By Florence Anthony
While blog reports turned out to be false with claims that Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were getting married last weekend, the expectant bride to be was very busy. Sources say on Friday night, a very intimate circle of friends and family threw Alicia a wedding shower at a private residence on Manhattan’s East Side. Then, Saturday night she cheered Swizz on as he accepted an award for his work with underprivileged kids at Russell Simmons’ Art for Life Gala at the Rap Impresario’s East Hampton estate. The couple also had time over the weekend for a date night at New York eatery Via Dei Mille. According to People Magazine, the expectant singer was glowing and the two were holding hands across the table as her producer fiance fed Alicia the restaurant’s signature dish: spaghetti with peppers, cheese and pears. “They were adorable,” says an onlooker.
I don’t know what’s hotter: the new Jaguar XJ luxury sedan or the assembled A-listers at Diversity Affluence’s Leaders, Achievers and Pioneers Awards event and brunch held on July 25 in the glamorous Hamptons. Legendary fashion insiders Bethann Hardison and Fern Mallis were honored for their achievements in blazing a trail for diversity in the fashion industry. The one and only Edward Wilkerson, designer for Lafayette 148 was also honored and joined by his lovely and leggy muse, fabulous model Kamela Forbes. My new pals, Nigerian royalty Prince and Princess Omilana were on hand to support attorney Bernie Jackson III and the inimitable Andrea Hoffman, president and CEO of Diversity Affluence. Now, the third event in the series will be held next month honoring leaders in the philanthropy world. I simply can’t wait – but since I have to, I will catch up on my summer reading with Andrea Hoffman’s “Black Is The New Green” at the top of my list.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, friends of Los Angeles Dodger Matt Kemp says he’;s talking engagement with Rihanna. That love affair is very much on track…..also due to the success of Rihanna’s single with Eminem (Love The Way You Lie), they’re talking about doing an entire album together.
I got a chance to speak with NBC Universal’s Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, Kendra Carter, about NBCU’;s 2010 “Stand-Up for Diversity” comic search. Actor Ken Jeong of NBC’s “Community” and the hit film “The Hangover” is the spokesperson. The next audition for talent will be in San Antonio on August 1, ending in San Franciso on September 13. The search will culminate with in Los Angeles with a final industry showcase in early December. Said Carter: “NBC Universal is excited to enter its seventh year od ‘Stand Up for Diversity. Through the initiative, comedians have been able to launch new career milestones.”
Celebrity Chef Enzo Lentini, former owner of Eastside upscale Italian eatery, Opus, will cater a special fundraiser in honor of Harlem Dowling West-Side Center for Children and family services, Harlem in the Hamptons, Saturday, August 7, in East Hampton. The event, which celebrates Harlem Dowling’s after school and adolescent participants, will feature delicious treats from his latest Hampton based venture, Lentini Special Events. The affair will also include a live performance by recording artist, Glenton Davis. Founded in 1836 as the Colored Orphan Asylum by Quaker matrons Anna Shotwell and Marry Murray, Harlem Dowling is one of New York’s leading non-profit multi-service agency providing out-of home foster care, adoption, therapeutic placement, supportive housing for Youth aging out of foster care, and other support services.
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