Disney Crowns It’s First Black Princess

Business

Long ago and far away, she was an unnamed little princess in a little story called “The Frog Prince.” She and her amphibious friend lived in a very small, mostly forgotten corner of the fairy tale universe.

Many years passed.

And then one day, through the magical powers of Disney animation and commercial marketing, the forgotten little princess was transformed into Tiana, a beautiful black princess from New Orleans. She became the star of “The Princess and the Frog,” a movie set to premiere in November. Her doll and toy set were unveiled last month, and the Disney promotional machine is already humming, for Tiana is the first Disney princess in more than a decade, and the first ever to be black.

Blackberry: Pedi-Cabs Come To Harlem

Green

Sent from via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

The NAACP’s Hazel Dukes and Willie Walker from the State Office Building taking a Pedi-Cab ride to celebrate Earth Day with our freinds from ShareNYC.

Billy Joel Auctions Piano For Students In Harlem

News

A baby grand autographed by the Piano Man is being sold to raise money for music students in New York City.

The US$60,000 Steinway is being auctioned for a program at Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary School in East Harlem. Singer-songwriter Billy Joel will autograph it above the keyboard for the winning bidder.

The Mount Carmel program is run by Ten O’Clock Classics. Joel is a board member of the nonprofit group. It serves as a feeder program for the Music Advancement Program at the Juilliard School at Lincoln Center.

Auction proceeds will provide music theory classes, ear training and possibly individual lessons.

Bidding continues until May 6 at http://www.charitybuzz.com.

Catch The HW Secret Twitter Product Sale

Catch the HW secret twitter product sale – use the coupon code Tweet15 to save 15% off any purchase of $25 or more until April 23, 2009 @ http://hwpropshop.spreadshi… – Share the code!

Salters Scene: BK Fashion Weekend

Easter Sunday marked the end of Brooklyn Fashion Weekend, held in Fort Greene Brooklyn.  The BKStyle Foundation, the organization behind this event, aims to assist emerging, underprivileged designers in honing their talent and nurturing their entrepreneurial endeavors.   

 

Model on runway wearing Threads by Khahl

Brooklynites quickly filled the tent waiting to see the designs closing out the weekend: Krow Hill, Esther Nash, Live Mechanics, Classique, Parish Nation, BGU and House of Nassat. 

 

Model on runway wearing designs by House of Nassat

While Krow Hill was a good start to the evening and Esther Nash was a crowd favorite, it was the BGU (Big Girls United) line that received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience.  From the moment the beat dropped on Jennifer Hudson’s song Pocketbook and the first full-figured woman came walking down the runway, the excitement under the tent was crazy! 

Model on runway wearing designs by BGU

  

Check out the HWMag gallery to see more images from BK Fashion Weekend.

 

For more information about Brooklyn Fashion Weekend log onto bkfashionweekend.com/

E. Harlem Tenants Protest Against Eviction Notice

Housing

El Barrio is “not for sale.” So chanted protesters who gathered to resist a landlord’s attempt to evict tenants in East Harlem. The eviction is set to take place by May 31st.

Housing advocate Juan Haro says this is the latest example of another building in the neighborhood getting cleared out to make room for people who will pay higher rent.

HARO: The problem that these tenants are facing in East Harlem is widespread. It’s happening throughout New York City. The tenants understand that as low-income people, they are at risk of facing the same problem in another low-income neighborhood in New York City. So they’ve decided that it’s time to stand up. It’s time to stand up and fight for their rights.

REPORTER: The landlord, a company called 116th Street Realty, sent the tenants a letter two weeks ago saying major repairs were needed in the building and the city would not allow tenants to remain during renovation. Neither the landlord nor the city were available for comment.

From Alisa Chang for www.wnyc.org

Roc SteadyWith Brooklyns Harlem Style

Fashion

Disco had bell-bottoms. punk rock had you in studs and leather. Now there’s the RocPopShop rolling up to give your closet the music makeover.

What’s 50 feet long, has 18 wheels and is black all over? The hova’s mobile hotspot, that’s what. if you haven’t seen the Rocawear clothing (started by Jay Z and Harlem’s Dame Dash) truck yet, here’s your chance. Parked out in front of the atlantic mall in downtown BK, this assuming semi opens up into 1,000 square feet of pure gangsta’s paradise. Featuring Z’s new premium line for his Rocawear clothing brand, the pop-up store is decked out by David Ashen of D-Ash designs, whose architecture firm has pimped out bars, clubs and event spaces around the globe. This time around, the roc shop opens up to reveal mohair couches, suede walls, zebra wood cabinets, a fully equipped TV and sound system, along with custom gaming zone. Sound like your boyfriend’s idea of heaven? At least he’ll have something to do while you peruse the new line by the high-end street wear label. But you’d better get a jump on it. The store rolls out may 3rd for the next part of its cross-country crusade.

And that’s a rap. RocPopShop. Atlantic Terminal. Pacific Street and 5th Avenue. Brooklyn. Until May 3rd. www.rocawear.com

A Hat Story In Harlem

Fashion

We love these three commercials from our friends at the famous Harlem Heavens custom hat boutique in Harlem. The venue is one of 3-4 miliners in Harlem and one of the best. Check out the story they weave:

Words from the owner Evetta:

Youtube: Jennifer Hudson And Jennifer Holliday Duet (Rare)

Music

We thought you might like this from babysdaddyATL from www.youtube.com:

“JHUD & Robin Thicke Concert in ATL on 04-16-09 was AMAZING! Naturally, as Jennifer Hudson’s biggest fan, I went to the show twice in one week and thank God I did.

“Jennifer personally promised surprises and LAWD – JHUD did not lie! This performance is ULTIMATE! “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” has never sounded better. Both of these DIVAS SHUT IT DOWN like no other duet! HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!!! That’s a wrap! GOOD NIGHT!!!!”

Project Runway Casting Now!

New Yankee Stadium Echoes The Past

Sports

The new Yankee Stadium cost $1.5 billion, making it the most expensive sports facility ever built in the United States…

…. The Yankees play their first game in their new home Thursday.

Harlem Fashion Supports Harlem Arts