deerstalker

https://www.blackenterprise.com/missouri-restaurant-bliss-35-and-up-age-restriction/

There’s a new restaurant near St. Louis, Missouri that’s ensuring only the grown and sexy can enter its doors thanks to their 30 to 35 and up age requirement.

Bliss, a new upscale restaurant in Florissant, Missouri, will only allow women age 30 and up and men 35 and up to enjoy its West African and Caribbean cuisine, KAKE reports. Owners Marvin Pate, 36, and his wife opened the restaurant two weeks ago and requires patrons who enter to show their identification to a hostess or a St. Louis County police officer after 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

“It represents pure happiness and pure utopia. It’s a home away from home. You can come here and feel like you’re actually on a resort,” Pate said.

While most adults-only establishments come with 18 to 21 and up age requirements, Bliss is establishing a new model that caters to a more mature crowd of foodies.

“It’s just something for the older people to come do and have a happy hour, come get some good food, and not have to worry about some of the young folks that bring some of that drama,” Assistant Manager Erica Rhodes said.

As a result, Bliss has been under fire sparking a debate on social media due to their age restrictions.

“Of course, we have been getting a little backlash, but that’s OK because we’re sticking to our code,” he said.

A new restaurant in St. Louis called Bliss is going viral because of its age restriction policy. “Women must be 30, and men must be 35 to enter, we don't have to worry about the young folks who bring that drama.” pic.twitter.com/qDAvQdQ550

— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) June 6, 2024

After a news brief on Bliss made its way across social media, many started sounding off with criticism about the age requirement difference between men and women.

“The only thing throwing me off is that the age requirement is different for men and women,” one critic wrote. “Either make it 30 for both or 35 for both. We have to stop reinforcing the myth that men mature slower.”

“I think both men and women should be 30. Let’s also understand that age doesn’t mean maturity either,” added someone else. “I know some 30-year-old women that would come in there start a fight and twerk.”

There were many others who expressed their support in Bliss establishing a setting for mature crowds who tend to leave the drama at home.

“Grown folks only and no twerking on the tables. I support it,” one person wrote.

“Need more spots like this,” someone else said.

The new restaurant plans to offer to-go orders in the coming weeks. For those too young to dine there, the Assistant Manager says they can come back in a couple of years when they’re old enough.

“Those younger ones, you can come patronize the business once you turn 30 or 35, because we’re gonna be here for a while,” Rhodes said.

RELATED CONTENT: 2 Men Shoot Each Other Following Dispute At Atlanta Wings Restaurant

https://www.essence.com/fashion/gabrielle-hitchens-raw-honey-queer-collective/

Raw Honey By Robyn Mowatt ·Updated June 12, 2024

On a warm spring day, I arrived with Gabrielle Hitchens at Brunch Harlem about an hour before she hosted a burlesque party. We set up the restaurant’s basement level, removing most of the seating. As time passed swiftly, guests started to arrive. I handed out ones to them to use for the burlesque dancers, who were the last to arrive at the packed event. The attire of the skilled dancers made me think of sophisticated lingerie, similar to Dita Von Teese’s >robes worn by one dancer. The tone of deep crimson is refreshing, too, as it appears on a two-piece lingerie set. Each individual dresses appropriately as guests ogle and applaud their athletic and sensual rhythmic dancing. What makes an impression on me is how the costuming and attire of the dancers set the stage for the immersive experience that Raw Honey, a collective by Hitchens, has been perfecting since the pandemic.  

Hitchens, the founder of the Raw Honey event collective, is more than just a promoter. She’s someone who enjoys seeing friendships blossom from one small introduction in real life. Hitchens is part em>queer and trans-BIPOC folks can show up as their most authentic selves. Whether she’s hosting a cheeky burlesque event in Harlem or a Pride Month party in Bushwick where Amorphous is spinning, Hitchens is adamant about creating a variety of events for guests seeking joy. If you’re looking to enjoy an evening out with friends, new or old, Raw Honey provides that, too. 

@official_kaikai

If you check out the collective’s Instagram page, you’ll see diverse attendees. Some are clad in skin-tight outfits, others are wearing streetwear, and some are decked out in femme clothing. Party attire takes many forms and that’s the beauty of the scene that was carved out specifically to provide a safe haven for those who are seeking kinship with other queer and trans people. One profound notion rings true: the collective which consists of Hitchens and her team since 2020, is dedicated to keeping their events safe and will be prioritizing safety protocols this year. 

The Seeds of Raw Honey

The seeds of Raw Honey were planted years ago, when Hitchens, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, used to host impromptu house parties in her hometown while in high school. In a phone call earlier this month, she mentioned that growing up in the Midwest had a significant impact on shaping her into the person she is today. She explained that it taught her to embrace different perspectives, regions, dialects, cultures, and experiences. 

“I grew up in a more slow, traditional, Black religious household,” she said. Her father was a pastor at one point–and she has watched her mother juggle entrepreneurship while being a charismatic figure and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in Indianapolis for decades. Due to her lineage, it’s safe to say she was built for the long hours that come with carving out a creative venture. 

As Hitchens has gotten older, she’s grappled with unpacking her identity–but she also channels this earnest desire to belong into Raw Honey. She’s aware of the fact that some who relocate to New York City and Brooklyn are on the hunt for events and people they can genuinely connect with. 

The Impact of Florida A&M University

Post-high school, Gabrielle attended Florida A&M University, where she studied business. What stood out to her most during her time there was the energetic and influential male promoters, such as James Highsmith and Aaron Waters-Hitchens. She respected not only their ability to pack parties but also their experience of interning in larger cities during breaks and their tales of their summer. It is common for students in the School of Business and Industry to intern on Wall Street. Highsmith and Waters went on to work in corporate roles after graduating–and she looked at thissrc="https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/raw-honey-4.jpeg" alt="The Rise Of Raw Honey, The Queer Event Collective" width="400" height="499" />@official_kaikai

“FAMU specifically is where I just really learned my hustle from just interning with a lot of major companies,” she adds. The historically Black university pushed her in countless ways. Years later it led her to think about how she can make party experiences that she had in college relevant for her community of Black and brown queer folks. 

I met Hitchens during our first week at FAMU. I was immediately drawn to her bold and confident personality, which reminded me of my twin sister. Gabrielle had an innate ability to curate memorable experiences, like a massive block party on campus during our freshman year. This block party was led by Gabrielle, Joshua Smith, who now works in marketing for the Orlando Magic, and other members of our freshman class. 

The event eventually got shut down. There was music blaring from nearly every corner of the main part of FAMU’s campus in 2010, the set and there were nearly 1,000 bodies jampacked amongst one another. The high-spirited moment gave a taste of what was to come years later for Hitchens. 

A Young Professional Blossoming

After graduating, Hitchens pursued a career in corporate sales for Fortune 500 companies, starting with a job at Walmart in Kansas City. Later, she moved to Molson Coors under the umbrella of Miller Lite in 2016. She then relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts in the same year and to Bentonville, Arkansas in late 2018. In each of these cities, she worked tirelessly and with great dedication. In the latter cities, she had the budget to organize happy hours to encourage barhoppers and bar owners to try out new beers by Miller Coors.

She aimed to generate sales but also sought community as she began identifying as a queer woman at 25. In Kansas, Massachusetts, and Arkansas, she couldn’t find people who looked like her unless she was willing to drive an hour. Even when she did, there were times when events were largely white, gay, and male. This made her think about what the happy hours she was hosting would look like if she did it for people that align more with her, other Black and brown queer individuals.

@official_kaikai

A relocation to New Jersey and then Brooklyn to continue herdecoding="async" src="https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/raw-honey.jpeg" alt="The Rise Of Raw Honey, The Queer Event Collective" width="400" height="499" />@official_kaikai

She spearheads about eight events during New York City’s Pride Month festivities each year. Later this month, she will host six events under her coined moniker “Queerpalooza.” This will include a kickoff event on June 26, a Southern-themed party on June 28, a day party and a late-night leather party on June 29, and an age-restricted day party. The final festivity will take place on June 30th.

This year she was also able to branch out and host a Cowboy Carter-themed party in Atlanta. “We’ve done some wellness events from just pick up basketball to a spin class at Equinox and then a few different workout classes at Outbox NYC, which is a trans-owned and operated gym too.” Wellness and having fun are what she has focused on in the past, she aims to continue doing so in the future. 

To Hitchens declaring herself as a Black lesbian woman is pivotal to her life journey. She tells me she’s had to rework and rehash what it means to identify within these intersections. Gabrielle feels these complexities allow her to showcase her creative outlets outside of the corporate roles she’s had over the years. “The intersections of my identity are so unique and complex. At the same time, I feel like that’s what makes me fun and unique.” 

Creating Impactful Spaces

Earlier in our conversation, it hit me that though Hitchens has a business background, New York City nightlife has rapidly changed in recent years. Even with her strategizing and her unique acumen to generate ticket sales, she admits at times it is tough to stay motivated. She says this is largely due to how she feels queer and trans folks are up against so much. 

Gabrielle is driven by the lack of spaces for those who are marginalized–but she also firmly believes her community deserves quality spaces and experiences. “There’s a reason why there is a major gap between Black and Brown queer nightlife and White gay nightlife and Black gay men. There’s a reason why, and for all the QTBIPOC organizers and myself that are trying torel="tag">black queer black queerness

The post The Rise Of Raw Honey, The Queer Event Collective appeared first on Essence.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/tips-black-travel-experts-smoother-stress-free/

Originally Published Nov. 23, 2022. 

Traveling can be easier, smoother, and stress-free when you’re prepared.

Catching flights have become much more complicated. Infuriating delays! Rising ticket prices! There is still the beauty of travel which is worth some of the hassle.

Tune into these tips by Black travel experts to get you through the busiest times of the year.

Oneika the Traveller

Oneika Raymond, Emmy award-winning award-winning journalist, speaker, and television host, is the voice behind the highly respected OneikaTheTraveller.com, where she examines travel and exploration through the intersection of race, politics, and privilege. COVID-19 still exists, so her YouTube video, Stay Safe And Sane: Tips and Tricks for Planning Trips, is timeless—especially if you’re concerned for your health.

“Stay close to home: It is necessary in order to protect ourselves from the spread of illness.”

“Keep family gatherings small: If possible restrict the number of households to two max and the reason you want to do this is because the fewer number of people you gather with, the less you have to worry about in terms of infection or in terms of spreading illness.”

“Consider location of your gathering: What you may want to do is plan with family members to gather at a common ground that doesn’t require a lot of travel on your end or on their end either. But when you are trying to plan where to gather.” This is the easiest way to get a family trip out of the group chat.

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A post shared by Oneika Raymond | TV Host (@oneikatraveller)

JetSetSarah

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, also known as JetSetSarah, is an expert traveler, award-winning travel journalist, and TV host. The self-proclaimed Caribbean Queen shares her travel wisdom with the world, including these tips with Ageist.

“Be flexible…be patient…be prepared: The first and easiest tip is whatever airline you’re traveling on, download their app because that’s usually the fastest way to get notifications about delays or cancellations.”

“If your flight is delayed or canceled and you need to rebook yourself, do two things. Number one, head to the counter in the airport that everyone will be heading for. At the same time, make sure you’re on the phone with the (800) number. Now you’re giving yourself two chances of getting your case in front of someone and you’re not waiting for 4 hours in line at the counter before you get on the phone. Put the odds in your favor.”

Bring a pen: “The most pervasive travel fail that I see and it’s such a big rookie mistake is not traveling with a pen. I think people forget that you’re going to need a pen. You need a pen to fill out an immigration or customs form.”

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A post shared by SARAH GREAVES-GABBADON | travel expert (@jetsetsarah)

Ms. Jetsetter

Tracey McGhee, frequent traveler and founder of Ms. Jetsetter, LLC, launched a travel accessory line for women before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, she has offered her expert tips in traveling, including stress-free holiday travel.

“Keep your outfits simple. What works really well for me is traveling in “uniforms” that I can throw on every day. My go-to when I’m traveling to warmer climates is a maxi dress with a light jacket for when it’s gets cool at night, or to wrap around my waist. For colder destinations, I love black leggings and boots, with a white top and an assortment of cardigans. Choose whatever works for you—uniforms simplify everything because what you have to wear is one less thing to think about.”

“Travel only with carry-ons. The peak travel seasons is the best time to avoid baggage claim. You can shave off an extra 30 – 45 minutes from your trip if you can cut out the time it takes to wait for checked luggage.  You’ll want to maximize the pieces you travel with and be strategic with how you travel.”

“Keep jewelry at a minimum. For quick trips, carry just one pair of gold and one pair of silver earrings. If you wear a necklace, think of one that can go with gold and silver. Use the J Jewelry Case Detachable Earring Panel and Detachable Pouch for your earrings and simply wrap your necklace around the earring panel to keep it secure.”

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RELATED CONTENT: Journey Beyond Limits With ‘Go Girl 2: The Black Woman’s Book Of Travel And Adventure’

https://nerdist.com/article/star-wars-outlaws-game-trailer/

We feel thrilled that Star Wars will soon release an open-world game for us to explore. After all, some of the best parts of Star Wars revolve around its many detailed settings and deep lore. Allowing fans to delve into an open world is exactly the right move for a Star Wars game. But, of course, there’s more to Star Wars Outlaws than its detailed open world, the game, of course, has a fascinating story as well. And now, we finally know more about its tale, which teases, among others Han Solo and Jabba the Hutt. The full story trailer for Star Wars Outlaws has arrived, alongside a brief teaser that shares some Lando fun. You can watch these first looks below. And, excitingly, Star Wars Outlaws has also finally set its release date.

Star Wars Outlaws Reveals Official Story Trailer and Plot Details

Not only does Star Wars Outlaws lets you run around inside of Star Wars world. It also lets you experience a morally grey life which can be a ton of fun. Of course, in true Star Wars fashion, you might also be secretly part of something bigger. The Star Wars Outlaws trailer certainly seems to imply there’s more to some of our major players than meets the eye. For the curious, a release helps shed some light on what we see in the Star Wars Outlaws trailer. You can also watch a new teaser below, which reveals an exciting glimpse of playing Sabacc with Lando himself.

The release reveals that the game will focus on “cunning scoundrel Kay Vess and her companion Nix’s search for an opportunity of a lifetime. During this era, the Empire’s rule is distracted by the rebellion that won’t quit, leading to a golden age for the underworld. As a skilled thief, Kay’s antics catch the attention of Sliro, the leader of a new, foreboding criminal syndicate Zerek Besh. After Sliro places a bounty on Kay’s head, Kay and Nix are offered their one shot at freedom—pull off one of the greatest heists of all time. Kay and Nix will need to navigate the underworld across the galaxy, building their reputation with legendary criminal organizations including the Pyke Syndicate, the Hutt Cartel, the Ashiga Clan and Crimson Dawn to earn the support they need to finish the job.”

Missions from syndicates, terrifying foes, avoiding the Empire, building a crew and more, it sounds like this game will be a thrilling one for the Star Wars fandom. Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games shares, “Star Wars Outlaws invites fans to experience a side of the galaxy that has a treasure trove yet to be explored, the exploits of the scoundrels taking advantage of the golden age of the underworld. We’ve been inspired by Massive Entertainment’s dedication to bringing this aspect of Star Wars to life, including both iconic and new things for fans to explore in an open world.”

Star Wars Outlaws‘ Synopsis

Alongside its trailer, Star Wars Outlaws shares a synopsis of the game. It notes:

Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, a scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.

Which Locations Will Star Wars Outlaws Bring to Its Open World Game?

In celebration of its trailer, Star Wars Outlaws also revealed some familiar and novel locations that will be a part of the game’s open world. The release notes, “Kay and Nix will travel across the galaxy to gain the right resources and crew for the ultimate heist. In their journey, they’ll travel across distinct locations, both iconic and new: Canto Bight, Kijimi, Tatooine, Akiva, and the windswept savannah of Toshara. Along the way, Kay will explore bustling cities and cantinas, race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on her speeder, and pilot her ship the Trailblazer through the wilds of space. When things go awry, the Trailblazer will also help them chase, evade and attack to gain the upper hand in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes.”

Count us in on all of this excitement. We’re also curious to see how many new and old characters we run into in this game. Star Wars Outlaws‘ trailer teased Jabba the Hutt’s arrival onto the scene… And it also showed us a glimpse of Han Solo in carbonite. Very curious.

Star Wars Outlaws Sets Its Release Date

So, when will Star Wars Outlaws and its open world release for our playing pleasure? Star Wars Outlaws has set its release date for August 30, 2024. Star Wars Outlaws will be available to play on Xbox Series X|S consoles, PlayStation 5, Amazon Luna and PC through Ubisoft Connec. We can’t wait to “risk it all.”

Originally published on April 9, 2024.

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