Event Recap | Macys Celebrates Black History Month ft. Jurnee Smolet-Bell Thursday 18 February, 2016
“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.”
I attended Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month event as they salute a rising icon of African American culture! African American actors, artists and performers have been commanding the spotlight for decades, but the newest generation of trendsetters is in a class all its own. I was front row and center for a second year as Macy’s does another Black History Month inspired event, but this time with in-depth conversation with a panel that bring home what African American culture means to them.
The Atlanta Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month Panel
The Panel consisted of the premiere panelist Jurnee Smollet-Bell, Shane Evans, Taye Diggs and Chef Garvin. All of them share in a round-table discussion about growing up African American, who influenced them, what gave them confidence in their culture and how friends and family stories shaped them into the person they are today.
Celebrity Chef Garvin
Chef G. Galvin: A philanthropist, chef, TV personality, and author, G. Galvin has garnered an impressive career. As a chef, Galvin has earned a nominee for the James Beard Award and has written several cookbooks including Dining In and Make It Super Simple. For seven seasons, Garvin appeared on the show, Turn Up the Heat. Garvin opened an Atlanta restaurant, Low Country and founded the G. Garvin Foundation, which aims to introduce a career in culinary arts to young adults.
Actor + Author Taye Diggs
Taye Diggs: Actor and new author, Taye Diggs has built an impressive resume on the screen and the stage. Appearing in plays such as Wicked and Rent, movies like Chicago, and television shows such as Private Practice. Now as a father, Diggs is a children’s author with his book, Chocolate Me, a book to inspire all children to love themselves.
Actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Jurnee Smollet-Bell: As an actress, Jurnee has won awards for her role in The Great Debaters and has starred in multiple TV and movie roles. Meet her just in time to ask her about her new show, Underground, airing on WGN America this spring.
Jurnee reading over “Chocolate Me” book
Blogger friends Ari + Bernetta were the recipeints of a Barbie Doll that was given to the 1st 50 guest in attendance for the event sponsored by Black Doll Affair. I know both of their daughters will love this!
My friend and her son Maxton after he got his own “Chocolate Me‘ book signed by Taye Diggs. You have to start them off real early with the self-love!
Taye Diggs + Shane Evans Signing my copy of “Chocolate Me”
Taye Diggs is actually a really funny dude. As I was getting my book signed, I asked him ” Will you make a girl version of this for your series. Maybe a Curly Me?” I think he seriously contemplated it. I am a curly adult, but I wasn’t always a curly child…and I think it would be beautiful if he could expand his book collection to little girls to love their curly stands. Taye said it was a good idea and he also said he will be making a “Kiwi Me!” book too…funny! Check out Chocolate Me book inspiring children and adults how even the most chocolate of skin is beautiful!
I got a brief opportunity to meet Jurnee. Like I said before, everyone has said all of my life we look just a like. I think she is a really pretty girl and super down to earth and humble. She has a new show debuting soon called “Underground” so check out for her tv show premiere in March!
All in all, it was an event to highlight some recent accomplishment of today’s African American influencers. Sometimes we think we have to focus on the past to understand history, but we can also focus on the great influencers of today. As an African American woman I am inspired and hopefully I can leave a mark in American history like these panelist. Black History is mostly highlighted once every year in February (shortest month in the year) and we should do more recognition beyond this month. We as Americans (no color preference) need to start looking at all aspects of American history and not get brainwashed or oversaturated with the same stories. You know what I am saying…not that we should keep looking into those stories – but I challenge you as Black History Month is almost over, look more into the history of African Americans beyond what you already know and educate yourself. I will take this challenge myself.
Are You Learning Anything New for Black History Month?
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
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My children’s history classes are doing a special section on black history for black history month. It’s covering some of the lesser taught figures in black history.
What an exciting event to attend. The Barbie Dolls were a nice gift for some lucky individuals. it’s great to add so many wonderful opportunities to your life and then share them with others.
It’s good to know that big brands are celebrating this month. I love that they also included kids, that definitely helps children learn more about the black history and how far we’ve come along the line.
I love everything about this. Great to see retailers recognizing the power in black dollars. And great to see that cute little book for the little ones by Taye Diggs. Love it.
WOW! Looks like this was a great event. I’ve been a fan of Jurnee from the beginning and Chef G. Garvin is excellent. Loved his show on TV One. I wish there were more events like these all year celebrating black history
What a great event! I have such a huge crush on Taye Diggs! I actually learned about Madam CJ Walker (Sarah Breedlove) who really, really made waves as the first black woman millionaire (self made). She was an AMAZING woman!
I think there is a lot for us to learn about history in general including that about different ethnic groups. Black History month is a great way to explore some of that history.
Taye Diggs is actually a really funny dude. As I was getting my book signed, I asked him ” Will you make a girl version of this for your series. Maybe a Curly Me?” I think he seriously contemplated it. I am a curly adult, but I wasn’t always a curly child…and I think it would be beautiful if he could expand his book collection to little girls to love their curly stands. Taye said it was a good idea and he also said he will be making a “Kiwi Me!” book too…funny! Check out Chocolate Me book inspiring children and adults how even the most chocolate of skin is beautiful!
Wow, what another great event. Boston needs to take a lesson from you guys down there 🙂
My children’s history classes are doing a special section on black history for black history month. It’s covering some of the lesser taught figures in black history.
I know I need to get out more when I have never heard of any of the celebrities mentioned. It sounds like a very interesting event.
This looks like a great event to attend. I will have to make sure that I check out underground.
What an exciting event to attend. The Barbie Dolls were a nice gift for some lucky individuals. it’s great to add so many wonderful opportunities to your life and then share them with others.
Sounds like a great event! There needs to be more events like this.
Sounds like a great event. The Chocolate Me book sounds adorable!
These really sounds a great event. 🙂 I’ll surely check this out. Thanks for sharing.
It looks like you had a great time. I like to see Macy’s putting on events like this.
Yes, I agree, it seems you had a great time! Enjoy the rest of the month.
Good on Macy’s for celebrating Black History month. I love Taye Diggs
There were people of all colors in history and our kids need to learn more about them. My friend always refers to himself as chocolate.
Looks like fun-filled event.
i went to the hispanic heritage event at Macy’s with Mario Lopez in the fall. I bet this one was really awesome! i love that taye diggs was there
I love the sound of the chocolate me book I want to read it!
It looks like you had a great time meeting the celebrities!
Looks you had a great time with them. Sounds a awesome event. I wish I was there.
It’s good to know that big brands are celebrating this month. I love that they also included kids, that definitely helps children learn more about the black history and how far we’ve come along the line.
What a great lineup of talent!
I love everything about this. Great to see retailers recognizing the power in black dollars. And great to see that cute little book for the little ones by Taye Diggs. Love it.
Seems like a great event and you met so many celebrities!
WOW! Looks like this was a great event. I’ve been a fan of Jurnee from the beginning and Chef G. Garvin is excellent. Loved his show on TV One. I wish there were more events like these all year celebrating black history
Sounds like a great event
Looks like a very fun and informative event. I’m a Taye Digs fan and I’d love to be there and listen to all their experiences
I love the focus on the little ones for Black History Month. You’re right about starting the self-love early.
What a fabulous event! I adore Taye Diggs.
It’s neat to see Taye Diggs put his passion into children’s books. Looks like a great new book for my kids
What a fun event. I will check this out, for sure.
A wonderful event with some wonderful people to celebrate a great month of history!
Sounds like a really awesome event. I need to get invited to events like this.
What a great event! I have such a huge crush on Taye Diggs! I actually learned about Madam CJ Walker (Sarah Breedlove) who really, really made waves as the first black woman millionaire (self made). She was an AMAZING woman!
I think there is a lot for us to learn about history in general including that about different ethnic groups. Black History month is a great way to explore some of that history.
This looks like such a wonderful event! There should be more events like this especially since it was geared towards children and set love 🙂
This looks like a great line up and awesome event to celebrate black history month. I love Ms Smollett. I’ve grown up with her virtually lol
This looked like it was a really fun event! I’m looking forward to checking out the film, thanks for a great recap!