Comcast welcomes two more Multicultural channels to their roster, ‘Afro’ and ‘Cleo TV’ with a celebration at the Newseum in D.C.

March 28, 2019March 28, 2019 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes

On Thursday, March 14, Comcast celebrated the new media additions to their cable systems, Afrotainment’s ‘Afro’ channel and TV One’s ‘Cleo TV’. The event held in Washington D.C.’s Newseum was hosted by Comcast, represented by Keisha Boyd, Executive Director of Multicultural Products and featured Urban One founder Cathy Hughes, Urban One President and CEO, Alfred Liggins III, Michelle Rice(General Manager of Cleo TV), Yves Bollanger(CEO/founder of Afrotainment channels) and talents from both channels.

Comcast’s David Cohen, Afro Channel CEO and founder Yves Bollanger, Urban One founder Cathy Hughes, General Manager of Cleo TV Michelle Rice, Keisha Boyd, Comcast Executive Director Multicultural Products and guest.

**Urban One President and CEO, Alfred Liggins III**

**Rahsan Rahsan Lindsay, TV One EVP, Ad Sales & Marketing**

Comcast made a commitment to include ten multicultural channels as part of their 2011 acquisition of NBCUniversal. Those channels include Revolt, El Rey, with Afro and Cleo TV rounding out their fulfillment. Michelle Rice was the lead to bringing Cleo TV to fruition. Her goal was to create a channel that fully engages Black women 24/7. “Cleo will offer content that defies negative and cultural stereotypes.” Yves Bollanger shared the goal of his ‘Afro’ channel. “We are excited to showcase all shades of the Black culture…:”

Here are some of the offerings available on the ‘Afro’ and ‘Cleo TV’:

‘Cleo TV’ http://www.mycleotv.com:

Sister Circle, a live mulitplatform talk show featuring Rashan Ali, Trina Braxton, Syleena Johnson

Tough Love, NYC millenials navigating love in the city.

Lens of Culture with Tai Beauchamp

Just Eats with Chef JJ with host JJ Johnson

Chef JJ Johnson

New Soul Kitchen with Jernard Wells

Chef Wells with Cathy Hughes

Cleo Speaks with April Reign

‘Afro’ http://www.afros.tv:

Katrina Lee
Candice Cruz
Gigi Moorman
Sandy Laborde
Kaya Chihombori
Sisaundra

The Lowdown, a late night show with James Yon

POINT OF VIEW-A talk show for women hosted by Erika Washington, Kaya Chihombori, Sandy Laborde, Candice Cruz and Sisaundra.

KAYA CHIHOMBORI @KAYA_DAILYH

SANDY LABORDE @SANDYLABORDE

HSISAUNDRA @SISAUNDRA

CANDICE CRUZ @CANDICE.TALKS

Style Check-featuring Katrina Lee and CL Freeman

KATRINA LEE @STYLESBYKATRINA

CL FREEMAN @CLTHEBRAND

Information below provided by PR for Cleo TV and Afrotainment.

For more information on CLEO TV, visit CLEO TV’s YouTube Channel and check out exclusive, behind-the-scenes content on www.mycleo.tv. Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on CLEO TV’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@mycleotv) using the hashtag #CLEOTV.

About Afrotainment
Afrotainment, a Florida-based company edits, operates and distributes eight networks from its state-of-the-art film and television studios in Orlando and Queens, New York. Afrotainment channels are available in the US and Canada via cable, satellite, fiber-optic and OTT platforms. Visit www.afrotainment.us for more information.

Vydurya Lokesh, Celebrity MUA, Body Positive Influencer and Muse

December 8, 2018December 8, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

I met the amazing and wondrous Vydurya Lokesh at the Priscilla Ono Masterclass in NYC this past summer. I was the oldest woman there and realized quickly I was way out of my league in the course. The silver lining, outside of learning that makeup application is an art, is meeting Vy. Her aura is gentle, kind and she glows. I mean her skin glows! She reminded me of Lupita Nyongo, who also has luminescent skin and happens to be the direct descendant of Eve. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vydurya has DNA from a Goddess of Light. It’s who she is and I hope I captured it in this collection of photos.

One of the evenings after class, I invited her to have dinner and we ended up at Eataly near the World Trade Center, after visiting MAC, of course. At dinner, she went on to tell me about her childhood and the tribulations she experienced at such an early age. I realized that her past made her clueless on her beauty. She was just happy to be alive and be a positive influence to everyone she meets. The entire dinner, I kept thinking what a classic beauty she is and how I would love the opportunity to photograph her. She was shocked and moved when I finally asked her.

Her last night in the states she spent with me in Maryland and we shot until late evening. I am happy to share these with you and hope you can see the light that reflects from Vydurya that I noticed from the moment we met.

As she likes to say, “I am destiny’s child. “, not the singing group, but a child of faith that walks in light.

Please make sure to follow her on Instagram @VyduryaLokesh and Facebook @Artistry by Vydurya Lokesh.

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes:

Follow Instagram@jovannareyesphotography and @curvysta

Snoop Dogg, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, KeKe Wyatt and more to perform at the 2018 Gospel Stellar Awards in Vegas

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Article by Jovanna Reyes www.jovannareyes.com Instagram@jovannareyesphotography
Photos supplied by JL Media PR for the Gospel Stellar Awards 2018

This year’s 2018 Gospel Stellar Awards, www.TheStellarAwards.com, produced by Don Jackson, will be hosted by Kirk Franklin at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The show, tickets are available to the public, will air on TV ONE, Friday, March 30th at 9PM ET/8PM CT. Snoop Dogg will perform gospel songs from his new album “Bible of Love”with Tye Tribbett and after six years, sisters Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell will reunite to perform as Mary Mary. Tasha Page Lockhart Cece Winans Keke Wyatt and more talented artists will grace the stage once again. One of the many highlights of the evening will be the Red Carpet coverage by Internet sensation and comedian, Karlton Humes, aka NotKarltonBanks.

Honoree Tamela Mann is this year’s recipient of the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the genre of gospel. Mrs. Mann was formerly with Kirk Franklin and the Family before having a successful career in acting. Mrs. Mann can be seen in many Tyler Perry productions and presently stars in “Mann and Wife” with her husband, David Mann.

David and Tamela Mann_preview — TAMELA MANN AND DAVID MANN

JJ Hairston by E GIBSON_preview (1) — JJ HAIRSTON

For more information visit www.StellarAwards.com. Follow the Stellar Awards @thestellars and #stellarawards to stay updated on the three day event.

Synergy Global Forum with Sir Richard Branson, Robin Wright, Guy Kawasaki and influencers in tech, business and social media.

March 7, 2018March 7, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

This past weekend was a tidal wave of information at the Synergy Global Forum in New York City. All the speakers, from Guy Kawasaki to Richard Branson, had a golden nugget to share on entrepreneurship and life lessons. The weekend started off with ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ author, Guy Kawasaki, an Apple enthusiast and Venture capitalist. He was followed by panel discussions and talks with top influencers, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists like Gary Vaynerchuk, Jack Welch, Robin Wright, Steve Forbes, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Malcolm Gladwell, Ray Kurzweil, Jimmy Wales, and Kimberly Guilfoyle. In other words, the functioning top ten percent that are running the world in science, tech and influence.

Richard Branson explained how he came to become such a successful and fearless CEO. He blames his mother for it. He said he had to do a lot to impress her. Most impressive fact is the future space giant, he revealed his moon jet is the only one designed with wheels for easier landing. It gives passengers the opportunity to land on earth without using a parachute and into the sea.

PD100 — Panel Discussion with Jesse Kirshbaum, Bonin Bough, Gerard Adams and Billie Whitehouse.

VIDEO:Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Evans and more celebs grace the “Black Panther” Red Carpet for Save the Children

February 22, 2018February 22, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Maxwell, Tamron Hall, Susan L. Taylor and Michael Eric Dyson honor the legendary Cicely Tyson, Tarana Burke and Rev. Barber II

January 31, 2018January 31, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Photos/Videos and article by: Jovanna Reyes www.jovannareyes.com

The Grammys 2018 week ended with a celebration for acclaimed activist and actress, Cicely Tyson and to help raise funds for the National Cares Mentoring Movement. Created by Editor Emeritus of Essence Magazine, Susan L. Taylor, soon after the Katrina storm in 2006, the Cares Movement recruits and trains Black adults to mentor children in need and in crisis. The national organization has grown exponentially in just a few years. Visit www.caresmentoring.org for more information on how to volunteer and donate.

The audience was treated to the gracefulness of beautiful ballerinas from Ms. Tyson’s namesake school, the Cicely Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts located in East Orange, N.J. The gala was hosted by Tamron Hall(journalist) and Michael Eric Dyson(Professor and author) with singer Maxwell serenading the audience.

The gala also honored Tarana Burke(creator of #MeToo movement) and Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II, whose speeches were moving and inspired the crowd to extend themselves beyond their comfort zone to make a difference and help those in need.

Many celebrities graced the red carpet and supported the Cares Gala with their presence and donations. Monifah(singer/R&B Divas), Roland Martin(journalist), Judge Mablean, Sunny Hostin(The View), Jussie Smollett(Empire), Debra Lee(BET) and many more.

Please visit http://www.caresmentoring.org or their social media @cares_mentoring.

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Vintage@Intermezzo, Jacob Javits, NYC

January 14, 2018January 14, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Article/Video/Photos by Jovanna Reyes www.jovannareyes.com

January 7th-9th, UBM Fashion introduced a second season of Vintage@Intermezzo at Jacob Javits, NYC. Les Femmes Vintage NYC, Another Man’s Treasure and Muneca Mullins Studio were just a few of the many vintage apparel exhibitors to share their designs and curated treasures. If vintage accessories and handbags are your vice, Bella Bag of Atlanta, GA, featured an extensive selection of “pre-loved” luxury vintage items to choose from. Their 13-point inspection guarantees authenticity and the best quality.

Check out our video interviews with several featured vintage vendors answering the question, “Why Vintage?”. Vintage@Intermezzo is open to the public with ticket purchase and free to exhibitors and retailers.

Curvysta Haul: Tracee Ellis Ross for JCPenney

November 20, 2017 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

ARTICLE BY JOVANNA REYES/PHOTOS BY LAUREN BROWN

I’ve never been the one to be front and center. For me there is safety being behind the lens, staying backstage. I can control what happens there. This time I threw caution to the wind and jumped in front of the camera. Why now? After all these years, I’ve had the intention of doing an editorial but couldn’t find the right time or a collection that worked for me or my casual style. I finally found one. The Tracee Ellis Ross collection for JCPenney. She announced it on Instagram and as soon as I peeped the garments, I knew this was it. JOYFUL. DELIGHTFUL. INSPIRED. Tracee’s style theme.

Ms. Ross’ collection wins points not only for design but for the price point as well. The haul total was less than $400.00 for eight items. My first intention was to purchase it online but decided at the last minute to check it out at the brick and mortar. It was a nice surprise to see the visual presentation. Her choices of textiles and colors were perfect for mixing and matching. You could wear the duster with the wide leg pant or the duster with the print maxi. My mind was running with all the possible combinations. The Rejoice sweater dresses in Aura Orange/Grey and the Kindness print maxi, Groovy Geo were only $34. The Bliss Duster Coat and Trouser were $59 and $44 respectively.

amconyc8pm_9 — TRACEE ELLIS ROSS FOR JCPENNEY/STYLE: KINDNESS IN GROOVY GEO $34.00 IN SIZE 3X, EARRINGS: ALDO IN STORE ONLY

amconyc8pm_8 — TRACEE ELLIS ROSS FOR JCPENNEY/STYLE: REJOICE IN AURA ORANGE $34.00 IN SIZE 2X3X, PURSE: VINTAGE COACH, BOOTS: BOOT BARN

amconyc8pm_2 — TROUSERS: TRACEE ELLIS ROSS FOR JCPENNEY/STYLE: HEAVEN PANT, BLACK SIZE 20w $59.00

Tracee’s Heaven Pant is the perfect trouser for an evening event. I purchased a size 20W and it fit perfectly. I paired it with a Brooks Brothers vest and men’s tuxedo shirt with an ascot. The platforms are TUK Shoes Creepers. The last look is my ode to the 90’s. I wore a similar dress with my denim jacket for years on end. It was my staple look. Don’t forget to stop by your local beauty store for cheap and trendy accessories. The red leather bracelets were only a dollar!

NYFW S/S 2018-Cindy Monteiro

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes

Cindy Monteiro unveiled her Spring/Summer 2018 collection at the NYFW First Stage. It was the designer’s first showing during NYFW, although she has shown at Paris Fashion Week. Her collection was light and breezy made up of natural fabrics and an amazing attention to details. Her use of diverse models exemplified the culture of Cape Verdean. We can’t wait to see her collection next season.