Latest news with #Smalls
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The ‘Queen of Harlem' helps underserved families in her neighborhood
NEW YORK (PIX11) — To many, Michelle Smalls is considered royalty. She is an influencer, a real estate broker, and the owner of seven businesses. But her selfless contributions to the underserved and underprivileged are what earned her the title of the 'Queen of Harlem.' Smalls is incredibly modest about her countless acts of kindness. For nearly two decades, she's pulled from her own pocket to help ease the financial burden of struggling families in the Harlem neighborhood where she grew up. More Local News Every year she's held a massive winter coat and toy drive, a free back-to-school event providing school supplies, and an Easter giveaway with baskets and outfits for Easter Sunday. Every event has drawn long lines of grateful families. 'It's refreshing to see that a little bit of money could just change so many lives. People don't understand. Giving really helps me out. It really changed the dynamics. I don't even think about my childhood trauma no more because now I'm able to help someone out and not go through that trauma,' said Smalls. Smalls' mother was a drug addict. Her father was murdered when she was just a year old. Most would think her future was written in stone. She'd prove them all wrong. Community CloseUp: We're in your neighborhood 'Actually not having a father made me stronger than the average because I had to do a lot more than the average. I sold drugs, I went to jail, and I didn't want that for me. I was very smart in school, but I had nothing, so I did what I had to do,' said Smalls. Now she runs beauty salons, a real estate business and a juice bar, sharing her success by investing in the future of Harlem. She is creating safe spaces and positive programming to keep kids off the street. Smalls used her own money to start the Marcus Garvey Summer Basketball Tournament, and when the coaches recently asked her to help save their Public School Athletic League basketball program and Brandeis High School, she didn't hesitate. More Stories: Our Community, Your Voice 'Everything that we needed she got it for us. And we were able to get more kids. On Saturdays we averaged 75 kids. Now we're getting a hundred something kids. And those additional kids are lives saved,' said coach Evander Ford. A year ago, one of the program's star athletes, 18-year-old Ashley Ballard, was gunned down in Harlem. Her death inspired Smalls to launch a junior high basketball tournament this winter. Ballard's mother is deeply moved. 'The fact that she found the light, I guess, at the end of this dark tunnel, I really appreciate that because the work that she does is the work that we need. What I love about her is it's genuine. I wanna help. I don't want to be in the spotlight. Lets get it done for the kids. I just want the public to know. We need more Michelles. We need more Michelles,' said Krystal Minor. Smalls treated the tournament-winning team with a $5,000 cash prize and tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets, inspiring them to stay focused an achieve their hoop dreams. 'A big thank you because without her and her efforts, we might not be able to be here today,' said 13-year-old Cameron Gray. Smalls said seeing the joy in their faces is the greatest reward of all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
University of Virginia Leadership Program Helps Transform Struggling Schools
Latrice Smalls' first year as principal of South Carolina's Edith L. Frierson Elementary in 2023 came with a hefty task: improve the school's unsatisfactory state report card rating. With roughly 160 students — nearly two-thirds of them low-income — the rural Charleston County school recorded math and reading test scores well below district and state averages. One-third of students were chronically absent, and school climate was ranked low by teachers. 'The school was a failing school, and it had been a failing school for a few years,' Smalls said. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Smalls's first year coincided with the school's acceptance into the University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education, a program that helps improve low-performing schools through administrator training and professional development. Frierson Elementary is one of three schools that transformed from struggling to succeeding because of the turnaround program. After one year, the school went from an unsatisfactory to excellent rating, the highest performance tier in the state's report card system. Since 2004, the partnership has worked with more than 900 schools from 33 states. Roughly half achieve double-digit gains in reading, math or both, within three years of starting the program. For two to three years, administrators receive professional development at the university and coaches visit their schools to help brainstorm ways to improve academic achievement, attendance and culture. Districts must apply and, if selected, pay roughly $90,000 for program costs. Related Leighann Lenti, the program's chief of partnership, said the key to transforming a low-performing is to work with district and building administrators to make systemic changes that will lead to improved student outcomes. 'They're given a chance to think about the design and the decisions they're making in their buildings and in their school district,' Lenti said. '[They] think about their highest priorities and the root cause of what hasn't worked, so they can solve those problems differently — not just keep doing the same things over and over — and see tangible results for kids.' A 2016 University of Chicago study found that 20 Ohio schools that participated in the program saw statistically significant academic improvement that persisted even two years after completion. The program focuses on four areas of school improvement: system leadership, support and accountability, talent management and instructional infrastructure. During the first year, University of Virginia staff work with district and school leaders to develop a plan for their school. They try to find root causes for low performance and create goals that are revised every 90 days. Related Administrators at Schoolfield Elementary in Danville, Virginia, started the program before the 2023-24 school year and finished in January. Principal Kelsie Hubbard and her colleagues created a 90-day plan with three main areas of focus: professional learning, classroom instruction and teaching strategies. Educators began professional development twice a week to make sure instruction and activities matched existing rigorous academic standards. They also worked to ensure students were being taught the same way in every classroom, so they didn't have to relearn strategies if they changed grades or teachers. 'Coming out of COVID, we were seeing a lot of our students performing below grade level, and so a trend we started to notice is that our instruction was not meeting the rigor of the standards,' Hubbard said.'We were teaching lower level because we were assuming that students needed that intensive intervention. … But we were holding and keeping them further and further behind.' At the end of the program, Schoolfield — a building of 500 students, with 85% low-income — improved its reading proficiency from 68% in 2023 to 78% in 2024. Math proficiency went from 68% to 73%. Similar gains were observed in Alabama's Florence City Schools, a district of 4,500 students that recently finished the program. Three of its lowest-performing elementary schools that participated all reported improvements in reading, math and chronic absenteeism. Superintendent Jimmy Shaw said principals met with reading and math teachers to brainstorm why academic scores were lacking. For example, they found in Weeden Elementary that third graders had a hard time with geometry and other math topics while taking state assessments. Teachers began to give 10-minute mini-lessons daily to help students master specific skills. 'It's been beautiful work to be able to build the capacity of our leaders and our research teams. To us, that's what it's about,' Shaw said. 'It's not about having some dynamic leader, but it's about building the capacity of a group of adults who can understand system structures and processes to be able to attack a problem.' Smalls' 90-day plan for Frierson Elementary began with a list of goals such as improving school climate by training educators and ensuring they got enough classroom time to teach the? curriculum. She also delivered a 'state of the school' address for families to explain Frierson's unsatisfactory rating and what steps were being taken to fix it. Teachers hosted literacy and math nights to get parents more involved in their child's learning. 'I felt like I created an environment, a climate or a culture where everybody was valued and everybody was seen as a leader,' Smalls said. '[The program] is very effective. It is very self-provoking, very reflective, very action-based and action-oriented. I really believe in it.'
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 7 Best Cat Foods, Based On Advice From Trusted Vets
Investing in your cat's health and happiness starts with feeding them tasty, nutrient-rich food. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a meat-based diet with plenty of moisture—not plant-heavy formulas packed with fillers. Out of the very best cat foods, Smalls is our top pick overall, as it prioritizes high-quality animal proteins and avoids unnecessary carbohydrates that don't serve a cat's natural needs. The best cat food is the one your cat actually loves, while keeping them healthy and thriving. While many cat owners assume that kibble is the standard, every expert we spoke with recommended prioritizing wet or fresh foods. "Respect the cat's biology,' says Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM. 'They are designed to eat a meaty, moist food.' Since cats have a low thirst drive, they rely on their food for hydration; therefore, wet cat food can be an essential part of a balanced diet. But that doesn't mean dry food doesn't have a place at all—some high-protein kibble options, like Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon, offer species-appropriate nutrition while providing variety for cats that prefer crunchier textures. Beyond choosing between wet and dry food, it's important to consider your cat's age, health and individual needs. From protein-packed formulas to high-quality dry food, our top picks for the best cat food cover a range of options to help you find what's right for your feline. Smalls Type: Fresh | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 200 kcal/package | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Many commercial cat foods rely on fillers and preservatives, but Smalls takes a different approach—one that more closely mirrors what cats are meant to eat. The brand prioritizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, gently cooking its fresh recipes to preserve nutrients. The turkey formula, for example, is packed with over 80% animal protein, plus hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which may support digestion and urinary health. To get started, pet parents take a quick online quiz that asks for information about their cat's age, weight, activity level and dietary preferences. Smalls then ships a sampler box with ten packets of fresh food, so you can test different recipes before committing to a recurring delivery schedule. Since meals arrive frozen, they stay fresh in the freezer until you're ready to thaw them. Once thawed, they last about a week in the fridge, so meal prep is easy with minimal waste. Smalls also meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which a non-profit organization that regulates the nutritional requirements for pet food. In other words, this food meets all of a cat's dietary needs, making it a straightforward way to introduce fresh food into your cat's diet without worrying about dealing with complicated meal prep. Chewy Type: Wet (stew) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 152 kcal/carton | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you want high-quality wet food but aren't looking for a fresh option like Smalls, Caru Classic Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew is a great choice. Unlike many canned foods that contain meat by-products, artificial preservatives or gums, Caru uses limited, human-grade ingredients and slow-cooks its recipes to retain nutrients. The result is a stew-like texture that's closer to homemade food than typical processed cat food. Wild salmon is the first ingredient, which provides lean protein and omega-3s that support skin, coat and brain health. The formula also includes turkey for extra protein, plus dandelion greens and marine microalgae oil, which give your cat antioxidants and fatty acids that may support immune function, kidney health and joint mobility. Since many cats don't drink enough water, the moisture-rich formula helps keep them hydrated and supports urinary health. Caru makes its food in a USDA-licensed human food facility in Wisconsin, using USDA-inspected meats and sourcing all other ingredients from human-edible sources. It costs more than standard wet food, but the simple ingredient list, high-quality sourcing and gentle cooking process can support long-term health and may help prevent issues like dehydration and inflammation. Amazon Type: Dry | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 470 kcal/cup | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Every vet we spoke with stressed how important moisture is for cats, since they don't naturally drink much water and get hydration from their food. But cats can be extremely picky, and some simply prefer dry food. If kibble is part of your cat's diet, choosing a high-quality, limited-ingredient option matters—and we think Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is one of the best. Open Farm starts with wild-caught Pacific salmon, packed with omega-3s and DHA to support a healthy coat, skin and brain function. The formula also includes ocean whitefish and herring meal for additional protein, plus pumpkin, cranberries and dandelion greens, which are ingredients that may aid digestion and immune health. While kibble is more processed than fresh or wet food, Open Farm keeps its ingredients recognizable compared to many traditional brands. The veterinarians we consulted had differing opinions on dry food—one holistic vet told us it's 'a myth' that kibble cleans teeth, while others say dry food still has a place in a balanced diet. What they all agreed on, however, is that hydration is key. Many recommend rehydrating kibble with water or broth to improve moisture intake. (Also, if you're worried about your cat's water intake, you can always invest in a cat water fountain.) Ultimately, the best diet is whatever works for your cat. If that includes kibble, this is a trustworthy option with responsibly caught fish and fully traceable ingredients. Amazon Type: Wet | Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 100 kcal/3 oz can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: A kitten's early diet lays the foundation for lifelong health, and Weruva's Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus provides the nutrition they need to grow strong. This protein-rich recipe is designed to deliver essential amino acids that help kittens build muscle and maintain their energy levels. Because kittens require higher amounts of protein, fat and key nutrients than adult cats, a well-balanced formula is critical during this stage. Beyond protein and hydration, this Weruva recipe includes taurine, fish oil and vitamin D3 to support your kitten's brain development, vision and immune function. The high moisture content may also help with digestion and kidney health, which is especially important for young kittens as they transition to solid food. The soft, shredded texture of the food is meant to be easy for tiny teeth to manage, so they can get the nutrients they need without struggling to eat. And the recipe skips grains, artificial additives and carrageenan, which is helpful if your kitten has a sensitive stomach. Weruva prepares its food in human-grade facilities, following strict global safety standards to ensure high-quality ingredients and processing. Since kittens burn through calories quickly, the brand recommends feeding one to two cans per 1.5 to 2 pounds of body weight daily, split into three or more meals. Chewy Type: Wet (mousse and shreds) | Life stage: Senior | Calories: 80 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: As cats age, their nutritional needs shift, but one macronutrient remains essential: protein. "The amount of calories they need may lessen, but protein needs can actually increase," says Coger. "It's vital that older cats get enough protein and the key amino acids for heart health, taurine and carnitine." Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds is designed specifically for seniors, with a high-protein formula to help maintain muscle mass and a soft texture that's easy to eat. Since kidney issues are common in older cats, this low-phosphorus formula is designed to be easier on their system. With salmon oil, coconut oil, turmeric and green tea extract, this food includes ingredients that may ease inflammation and support joint health as cats get older. It's also highly palatable, with chicken liver to entice cats that may have reduced appetites. Tiki Cat's Silver line offers a variety of textures beyond mousse and shreds, including all-mousse, shredded-only and options with broth, so you can choose what best suits your cat's preferences. Smalls is another great option for senior cats, especially if hydration is a concern or they need an even softer texture. But if your cat prefers a specific texture or you want a more budget-friendly option, Tiki Cat Silver is a great pick. Amazon Type: Wet (flaked in consommé) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 71 kcal/2.8-ounce can, 151 kcal/6-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you know how frustrating it can be to find a food that doesn't upset their digestion. Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe keeps things simple with just one protein source—wild-caught Alaskan salmon—plus a short list of recognizable ingredients. There are no grains, no potatoes and no gums—just flaked fish in a light consommé that's meant to be easy to eat and even easier to digest. Some cats struggle with rich or highly processed foods, which is why a single-protein and low-fat formula like this one can be a good fit. Salmon is naturally high in omega-3s, which may help with inflammation and gut health, and the extra moisture supports digestion and hydration. "A low-carb, moisture-rich diet with real protein is much easier on digestion than one packed with unnecessary fillers," says feline nutrition experts Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre. If you're switching foods, take it slow—especially with a cat who already has stomach issues. Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, recommends mixing in small amounts of the new food with their old diet and increasing the portion gradually over the course of a week. That way, their system has time to adjust, making the transition smoother and less stressful for both of you. What the editors say: 'My cat has always had a sensitive tum, and there's nothing more frustrating than watching him throw up an entire can of nice wet food,' says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold. 'With this Tiki Cat formula, he gets sick much less often and seems to be more energetic, which I could not appreciate more—I spend much less time cleaning my floors and worrying about his diet.' Chewy Type: Wet (minced in broth) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 56 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your cat needs to lose a little weight, switching to a high-protein and moisture-rich diet can make a big difference. Veterinarians often see kibble contributing to weight gain because it's higher in carbs than cats actually need. "Dry kibble almost always leads to gradual weight gain in cats," says Coger, who notes that many dry foods rely on starches that don't fit a cat's natural diet. Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe is a great option for cats who need to slim down without feeling deprived. It's made with wild-caught tuna as the first ingredient, giving cats the high-quality protein they need to maintain muscle while losing excess fat. The addition of pumpkin provides fiber, which can help with digestion and keep cats feeling full longer. (Read: No more begging between meals.) Because this recipe is wet food with plenty of moisture, it also supports hydration and overall health, so it's a better choice than dry food for weight management. While every cat's metabolism is different, feeding a high-protein and low-carb diet like this one makes it easier to manage your cat's weight without leaving them hungry. At Forbes Vetted, we're committed to helping pet parents make informed choices about how they care for their animals. From covering the best raw dog food to automatic litter boxes, we've spent years researching and testing products to bring you the best recommendations. We know how important it is to find the right food for your cat. You want one that supports their health, fits their dietary needs and, most importantly, is something they'll actually eat. To make sure we're recommending only the best options, we took the following steps: If you're thinking of changing up your cat's food, here's what to consider before making the switch. The easiest way to ensure a cat food meets basic nutritional standards is to check for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label. This confirms that the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage—kitten, adult or senior. While AAFCO compliance is a good starting point, the experts we spoke with emphasize that it doesn't tell you everything about ingredient quality. That's why it's important to look beyond the label and consider what's actually in the food. Many veterinarians agree that moisture-rich diets are best for cats, since they naturally get most of their hydration from food rather than a water bowl. Wet and fresh foods, such as Smalls and Caru, provide the moisture cats need to support kidney and urinary health. Dry kibble tends to be lower in moisture and higher in carbohydrates; that doesn't mean kibble has no place in a cat's diet, but it should be chosen carefully. Dr. Coger warns that many dry foods rely on starches that can contribute to weight gain, so if you do feed kibble, it's best to choose one with high-quality animal protein and consider rehydrating it with water or broth. Since cats are obligate carnivores, protein and fat should make up the bulk of their diet. According to feline nutrition experts Kennedy and Lefebvre, the best cat foods start with named animal proteins like chicken, turkey or salmon as the first few ingredients. They also recommend avoiding grains, potatoes and legumes, since these don't provide the nutrients cats need and may lead to digestive issues. While 'grain-free' has become a popular marketing term, it's more important to choose food with real, high-quality meat rather than unnecessary fillers. Many indoor cats gain weight easily, especially if they eat dry food that's high in carbohydrates. Portion control matters, and Dr. Cahn and Dr. Coger both stress that leaving kibble out all day often leads to weight gain. A cat's calorie needs depend on age, activity level, and metabolism, but in general, seniors need less food than younger, more active cats. If weight gain is a concern, switching to a high-protein, low-carb wet food, like Bixbi Tuna And Pumpkin, and feeding measured meals instead of free-feeding can help maintain a healthy weight. A healthy cat should have a shiny coat, steady weight, plenty of energy and normal digestion. If your cat always seems hungry, gains weight easily, sheds more than usual or has digestive issues, it might be time to rethink their food. The experts we spoke with suggest watching for changes in their coat, litter box habits and energy levels to see if their diet is really working for them.
New York Times
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
If You Have to Ask About This Harlem Dinner Party, You're Not Invited
The lobby lacks the swirly marble flooring and chandeliers of finer residential buildings. The long hallways are almost dingy. But behind one of the apartment doors on a recent night, the mood was anything but dull. Butterflied branzino was about to go in the oven. A pan of glistening buns rested on the stove. Fariyal Abdullahi, executive chef at Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant Hav & Mar, and the private chef Nana Araba Wilmot were hovering over the dishes. At the bar, a punch of bourbon, sweet tea, mango juice, ginger liqueur and fresh mint was being poured. The jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater arrived after a long evening at the recording studio. Her dog, Daisy, a fluffy Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, perched valiantly atop her wheeled suitcase. The party's host, Alexander Smalls, perused the scene. 'This is an interesting place to hang out,' he boomed in a baritone that rose above the party chatter. The guests erupted in laughter. In New York, members-only clubs with steep fees and private restaurants in luxury towers have become powerhouses for socializing and networking over food and booze. So many have opened in recent months that the monetization of community seems practically like a new business strategy. But there are some spaces you can't buy your way inside. Mr. Smalls's cozy apartment in West Harlem is one of them, its own humble seat of power. There, guests find a setting for community and connection. They can generate buzz for a new idea or project and sometimes even find investors who are eager to listen. 'The Vanderbilts used to do that, and the Astors,' said Mr. Smalls, a well-known chef and former opera singer. 'They created these enclaves of power and elevated air to breathe. They relished in bringing in creatives. The celebrities, they all pass through here on their way somewhere, and I feed them and nurture them.' Last month's dinner party organized by Mr. Smalls was partly a celebration of his new cookbook, 'The Contemporary African Kitchen,' and partly a birthday bash: He had just turned 73. And it was a chance for Mr. Smalls to let two chefs, Ms. Abdullahi and Ms. Wilmot, show off their skills (he made one dish himself, a black-eyed pea and poached-pear salad). The guests were successful or up-and-coming painters, dancers, curators, musicians and chefs, many of whom have multi-hyphenate titles. But mostly, it was just another evening at the home of an artist whose work in both cooking and music has earned James Beard, Tony and Grammy Awards. 'I live to throw parties,' said Mr. Smalls, outfitted in dark-rimmed glasses, a black suit jacket and Dolce & Gabbana slip-on loafers. When Mr. Smalls was a child living in Spartanburg, S.C., he wanted so badly to entertain that his father built him a clubhouse in his backyard so he could invite friends over and make food for them. That impulse endured though his early career in opera. 'When I moved to New York and got my apartment, the parties began. It was my way of creating community,' he said. 'What I learned as a child is the person with the spoon wielded the power.' When his opera career took him to Paris and Rome, he held dinner parties there that attracted fashion designers, actors and dancers. His voice coach at one point told him that if he didn't ease up on the dinners, he would never have a career in opera. Eventually, he felt like he had hit the glass ceiling as a Black man in opera. He shifted his focus to food with the aim of making sure Southern cooking had a place in fine dining. He had five restaurants in New York: Café Beulah, Sweet Ophelia's, the Shoebox Cafe, the Cecil and Minton's Playhouse, which he helped to reopen. 'I opened my first restaurant so someone else would pay for dinner,' he said. 'Entertaining was an addiction. I almost forgot what it was like to eat alone. I had to find a way to support my habit.' His establishments drew Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. George Clooney and the cast of 'Saturday Night Live' showed up at Café Beulah one evening. Catherine Deneuve would sit at the bar. Glenn Close was a regular. Mr. Smalls closed his last New York restaurant in 2018. He has written cookbooks and a children's book and opened an African food hall in Dubai. He plans to start a similar food hall in Harlem. And he hopes to create a nonprofit, Smalls House, which will provide hospitality training and a community kitchen. Meanwhile, he's still throwing dinner parties. His aim these days is to elevate lesser-known Black chefs and chefs from the African diaspora, letting them do most of the cooking. He curates the party playlists and the guest lists. 'I speak the language of music and food,' he said, 'and through those conversations I am able to introduce that circle to new chefs, artists and creatives.' The setting — his apartment — is practically a museum, covered wall to ceiling with framed restaurant reviews, a plaque from Ms. Morrison and paintings, some of which are portraits and caricatures of Mr. Smalls by friends. Tables are piled with art books, cookbooks and novels stacked seven deep. It's the kind of place that begs for annotation, which Mr. Smalls willingly provides. As he divulged family secrets, the photographer Dario Calmese was chatting in the living room with Elijah Heyward III, a scholar of Southern African American culture, and Dr. Darien Sutton, an ABC medical correspondent. Conversation among another set of guests shifted to chatter about the chef and author Lazarus Lynch. Did you hear he plans to get his master's degree in sociology? 'He went to Buffalo State, and I went to Fredonia College,' said Nia Drummond, a jazz and opera singer. Mr. Smalls, hovering nearby, perked up. 'I made my debut with the Buffalo symphony with Michael Tilson Thomas in the late '70s. The photo is right there,' he said, pointing to the wall displaying a photo of the famed conductor and Mr. Smalls. 'I was 24 years old.' 'I didn't know he was in Buffalo,' Ms. Drummond said. Mr. Smalls looked at his empty glass. 'I need some more bourbon before I tell you that story,' he said. At about 8 o'clock, Mr. Smalls stood and beckoned guests toward the dining room hidden by green velvet curtains that he pulled back. 'Please, ladies, take it away,' he said to the chefs who were standing before the table. 'We have quite a spread for you guys tonight,' said Ms. Wilmot, whose parents grew up in Ghana. Among the dishes on the table: Ghanaian buns bread made with nutmeg and evaporated milk, omo tuo (rice balls), nkate nkwan (peanut butter soup) and Ethiopian gomen (collard greens). The branzino was dressed half with Ghanaian green shito pepper sauce and half with doro wat, the national dish of Ethiopia. 'We wanted to create a dish that represented both of us,' said Ms. Abdullahi, who spent her childhood in Ethiopia, the other side of the continent from her co-chef's family ties to Africa. 'As gorgeous as this is, it tells a story of East meets West.' 'Can we eat now?' Michelle Miller, the 'CBS Saturday Morning' co-host, interrupted, and everyone laughed. Guests spread out across the two small living rooms with plates in their laps. A late arrival slipped in, a coconut cake in her arms, prompting whispers. Was that the soprano Kathleen Battle, the one who commanded a standing ovation last year at the Met? (It was.) Plates were cleared, and Jim Herbert, a fashion consultant, slid behind the piano and started playing. Mr. Smalls sat down in the living room and began to riff along. 'This is out of a book,' said ruby onyinyechi amanze, an artist who spells her name in lower case. She had driven from Philadelphia to attend the dinner and marveled at the scene. After a few minutes, Ms. Drummond walked into the room. 'You know, I feel like I want to take the piano. Jimmy, move your ass,' she said before sitting at the keys and launching into a Billie Holiday song followed by a spiritual. She finished and stood up to a stunned room. 'Let the church say amen,' Mr. Smalls said. In unison, the partygoers responded: 'Amen.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Baton Rouge bus drivers' strike: Union leaders provide update
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Union leaders provided an update Thursday afternoon on the ongoing Baton Rouge bus drivers' strike, which began earlier this week. Bus operators began striking early Monday morning, citing demands for fair wages, safer working conditions, and respect. Amalgamated Transit Union senior organizer Stanley Smalls said bus drivers are ready to go back to work by tomorrow if Capital Area Transit System (CATS) CEO Theo Richards agrees to no retaliation against workers and work would continue under the old contract until issues are resolved. 'I'm sure whenever we can resolve this matter, everybody's going to be happy, passengers and operators,' Smalls said. Smalls described a letter received from Richards on Thursday as 'ambiguous.' He said a letter and documents for signature were sent back to ensure that workers are not harmed or retaliated against and that Richards understands that work would continue under the old contract. 'Despite what they're telling the media, the service has been terrible,' Smalls said, adding that he believes it's dangerous to have inexperienced operators on the roadways. Despite the strike, Capital Area Transit System (CATS) has stated that bus services will continue to operate. Riders are encouraged to check the CATS website for schedule updates. Baton Rouge mayor's office comments on bus drivers strike Multiple charges possible in Caleb Wilson death case, district attorney says Louisiana execution protocol unsealed: Here's how the state plans to use nitrogen gas Why this $500K Rolls-Royce EV feels like pure magic Chipotle adds new protein option More cuts planned at Veterans Affairs Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
