The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Recap

Many of us look for a way to have a good time with our girlfriends without it breaking the bank. When most people think of Florida. The first cities that come to mind are Orlando and Miami. However, there are other cities within the sunshine state that deserve your attention. Tampa specifically, this city is the best of both worlds. There’s plenty to do like Orlando along with beautiful waters like Miami.

One of the events that you must put on your calendar is Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival. This event occurs annually during Martin Luther King Weekend. This three-day festival encompasses black excellence. This year was the twenty-third Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival.

Festival organizers pride themselves on uplifting the community in all aspects. Organizers network with health and financial experts. To provide concertgoers with ways to better themselves. So, not only are you getting your spirit fed by dancing all those troubles away. You're loading your arsenal with ways to become your best while being entertained. With corporate sponsors like Tampa Family Health Centers, Publix, Humana, and H.A.R.T.

The headliners from this year’s concert included Dj Grandmaster Dee, Nathan Mitchell, Jazz Funk Soul, and Dru Hill. These acts are prolific in their own right and they've made an imprint on musical history. Grandmaster Dee was a part of Whoodini these gentlemen were hip-hop pioneers. Nathan Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning musician who curates melodic tales. Jazz Funk Soul is a trio with a signature sound that earned the group a Grammy nomination. Check out the photos below:

As you can see this festival is worth the trip. So, go ahead follow the festivals social media for updates and future events. Now, you have another function to get gorgeous for !

XoXo

Queen Ke

Photo cred:

Nadere Johnson

Kitty Gata is Coming For The Throne Of New York

Female rap is in an interesting space right now, women are no longer interested in being docile beings. Women are being boisterous, unapologetically sexy, and boss females. Previous generations of femcees were coy or rapped about their desires using innuendos or riddles. Women weren’t very vocal about how well they can stuff a stiletto in your eyeball while applying their makeup either.

 Avery Watson has done it again; she’s found a potential queen of New York by the name of Kitty Gata who’s putting everyone on notice. Her ferrous punchlines let you know she’s not one to be played with. Even the OG Method Man has taken a liking to the femcee by lending his bars to her hit “Headshot”. OG’s don’t cosign anybody and it’s an arduous effort for females to obtain one. So, you know Gata is worth the listen. The Afro-Latina with the curvaceous figure takes pride in being a lyrical assassin and challenging her pen game daily.

To get acquainted with rhymes and add some fire to your playlist, download “Opp Party”. The Brooklyn-bred Panamanian and Puerto Rican diva is ready to show everyone what she’s made of. Catch her performing with Lakeyah, Young Devyn, and Maiya The Don in a city near you.

Meet Crystal Renee Hayslett: The Multi-faceted former production assistant turned actress and star of the new BET+ series, Zatima

Photo Credit: Jose Santana

Every now and then we are introduced to stars who have a non-traditional route to success. Meet Crystal Hayslett, former television and film costume designer turned producer and actress. She reminds us that our wildest dreams are possible with hard work, dedication and faith. As one of the stars and consulting producer of Tyler Perry’s Sistas, BET’s #1 scripted show Hayslett has now secured the bag even more with her latest spin-off show, Zatima that hit households this Fall.

Crystal, you are the real deal and play by your own rules. Tell our audience how a girl who worked in the United States Senate office on Capitol Hill (after college) transitions into having her own television show? 

Crystal Renee: It’s important to know that before my story began, my family instilled faith and education in me. From the very beginning in my small Tennessee town I knew I was different and had the ability to make any dream a reality. I would often practice my award speeches in the mirror regarding the future I desired. Because education was so important after I completed college, I headed off to the beautiful area of D.C. for an internship that later turned into a job on “The Hill”. Fast forward, all I knew was that God was calling me to Atlanta. I called my mom with my D.C. house fully packed up to say, I was moving to Atlanta and the rest is history. 

That first year I was challenged with so many obstacles I thought I was cursed. That turned around, after getting a job at an agency. Shortly after, I got the call to be production assistant at Tyler Perry Studios that quickly shifted into custom design for background actors and that turned into styling Tyler Perry himself (within the span of about 4 years). All the while (still) actively auditioning and asking God to direct my steps for the right opportunities. While styling was opening major doors, my heart was in acting. I would often study lines, self-tape and audition on lunch breaks as a stylist. 

One day, Tyler stated he was creating a television show about black women called Sistas and wanted my perspective asking me to come on as a consulting producer. As if God wasn’t already blowing my mind he (Tyler) then asked to create a character for me, Fatima that had the ability to grow as far as I wanted to go (big or small) and here she is, a spin-off BET+ series, Zatima.

Photo Credit: Cecile Boko

What is the most valuable lesson you learned while being a production assistant (low level in the entertainment industry) that you carry with you today as a leading lady on the screen? 

Crystal Renee: The most valuable lesson is to never forget where I come from. More than anything I must be rooted in the understanding that I was once in their positions (production assistant and customer designer) so I know what it’s like to take in all the different energies from everyone on set. I also carry with me that the people helping me have lives outside of work and that we’re all going through something. I am very cognizant that everyone is fighting their own fight and even in this moment the world does not revolve around Crystal. 

The biggest takeaway I carry daily is that with kindness everything has the ability to go smoothly; which should ultimately be the common goal on set.

You star on a show that exposes all angles of sisterhood on BET’s Sistas. How does your character shine light on the realities of sisterhood and friendship? What do you hope people see in the character of Fatima? 

Crystal Renee: I hope that in Fatima’s character people see a real person. A girl who is flawed, human and triggered by certain things (as the next woman). I hope they see the realities of a woman working through traumas and past situations; a ride-or-die chick even.
What I love most about Fatima’s character is that she is a “girls girl” that a lot of women can relate to. So many fans of the show praise Fatima’s character saying, “She’s my best friend in my head” and I love that because it means that she is relatable and in touch with our soul as women.

Photo Credit: Cecile Boko

Let’s talk about the spin-off, Zatima with co-star Devale Ellis. Were you shocked or always open to the idea that your characters would have their own show? How do you hope the show can contribute to the concept of #BlackLove?

Crystal Renee: When I started reading the script for Season 2 of Sistas when Zach and Fatima first met, I said “where is this going I can’t see it”. Right around the time of Covid-19 the production paused and Devale and I had a little more time to develop the characters and saw where this could go. One day Devale spoke it saying, “You know we gon’ get our own show” and as we kept on I began to see it. 

As we were shooting in Fatima’s apartment, Devale and I were running lines and Tyler walked into Fatima’s room and said “I like this” pointing to me and Devale. When it (Zatima) happened, I don’t think I was surprised because the fans vocally expressed how much they loved our on-screen chemistry. 
What’s funny is we get compared to the characters of Martin and Gina often and it’s a compliment because these are shows that we grew up to and desired to mirror for such a long time. Unfortunately, in entertainment we have gotten away from the concept and idea of real love and traded it in for the relativity of toxicity. Above all, Devale and I wanted to bring that feel good black love on-screen so we put a strong emphasis on re-writing the narrative so that our fans could remember what real love is.

You are an active advocate and participant in youth education. With your busy schedule as an entertainer, why is it important to you to support youth education in your community by assisting them with homework and after-school activities? 

Crystal Renee: It’s so beautiful. What I’ve learned from spending time with a lot of children is that they don’t really have anyone to talk to. Oftentimes their parents are hard working and focus on putting food on the tables of their families amongst other things that society gets a hold of our children (television, social media, etc). 

For me, they don’t realize they bless me more than I bless them. Just being able to be there for them as an listening ear, a sounding board and more is so important. As young adults in the community we must make time to serve as a gap filler for parents who cannot because they have no choice but to work to provide for their families. That's the entire purpose of humanity and above all, the village.

A piece of advice for young women working in careers that do not bring them joy? 

Crystal Renee: Find your passion, pray, and work towards making your dream tangible. Have an exit plan and strategy that includes a cushion. Sometimes you're not going to like what you need to do in order to place you where you need to go. 

I was always taught to do everything in excellence and to honor every position you're in so that God will take you higher. Honor where you are. 

Finish this sentence, my faith opens the door to…
Crystal Renee: my five-year-old self's wildest dreams.

Photo Credit: Jose Santana

Jollof Atlanta Recap

Many thought it was comical when TI made the statement " Atlanta is like Wakanda". Atlanta is the mecca for Black entrepreneurs. Akon accomplished a major feat in Atlanta when he hosted Atlanta’s first annual Jollof Fest at Piedmont Park.

The festival showcased Jollof from Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. This is West Africa’s most loved dish, Jollof is a dish full of complex flavors, spices, and love that you can taste in each bite. Some eat it alone or with meat. This festival wasn't only about food, festival organizers wanted to highlight Black-owned Atlanta businesses selling Ankara prints, jewelry, and artistic paintings.

Akon passed out samples to concert goers to see which country had the best Jollof. Senegal was victorious this year. Let’s see which country wins next year.

The performances from Rotimi, Afro B, Focalistic, Nektunez, Salma Slims, Nana Kofi, and Akon were insane. The vibes that were felt all around. I've never seen so many beautiful people in my life! Fellas this is the perfect boys day out!

Follow Jollof Festival on all social media platforms and check out their website for future dates to see when they’re coming to your city. Business owners this is a great way for you to gain exposure as well.

Until next Pynk Badies

Photographer: KD Williams

Follow me @QueenKe2008

Authentically Kelly: All American: Homecoming Actress talks Faith, Family and Film

Kelly M. Jenrette has captivated the hearts and minds of viewers everywhere through her role as Amara Patterson on the CW’s latest drama, All American: Homecoming. Quite frankly, her role is “all-that” - dominating our television screen every monday night as the intelligent family-oriented HBCU Professor we all deserve. While Kelly is no stranger to the spotlight, PYNK Magazine got a chance to catch up with the Emmy-nominated actress to talk about faith, family and film.

Kelly, you have captivated our hearts on CW’s All American: Homecoming as our favorite on-screen auntie. What does it mean to tackle the responsibility of such an essential role? 
I see my gift as a responsibility; the gift that God has given me to act and embody different roles. That alone is my responsibility to share. So to be given this role of Amara as you lovingly called her, America's new favorite auntie (which I love) , whatever wisdom I can share in life or onset and be present long enough for the answer is what keeps me deeply connected to the responsibility of the role of Amara and as Kelly.

How does Kelly personally connect to the role of Professor Amara? 

Amara’s relationship with Simone feels like home to me. I often joke with my sister, Kimberly, regarding her children (Johnathon and Evelyn) really being mine. The relationship I have with them is indescribable and allows me to feel like “auntie mama”.  I carry that with me with my relationship Amara and Simone because family means so much to me. I am so grateful that our showrunner and creator Nkechi created that same dynamic with us on set.

Authenticity is a major key of life. Let's talk about #TransparencyTuesday - you often use your social media platform as a space for healing and open dialogue as a hope dealer. Why is it important for you to show up as your whole self on social media as well as on-screen? 

Simply because we have so many people representing the idea of joy, the idea of happiness, the idea of peace. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of doing and wanting that. I remember one of my very first #TransparencyTuesday post was a picture (I did a series of pictures when I first started). In my career, things were going really well (I’d booked 2 movies and a show) but personally I had just lost my best friend to colon cancer and was in Canada working on a project. One day I just started crying and couldn’t stop (I felt like I was having a panic attack). It was in that moment of crying that I stopped and said, “take a picture”. 

In this moment completely filled with tears and a stained shirt full of my tear drops, I posted “insta life vs. real life”. It was important to post especially in that moment because I had spoken with people who spoke of the comparison to those on social media. It saddened me because they were using social media as a metric of their own lives. That said, #TransparencyTuesday was the perfect opportunity to peel back the layers and showcase the real work being done personally to aid the professional you see on screen. 

We love to see a woman who doesn’t play by the rules personally or professionally - with your faith on display tell our readers why faith is a non-negotiable for you? 

I thank God that he has gotten me to this point where I can boldly say, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It contains the gift of salvation. What I had to realize when doors began to open for me - in 2014 I began to ask, “Ok God, what is the assignment?” because before then it was all about me and my desires for my career in this industry. His answer was clear, that was not why he had me here. 

If you really believe in the word of God, where in the word did Jesus ever seek accolades? Where did he ever seek fame? Where did the disciples ever say, “Yo, I’m trying to get my followers up.” That was never what he pursued and so there was a spirit check needed where I said, “God has me here, there is a purpose in that.” Part of my responsibility is saying that I am a Christian, before I’m black, woman and actress I am a disciple of Christ and that is my identity. So yes, I’m Kelly a christian black girl from Georgia. To deny that, would be denying me.

A large portion of why we love your character Professor Amara is contributed to how she shows up for her niece, Simone. We know that television and film are often imitations of life - with such a busy schedule how do you manage family time; does work/life balance exist for you? 

I had to grow to an understanding that family comes first. Well, to put it in proper context (God, my husband, then family). My husband and I have a very clear understanding that if things are not right in the house with us there is no going out (no events; red carpets, premieres) because family comes first. 

I think of my mom, who is everything to me (absolutely my best friend). We talk almost everyday. My siblings and I speak often - family is an essential part of my life. This came as a result of me putting the industry in its proper place - it is no longer everything to me. 

I’m very grateful that I am working and deep gratitude resides there but my happiness and joy is not tied to that - that comes through a deeply rooted connection from family so that I can be sustained in this industry.

Kelly M. Jenrette is a contributor to the culture. At times, we know that responsibility in itself can be draining. That said, how does Kelly show up for herself daily. What are some self-care tips you can share with industry hopefuls? 

I work on moments of stillness (and in that stillness I practice moments of gratitude). I have to take care of myself so that I can take care of others. Everything for me has to be filtered through the lens of Christ as a Christian. Even here in this moment, present practicing gratitude through giving of oneself. Whether that is through taking a bath, watching my favorite show or reading a book - that serves as a fuel to pour into me so that I can pour back out. Give yourself 30 seconds to stop and breathe in life, never forget to be present.

Lastly, as our resident auntie (today) give us some #AuntieHacks. What are your essentials an auntie should never leave the house without? 

Phone, chapstick, lotion (and if you’re using shea butter make sure it does the trick for both), a pen and shades. But above all, the three biggest things: Love, Joy and Peace. 

Photography credit: Diana Ragland

Black Love is the Driving Force Behind Nae Nae's Naturals

A few years ago, Nevadra Johnson began searching high and low for natural products to address her children’s eczema. Unable to find anything that checked all of the boxes, she and her husband got to work crafting a 100% natural hair and body butter to nourish, heal and strengthen the skin and hair. Soon they noticed the eczema subsiding and an unforeseen result of their daughter’s hair growing dramatically over the course of a few months. Through their passion to protect what matters most, they decided to begin selling the product, aptly named Nae Nae’s Hair Boost.

This flagship product resulted in several viral images and videos on social media, and soon Nae Nae’s saw tremendous growth. But for the Johnson’s the true impact of Nae Nae’s is far more than result driven natural products. It’s the foundation for a family and loving couple who believes the success of Nae Nae’s will lead them to creating generational wealth and promoting black love and family.

Parents of four beautiful children, they never imagined that their hair brand would soon be the leading force behind Terrence’s fight for his life. Terrence was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and has been struggling with kidney failure and undergoing dialysis for two and a half years. Without a donor and continued dialysis treatments, Terrence is much more likely to develop congestive heart failure.

The epitome of unconditional love, Nevadra and Terrence Johnson are determined to rise and thrive together amid their struggles, building a brand that ensures generational wealth for their four children. Nae Nae’s Naturals is quickly emerging in the hair care industry and sold at several beauty supply stores and on Walmart.com. In addition to their thriving brand, the couple to dedicate themselves to each other and their children and they exemplify black love and black excellence.