum on top. Garnish with berries and lime.

Cruzan Black Strap Belle
(Recipe by Tiffanie Barriere, Atlanta)
Ingredients:

• 2 parts Cruzan Black Strap Rum
• 2 parts coconut water
• 1 teaspoon honey syrup*
• Squeeze of half fresh lime
• 6 dashes of Angostura Bitters
• nutmeg

Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice and shake well. Pour into a rocks or tiki glass over fresh crushed ice. Garnish with nutmeg.

*Honey syrup: Combine equal parts honey and warm water. Shake or stir to dissolve.

When you’re a queen of pop music, accommodations fit for a monarch are your only option when traveling.

For the Vienna stop of her “ANTI” tour, Rihanna checked into the five-star Hyatt Park Royal‘s Royal Penthouse Suite, which goes for $21,000 per night.

The 8,826-square foot, two-floor penthouse suite accommodates 10 people and features four bedrooms, four terraces, three kitchens, and a private gym. An onyx staircase allowed Rihanna and her guests to move between the two floors in opulent privacy.

The bedrooms are decorated in a modern baroque style, complete with gold leaf accents and skylight windows. Each bedroom has access to one of the four terraces. The bedroom suites feature king-size beds, sofa sitting area, walk-in closets, and en suite bathrooms.

The spacious and chic living areas feature an L-shaped sectional couch, dining table and chairs, and a wall of roof windows, offering stunning views of the Austrian capital.

One bathroom is comprised of the usual amenities along with a magnificent bathtub, a mirrored wall, a marble wall, and marble countertops.

The Hyatt Park Royal hotel is a converted early-20th century bank. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the Hofburg Imperial Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Keep clicking for more images …

Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish‘s California wedding on the night of Saturday, Aug. 13th, was the hottest invitation of the weekend. Let’s take a look at their wedding photos, and see how the uninvited celebrities occupied their time this weekend.

Hart’s children from a previous marriage, Heaven and Hendrix, played an important role in the ceremony.

Kevin and his best man Hendrix were decked out in Musika Frére tuxedos.

Parrish wore a custom Vera Wang lace mermaid gown which featured hand-embroidered French Chantilly lace appliqués, a French tulle skirt, and silk covered button accents.

The happy couple could’ve worn rags and still would’ve been happy to solidify their love.

For the reception, Parrish changed into another custom lace Vera Wang gown that featured hand-placed French Chantilly lace appliqué.

A manicure by TeanaNails Studio helped Parrish show off her huge diamond.

Kevin still brought the funny to the night.

Guests Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade didn’t play when it came to their sartorial game for the Hart wedding.

The Bridges, Ludacris and Eudoxie, looked fabulous for Kevin and Parrish’s wedding.

Fabolous and Nelly also attended the wedding with their better halves.

Fabolous performed at the reception.

Nelly and girlfriend Shantel Jackson coordinated their wedding looks.

J.R. Smith also tied the knot recently. He and wife Jewel Harris embarked on a honeymoon in Amsterdam after marrying.

Kerry Washington proved she knows the power of accessories and a bold red lip and nails combo. We bet that nail lacquer is from her O.P.I. collection.

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas knows she gets it from her mama.

Olympian Simone Biles celebrated her gold medal win for vault, but also showed love to her fellow athletes.

You can’t mess with gold medal winner Michelle “Shot Diva” Carter!

Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster and Streetbird Rotisserie restaurants are also participating in Harlem/Havana’s culinary experience.

HARLEM/HAVANA MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
CULINARY INITIATIVE LED BY CHEF MARCUS SAMUELSSON

Restaurants including Red Rooster Harlem, Streetbird Rotisserie, Sylvia’s, Amor Cubano, Oso, Floridita, La Fonda del Sol, and Tastings Social presents Mountain Bird feature Cuban-Inspired Dishes and Cocktails as “Havana Comes to Harlem” August 15-21

(New York, NY) –  The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with internationally renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson today announced a culinary initiative for the Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival—an international cultural exchange between the iconic cities of Harlem, New York and Havana, Cuba.  Through this initiative, the Festival has partnered with Samuelsson’s famous Red Rooster Harlem and Streetbird Rotisserie restaurants, along with Sylvia’s, Amor Cubano, Oso, Floridita, La Fonda del Sol and Tastings Social Presents Mountain Bird to feature a special selection of Cuban-inspired dishes and cocktails.  The restaurants will feature menu items ranging from classics like tostones with black eye pea salsa, pollo a la criola to ropa vieja, oxtails and plantains, as well as a variety of cocktails, including mojitos, caipirinhas and Cuban- and Harlem-influenced fruit drinks of every flavor.

In addition, the festival will host a special Cuban-themed prix-fixe dinner event at Ginny’s Supper Club on Tuesday, August 16th at 7:00 PM. The dinner, priced at $95 per person, will include specialty cocktails, wine pairings and a Cuban menu curated by Samuelsson. Guests will also enjoy entertainment by celebrated Cuban musician and bandleader Cèsar López with his band. Cuban band Jorge Luis Pacheco y Su Group will also perform at Ginny’s on Saturday, August 20 at 7:30 & 9:30pm. Tickets for both events can be purchased at ginnyssupperclub.com.

Oso will serve their signature Pollo a la Criola dish, which is made with braised chicken wings, grilled pineapple and fried onions.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of this first ever cultural and culinary exchange between Harlem and Havana, and to help create a shared cultural experience that can foster a greater curiosity for the Cuban culture,” said Samuelsson.  “On the whole, I’m excited that audiences will get to experience Havana first hand through incredible dance performances and talented musicians—some of whom will perform at Ginny’s Supper Club, but I am especially excited to see Cuban culture coming to these seven diverse restaurants in Harlem as a means of allowing new audiences to experience and taste the food and spirit of Cuba.”

“Marcus is a dynamic chef and dedicated Harlemite, and we’re pleased, in fact, thrilled to have him serve as our International Culinary Ambassador for this first ever Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival” said Lloyd Williams, President of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. “His vision for curating a unique Cuban culinary experience throughout the greater Harlem area is something that truly adds to this cultural exchange, and we look forward to having him to partner with us in spreading the spirit of Harlem in Cuba as we visit Havana in February 2017.”

During the Harlem Havana festival, La Fonda will be serving its handcrafted Pineapple Mojitos and Cuba Ya Libre.

The Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival, set to be an annual festival, is the culmination of over two years of efforts chaired by Congressman Charles Rangel, co-chaired by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and led by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.  After bringing world-renowned Cuban musicians, visual artists, dancers, fashion designers, chefs and educators to Harlem, the festival will send a Harlem and New York delegation of performing and visual artists and cultural leaders to Havana and take part in a number of curated events in February 2017 during Black History Month.

In addition to the culinary initiative, the Festival’s lineup includes an array of free events, including performances and exhibitions by a collective of world-renowned Cuban artists, and musicians—from jazz musicians César López and Jorge Luis Pacheco and celebrated Afro-Cuban dance company, the Compañía de Danzas Tradicionales de Cuba JJ, to renowned visual artist Eduardo (Choco) Roca Salazar and Arte y Moda Cubano, the multi-media troupe fusing fashion and art. The festival will also present performances by Harlem artists, including: Will Downing, Eric Benet, Joey Morant, the IMPACT Repertory Theater, Keith “The Captain” Gamble, Jaambo, First Corinthian Gospel Choir, and the cast of the Tony-Award winning musical, The Color Purple. For more information about performances, programs and participating restaurants, please visit http://harlemhavana.nyc/.

Gone are the days when travel meant soaking up the sun while sipping cocktails poolside. Today’s travelers want more and they want their souls to be touched. In fact, a 2015 survey by South African Tourism (SAT) found that American travelers want to embark on trips that are rich in cultural history and offer experiences that offer deeper learning and meaning in life, according to a press release.

In order to help Americans #MeetSouthAfrica, SAT sent four Instagrammers on an influencer tour last November to entice U.S. travelers to follow Nelson “Madiba” Mandela’s footsteps across South Africa. These social media aficionados include Blake Von D, who focused specifically on South African style; Dabito, whose focus was design; Caitlin Turner/GypsetGoddess, who shared her wellness and yoga experiences; and Christine Amorose/C’est Christine; who turned her lens on travel in South Africa.

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