The Pulse - 06/19/24

Pulse Check: Connecting With Black Audiences

Hear what BMFers have to say on brands looking to connect with the Black community. ➔

Diversity & Leadership: A Conversation with Nicole Dye-Anderson

BMF founding partner Brian Feit sat down with Nicole Dye-Anderson, Head of Media Relations, Experiential & Influencer Strategy at Wells Fargo, to discuss successful marketing strategies for diverse audiences. ➔

Photo via Variety

BMF client, STARZ, is breaking up the final season of the sequel series “Power Book II: Ghost” into two parts. This hit show, inspired by the original "Power" series, produced by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, has captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and complex characters. This will be the 4th and final season. The decision to split the final season aims to build even more anticipation and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the saga. The first part was released on June 7! Watch now here. ➔

Photo via Lateef Photography

Immerse yourself in a stunning Afrosurrealist exhibition showcasing the digital art of Vince Fraser and the evocative poetry of Ursula Rucker. Explore themes of resilience and cultural pride through a vibrant lens, all imbued with the spirit of aṣẹ (meaning "so will it be"). This powerful exhibition is a call to action, urging collaboration, upliftment, and progress. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a story filled with hope for the future, book your tickets here. ➔

Photo via Movie Web

Documentary "Black Barbie" by Lagueria Davis explores the creation of the first Black Barbie doll in 1979. Despite initial resistance within Mattel, the film highlights the journey of Beulah Mae Mitchell, a Black employee who advocated for diversity for two decades. The documentary uses archival footage and interviews to showcase the cultural impact of Black Barbie, including a psychological experiment demonstrating the importance of representation for young children. "Black Barbie" premieres on Netflix on June 19th. Watch it here. ➔

Photo via WTTW News

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. They have performed for audiences all over the world and are considered one of the most important dance companies in the United States. Get their tour dates here. ➔

Photo via Hypebeast

Rihanna's expanding her empire with Fenty Hair, a haircare line launching on June 13. This new venture caters to all hair types with a "flexible" range of products. Known for her ever-changing hairstyles, Rihanna cites her own hair journey as inspiration. "I love experimenting with my hair," she shared on Instagram, "and this line reflects that." Fenty Hair promises to strengthen and repair all hair textures while keeping it fun to style. Buy it here. ➔

Photo via AMNH

Step back in time and celebrate hip-hop history through bling! "Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry'' at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC showcases iconic pieces worn by music legends, from Slick Rick's crown and Notorious B.I.G.'s Jesus piece to Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella medallion and Nicki Minaj's Barbie pendant. This exhibition traces the evolution of hip-hop style through the decades with dazzling diamonds and gold. Check it out here. ➔

Photo via Little Pie Company

Little Pie Company, a Black-owned bakery in Manhattan’s theater district, makes fresh, homespun desserts with locally sourced ingredients. They’re bringing back their fan-favorite Red Velvet Cake for Juneteenth (red food & drink are a Juneteenth tradition)! Founded in 1985 by former actor Arnold Wilkerson, the bakery is inspired by his grandmother's pie-baking traditions. Visitors can watch bakers create pies, cakes, and cookies through large picture windows. Enjoy treats like Mississippi Mud pie and classic apple pie, or request a custom pie on their website here! ➔

Photo via @victoriamonet

Ready to spice up your summer playlist? Look no further! Victoria Monét clinched the Best New Artist title at the 2024 Grammys, scoring big with ten nominations and three wins. Her smooth R&B pop beats and collaborations with stars like Ariana Grande are unmatched. Find her live at a venue near you this summer for an unforgettable experience! Listen to Victoria Monét’s new album Jaguar here. ➔

Photo via NYC Tourism

New York City wouldn't be the same without the influence of Black culture – from the music that moves us to the delicious food we love. Check out our travel guide to explore NYC through the lens of Black-owned businesses, and culture, here. ➔

Photo via Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

BMF friend, Uncle Nearest, launched in 2017, is the fastest-growing American whiskey brand ever. Honoring the legacy of the first African American master distiller, their award-winning whiskeys are curated by Victoria Eady Butler, a descendant of Nearest Green and a four-time Master Blender of the Year. Uncle Nearest has quickly gained international recognition with over 620 awards, including multiple "Best in Class" and "World's Best" honors. Check it out here! ➔

BMF friend, lifestyle and home fragrance influencer Kudzi Chikumbu, aka Sir Candle Man, has garnered a devoted fanbase with his entertaining candle education videos, where he shares his scent-scaping secrets and passionately highlights the transformative impact of fragrance in his life. Known for his charming personality and keen eye for design, Kudzi seamlessly blends humor and expertise, making the world of candles accessible and enjoyable for everyone. His insights and recommendations have made him a trusted voice in the home fragrance community. Check out his Instagram here! ➔

Photo via Medgina Saint-Elien

Jordan Peele, the Oscar- and Emmy-winning director, writer, actor, and producer, as well as the founder of Monkeypaw Productions, has finally unveiled the title of his highly anticipated next film. Peele, widely acclaimed for his Oscar-winning 2017 horror film "Get Out," which exposed racism in a chilling fashion, is known for casting Black leads. He believes in utilizing his platform to produce million-dollar box office hits that showcase Black families. His upcoming film, titled "Him," promises to delve into the blood-chilling realms of fame, power, and the relentless pursuit of excellence at any cost. Although the movie isn't set to release until September 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting the trailer. Keep an eye out for the new movie, and check out more MonkeyPaw Productions films here! ➔

Photo via GQ

Paulana Lamonier, a former collegiate swimmer, started "Black People Will Swim" to combat the racial disparities in swimming access and ability. Driven by her own positive experiences with swimming and awareness of the drowning risks faced by Black communities, Lamonier's program offers affordable lessons for all ages and has grown significantly since its inception. By creating a welcoming space for Black people to learn this life skill, Lamonier hopes to defy the stereotype that Black people don't swim and make swimming more accessible for everyone. Check out "Black People Will Swim" here! ➔

Photos via Black People Will Swim

Photo via Vontélle

Kadeem Hardison, who played Dwayne Wayne on the 90s sitcom "A Different World," has partnered with Black-owned eyewear company Vontélle to launch a new line of glasses inspired by his character. Hardison was initially apprehensive about the role and his signature glasses but has grown to appreciate their cultural impact. The DEEMED collection features four styles of aviator glasses with clip-on colored lenses, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards Hardison's scholarship fund for HBCU students. Shop the collection here! ➔