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Black America Web
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Apollo Theater Raises Record Breaking Millions at Gala, Honors Legends
Source: Daniel Zuchnik / Getty The nation's iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem announced a record breaking $3.2 million raised at its 2025 Spring gala. The funds will support year-round programming that amplifies artistic excellence, youth education, community engagement and a major renovation of the over 100 year old theater that has launched the careers of thousands of African American artists from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown to Gladys Knight, H.E.R. D'Angelo, and Lauryn Hill. Its Amateur Night is the genesis for popular shows like American Idol It was a night filled with purpose and praise, honoring music industry titan Clive Davis with the Legacy Award and inducting him into the Apollo's Walk of Fame. Rising from the very same stage she first stepped on as a child, Harlem-born artist and multi-hyphenate Teyana Taylor received the inaugural Innovator Award. Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summerswas there for Radio One to bring you the tea. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Clive Davis: Reviving Icons and Shaping Sound Few figures in the music industry have shaped careers as profoundly—or resuscitated them as masterfully—as Clive Davis. The legendary executive, founder of Arista Records, famously revitalized the careers of two vocal powerhouses: Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick. After Aretha Franklin's chart presence had faded by the late 1970s, Davis signed her to Arista in 1980. With an ear toward contemporary production, he paired her with rising producers like Luther Vandross, resulting in the chart-topping Jump to It and the Grammy-winning Freeway of Love . Franklin's resurgence under Davis's leadership marked one of the most celebrated comebacks in music. Equally powerful was Davis's role in returning Dionne Warwick to the top. After a career lull, he signed her to Arista in 1979. Warwick was unsure of her future in music—until Davis stepped in. 'You may be ready to give the business up,' Davis told her, 'but the business is not ready to give you up.' That encouragement led to I'll Never Love This Way Again —a platinum-selling hit—and the landmark anthem ' That's What Friends Are For.' Decades later, Warwick recounted: 'His words still ring in my ear… 'Uh‑uh, young lady. You may be ready to give this industry up, but the industry is not ready to give you up.' RELATED STORY: Usher Shows Mad Love to Wife at Apollo Theater 90th Anniversary RELATED STORY: Red Carpet Rundown: Doechii, Halle Bailey, Ciara & More Slay Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Gala Teyana Taylor: From Harlem Kid to Culture Shaper For Teyana Taylor, the night was a homecoming. Having first performed at the Apollo at just 8 years old, she returned now as a bold and boundary-breaking artist, director, and fashion visionary. Receiving the Innovator Award, Taylor offered heartfelt thanks to the institution that shaped her beginnings: 'Thank you for the village you have placed in my life. I'm filled with so much gratitude.' Her evolution from neighborhood prodigy to industry innovator reflects the very soul of the Apollo's mission—to nurture, elevate, and honor Black brilliance. Source: Shahar Azran / Getty A Starry Celebration of Sound and Legacy Hosted by comedian Kym Whitley, the gala unfolded with a vibrant lineup of performers, including Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean, The Baylor Project, Avery Sunshine, and Camille A. Brown & Dancers—all brought to life under the direction of musical maestro Adam Blackstone. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton presented a moving tribute to longtime Apollo supporter entrepreneur Richard Parsons, recognizing his visionary leadership and dedication. And when the formal program ended, Harlem kept dancing—thanks to the return of DJ D-Nice, who transformed 126th Street into a star-studded party pulsing with joy, rhythm, and community love. The Apollo's Next Act: Restoration and Renewal Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks unveiled a bold vision for the theater's future, including an expansive renovation of the historic venue: 'Our education program is reaching more young people than ever… this renovation is part of an evolution set in motion more than a decade ago.' Updates will include new orchestra seating, modern acoustics and lighting, upgraded dressing rooms, and a full restoration of the iconic Apollo marquee—ensuring the venue remains as powerful visually as it is spiritually. The 2025 Apollo Spring Gala was more than a fundraiser—it was a resounding testament to the resilience and ongoing influence of Black music, art, and community. Its success in raising over $3.2 million positions the theater for its next phase, ensuring the Apollo remains a beacon for future generations of artists. Check out carpet interviews, Clive spilling the real tea on Aretha's and Dionne's comeback, Teyana's speech, and some of the dynamic performances BELOW. Source: Jazmyn Summers / Jazmyn Summers Article by Jazmyn Summers. Photos and video by Melissa Nyomi Stoll of MelshotyaYou can hear Jazmyn every morning on 'Jazmyn in the Morning 'on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to J azmyn Summers' YouTube . Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kwanza Jones Introduces Inaugural Innovator Award Honoring Teyana Taylor at Historic Apollo Spring Benefit
This year, SUPERCHARGED® CEO Kwanza Jones returns as an Apollo Board Member and Premier Sponsor through her and her husband's Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative to present The Apollo's first-ever Innovator Award! NEW YORK, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At a landmark moment in The Apollo Theater's nearly century-long history, Kwanza Jones, nine-time Billboard-charting music artist, impact investor, and philanthropist, took the stage at the 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit to introduce the first-ever Innovator Award and its honoree, fellow multi-hyphenate Teyana Taylor. This year's Benefit wasn't just a celebration, it was a turning point. As the final Spring Benefit to be held in the current Apollo Theater before its first full-scale renovation in nearly a century, the evening marked the start of a bold new chapter. Jones helped ground that moment through her on-stage remarks, championing The Apollo's role as a space for transformation and spotlighting the power of mindset, voice, and community. She called The Apollo "a place where culture is created, always imitated, never duplicated," and underscored its role as a space for self-expression and bold imagination. Her words laid the foundation for a new tradition, positioning the Innovator Award as both a celebration of fearless artistry and a call to action for collective impact. The Innovator Award, introduced this year by The Apollo, honors artists who break boundaries and shape culture across disciplines. Teyana Taylor, a Harlem native, was recognized for her fearless creative evolution as a performer, director, and artistic visionary who embodies the trailblazing spirit of The Apollo. Jones, whose work also spans the intersections of art, impact, and innovation, brought meaningful resonance to the moment by introducing the Innovator Award and honoring Taylor's multifaceted contributions. Jones stepped out in a show-stopping ensemble styled by Jones herself, wearing a striking Alexander McQueen dress paired with accessories by Stephen Jones and her Kwanza Jones monogram pins. Her bold style echoed the evening's theme of fearless creativity and cultural expression. Following her introduction, Jones returned to the stage alongside fashion icon Dapper Dan, a Harlem native, and actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd to present the Innovator Award to Teyana Taylor, honoring her fearless artistic evolution and cultural impact. As a Board Member and Premier Sponsor through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, Jones has played a key role in shaping The Apollo's strategy and long-term vision, particularly as the institution prepares for a major transformation and looks ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2034. This decade-forward mindset reflects what Jones calls "Dreaming in Decades," a philosophy grounded in long-term planning, strategic action, and sustained commitment. It mirrors The Apollo's own approach as it prepares for renovation and expansion, ensuring the institution continues to thrive as a hub for culture, creativity, and community for generations to come. Through her work across culture, capital, and community, Jones continues to embody The Apollo's mission and extend its legacy, not only through sponsorship and service, but through her voice, her vision, and her values. In addition to the Innovator Award, the evening also celebrated the legendary Clive Davis, who received the Legacy Award and was inducted into The Apollo's iconic Walk of Fame. The honor recognized Davis' decades-long impact on the music industry and his role in shaping the careers of groundbreaking artists. His recognition underscored The Apollo's deep history and its ongoing commitment to honoring those who have shaped the cultural landscape. As the curtain closes on one chapter and a new one begins, the 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit stands as a testament to the power of leadership, collaboration, and culture to spark transformation. About Kwanza JonesKwanza Jones is on a mission to boost a billion lives through culture, community, and capital. She is a sought-after speaker, accomplished artist, impact investor, and philanthropist. With a multifaceted background spanning music, media, production, law, and business, Jones is an energetic and visionary leader. She is CEO and founder of SUPERCHARGED® by Kwanza Jones, a motivational media company. Jones has served on numerous boards, including The Apollo Theater, Bennett College, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, with José E. Feliciano, her partner in life and in business, they have personally committed over $200 million to education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment organizations. To learn more, visit and connect with her on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | X | Kwanza Jones Boost Friends™ Community. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SUPERCHARGED Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Apiture Innovator Award Winners Announced at Apiture Accelerate 2025 Conference
WILMINGTON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2025-- Apiture, a leading provider of digital banking solutions, today announced the 2025 'Apiture Innovators' at its annual client conference, Apiture Accelerate, which took place this week in New Orleans. The event brought together industry leaders and experts from banks and credit unions from across the country. Now in its third year, the annual awards program recognizes financial institutions demonstrating new and innovative uses of the Apiture Digital Banking Platform. This year's winners include: 'We are proud to celebrate this year's Innovator Award winners for their unique contributions to digital banking innovation and their drive to meet the evolving needs of their account holders,' said Chris Babcock, CEO of Apiture. 'As financial institutions continue to focus on delivering elevated experiences to today's consumers and businesses, we remain committed to empowering their success.' About Apiture Apiture delivers award-winning digital banking solutions to banks and credit unions throughout the U.S. Our flexible, highly configurable solutions meet a wide range of financial institutions' needs, from leveling the playing field with larger institutions to supporting growth through innovative data intelligence and embedded banking strategies. With our API-first approach, our clients can maximize the capabilities of their platform while preserving a seamless user experience. Our exclusive focus on digital banking, and a team with hundreds of years of collective experience working at U.S. financial institutions, means we are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our clients while providing a level of support that is unmatched in the industry. Apiture is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, with offices in Austin, Texas. To learn more, visit View source version on CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACTS: Derek Howard For Apiture 678-781-7215 [email protected] Mitcham For Apiture 678-781-7207 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA OKLAHOMA MINNESOTA NORTH CAROLINA ALABAMA FLORIDA LOUISIANA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SECURITY OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC RELATIONS/INVESTOR RELATIONS FINANCE CONSULTING FINTECH BANKING COMMUNICATIONS APPS/APPLICATIONS ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PAYMENTS SOFTWARE SOURCE: Apiture Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/15/2025 08:07 AM/DISC: 05/15/2025 08:06 AM
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Forbes
From Fjords To Fine Dining: Inside The Rise Of Greenlandic Cuisine
Greenland cuisine is making it's mark in the culinary world. There's a particular thrill in traveling to the ends of the Earth. But for those heading to Greenland with HX Expeditions, that thrill now comes with a plate of reindeer carpaccio and a glass of Arctic berry beer. Beginning May 24, 2025, the world's longest-running expedition cruise company will launch a new culinary initiative designed to introduce guests to Greenland's landscapes and its largely unsung gastronomic traditions. At the helm of the program is Inunnguaq Hegelund, a celebrated Greenlandic chef who's been championing his homeland's cuisine long before it was buzzworthy. To him, food is more than sustenance. It's heritage. It's climate. It's survival. 'Greenlandic cuisine is deeply connected to nature, tradition, and sustainability,' he said. 'This initiative allows us to tell these stories through food.' And stories, it turns out, abound in Greenlandic cooking. Traditionally, the cuisine developed out of necessity. There were no olive groves, vineyards, wheat fields, or dairy farms. What existed was the sea, the ice, the wind, and the animals that endured them. As a result, Greenlandic fare is grounded in what the land gives—and gives sparingly. It's a cuisine of resilience: dried fish and whale blubber, reindeer meat and snow crab, herbs foraged during the short burst of Arctic summer. But in the hands of today's Greenlandic chefs, these age-old ingredients are being reimagined into something both rooted and revelatory. That's the spirit HX wants to bring aboard its ships. Guests will not only taste Greenland—they'll meet the people behind the flavors. Hegelund will be joined throughout the season by a rotating cast of Greenland's most exciting culinary talents, each offering their own interpretation of what it means to cook in and for this place. Laasi Biilmann, a rising star in the region and recipient of Greenland's Chef of the Year and Innovator Award, will be aboard from May 31 to August 15. Biilmann is known for applying modern Nordic techniques to native ingredients. Expect dishes that blend elegance with primal roots: musk ox tartare with spruce oil or cod paired with seaweed and fermented crowberries. It's fine dining that still smells faintly of saltwater and driftwood. Following him is Eli Nuka Johansson, who'll be sailing from August 31 to September 27. Johansson brings a playful, global sensibility to Greenlandic staples—using local ingredients like capelin and ptarmigan in ways that draw from both Asian and Mediterranean influences. His style is unexpected but never gimmicky. Every bite feels like a small act of cultural translation. Also joining the lineup is Jørgine Tobiassen, who takes a more purist approach. With a focus on hyperlocal produce and sustainable sourcing, her dishes are often simple but deeply evocative—think pickled angelica with char roe or pan-seared reindeer loin with Arctic thyme. She'll be on board the MS Spitsbergen from July 29 to August 11, offering guests a chance to experience Greenland through her lens: fresh, pared back, and undeniably personal. HX is committing to sourcing at least 30% of its food and beverage offerings from local and regional Greenlandic suppliers to support this onboard transformation. That means the fish was likely pulled from nearby waters, the microgreens grown in Arctic greenhouses, and the meat harvested under centuries-old traditions. Even the drinks are local: HX has partnered with Qajaq Brewery, founded in 2015, to serve its small-batch Greenlandic beers as part of the all-inclusive beverage program. Made with glacial water and local botanicals, the beers are an extension of the same ethos—craft, connection, and a deep reverence for place. 'We are incredibly proud to be working alongside Inunnguaq and other local chefs to bring the tastes of Greenland to our guests,' said Stefan Engl, VP of Hotel Operations at HX Expeditions. 'This partnership is not just about food; it's about sharing Greenland's deep cultural heritage through its flavors. By sourcing ingredients locally and collaborating with community suppliers, we're creating a truly authentic culinary experience that highlights the unique beauty of Greenland.' It's a bold move in an industry where lobster buffets and Caesar salads still reign. But then again, Greenland has never been about doing what's expected. It's a place where traditions run deep, nature sets the menu, and food—perhaps more than any view—lingers. So yes, come for the glaciers. But stay for the dried halibut. And the stories that come with it.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billie Eilish and Finneas Join Jason Owen's Sandbox Management
Billie Eilish and her brother/collaborator Finneas have left their managers of a decade, Danny Rukasin and Brandon Goodman's Best Friends Music Management, for Jason Owen's Sandbox Entertainment, which reps Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini, Eilish's rep confirms to Variety. While the move comes as a surprise given the peaks of commercial and critical success the two have reached with the close-knit team that has been with them since the start — also including Darkroom and Interscope Records and longtime publicist Alexandra Baker, not to mention the siblings' parents — rumors began last year that the pair would be leaving Best Friends. Eilish herself has won nine Grammy Awards and 32 nominations, with Finneas sharing in many of those and winning the producer of the year Grammy himself in 2020. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and Hits. More from Variety Doechii Presents Lady Gaga With Innovator Award, Taylor Swift Wins Artist of the Year at iHeartRadio Music Awards Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Gracie Abrams and More to Perform at iHeartRadio Music Awards; LL Cool J to Host FireAid Announces Recipients of First $50 Million of Grants to Be Distributed From All-Star Concert Proceeds More to come… Best of Variety What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
