As we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, we recognize the profound significance of this day in American history. Juneteenth is more than just a holiday; it represents the enduring spirit of freedom and the relentless pursuit of justice for African Americans and, ultimately, for all.

In the world of high fashion and photography, every so often, a collaboration comes along that not only captures the essence of beauty but also sets a new benchmark for creativity and expression. The recent photo shoot featuring Australian model and actor, Jacqui de Jong, lensed by the acclaimed Albanian fashion photographer, Fadil Berisha, is one such instance. It was not just any ordinary day at the studio; it was a day where vintage glamour met modern elegance in a symphony of light and shade.

Robby Foley is an American racing driver who currently competes as a BMW factory driver in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, a division under NASCAR. Foley was the IMSA GS Champion in 2023, a GT4 SprintX Champion in 2020, has taken the top 3 spots at Petit Le Mans and held the second podium in IMSA GTD in 2019. 

BECOME AN ALLY OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

On June 10th, Spectrum News NY1 shared the exciting announcement that Shannan Ferry will be taking over  “News All Day,” NY1’s weekday afternoon newscast airing from 12 – 4 p.m.

The musical comedy is inspired by chart-topping anthems of Huey Lewis and the News. With hits like “Do You Believe in Love,” to “Hip to Be Square.” The musical follows Bobby, a rock and roller who’s traded his guitar for the corporate ladder and his boss Cassandra who’s always put the family business first. While their paths cross, they are also faced with life altering decisions when they are given a second chance to live out their dreams. With the help of their friends, a little song, dance, and love they ultimately have to make a decision.

Jaret Martino is the founder of Love Wins Productions, an original content and third-party production company, designed for the 21st century's changing media landscape. With a focus on women's empowerment, diversity, and inclusion and LGBTQIA messages, BELLA spoke with Jaret to learn more about his mission to raise unheard voices and share stories of empowerment…

From celebrities to TV personalities, and even some furry friends, "Come As You Are" was a captivating black and white portrait studio pop-up held at the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, hosted by Derek Warburton for the inaugural Gurus Magazine Pre-Oscar Gifting Retreat. Esteemed fashion photographer Josh Fogel, accompanied by the talented Ricky Steel, brought out the inner essence of those who stepped into his studio through beautifully expressive black and white portraits.

On May 11th, 2024 GLAAD had their 35th annual Media Awards hosted by Ketel One Vodka at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York, New York. The evening celebrated  LGBTQ+ media representation with Ketel One cocktails and celebrities such as Cody Rigsby, Jonathan Bennett, and more. 

Acclaimed photographer Anne Geddes will lead her first New York workshop on Saturday, May 18th, offering participants an exclusive opportunity to gain insight into her creative process.

80s and 90s pop sensation Taylor Dayne has announced a new project, Capitol Sessions, covering past pop songs, giving them an experimental pop sound. The Grammy nominee is best praised for her viral song Tell It to My Heart. 

The Color Purple has won the coveted Outstanding Motion Picture Award at the NAACP Awards. Sharing this achievement is Tiffany Elle Burgees, who plays Celia’s (the protagonist) daughter. The Color Purple is a musical drama depicting the hardships of living in the American South in the 1900s as well as painting the realities of domestic abuse.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and in honor of that, we are highlighting AAPI-owned businesses to support this month and beyond!

Fashion designer, musician, and philanthropist YOSHIKI has donated 10 mil Yen to the Taiwan Red Cross Organization in support of those affected by the Taiwan earthquake that occurred on April 3rd, 2024. The donation was made through the YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA and was made to the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China. 

Starting this week, April 12, 2024, Unsinkable: Titanic Untold is having a limited one week showing. This movie unravels the never told story of the U.S senate's inquiry about the Titanic of April 15th, 1912. This grappling movie follows Senate William Alden and undercover journalist Alaina Richard as they investigate the aftermath of the sunken ship.

Maria’s Scarf charts as number one on Amazon’s hot new releases for R&B and Soul biographies. Zoro the Drummer is a world renowned drummer, has played with Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Vallori, Sean Lennon, Lisa Marie Presley, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, + Fire, and the list goes on. His memoir is a story of a mothers love, a son's preservation, and dreaming big.

Ashley Versher is a self made artist of many forms- a filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress. The San Francisco native has been in NBC’s American auto, Law and Order SUV, Hulu’s Reasonable doubt, Cleo tv’s Tough love, and most recently “This is Me Now” with Jennifer Lopez. Versher has written and directed a short film, Brief Exchanges which has been in 13 film festivals. 

This Women’s History Month, I’m taking the opportunity to spotlight a woman who is moving, shaking, and impacting the world. From ensuring the future of performing artists to helping educate the masses, Melissa Ngan is leading the way and inspiring us all to use our gifts, talents, and skills to take meaningful action in our society.

Multifaceted film producer and talent Kimberly “Kim” Quinn co stars in upcoming dramedy American Dreamer starring Peter Dinklage. Kim plays Maggie, a complicated and concerned daughter who’s life is turned upside down when Dinklage moves into her home.

Edward Anthony makes his debut as a pop artist post transition. Formerly Josephine Relli, now Edward Anthony, has an upcoming album entitled “Them,” which features duets with his former self. “Them” is Edward’s first album with his new identity.