The post Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President Elect After Party speaks about FREEDOM for all, including the LGBTQ Community appeared first on Good News!.

LOS ANGELES (February 4, 2025) –The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) has recently earned a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, a database that provides comprehensive information about nonprofits across the United States. Organizations who receive a Platinum Seal of Transparency demonstrate a commitment to transparency, impact, and effective use of resources.

“TLF is proud to earn the Platinum Seal of Transparency, a recognition that highlights our commitment to providing impactful results in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations,” said TLF Chairman and CEO Kim Hunter. “We are grateful for the continued trust and support from our donor partners and look forward to working together in supporting the future of industry professionals.”

GuideStar is widely used by donors and stakeholders nationwide to research, evaluate, and assess nonprofits. To receive a Platinum Seal of Transparency, a nonprofit must provide comprehensive, up-to-date data about its financials, programs, and impact. The seal indicates that a nonprofit is trustworthy, dedicated to accountability, and is producing tangible results.

TLF previously held a Gold Seal of Transparency in 2023. It was able to earn a Platinum Seal of Transparency after submitting updated data and a three-year strategic plan, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to its mission and long-term goals.

About GuideStar

GuideStar, www.guidestar.org, is the world’s largest source of nonprofit information, connecting people and organizations with data on 2.4 million IRS-recognized nonprofits. Each year, more than 7 million people, including individual donors, nonprofit leaders, grantmakers, government officials, academic researchers, and the media, use GuideStar data to make intelligent decisions about the social sector. GuideStar Nonprofit Profiles are populated with information from the IRS, directly from nonprofits, and via other partners in the nonprofit sector. In addition, users see GuideStar data on more than 160 philanthropic websites and applications. GuideStar is itself a 501(c)(3) public charity.

 About The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF)

Since its inception in 1998, The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) has provided more than $3 million and 891 scholarships to continue its mission to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. With the generous support of its major donors and supporters, TLF provides scholarships, career & professional development workshops, mentorships, and internships/entry-level positions to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students.

###

Note to reporters and editors: “The” in The LAGRANT Foundation name is part of the Foundation’s legal name. Please do not drop the “The” or lowercase the “T.” When spelling “LAGRANT,” capitalize all letters. As an alternative, you can use the letters TLF in lieu of The LAGRANT Foundation.

The post The LAGRANT Foundation Earns Platinum Seal of Transparency on GuideStar appeared first on Good News!.

Listen to “Gay Pride Parade 2024, what an important event for those living” on Spreaker.

A pride parade (also known as pride event, pride festival, pride march, or pride protest) is an event celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. The events sometimes also serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same-sex marriage. Most occur annually throughout the Western world, while some take place every June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which was a pivotal moment in modern LGBT social movements.^[1][2][3] The parades seek to create community and honor the history of the movement.^[1][4] In 1970, pride and protest marches were held in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco around the first anniversary of Stonewall.^[5] The events became annual and grew internationally.^[6][7][8] In 2019, New York and the world celebrated the largest international Pride celebration in history: Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019, produced by Heritage of Pride commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with five million attending in Manhattan alone.^[9

The post GAY PRIDE PARADE 2024 appeared first on Good News!.

https://www.lagrantfoundation.org/

Listen to “LAGRANT FOUNDATION 26TH Anniversary Scholars and Donors Events 1/4” on Spreaker.

Listen to “LAGRANT FOUNDATION 26TH Anniversary Scholars and Donors Events 2/4” on Spreaker.

Listen to “LAGRANT FOUNDATION 26TH Anniversary Scholars and Donors Events 3/4” on Spreaker.

Listen to “LAGRANT FOUNDATION 26TH Anniversary Scholars and Donors Events 4/4” on Spreaker.

The LAGRANT Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career & professional development workshops, mentors, and internships/jobs to African American, American Indian/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students. Our goal is to open the proverbial “door” for minorities by providing the necessary resources and tools not commonly available to many minorities entering the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations.

Seeking to enhance the academic and professional development of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in these fields, the activities The LAGRANT Foundation are as follows:

Scholarships

The LAGRANT Foundation annually provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are attending accredited institutions and are pursuing careers in the fields of advertising, marketing, or public relations.

Career Development

The LAGRANT Foundation annually coordinates a career & professional development workshop for its scholarship recipients. The workshop provides the recipients with an opportunity to speak with industry professionals about their field of interest and specialty. Additionally, workshops are held in major college markets nationwide for students outside of the scholarship recipients.

Internship Programs

The LAGRANT Foundation provides internships to undergraduate and graduate students at selected advertising, public relations, and marketing agencies, as well as publishing companies and communications-related businesses. Internships consist of on-going, hands-on communications experience and training for at least a three-month period.

Mentors

The scholarship recipients will have a chance to team-up with mentors who provide them with opportunities for experience, exposure, guidance, and career development. The mentors are advertising, marketing and public relations professionals who volunteer their time twice a month to meet in-person with students and provide academic and professional guidance.

Professional Development

Scholarship recipients receive on-going professional development from The LAGRANT Foundation, until students obtain a position in advertising, marketing, or public relations. Development includes, resume writing, interviewing skills, internship and job search skills, grammar review, writing skills, business etiquette, interpersonal skills, tips on company politics, professional appearance and providing necessary materials such as a briefcase, business card holder, resume folder, portfolio case and access to computer training.

The post LAGRANT FOUNDATION 26TH Anniversary Scholars and Donors Events appeared first on Good News!.

Inclusive Pride Family Day
Sunday, June 4 | 1:00pm–4:00pm ET | In-person

Learn all about LGBTQ+ figures in space exploration and the Navy. Families of all ages and experiences can take part in hands-on art and storytelling activities all about expressing yourself, and explore the Museum at their own pace with a scavenger hunt. Entry to the Museum is FREE with event pre-registration.

Learn more and register here

Current and former service members and their families who pre-register are invited to a special Military Family Luncheon. A light lunch will be available from 12:30–1:30pm.

Learn more and register here

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Right now 10/2/15 please donate to our Kickstarter Campaign which ends on October 6, 2015, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/31744597/support-producing-3-peace-day-events-in-nyc or go directly to our website www.peacedayparty.org to make a pledge.

We were blessed with many messages, including Pope Francis, Borough Presidents Gale Brewer of Manhattan and Eric Adams of Brooklyn. Along with Oprah, Dr Oz, Urban Zen, Sarabeth’s and many more peacekeepers.

Good News Corporation, is a non-profit, est. 2002, created www.peacedayparty.org and has been involved with strengthening the message to Achieve World Peace since our inception, especially for children. Our shows included celebrities/organizations such as Paul McCartney, Michael Douglas, Dr. Jane Goodall, CEO Clubs, 39 Steps, New York New Works Festival, Ronald McDonald House, Rotary, KIND Snacks, Sarabeth’s, Lush Cosmetics, Steve Madden, Junior’s Restaurant, Peace Prayer Society, Hugg- a – Planets, Urban Zen, Brooklyn Nets, IHeart Radio, Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, Captain Planet Foundation… who speak for peace.

The post Peace Day Party at Brooklyn War Memorial. Borough President Eric Adams addresses the crowd to discuss Peace and declaring the day 2015 PEACE DAY IN BROOKLYN Sizzle Reel. appeared first on Good News!.

Listen to “PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL – University Professor and LGBTQ Youth Safe Space Initiative Founder at Stockton University by Dr. Laurie Greene” on Spreaker.

PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL Drag Queens and Beauty Queens: Contesting Femininity in the World’s Playground.

by Laurie Greene

The Miss America pageant has been held in Atlantic City for the past hundred years, helping to promote the city as a tourist destination. But just a few streets away, the city hosts a smaller event that, in its own way, is equally vital to the local community: the Miss’d America drag pageant.

Drag Queens and Beauty Queens presents a vivid ethnography of the Miss’d America pageant and the gay neighborhood from which it emerged in the early 1990s as a moment of campy celebration in the midst of the AIDS crisis. It examines how the pageant strengthened community bonds and activism, and how it has changed now that Rupaul’s Drag Race has brought many of its practices into the cultural mainstream. Comparing the Miss’d America pageant with its glitzy cisgender big sister, anthropologist Laurie Greene discovers how the two pageants have influenced each other in unexpected ways.

Drag Queens and Beauty Queens deepens our understanding of how femininity is performed at pageants, exploring the various ways that both the Miss’d America and Miss America pageants have negotiated between embracing and critiquing traditional gender roles. Ultimately, it celebrates the rich tradition of drag performance and the community it engenders.
On your program, Laurie can answer questions like:

What are “camp sensibilities” in drag performance and gay culture?

The book explored the personalities of the pageants. Can you give us a flavor of them?

What is the importance of camp in missed America? Drag style, performance, and language.

Tell us about the queering of the miss America pageant? Did anybody work on both?

How do each of the four areas of competition differ on the page TA — swimsuit, evening gown, talent, and interview. There is an object and a subject section.

Who owns the pageants?

What is the Show Us Your Shoes Parade?

Do you see the talent on both sides sharing hard work, perseverance, and talent?

What are the different elements of pageantry and the meaning of individual expression when comparing beauty pageants and drag pageants? Does one try and fit in and one tries to be unique? One fits into boundaries and one tries to break boundaries.

You mentioned that drag is part of the gay community in AC but it has a male focus. Explain?

Talk about the conflicts you found between the gay community and the drag community.



“An unprecedented look at drag culture and its history in Atlantic City. A must-read for queens and their fans!”

— Sapphira Cristal ― Miss’d American 2020

“I have long wondered how the Miss America pageant maintains a conservative appeal while ignoring the known influence and involvement by the gay community. If you’ve ever known or loved Miss America, you need this history lesson.”

— Erin O’Flaherty ― Miss Missouri 2016, first openly lesbian Miss America contestant

“After 30 years in the drag business, I was surprised and elated to learn so much about drag/LGBTQ+ history in Atlantic City. The in-depth exploration of how Miss America and Miss’d America were connected and disconnected is fascinating.”

— Sherry Vine ― Drag Legend

“Through a highly entertaining, insightful, and informative combination of history, ethnography, and gender studies, Greene uncovers the long-standing influence that Atlantic City’s LGBTQ+ community has had on the Miss America Pageant.”

— Rusty Barrett ― author of From Drag Queens to Leathermen: Language, Gender, and Gay Male Subcultures

“The subject matter is fascinating.”

― Gay & Lesbian Review


Publisher: Rutgers University Press (December 18, 2020)

Language: English

Paperback: 248 pages

ISBN-10: 1978813864

ISBN-13: 978-1978813861

LAURIE GREENE is an associate professor of anthropology at Stockton University in New Jersey, where she has taught since 1986. She is the founder and chair of the LGBTQ Youth Safe Space Initiative at Stockton University and an advocate for the local LGBTQ community. Connect with Laurie On FaceBook!

Publisher: Rutgers University Press (December 18, 2020)

The post PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL – University Professor and LGBTQ Youth Safe Space Initiative Founder at Stockton University by Dr. Laurie Greene appeared first on Good News!.

MATZOBALL hosting largest online speed dating event ever held

NEW YORK, New York – (December 17, 2020) – MATZOBALL has shattered the Guinness World Record for the largest speed dating event. The MATZOBALL Online, to be held on Christmas Eve 2020, already has 1154 people registered to participate, with many more expected to register before the event begins. The event starts at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be held virtually in 23 cities across five countries. The virtual record is the first for MATZOBALL, which has held the dating party annually since 1987.

“This event has been so well received,” explains Andrew Rudnick, from Mazel Events, LLC and founder of the MATZOBALL. “We are all excited that this will be the largest and most successful speed dating event the world has ever seen. Not only can people get an opportunity to meet their soul mate, but they can also be a fun part of making this historical record.”

The current largest speed dating event, according to Guinness World Records, took place in Dublin, Ireland, on February 14, 2019. The number of people who participated in the Valentine’s Day speed dating event was 964. The MATZOBALL Online speed dating event has already surpassed that number in terms of how many people have registered to take part. The number will continue to climb as more people register each day leading up to and on the event day.

Each year, MATZOBALL holds its famous Jewish singles holiday party, giving people a chance to meet others. Some people have met for just that one fun-filled night, while others have developed long-lasting romantic relationships and friendships. Each year, there are over 400,000 people who attend the MATZOBALL holiday party.

This year, due to the pandemic, the event will be held online using special technology that will allow thousands of people to engage in a speed dating event at one time. While the speed dating event will be held online, participants are encouraged to still dress up to put forth their best image. The event will feature Regional Video Speed Dating, which will include pre-screened eligible singles. All of the speed dates will be held in a one-on-one setting.

The MATZOBALL Online will be broken down by region and age range. Each person who registers for the speed dating will get a minimum of 20-30, 5-minute dates. During that time, they will have the opportunity to choose whom they felt they had a connection with. When there is a mutual connection shared, the two people will be notified via email 15 minutes after the event ends. This will give them an opportunity to explore the connection more.

Tickets to the event are $35, plus a $5 processing fee per person for the Christmas Eve event, and $55, plus a $5 processing fee for the professional’s speed dating event on Christmas Day. A combination ticket to participate in both events can be purchased for $75, plus a $5 processing fee. Age ranges people can choose from are 21-27, 28-35, 36-49, and 50+. MATZOBALL will also be hosting a LGBTQ Jewish speed dating event on December 24, 2020, at 9 p.m. Space is limited, and tickets are expected to sell out. Tickets are $35, plus a $5 processing fee.

The regional areas where the event will be taking place include:

• Atlanta

• Boca/Delray Beach

• Boston

• Chicago

• Dallas

• Los Angeles

• Miami

• New York

• Philadelphia

• San Diego

• San Francisco

• Washington DC

• Seattle

• Denver

• Orlando

• Phoenix

• Cleveland

• Montreal

• Toronto

• London

• Sydney

• Tel Aviv

• Melbourne

“We are thrilled to have beaten the record for the largest speed dating event,” adds Rudnick. “We look forward to the event taking place and helping many Jewish singles come together. This is one event you don’t want to miss and this year you don’t even have to leave home to join in!”

Those who purchase a ticket to the hottest virtual party will receive a unique log-in link 24 hours before the event. They will be able to narrow their search by choosing their age and regional preferences. The event will also use fast match technology for those who feel they made a connection with someone. There will be an additional online speed dating event for professionals held on Christmas Day at 3 pm. Space for this event is limited. For complete city information, ticket options and pricing, to purchase tickets, visit the website at: https://matzoball.org. Tickets for the LGBTQ MATZOBALL event can be purchased at: https://matzoball.ticketspice.com/lgbtq-32-45.

About MATZOBALL MATZOBALL is a yearly huge party for Jewish singles that is held every December 24th. Since the first official event of its kind in 1987, the event has been held in select cities around the nation. There have been over 400,000 people attending and it has generated over $15 million in revenue. MATZOBALL was founded by Andrew Rudnick, owner of Mazel Events, LLC. To learn more about MATZOBALL, visit the site: https://matzoball.org.

# # #

Source: Guinness World Records. Largest speed dating event. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-speed-dating-event#:~:text=The%20largest%20speed%20dating%20event,Ireland%2C%20on%2014%20February%202019

What Does Peace Mean to Andrew Rudnick : http://goodnewsplanet.com/what-does-peace-mean-to-andrew-rudnick/

The post Description: MATZOBALL Shatters World Record for Largest Speed Dating Event appeared first on Good News!.

Peace Day Party 2019 Trailer from Paul Sladkus on Vimeo.

Part 1

Peace Day Party, part 1 from Paul Sladkus on Vimeo.

Part 2

Peace Day Party, part 2 from Paul Sladkus on Vimeo.

Part 3

Peace Day Party, part 3 from Paul Sladkus on Vimeo.

Part 4

Peace Day Party, part 4 from Paul Sladkus on Vimeo.

Part 5

Peace Day Party, part 5 from Paul Sladkus on Vimeo.

In 2020 we will take our event to 193 countries and other locations to create the largest world gathering & broadcast to share Peace, Love, Hope & Freedom Worldwide. Please join us and donate to our nonprofit efforts. We purchased www.2020PeaceDay.org and www.WorldPeace2020.org.

Here was the great line up for our 2019 Times Square Event. http://goodnewsplanet.com/2019-peace-day-party-show-schedule-as-of-9-14-19/ with the theme of our movie, woodstockforever.org Peace, Love & HOPE. Go to woodstockforever.org to donate to our movie package.

10am – Paul Say hello. Paul Sladkus Host – 917 687 1790 Peace Day Party – Woodstock Forever…. Live Roll ins into the show to be discussed prior the event 9am and 10 TBD, but recorded for future broadcast. www.peacedayparty.org woodstockforever.org www.goodnewsplanet.TV

10am-10:05 Start the nonprofit movie Woodstock Forever on the Video Wall, with sound, Until Billy Sparks finisher aprox 4 minutes into the movie ….then keep playing the movie silently.

10:05: 10:40am Al Smith and Group Band

10:40 -10:50am Indiggo Twins, singing 3 songs part of the Wicked Clone Musical Dancer Singing to track 3 songs and their video behind them. You have two special mikes.

11:50 -11am
Canada Singers & Poetry Ivy Reiss, Esta, Lera
Peter Jam to track, dancers Video tbd

11am – 11:10am Kids Fashion Show Talking about Peace? TBD

11:10- 11:20 am Name That PEACE, LOVE & HOPE TUNE

11:20 –1135am Katya Grineva & Byron Duckwall

Chopin Fantasie- Impromtu ( piano), Debussy Clair de Lune (piano), Saint-Saints Swan ( cello and piano),Thais Meditation ( cello and piano)

1135 – 11:40 we2019 video

11:40 – 12 Noon CREATE THE HUMAN PEACE SIGN on the promenade, the design will already be on the ground. Hug a Planets and the May Peace Prevail on Earth Pole in the middle of the sign.. ,

11:45 – 12noon Speakers and proclamations on stage…. Lieutenant Governor NY State, BP Manhattan, BP Adams, Peace Org. TBD
Michael Fitzpatrick and Rami INVOCATION OF THE EARTH

11:59am – Claire Diab or Reverend Paul Sladkus Message

12 Noon – 12:03 Moment of Silence in Times Square

12:03 – 12:15 Georgia Fumanti – The Prayer, Halleluyah, Raise Me Up Opera

12:15 – 2PM Papa Guyo & Days of Wild. Sly & the Family Stone Music, others, Juma Sultan and Gerardo Velez Jimi Hendrix Foundation

Our Great Live Broadcast in Partnership with We Can’t Have That Foundation, with additional support from Dr. Kazuko Gaia Institute and Sarabeth Corporation. Production Team and Supporter Be Terrific… thanks to all.

Please Join Our Team

The video from the 2018 Peace Day Party at Times Square
http://goodnewsplanet.com/times-square-september-21-2018-peace-day-party/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Paul Sladkus, 212 647 1212 paul.sladkus@goodnewsbroadcast.com
THE EVENT: International Day of Peace, Peace Day Party in Times Square PeaceDayParty.org
WHERE: Times Square, Duffy Park/In front of TKTS, stage 46th off 7th Bleachers. *Live Broadcasts.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 2018
TIME: 11am to 2:00pm
WHY: All the 193 countries of the UN unanimously agreed to a Day of Peace. DRESS LIKE IT WAS THE 60″S TO THE PARTY DAY PARTY!
McKinsey & Co. state that there are 1.6 Billion people aware.

Peace Day Party Show Details: The show will be live on our Facebook LIVE page, go to Paul Sladkus. We will rebroadcast on www.goodnewsplanet.TV and www.PeaceDayParty.org. 40/20 Foot Stage 46th off 7th Ave. with Hugg a Planets, 197 Flags of the World from May Peace Prevail on Earth International, Reid Stowe Worlds Greatest Sailor Peace Art, Vid San Doz Peace Sign, Peace Lights, Barat Foundation Art. This year we will have a large video screen, where we will show segments of Woodstock Forever: Peace, Love & HOPE. woodstockforever.org

Show Schedule to be announced shortly.

Thanks to Joel Bluestein Foundation, Sarabeth, Dr. Kazuko Gaia Holistic, American Oriental Arts Foundation, Hugg a Planets, Vigil for Peace, WE, the World, Planet Heart, Good News and Peace Day Crew, Friends and Family

WHAT…

Good News Corporation, a humanitarian non-profit, est. 2002, CREATES THE LARGEST HUMAN PEACE SIGNS in Times Square. Participants sing/dance/Hugg-A-Planets/ Proclamations Unveiling of Reid Stowe’s Peace Day Party Environmental Art Creation from the man who is the record breaking sailor who lived at sea for 1,152 days with his girlfriend Sonya Ahmad who became pregnant with their son leaving Schooner Anne at 305 days, celebrity entertainment to be announced shortly and at 12 noon conduct a MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR PEACE. We will watch the premiere trailer for Woodstock Forever: Peace, Love & HOPE Movie, which includes 20th Anniversary of Woodstock with Richie Havens and a group from Woodstock/Bethel celebrating the Anniversary, which we taped at Times Square/Duffy Square in 1989 on a Lunar Eclipse Day. (NOTE: Times Square looked much different!, there was only a few billboards and we used the one on 1 Times Square where the Ball drops for a Next Generation Message, HISTORIC). We will show the trailer on the large Clear Channel BILLBOARD above McDonald’s in Times Square. To see what we are planning for Woodstock Forever: Peace, Love & HOPE go to: http://goodnewsplanet.com/woodstock-forever-peace-love-hope-a-good-news-film-and-tv-radio-series-2/

Here is the link to the 2017 billboard video: https://youtu.be/qmp8FNi8AcQ

Participants in the video are: Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Michael Douglas, Dr Jane Goodall, Dr. Mahmet Oz, Ed Asner, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Leonardo DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder, Shikira singing Imagine, World Peace Orchestra, Broadway Show Annie, American Oriental Art Foundation/Alice Liu Manjushree Orphanage/Dr. Kazuko, SaraBeth Corporation,to name a few.

*Show will be broadcast on:
www.GoodNewsPlanet.TV GoodNewsBroadcast.com PeaceDayParty.org Bonbon Live Facebook NYCLiveMedia.com/live 3D Broadcast & 1,000’s of channels.

#peace #day #party #2019 #2020 #countries #country #world #gathering #love #hope #freedom #worldwide #wide #free #donate #nonprofit #times #square #event #woodstock #forever #billy #sparks #al #smith #arol #buntzman #indiggo #twins #music #dancers #dance #singing #sing #sign #claire #diab #paul #sladkus #jimi #hendrix #kazuko #gaia #sarabeth #september #21

The post Peace Day Party of 2019!! appeared first on Good News!.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

​​​             In Celebration of NYC Pride

                                                              651 ARTS Presents

                                             Excuse Me, Hello          

Created by and Featuring Dynamic Entertainer and Performance Artist

Andre J.

In Their First Major Presentation

Friday, June 28th, 5pm-8pm

Excuse Me, Hello: “Stay Fly Butterfly”

A Family–Friendly Extension

In Collaboration with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

The Plaza at 300 Ashland (Flatbush and Lafayette Aves.), Brooklyn, NY

Saturday, June 29th, 9PM

Excuse Me, Hello            

Part of BAM’s Everybooty Festival

The BAM Fisher

321 Ashland Place Plaza , Brooklyn, NY

(Brooklyn, NY – June 6, 2019) – As part of this year’s NYC Pride, Brooklyn’s leading organization for the Diasporic Arts, 651 ARTS, is proud to present dynamic entertainer and performance artist Andre J. with theirfirst major presentation, Excuse Me, Hello, a site-specific theatrical installation that celebrates the reinvention of the human spirit through fashion, fun and music. The presentation will have its debut at The Plaza at 300 Ashland on Friday, June 28th as part of a free, outdoor celebration in collaboration with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership before being presented during BAM’s Everybooty, one of Brooklyn’s most iconic Pride Week parties, at the BAM’s Fisher the next day on Saturday, June 29th.

Rounding out 651’s Spring 2019 season, Excuse Me, Hello is an interactive experience conceived by Andre J & co-created with and under the direction of Choreographer, Polanco Jones, Jr. for the 2019 WorldPride/NYC celebration.  The piece is bold, unapologetic and embraces the concept of showing up as one’s most authentic self as well as pays homage to pioneering gay and transgender rights activists of color including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.

“One of the most beautiful parts of artistry is being able to stand firm in the truth, whatever that means to the individual. I love artists like Andre who are exciting and unafraid to share their truth in their work. If you are around Andre for 10 seconds their joy, their truth is contagious,” said Raelle Myrick-Hodges. “As an organization that has centered its mission around providing a platform for artists across the Diaspora to tell their stories, it is imperative to me and critical to mission that all of our artists have that opportunity. There are so many wonderful artistic voices in the LGBTQIA community, and we want to ensure that they are heard and seen.”

For Friday’s presentation of the show at the Plaza at 300 Ashland, Andre will present a family–friendly extension fit for all ages with “Excuse Me, Hello: Stay Fly Butterfly,” highlighting themes of acceptance, transformation, and curated specifically with POC/Queer families in mind.” Additionally, this free, outdoor event held in collaboration with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, will also include interactive art projects led by featured visual artist Leo Jiminez and his son, yoga classes given by Alicia M. Morris, a conversation with the show’s creators and the presenter with and by Antonio Brown aka DJ TonyMonkey.

From making history on the cover of Vogue Paris to giving self-esteem boosts to young girls at New York’s Lower East Side Girls Club and Hetrick-Martin Institute, New Jersey native Andre J. is a multi-faceted personality and performer. At the beginning of their career, Andre conquered New York’s nightlife and fashion world in red lipstick, cat suits and high heels. As a party promoter, entertainer, muse, and personality, they quickly became a City notable and sensation, attracting industry greats such as Patricia Field, Tyra Banks, Joan Rivers, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston and the duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Soon thereafter, Andre J. became a global phenomenon when they were featured on the cover of Vogue Paris also making history as the “first Black male model” to grace the cover of the magazine. Andre, who currently splits time between New York and London, has continued to evolve as a performer and entertainer.

“I am just so incredibly honored to bring Excuse Me, Hello to life as part of WorldPride NYC and on the milestone 50th anniversary of Stonewall. All of my work is always rooted in being your most authentic self and with Excuse Me, Hello ,that is especially true because it pays homage to people who really spearheaded the efforts of the concept of living in your truth, the pioneers of the movement like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera,” said Andre J. “We would not be here celebrating today without their efforts. I feel like it is up to me and artists like me to hold and carry the torch of their legacy, especially in this time when transgender people are being killed just for being their authentic selves, just for existing. There is still work to do and I am committed to doing it. This performance for me is about celebrating and honoring that journey to the highest level. We are going to show up and show out!”

This year, NYC Pride will highlight WorldPride and marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half-century of LGBTQIA+ liberation.

Since its inception in 1988, 651 ARTS has become a trusted convener of contemporary African Diasporicexpression and remains committed to championing and supporting emerging artists and providing them with a platform to launch and develop their work.  Last year, as it ushered in its 30th Anniversary – marking an important milestone in its rich history – 651 strategically entered a phase of rebuilding. Before moving to a new home at the much-buzzed about cultural spaces at 300 Ashland Place (now known as 10 Lafayette) in the next couple of years, the organization has begun to reimagine its artistic and institutional footprint, preparing 651 for the next 30 years and beyond. The appointment of Raelle Myrick-Hodges as 651’s first Creative Director is part of a larger organizational strategy to expand the institution’s artistic vision. Following this year’s schedule, the organization will continue to aggressively program for 2020.

About 651 ARTS

Founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1988, the mission of 651 ARTS is to enrich the lives of artists and intergenerational audiences through captivating cultural experiences that amplify the rich complexities of the African Diaspora and connect with people all over the world. 651 provides professional development for artists of African descent while simultaneously presenting international and regional works in dance, music, film and theater.

651’s signature programs have featured pioneering black choreographers from around the world including Germaine Acogny, Nora Chipaumire, Carmen de Lavallade, Diane McIntyre, Bebe Miller, Abdel R. Salaam and Jawole Willo Jo Zollar. As part of its commitment to the furtherance of conversations and celebration of Diaspora music, the institution has presented dialogues and performances by Somi, Hugh Masekela, and Grammy-winning artist Betty Carter, to name a few.

Theatrical and text-based works by Anna Deavere Smith, Sekou Sundiata, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Ntozake Shange, Okwui Okpokwasili and Maria Bauman are representative of the hundreds of artists and productions featuring solo creations, collaborations, emerging artists, and works-in-development all produced by 651’s visionary leadership.

The organization’s recent initiatives include: “Live & Outspoken”, an intimate interview and performance series juxtaposing artists across disciplines and/or generations; “Classically Black”, an interdisciplinary initiative including live arts presentations to technology-based dialogues, namely #BlackArtNow Twitter conversations and “Home in the Time of Brooklyn,” a think tank featuring voices of Brooklyn artists age 25-40.  

651 ARTS’s 2019 season will feature a condensed series of programs in preparation for the organization’s transition.

About Raelle Myrick-Hodges

Raelle Myrick-Hodges is the founder of Azuka Theater in Philadelphia, now in its 24th year. In prior roles, she was the Artistic Director of Brava for Women in the Arts (San Francisco) – taking the institution from a 90% rental facility to an internationally renowned arts presenter in theater, dance, music within four years. Most recently, she served as the inaugural Curator of Performing Arts for the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans.  As a nationally-known stage director, Myrick-Hodges has worked in over 15 regional theaters and museums including SF MOMA, Playmakers Repertory, California Shakespeare Theater, Theater Minnot (Beirut), The Public Theater, National Black Theater, EDELO Residencia (Chiapas, Mexico) with visual artists Mia Rollow and Caleb Duarte, among others.

About Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is a not-for-profit local development corporation that serves as the primary champion for Downtown Brooklyn as a world-class business, cultural, educational, residential, and retail destination.

Working together with the three business improvement districts (BID) that it manages – the MetroTech BID, Fulton Mall Improvement Association, and Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn BID – the Partnership’s diverse activities include attracting new businesses and improving the environment for existing companies; facilitating the construction of public spaces and streetscapes that promote an active and cohesive community; supporting and promoting Downtown Brooklyn’s cultural assets; and encouraging a unified sense of place and an engaged civic community. For more information, visit www.downtownbrooklyn.com.

About the Plaza at 300 Ashland

The Plaza at 300 Ashland is Downtown Brooklyn’s newest open public space in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. In partnership with Two Trees Management Co, the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership manages, programs, and maintains the plaza. In 2019, the plaza will host events from the Downtown Brooklyn Presents series, a calendar of free, high-quality activities and programming including film screenings, concerts, theater performances, dance & fitness classes, poetry readings, community gatherings, and more. These events are all free and open to public, with the goal of serving the community, the Downtown Brooklyn neighborhood, and NYC’s cultural community at large.

Additional support for programming at the Plaza at 300 Ashland is provided by Two Trees Management Co and Whole Foods Market.

In Partnership With:

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For more information:

Nina Flowers

ninaflowerspr@gmail.com

(917) 388-7444

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