Owner: Society Noir URL:www.societynoir.blogspot.com Join Date: Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:59:33 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Keeping you informed on events, news, philanthropy and other info about the International black community. Updating and introducing you to black socialites and other influential people in our global society.
Site statistics:Click here
Zoe Kravitz in Jay Z's New Video "I Know" 2008-03-05 20:26:24 Check out Lenny Kravitz's daughter Zoe in Jay Z's new video "I Know." She's all grown up now!Society Noir
Flashes: 27 Dresses Gala in UK 2008-03-05 14:28:24 Keisha Buchanan and Amelle BerrabahDanielle Lloyd and Mica ParisBeverley Knight(Photos:WireImage)The "27 Dresses
" Gala Screening in Aid of the Lavender Trust was held Tuesday in London at the Apollo. The Gala was held in support of the breast cancer fund, The Lavender Trust. British stars including R&B singer,Beverley Knight, Keisha Buchanan and Amelle Berrabah of pop group Sugarbabes, along with model Danielle Lloyd and crooner Mica Paris supported the important cause.Lavender Trust is the only fund in the UK committed to addressing particular needs and concerns of women under the age of 50 who are diagnosed with breast cancer. There are 8000 women under-50 years of age who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the U.K.Every March the Lavender Trust holds Lavender Week to raise
Evelynn Hammonds Set to Become Harvard's 1st Black Female Dean 2008-03-05 09:10:28 Harvard University marked another milestone yesterday when they announced the appointment of Evelynn Hammonds to the superior position of Dean of Harvard College. This appointment will make Evelynn Hammonds' the first female and the first Black
to be Dean at Harvard when she takes office on June 1st.Hammonds, 55, served as a professor of the history of science and African-American studies, as well as Harvard’s senior vice provost for faculty development and diversity.Dr.Hammonds served as founding director of the Center for the Study of Diversity in Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), before arriving at Harvard in 2002.Hammonds is a graduate of Spelman College (where she earned a B.S. in Physics and also holds an honorary doctorate of humane letters)and the Georgia Read more:Become
, Harvard
, Female
Society Stars: Jayneoni Moore's "Readalicious" Book Bash 2008-03-04 13:59:12 Philanthropist and Celebrity style maven, Jayneoni Moore
hosted the "Readalicious" Book Bash this weekend in Century City, California. The purpose of the Readalicious campaign is to provide new books to children, as well as raise awareness of the scarcity of literature available to children in economically challenged neighborhoods.Adult and child celebrities like, Tichina Arnold, Ali Landry and Justin Martin came out and supported the event. Children from various shelters and clubs including the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club had the opportunity to create their own books in a Crayola sponsored arts and crafts area. They also children re-named the celebrities in attendance. Moore was called “Beyonce”, Shar Jackson was re-named “Janet Jackson”, Ali Landry became “Hannah Montana” Read more:Society
Flashes: The School of American Ballet 2008 Winter Ball 2008-03-04 13:25:33 Judy Byrd BlaylockAlexis Clark and Gillian MiniterBarbara Vogelstein and Pamela Joyner(Photos: Patrick McMullan)Gala season is still in full effect and the sistas are still stepping out glamorous. Philanthropic socialites Judy Byrd Blaylock, Pamela Joyner (I love her dress) and Alexis Clark looked fabulous at the The School
of AmericanBallet
's Winter Ball in New York City. Patrons enjoyed the Ball's dinner and performance at the New York State Theater. The Winter Ball is the SAB's highest earning benefit and the proceeds supports many facets of the school including: the ballet training program, faculty, student programs and studios.Society Noir
Society Noir's February Gala Dames of the Month 2008-03-03 12:42:21 Nicole MitchellSamantha JacobsJudge Bernard Jackson and Joyce Mullins-JacksonFrom here on out Society
Noir will be posting the monthly "Gala Dames
of the Month
." Society Noir will sift through the month's black-tie photos and pick 3 sisters whose style, beauty and sophistication makes them stand out from the rest. These dames' possess a "je ne sais quoi." They don't follow the cookie-cutter status quo, instead they create trends and up the ante. When these women walk into a gala, people take notice and admire.Society Noir's Gala Dames for the month of February
were American women from the Western, North-Eastern, and South-Eastern coasts.Gala Dame Nicole Mitchell of California looked flawless at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Dinner gala. Her pretty light-gold tiered gown warmed her comple
Society Stars: DAF's 3rd Annual "Don't Stop the Music Gala" 2008-03-02 20:10:24 Vernon Jones with guest and Dallas AustinShelly Hardrutt-Hill ,Kevin Michael and Catherine BrewtonValeria Jackson and George Clinton(Photos:WireImage)Grammy winning producer and songwriter,Dallas Austin held his 3rd Annual
"Don't stop the Music
" Gala at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. Austin founded the Dallas Austin Foundation (DAF)501(c)(3)in 2003 with a goal of exposing youth to the art of music and film. Television anchor Jovita Moore and actor Orlando Jones hosted the gala.Patrons dined and enjoyed performances by Gladys Knight, George Clinton and Fantasia Barrino. Comedian, Cedric the Entertainer hosted the live auction. Guests bid on an array of items including a private condo for a week in South Beach, a Todd Murphy Original and a one-on-one workout with Atlan Read more:Society
Flashes: Out & About in NYC, London, Paris 2008-02-28 15:03:34 Maggie BettsRene Syler and Malaak Compton-RockSteve Harvey, Stephen Smith and Allan HoustonKwame Kwei-ArmahLiya KebedeEkow EshunCuba Gooding Jr. and Naomi CampbellKanye West with fiancee Alexis PhiferCuba Gooding, Jr and Naomi Campbell were on the London scene for the Burberry and Vanity Fair "Portraits" party.Journalist Rene Syler and Malaak Compton-Rock attended American Cancer Society's 2008 MOTHER OF THE YEAR Awards.Socialite, Maggie Betts attended Alberta Ferrett's screening of The Other Boleyn Girl. Philanthropist Liya Kebede was svelte for the YSL opening in Paris
. Kanye and his designer fiancee??, Alexis Phifer hung out at the Just Cavalli Party at Le Crazy Horse in Paris.Radio personality, Steve Harvey, Sports anchor, Stephen A. Smith and ex-NBA player, Allan Houston kicked it at
Celebrity HairStylist, Errol Douglas Receives the MBE Award 2008-02-28 13:08:35 Errol with his son @ Buckingham PalaceNow Ladies,I don't know about you, but as an African-American woman, when I travel to Europe I struggle with finding reputable black hair products and hairdressers. So, here's an excellent contact for you to check out if you're ever in the UK and need some hair TLC. His name is Errol Douglas
, he's a celebrity hairstylist and philanthropist. Errol Douglas is considered the creme de la creme of his industry and has styled numerous notable women including the likes of Naomi Campbell, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci. Recently, during a ceremony at the Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth presented 43 year-old Douglas the uber-prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) Award
. The MBE is 1 of 5 classes that are part of the Most Excellent Read more:Celebrity
Ann Fudge Joins Board of Directors @ Novartis 2008-02-27 09:57:21 Corporate mover and shaker, Ann Fudge, former Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands, has joined healthcare firm, Novartis AG's Board
of Directors
. Fudge is elected to the Board of Directors for a three-year term. Anne Fudge is also a member of the Board of Directors of General Electric and of several non-profit organizations. It's great to see Black women being included and growing in corporate sectors that are usually dominated by men.Society Noir
Flashes: Ciara, Mellody Hobson and more @ Hip Hop Summit Action Network Awards 2008-02-27 09:39:37 Ciara and LL CoolMellody Hobson with boyfriend, George LucasChris and Veronica LightyAndre Harrell(Photos:WireImage) The Hip-Hop SummitAction
Network awards dinner was hosted earlier this week by HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons. The dinner was a mix of the hip-hop elite, corporate movers and shakers, as well as community leaders, like Dr. Benjamin Chavis and Andre Harrell. The purpose of the dinner was "taking back responsibility" in the hip hop music community by honoring those stars that give back their time and their funds to helping to improve "the quality of life of all people," according to Russell Simmons. Award Honoree, Mellody Hobson looked great and made an appearance with her boyfriend George Lucas, the director of Star Wars. Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Doug E. Fresh, and Chris Lighty Read more:Ciara
, Awards
, Hip Hop
Life on the Beach: South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2008-02-25 23:14:47 Chef Marcus SamuelssonChef Govind ArmstrongChef Govind ArmstrongAerial view of Emeril's Sugar ShackEmeril's Sugar ShackTV Anchor, Al RokerJohn Legend and girlfriend, Christine Teigen with Chef Giada de LaurentisRachael Ray's Burger BashRachael Ray's Burger BashThe weather was perfect this weekend on the beach. The past few days have been such a whirlwind, my husband and I are still recuperating. This weekend was the SouthBeach
Wine and Food Festival
and majority of the culinary elite and Food Network personalities were on the scene.My husband is a food and hospitality executive, so we had several friends and colleagues in town and attended numerous dinner parties and industry insider events the past few days. Some of the events during the festival were Emeril's Sugar Shack (where th Read more:South Beach
, Food Festival
Flashes: Will, Jada, Gabrielle, Quincy Jones and More @ the First Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon 2008-02-25 18:15:58 Jada and Will SmithNia LongSanaa LathanRuby DeeRaven SymoneLisa RayeLynn WhitfieldGabrielle
UnionTracey EdmondsSuzanne de PasseKimberly EliseHolly Robinson PeeteQuincy
Jones(Photos: Patrick McMullan)Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith hosted Essence
Magazine’s FirstAnnualBlackWomen
In Hollywood
luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was a black star studded event for Black women in film and television including guests: Suzanne de Passe, Kerry Washington, Lisa Raye, Tom and Katie Cruise, Ruby Dee, Quincy Jones, Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, Tracy Ellis Ross, Lynn Whitfield and Raven Symone to name a few. Jada and Ruby Dee, among others, were honored for their work in Hollywood.Everyone looked gorgeous!Society Noir
Society Stars: EIF & Sak's 'UNFORGETTABLE EVENING' 2008-02-21 15:10:15 Gelila and Wolfgang PuckMary J BligeDarlene FountaineChad Wonder with Kai MillaNatalie Cole(Photos: Patrick McMullan) EIF and Sak's 5th Avenue held it's annual 'UNFORGETTABLE EVENING' Benefiting Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research. The sit-down dinner gala,which raised over $1.5 million for revolutionary cancer research, took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and featured a live performance by Grammy-award winning Mary J. Blige. This year EIF honored Oscar winning actress Hillary Swank whose lost several family members to Cancer, with the 2008 Courage Award. Fellow thespian Morgan Freeman presented Hillary Swank with the award.Stevie Wonder's wife, designer Kai Milla and Beverly Hill real estate agent Darlene Fountaine looked gorgeous. Gelila's husband, W Read more:Society
Mellody Hobson Speaks on Retirement Crisis for Black Americans 2008-02-20 11:11:46 I came across an interesting article written by Chicagoan,Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Capital Mgt. and director of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Starbucks Corporation. Mellody Hobson with boyfriend, George LucasMellody posted an article on The Huffington Post titled "The Looming Retirement Crisis
in the African-American Community." In her article she speaks of her company Ariel doing research on African-Americans
trends in employee benefits, retirement and financial literacy. Employee benefit providers and corporations unfortunately, found these bad habits among black employees that could negatively affect their long-term financial security:- Black
s save less per month- Less likely to diversify their portfolio- Less likely to roll over whe
Color of Change.org and the Congressional Black Caucus 2008-02-19 15:59:10 As everyone has probably heard by now, the 800 superdelegates play a major role in who will be the Democratic Presidential nominee. Well, we have the CongressionalBlack
Caucus who's throwing a major monkey wrench into this situation because many of them plan to vote against who their districts voted for, which is Barack Obama. Color
ofChange
.org which was very instrumental in bringing Jena 6 to national attention, has sent out the email I copied and pasted below. Please have a look:Dear Friend,Voters in places like Atlanta, Brooklyn, St. Louis, and Inglewood have made clear their choice for president: Barack Obama. So why are some members of the Congressional Black Caucus threatening to use their power as "superdelegates" to undermine those votes and nominate Hillary Clinton?Voters sh
African-American Art Auction @ New York's Swann Galleries 2008-02-19 13:58:38 Aaron Douglass' "Emperor Jones"Today, Swann Galleries
in New York
expects to rake in as much as $5.6 million on African
-American
art at their third auction organized by their new African-American Fine Art department. Artists, including Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, Aaron Douglas, Faith Ringgold and Romare Bearden will be featured, to name a few.Swann Galleries is the first major auction house to ever hold a stand-alone sale of African-American sculptures and paintings.Todays auction will offer 250 paintings, drawings, collages, prints and sculpture from notable collections and estates by African-American artists.. Many of the pieces have been included in important museum exhibitions and illustrated in catalogues and monographs. Wealthy African-Americans have been supp Read more:Auction
Flashes: More Pics from Evidence Dance "Grace in Winter" Red Ball 2008-02-19 12:12:42 Dancers: Khetanya Henderson, Keon Thoulouis, Shani Collins, Arcell Cabuhe, Clarice Young, Donovan Herring, Tiffany Quinn, Juel Lane, and Artistic Director, Ronald K. BrownReginald Van Lee with Patricia and Lloyd HowellJudge Bernard Jackson and Joyce Mullins-JacksonDwayne Ashley with Latoya HenryValerie and Harriet MichelJames A. Parham with Rene SylerPamela JoynerSusan TaylorB. Michael with Cicely Tyson(Photos:NYSD.com)Here's some more pics from last weeks Evidence
Dance Company's "Grace
in Winter" Red Ball. To see more photos and info on the gala and Ronald K. Brown's talented dance company click here to read my post from last week. Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen Hamilton was one of the generous sponsors of the event. Patricia and Lloyd Howell, Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton look Read more:Dance
Venus Williams @ the Qatar Total Open 2008-02-19 09:27:51 (Photos:Gettys Images)VenusWilliams
is at the opening ceremony of the WTA QatarTotal
Open at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex in Doha,Qatar. The Total Open started today and will continue through 2/24. Venus will be competing against other tennis stars for the $2.5 million prize. Good Luck!Society Noir
Life on the Beach 2008-02-18 16:33:20 The Miami International Boat Show is here in Miami Beach
and the yachts are gorgeous!! I live on Millionaire's Row where part of the boat show is taking place and some interesting views have been floating past my home. I was looking out my living room window into my backyard (the beach) and had to do a double take when I saw this house being towed across the Atlantic by a boat. Only in Miami will you see something this crazy.PSFriends stay safe during the snow storms tonight. I promise I'll be thinking of you as I sip a Bellini and lay out in this beautiful, 78 degree weather. Love Ya! (smile)Society Noir
Vintage Music Mondays: Oran Juice Jone's "The Rain" 2008-02-18 10:38:44 The past couple of days have been sooo rainy here on Miami Beach and it brought this hilarious video to mind. 1986's one hit wonder, Oran Juice
Jone's "The Rain" is pure comedy. "This is my world! You're just a squirrel, tryin to get a nut!!"Society Noir Read more:Vintage
, Music
, Mondays
Weekend Flashes: Debra Hill, Kenneth & Kathryn Chenault @ Jay Z & Lebron's 2nd Annual 2 Kings Dinner 2008-02-18 10:09:41 Jay Z with Kathryn & Kenneth
ChenaultSavannah Brinson & Lebron
JamesJay Z with Debra
HillBeyonce and Gabrielle Union(Photos:Gettys)This weekend was the NBA Allstar games in New Orleans. Jay Z and Lebron James threw their Doublemint sponsored 2nd Annual
2 Kings dinner and stars, socialites and movers and shakers of the black came out in support. Of course, Jay's better half Beyonce was in the house along with Gabrielle Union, Spike Lee and numerous music industry and NBA insiders. But corporate heavyweights Kathryn and Kenneth Chenault (CEO of American Express), internet mogul,Mark Cuban and Debra Hill of BET were also on the scene.Great to see people bringing much needed attention to New Orleans.Society Noir Read more:Weekend
, Dinner
Shani Davis Wins @ Essent ISU 2008-02-18 09:17:59 (Photos:Bongarts)Congratulations to US speed skater Shani Davis
. He won the men's 1000m race of the Essent ISU speedskating world cup in Inzell, Germany on Saturday. Davis defeated Canadian Denny Morrison and Netherland's Jan Bos. Speedskating is not a sport where you see the African diaspora participating in often, but nonetheless it's amazing to see we do great when we are.Society Noir
Lt. David Paterson to Become NY's 1st Black Governor 2008-03-12 14:52:09 Lt. GovernorDavid
A. Paterson, who is New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor, will now become New York's first Black
governor. The seasoned politician's status upgraded when his colleague, Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned this morning. Mr. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006, but the legally blind politician has been getting his feet wet in the world of civil service for more than 20 years. In 1985, he was elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate and became the youngest senator in Albany when he was elected at age 35. In 2002, Paterson became the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history to be elected as minority leader of the New York State Senate. Consistently making history, David Paterson b Read more:Become
Vintage Music Mondays: Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" 2008-03-10 20:13:35 Public Enemy
's "Fight the Power"Hey Everybody!! I'm still recuperating from my trip to Atlanta. I spent time visiting family and had a blast! This daylight savings time is killing me though.Anyhow, here's one of my fave hip-hop joints of all time, Public Enemy
's essential, controversial 1989 track "Fight the Power." When I hear this track I reminisce sooo hard. I loved PE's military drill team. Remember when Spike Lee opened his movie "Do the Right Thing" with Boriqua, Rosie Perez shaking it like a salt shaker to this song? Priceless. During this time period, crack was infesting in Black neighborhoods and gang wars were rampant, especially in Chicago and California. The government wasn't showing Black people any love during that time. It didn't matter if you were rich or poor, peopl Read more:Vintage
, Music
, Mondays
, Public
Society Stars: Mario Launches "Do Right Foundation" 2008-03-13 12:44:55 The handsome singer Mario
launched his "Do RightFoundation
" on Wednesday at Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles. The mission of "Do Right Foundation" is to focus on and provide role models for underprivileged youth whose parents suffer or suffered with substance abuse. In addition to providing role models, the Foundation also provides home tutoring via the Catapult Online program and Dell sponsors computers for the children.As you may know, Mario revealed last year on MTV that his mother is a drug addict. I find it admirable that Mario is using his own experiences and hardships to address and assist children coping with this problem in the community. Keep up the good work Mario!Society
Noir
Society Stars: March of Dimes 33rd Annual Beauty Ball 2008-03-13 12:11:01 Deborah Medeiros Baker, Vanessa Williams and Pamela WintVanessa Williams, Bernd Beetz and Vera WangBeautiful and age-defying Vanessa Williams hosted the March
of Dimes 33rd AnnualBeauty
Ball at Cipriani 42nd Street in NYC last night.Event Co-Chairs Bernd Beetz, CEO of Coty Inc and designer Vera Wang were Event Co-Chairs for the charitable event.The Annual Beauty Ball is one of the beauty industry's most anticipated social gatherings of the year. Patrons including celebrity stylists Deborah Medeiros Baker and Pamela Wint enjoyed dinner, auctions and acrobatic entertainment. The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, awareness and education.Society
Noir
Flashes: MUSEUM of the CITY OF NEW YORK Director's Council and DIOR's Winter Ball 2008-03-13 11:38:18 Maggie BettsKelechi OduWednesday night the MUSEUM of the CITY OF NEW YORK Director
's Council
and DIOR hosted the Winter Ball. Most of New York's high society was on the scene. Guests like fashionable socialites Maggie Betts and fashion designer, Kelechi Odu enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing throughout the museum.(Photos:Patrick McMullan)Society Noir
Recommend Site To A Friend
