Bleu Magazine #67 Skip Marley

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THAILAND TROY DANIELS BELIZ T Y L A YAW E H SAMMIE Z I H U ATA N E J O T R E WAY JUICE WRLD

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JEREMY COHEN YOUNG BAE WESLEY IWUNDU J. ERVING

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Skip Marley

toyota.com/highlander

Celebrate your history together in the all-new Toyota Highlander.

Commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball in style, in the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander.

With a fully redesigned exterior, premium three-row seating, and an available best-in-class 12.3" touchscreen display,* you won’t just be ready to go — you’ll be ready to Go Highlander. Let’s Go Places. *2020 Highlander vs. 2020 competitors based on manufacturers’ data as of 9/19/19. Prototype shown with options. ©2020 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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by Isha Shah

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Contents Photography by Jack McKain

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46 S K I P M A R L E Y WA S B O R N FOR THIS

Is it possible to outsmart fate?

WE WERE CURIOUS ABOUT THAT TOO Because you are our greatest curiosity. And we know that while life can be exciting, it can also be unpredictable. So we created a highly advanced driving simulator to test real-life drivers’ reactions to unexpected situations. What we learn helps us continue to evolve innovative safety systems that help make the real world safer and help you more confidently handle life’s most thrilling turns.

What amazing ideas will you inspire next? Discover the answer at lexus.com/curiosity.

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LEXUS SAFETY SIMULATOR

© 2020 Lexus

Table of

Contents

14 Access By Bleu

64 Feature Troy Daniels

18 Soled Up

66 Feature Wesley Iwundu

22 Gadgets

26 Car Bentley Bentayga

28 Grooming T:10.875"

S:9.875"

B:11.125"

Age Defense

30 Fuel The Best Places To Eat and Drink in Nashville

32 Books Apocalypses and Diseases and Doomsdays, Oh My!

34 The Creatives

68 Feature Sammie

70 Travel Zihuatanejo

74 Travel Thailand

78 Fashion

86 The Humans

90 Spotlight 3rd Space

Jeremy Cohen

38 Fashion

93 Icon Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett

54 Fashion

Photography by Joshua Renfroe

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MASTHEAD

On the Cover SKIP MARLEY Words by EBONY ALLISON Photography By JACK MCKAIN Stylist: STEPHANIE SINGER Grooming: MELISSA HIBBERT AND DANYETTE THOMAS

Publisher/Editorial Direction DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

Head of Content Ebony Allison

Creative Director Andrew Zaeh

Art Direction & Design Vee Banionis Agnes Mazeikate

Managing Editor Jamie Rollo

Graphic Designer Luis Carlos Lopez

UK Fashion Editor Sean Azeez

Staff Writer

Tommy Rodriguez, Elysia Tanswell

Contributing Writers

Shalisa Alba, Tanya Hayles, Emilie Breslin, Erica Commisso, Kiah Chism, Nneya Richards, Adam Jacot de Boinod

Contributing Photographers

Khrystian McCalister, Joshua Renfroe, Jack McKain, Meredith Truax, Piper Ferguson, Demetrious Williams

Editorial Contributors

AD Sales:

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Partnerships & Branded Content LaTecia Johnson info@bleulife.com

Digital Content Strategist Kaylin Young, Brandon Beachum,

Michael Debnam, Jamie Dean, Vincent Jamael, Stephanie Singer, Melissa Hibbert, Danyette Thomas, Stacey Edwards

Rannon Harris (Chicago - Midwest) Leroy Williams (Northeast)

Interns

Newsstand Distribution

Mackenzie Murray, Justin Wallace, Zaire Turner

Copy Editor

Trevoy Ross William Flores

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

Deputy Editor

Chairman, CEO & President

Pauleanna Reid

Web Designer

Kelly Janes Olney

DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

Brand Ambassadors

TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste. 400 Smyrna, GA 30080

Submissions

Bleu Magazine 26 Broadway, 3rd floor New York, NY 10004 info@bleulife.com

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Buddy, you’re a boy, make a big noise Playing in the street, gonna be a big man someday You got mud on your face, you big disgrace Kicking your can all over the place, singin’ We will, we will rock you We will, we will rock you Buddy, you’re a young man, hard man Shouting in the street, gonna take on the world someday You got blood on your face, you big disgrace Waving your banner all over the place We will, we will rock you, sing it!

We will, we will rock you, yeah ‘We Will Rock You’ QUEEN

Inside is the new outside. Less is more. The new normal - plus all of the other age-old sayings. We are living in unprecedented times. But, is that so odd? Isn’t every new day unprecedented? I don’t believe anyone lives in the future, yet. Unfortunately, so much of our human existence has been living in some low-risk version of the past. The future just seems so scary because we rarely look ahead. The status quo has been the safe bet. Even when it’s against our own self-interest.

Yes, we must acknowledge that these times are difficult times to navigate. Families have lost loved ones. Careers have been ruined and there’s uncertainty in the economy. However, we are not that special. History (the only thing we know with certainty) has already demonstrated that we will rise above this moment. The greatest part of humanity is in our collective ability to adapt and recover. We just got lazy. We forgot who we were supposed to be and settled for monotony.

Times are bad. Times have been bad before. Times will be bad again. That my friends is life. There is no crystal ball to see when or how we get out of this. Luckily we don’t need one. We just need to remember we have the chance to make tomorrow better than today. Simple.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

ERICA COMMISSO

Erica is a Canadian born writer who relocated to New York City to complete her graduate studies at New York University. She loves to read, travel, and watch sports. Her bylines include Rolling Stone, LitHub, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER

Khrystian McCalister is a visual artist with a passion for art, fashion, and music. Her ultimate goal is to spread positivity to everyone she encounters and create beautiful lasting imagery.

She hopes to have a great impact on the current and next generation of creatives.

SHALISA ALBA

Shalisa Alba is a freelance writer based in Southern New Jersey.

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, her easy-going spirit and love for words give her a knack for writing many topics, but her favorites include mental health and wellness, wealth creation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

TA N YA H AY L E S

Tanya Hayles is an award-winning event planner and creative storyteller, using various mediums to evoke emotions, create change, and magnify moments. She spends most of her days turning ideas into reality through Hayles Creative, where event planning is not just what she does, it’s who she is. She is the founder of Black Moms Connection, an online global village of 14,000 and a non-profit providing culturally relevant programs and resources to educate and empower the Black mother and her family.

N N E YA R I C H A R D S

A born and raised New Yorker, Nneya Richards is a fashion and travel maven. At just 15 years old, Nneya started as a founding contributing editor of TeenVOGUE magazine. She is a travel and fashion consultant, appearing in publications, panels and national television. Through her platform and her blog, “N A Perfect World,” Nneya aims to empower people, especially young women of color, to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

Activism by Bleu

Photography by FABRICE LEONARD

Radical simply means “grasping things at the root.”

- Angela Davis

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until the killing of black men, black mothers’ sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother’s son, we who believe in freedom cannot rest until this happens.

- Ella Baker

We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.

- Bayard Rustin

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No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.

-Rosa Parks

You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

-Malcolm X

I think the American Dream should be about a greater progressive legislation that allows for what I call a necessary future world of cooperational humanism.

- Bobby Seale

I have the people behind me and the people are my strength.

-Huey P. Newton

But what of black women?... I most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire.

-W. E. B. Du Bois

There is never time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now.

– James Baldwin

The progress of the world will call for the best that all of us have to give.

– Mary McLeod Bethune

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THE 4X5

Who Runs the World?

Many outstanding world leaders are trailblazing women who’ve overcome harmful stereotypes and obstacles to obtain their positions. We feature four women leaders across the globe and five times they’ve displayed amazing leadership.

Jacinda Arden Prime Minister of New Zealand

1. She has been praised for clear, empathetic communications to her nation during the pandemic.

2. Under her leadership, New Zealand was deemed to have the most effective and organized Covid-19 response.

3. Arden gives daily COVID-19 briefings and does Facebook live streams to answer the most popular and concerning questions.

4. She is one of two leaders who gave birth while in office.

5. She was praised for her response to two mass shootings in Christchurch mosques. Not only was she respectful, but she signed off on banning assault rifles a week later.

Mette Frederiksen

Prime Minister of Denmark

1. Frederiksen is the youngest person to ever hold this position and only the second woman.

2. She stood up to Donald Trump considering his idea to purchase Greenland “outlandish.”

3. Denmark was one of the first European countries to shut down for the Coronavirus pandemic.

4. Under her leadership, the country is planning to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent.

5. Boosted public spending upon taking office.

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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Former President of Liberia

1. First women to be elected as a head of state in Africa.

2. Awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting peace and gender equality.

3. Took office after a deadly civil war and rebuilt infrastructure and the economy.

4. Before taking office, she was arrested and exiled for speaking out about the militant government.

5. By 2010, she was able to eliminate Liberia’s debt.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

1. She is the first-ever woman Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

2. Her main goals in office were to lower the murder rate, lower the poverty level, and boost pensions.

3. She was the first woman of Indian origin to be a state leader outside of India and other South Asian countries.

4. Previously served as the Minister of Education and fought to improve the country’s public education system.

5. In 2010, she was labeled as the 13th most influential female world leader.

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SOLED UP

Photography by KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER

Follow him on Instagram @underrdog_

with Love From Ohio,

For Akron,Ohio based sneaker collector Montell Lollis, exclusivity will always outshine quantity. His collection features limited drops from Nike, Adidas, Converse and more.

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SOLED UP

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ADIDAS YEEZY BOOST 700 V2 GEODE RETAIL: $300

NIKE SB BLAZER MID-LANCE MOUNTAIN ENGLISH ROSE RETAIL:$85

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SOLED UP

NIKE DUNK SB HIGH “DOERNBECHER” 2012 RETAIL: $120

NIKE DUNK LOW PREMIUM SB “CROWN ROYAL “ RETAIL:$150

AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG RETAIL: $160

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SOLED UP

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COMME DES GARCONS × NIKE CDG AIR FORCE 1 DINO BLACK DS RETAIL:$165

ROA ANDREAS WHITE AND BLACK BOOTS VIBRAM RETAIL:$275

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL-STAR- 70S HI GRID JW ANDERSON BLACK RETAIL:$120

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NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Don’t

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Leave Home NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS Without It GADGETS NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS Maintain caution and remain hygienic with these unique gadgets

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

NTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS ESSENTIAL GADGETS

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GADGETS

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Phone Soap Pro Are you constantly on-the-go placing your mobile device on multiple surfaces and want to keep things germ free? The Phone Soap pro can put your worries at ease. By placing your phone inside the casing device, your mobile device can sterilize 99.9 percent of surface germs in just five minutes. Two UV bulbs make for a quicker sanitation process and allows for bigger devices and accessories to be placed comfortably. Available in six different colors, the PhoneSoap Pro is listed at a price of $119.95 and can be purchased on their website.

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Avari Dual UV & Heat Premium Toothbrush Sanitizer Great for dental hygiene and keeping things 99.9 percent germ-free 100 percent of the time, the Avari Dual Toothbrush Sanitizer could soon be in everyone’s bathroom. This product kills germs left on toothbrushes and razors and can sterilize up to five toothbrushes or three toothbrushes and one razor simultaneously. The Avari Dual UV & Heat Premium Toothbrush Sanitizer is compatible with all types of toothbrushes and can be purchased on Amazon for just $49.95.

Slightly Robot Bracelet Do you want to break some of these bad habits? This smartwatch helps you triumph over constant hair-pulling, nail-biting, and face touching throughout your everyday life. This 0.92.oz watch fits wrist sizes from 5”-10.25”. The Slightly Robot Bracelet does not require a constant Bluetooth connection and is compatible with both iOS and Android. Programmed to alert you, the watch will vibrate when it senses you placing your habitual hand position. The battery span of Slightly Robot can last longer than a full 24 hours and will keep track of every vibration update and the downloaded app will alert you with your speculated progress. Sported in five different color variations, the Slightly Robot Bracelet is in high demand.

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UV Light Mini Sanitizer Travel Wand USB Germicidal Lamp Hotel Household Car Pet As things start to reopen in our communities, we’re all becoming more cautious of the surfaces we touch. Helping to also remove odors from things in our everyday life like footwear, couch pillows, and cabinet spaces, the UV Light Mini Sanitizer Travel Wand deems to be the most efficient item on the market to achieve these hygienic actions around the home and within our everyday travels. The product is fragrance-free and the three-watt bulbs last anywhere between 30,000 to 34,999 hours. Usage time of the battery maxes three hours and the product in total weighs 60g. The UV Light Mini sanitizer is listed at a price of $23.90 and can be purchased on eBay.

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Words by: TANYA HAYLES

Bentley Innovates the Hybrid with their Plug-In Hybrid SUV

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The new Bentley Bentayga Luxury Hybrid SUV is redefining green luxury Hybrid vehicles have come a long way from when they were first mass-produced in 1997. Hybrids often held a reputation for only being for eccentric types and avowed environmentalists, but today Bentley is poised to elevate the hybrid to a new level with their first luxury hybrid SUV. The Bentayga gets its name from the Roque Bentayga mountain peak in the Canary Islands, and like its namesake, it rises above all, which is synonymous with the Bentley name and brand.

This Bentley grabs your attention with painted 21-inch, five twinspoke alloy wheels, hand-crossed stitching, an exclusive 22-inch black polished wheel, bright chromed matrix-style grille, and around 100 paint options.

For those who want to help save the planet, but do it in style and luxury, the interior is loaded with high-quality features.

The upper cabin is trimmed in the contemporary fabric, Eliade Camel which provides a stunning but pleasant contrast to the lacquered wood veneer throughout the cabin. The fluted seats are luxuriously comfortable and designed to perfectly provide access to the tactile diamond knurling finished driver controls.

The quality of Bentley was not sacrificed in the making of this vehicle. Power and speed are still the name of the game! The Bentayga boasts a class-leading V6 petrol engine making it both quick and efficient going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

It is said, “it’s not easy being green”, but by combining the class and luxury synonymous with the Bentley name, the Bentayga makes the eco-friendly shift look easy and stunning.

SPECS Engine:

Hybrid

Drive Type: Transmission:

(photo credit: bentleymedia.com)

The three modes, Hybrid, Hold, and the all-electric EV Drive,allows for the quiet ride one has come to expect from any hybrid.

Bentley has pushed the boundaries with this series, with the lowest CO2 emissions of the Bentayga range.

All Wheel Drive 8-speed shiftable automatic

EPA Combined MPGe: Cylinders: Fuel tank capacity (gal.):

45 mi.

6 19.8

Height (in.):

68.0 in.

Length (in.):

202.4 in.

Width (in.): Passenger Seating Capacity:

78.7 in.

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GROOMING

Age Defense Keep your skin looking fresh with these innovative products from Jack Black, Factor Five, and Novashine

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Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub

Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Jack Black’s Face Buff Energizing Scrub leaves your skin smooth and ready for a close shave.

Menthol and Vitamin C freshens up your skin, while small scrubbing particles rids your skin of all that extra gunk, improving the overall appearance.

This natural hydrating daily facial cleanser kills two birds with one stone.

Oat, coconut, and organic sage leaf extract work to cleanse and strip your skin from all the excess dirt and oil. Chamomile extract, rosemary extract, witch hazel, and organic aloe leaf extract follows up the cleanse to tone and soothe the skin.

Fight those chapped, dry lips with this intensely hydrating and protective lip balm. Crowned as an Allure Best of Beauty winner, this formula is free of all parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. This lip balm contains grapefruit, ginger, shea butter, avocado oil and plenty of antioxidants to keep your lips looking right.

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Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20

FACTORFIVE Regenerative Serum

FACTORFIVE Anti-Aging Cream

Novashine Teeth Whitening Kit

Follow up your cleanse and shave with Jack Black’s lightweight moisturizer.

Ranked as the No. 1 Men’s Facial Moisturizer by the NPD Group, this moisturizer is packed with ingredients your skin needs to thrive.

Broad-spectrum SPF 20 protects your skin from any harmful light exposure and works with blue algae extract, sea parsley, and other natural ingredients.

FACTORFIVE’s powerful, best-selling serum can bring back that bright, youthful glow to your skin. Scientists at FACTORFIVE have managed to develop a different approach to combating wrinkles, sun spots, tightness, thickness, texture, and other signs of aging: human stem cell-derived growth factors with copper peptides.

Follow up the Regenerative Serum with their rich, anti-aging moisturizer. This cream is suitable for all skin types and also contains powerful human stem cell-derived growth factors, combined with moisturizing ingredients from aloe vera to shea butter.

Keep your smile white and bright with this top-rated professional teeth whitening system.

The kit comes with whitening gel, a mouthpiece, and a micro-USB adapter, allowing you to power up the LED lights with your phone!

Simply apply the gel to the mouthpiece, plug it into your device, put it on, and sit back and relax.

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Words by: ERICA COMMISSO

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN

NASHVILLE

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Photography by Drew Hays

Go to Music City for the country spirit, stay for the inspired eats

MAGAZINE

FUEL

Skull’s Rainbow Room

Puckett’s Restaurant and Grocery

Located in the famous Printer’s Alley, Skull’s Rainbow Room was originally established in 1948 and serves up craft cocktails in the basement of the historic Southern Turf Building. They offer lunch and dinner with American cuisine, as well as live jazz music and a late-night burlesque show.

This famous Nashville outpost has a few locations across the city and is known for its brunch and biscuits. Check out the Church Street location after visiting the picturesque Nashville Public Library, and soak up the energy while treating yourself to mimosas, fried chicken, and of course, biscuits and gravy.

(photo from PLA Media)

(photo from EOA Architects)

Biscuit Love

The Greenhouse Bar

“The Gulch” neighborhood of Nashville is home to the famed destination, Biscuit Love. All of their dishes are homemade from scratch and Southern-inspired. The company stays true to its Nashville roots, with all three outposts in the greater Nashville area. Stop in for the all-day biscuit brunch and choose from either a hearty or sweet treat.

If you fancy yourself as a botanist, head to The Greenhouse Bar in the Green Hills area of Nashville. With dive bar prices, pub-style eats, and Instagram worthy decorations, it’s no surprise that this old greenhouse is a local must-try.

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If you find yourself in Nashville, be sure to check out some of these local flavors.

Attaboy This speakeasy is off the beaten path of Nashville’s Broadway, but that’s exactly what draws people to it. Housed in a nondescript building, this cocktail bar usually has a long wait, but it’s worth it. Once you get inside the cozy space, there are no traditional bar menus. Instead, a mixologist works with you to find out what flavor profiles you like for a custom drink. The dimly lit space is perfect for a date night or a break from the crowded bars on the strip.

(photo from Greenhouse’s Facebook) (photo from Buscuitlove.com)

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Saint Anejo (photo ‘courtesy of Attaboy’ from Nashville Post)

When it comes to fast food of the south, Hattie B’s is a must-have. They’re open late, their food is inexpensive, and they serve up southern staples quickly. What else could you ask for? Find one of their three Nashville locations on Broadway right after hitting up one of the country bars on the strip.

Head over to McGavock Street to get some of the best Mexican dishes Nashville has to offer. Saint Anejo’s Latin-inspired dishes are served for lunch, brunch, and dinner. The menu boasts a modern take on tacos, house-made guacamole, and craft margaritas. They have over 120 different tequila and mezcal labels, large elevated patios, cool graffiti walls, and an indoor/ outdoor bar.

Located in the SoBro area, this trendy, modern-rustic eatery has Southern staples like wood-fired meats, grits, and fried chicken. Their produce is local and their seafood is sustainable with delicious menu options for every meal of the day.

(photo from Eater Atlanta)

(photo from MStreet.com)

(photo from Eater Atlanta)

The Southern:

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BOOKS

APOCALYPSES, DISEASES, AND DOOMSDAYS,

Oh My! Fitting with the times, check out these doomsday reads from satire to historic retellings

THE GHOST MAP: THE STORY OF LONDON’S MOST TERRIFYING EPIDEMIC AND HOW IT CHANGED SCIENCE, CITIES, AND THE MODERN WORLD

by Steven Johnson Cholera is the star of this book and centers on an outbreak in 1854 London. Authorities were stymied by the very specific lines that were drawn in the epidemic and how it was being transmitted with such geographical precision.

Plainly put, with the rudimentary knowledge that came with medieval science, no one knew much about Cholera. A private physician, John Snow, cracked the mystery and identified the disease as water-born while tracking this specific outbreak to a contaminated neighborhood water pump. By doing so, Snow made the world’s largest cities safer places.

BLACK DEATH CAT’S CRADLE

by Kurt Vonnegut This satirical novel comments on the oddity of the arms race and the meaning of religion at the time of the book’s 1963 publication. It follows the story of the narrator who seeks to write a book about the atomic bomb. He goes on a search for Newt Hoenikker, the son of Felix Hoenikker, one of the fathers of the atomic bomb. In his search, he discovers the presence of a deadlier, fictional weapon called ice-nine, which has the ability to solidify all of Earth’s water in an instant.

This fascinating read traces the progression of The Plague throughout Europe in the 1300s.

In his straight-forward account, author Robert Gottfried chronicles not just the main outbreak of 1345 to 1350 but includes the subsequent outbreaks that were often contained to smaller regions with mortality rates as high as 15 to 20 percent (a significantly higher number than today’s COVID-19 global mortality rate).

Gottfried delves into how the virus progressed across the continent and its effects on economy, education, and religion

GOOD OMENS THE HOT ZONE: THE TERRIFYING TRUE STORY OF THE ORIGINS OF THE EBOLA VIRUS

by Richard Preston This classic scientific thriller traces the origins of Ebola from its first appearance in a vaccine factory in 1967. The U.S. was never aware of how close it came to having Ebola unleashed in the greater Washington D.C. area. The detailed, non-fiction prose reads as otherworldly fiction in which author Richard Preston effectively parallels the emergence of Ebola, AIDS, and other rainforest viruses as a consequence of ecological demolition in the world’s tropical zones.

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by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman As the forces of Heaven and Hell try to bring on the apocalypse, angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley try to interfere with their attempt. A comedic novel, Good Omens follows two friendly foes as they join forces to protect their comfortable, human-like lives on Earth.

The main part of their scheme was a successful plan to switch the child of Satan with a normal child to prevent Satan’s son from carrying out his Apocalyptic duties. However, Satan’s son who goes by the name Adam ends up realizing his otherworldly powers. Pratchett and Gaiman amusingly discuss opposing ideologies and human nature in this 1990 novel.

(photo from Amazon.com)

by Robert S. Gottfried

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34 The Creatives: Jeremy Cohen WORDS BY ELYSIA TANSWELL

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46 Skip Marley Was Born For This WORDS BY EBONY ALLISON

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66 Wesley Iwundu: Dribble and Drip WORDS BY TOMMY RODRIGUEZ

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Photo Credit Andrew Zaeh

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C R E AT I V E S

Words by: ELYSIA TANSWELL

Meet New People With Jeremy Cohen This Brooklyn based photographer shows us that lockdown doesn’t have to be lonely.

Jeremy Cohen has a passion for people.

In his own words, “I love telling stories and I use my cameras to tell them.

I’m a people person and a storyteller.”

Throughout his career, he has photographed music festivals, shot for the Nike X Infatuation collaboration, and completed a campaign in support of the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the oldest and largest U.S provider of LGBTQ+ youth services.

But he is perhaps best loved for his charming depiction of life under lockdown. A rule stating that people need to stay away from one another may seem like the worst-case scenario for a photographer whose craft centers around people. Instead of hampering his creativity, the stay-at-home order has birthed some of his best work. His popular rooftop series features both photos and videos of New Yorkers using their roofs as gyms, concert halls, date spots, and anything else closed by COVID. Similarly, his stoop series uses photos to document the new normal of people using the stairs in front of their homes as spots for fresh air and mask-free socialization.

We spoke to Jeremy about his work, his process, and the importance of being open to inspiration.

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How did photography become your passion?

It first happened when I went on a vacation with my family. We went to Yellowstone National Park and my dad brought this cheap camera. I have a younger sister, we’re a year apart so naturally, we’re very competitive. She got the camera and was taking these photos of all the nature and scenery. I thought all of them looked so cool. I got jealous so I borrowed the camera and I started snapping away and that was it. I loved it from the first picture I took.

How did it move from hobby to profession?

I went to college for photography and that’s where I started shooting professionally. When I started I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a photographer. I just thought I wanted to be in the creative industry. Eventually, I decided that it was what I wanted. So me and my friend sat down and planned how we were going to become photographers.

One of the ways was to start assisting.

I wanted to get connections and experience. So I contacted hundreds of photographers and out of hundreds, a couple got back to me. I learned so much from them and it gave me the confidence to shoot myself. I continued working for them after I graduated. I had all this free time. That’s when I started to build my portfolio and put it out there. Then people were looking

at my work and it started to gain some traction. I got hired for one shoot and then it turned into another and it was a snowball effect from there.

What kind of equipment do you use in your work?

Mostly just my phone. I also do video.

I’ll combine native cell phone video with photos that I take in the moment.

Sometimes as I’m filming I’ll shoot photos. I’ll film in one hand and then I’ll shoot photos in the other hand and then I’ll combine them in a video. It’s kind of this new format that I’ve been experimenting with. It’s a lot of fun.

How would you describe your style and approach?

I’d say my style reflects my personality.

I’m an optimistic person. I like to bring out the best in people. But also I tell important stories because everyone has a story to tell. Every person is special in their own way.

Are there any stories you’ve told that left an impact on you?

Even today, I went up to this guy in Washington Square Park. I was talking to him for a while. I like to build a connection with the subjects. It’s just this guy that’s always in the park ever since I’ve lived here. He’s been hanging out with pigeons in the park for 18 years now. He had some crazy stuff happen to him at work, it was this whole messy

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Photography by Liz Levitch

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drawn to certain people and then I’ll just go up and ask to photograph them.

situation. But he found the pigeons right after that. They’re these creatures that he can trust and they always love him. He knows all their names. It’s incredible and he’s so nice. So we talked for a while and I took some portraits.

He has a pretty interesting story.

Your rooftop and stoop series were both born out of lockdown. Can you tell us more about how they came about?

With the rooftop series, I just started shooting from my apartment. I noticed right outside my window that all these people were out on their rooftops doing all different things now that they couldn’t go out. People were doing workouts, playing music with all these different instruments, and dancing on their rooftops, so I just started documenting it. That’s how it happened and it turned into a series.

What was the most interesting thing you saw on the roof?

I think it was this guy playing tennis.

He was just on his rooftop practicing his serve. He would only pretend to hit the ball because if he actually hit it he’d lose the ball.

And the stoop series?

Something that I’ve been doing a lot since quarantine is riding my bike. It’s

a safe way to get out and get some fresh air while still social distancing. While I was out riding I noticed all these people on their stoops. A lot of apartments in certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn have them. People would go out to get fresh air and just chill on their stoops.

I thought it was so interesting. I like it when a series has one common denominator. In this case, it’s the frame. It’s a straight up shot of the stoop with the house in the background.

If people could see one of your projects which one would you want them to see?

I like to highlight people so I’d say ‘Today I photographed.’ That’s my passion project. I photograph people and I tell their stories. I really want people to see that and see these stories. If people can see them and relate to them that would feel so rewarding. I’ve been doing that since 2016. I set out to do it daily and for two years I did a portrait of a stranger every single day. Eventually, I got drained so I stopped doing that after 614 days. Now I just do it when inspiration strikes.

How do you know when you’ve found someone?

That’s a good question. It’s a combination of things. Sometimes it’s their outfit, other times it’s their smile, their energy, or something I see them do. I’m just

What advice would you have for people who want to become photographers?

I’d say don’t go into it expecting to be big right away. It’s a slow process. I’ve been shooting for a little bit over ten years now.

I’ve had success along the way. It’s been really rewarding. But when I first started I was just shooting a lot and getting better. Don’t set your expectations too high for yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. Just shoot because you enjoy doing it and then find your subject matter.

Push yourself a little bit each time and the better you’ll get. If you enjoy it that’s the most important part. Work hard and who knows where that path will lead you too.

Is there anything you want to shoot but haven’t gotten to yet?

I really want to shoot the butterflies in Mexico. The butterfly sanctuary. That would be beautiful.

Photography by Eva Grayzel

Photography by Lara Beins

Do people usually agree?

Overall yes. I’d say around nine out of 10 people agree. I don’t apply any pressure at all. I ask and if they’re not into it I’m like ok and I go my own way. And then sometimes, they have a moment and they’re like ‘actually you know what, why not’ so that’s always funny.

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Words by: MICHAEL DEBNAM Photographer JOSHUA RENFROE Stylist MICHAEL DEBNAM Assistant Stylist JAMIE DEAN

Barbershop The Standard Grooming Co.

Groomer VINCENT JAMAEL

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Mornings

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The barbershop serves as the epicenter of many Black men’s self-image. The first look in the mirror after a fresh cut confirms the words Black is beautiful. This helps make the barbershop one of the most transformative spaces in the Black communities globally. No matter how men walk into the barbershop, they are guaranteed to leave transformed. Transformed by the exchange of Black cultural thought and experiences, physically changed by the fresh cut, and mentally invigorated by the celebration of Black people.

THE FRESH CUT

On Saturday mornings Black men walk into barbershops to get bald fades, razor-sharp lines, beard trims, all-overs, high-tops, and line ups and leave crowned by the fresh cut. Crowned by the buzz of the blades shedding last week’s hang-ups. Crowned by the clippers creating sharp lines that frame the Black man’s beauty, bringing out the boldness of his Afrocentric features. The line-up is to a Black man what a laid edge is to a Black woman.

More than vanity, it is a physical manifestation of confidence.

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THE EXCHANGE

Black men of every station are guaranteed to have the need for a haircut. Pastors, lawyers, doctors, athletes, entertainers, educators, tradesmen, and students come into the shop with different ideas of how Black men should show up in the world. Their viewpoints consume the space with a spirit of infectious intellect through discussions about music, politics, family, current events, and more. In these discussions, Black men leave a piece of themselves on the table while simultaneously picking up someone else’s perspective. Hearing these different perspectives provide insights on how to survive and thrive as Black man America. A classroom, a therapist, a consultant and a networking event, the barbershop is a safe space where Black minds are sharpened, challenged and transformed by the exchange of Black thought.

THE CELEBRATION

The shop is a celebration of the complexities of the Black experience. For some, the weekday can be filled with empty exchanges where suppressing the rhythms of Black culture such as greetings, facial expressions, and style of speech is a means of survival. But Saturday mornings, Black men get to shed the week’s hair and be free. Conversations flow from which hairbrush is the best to sports, to politics, to the benefits of good credit and the challenges in obtaining it. In the barbershop Black men can comfortably present themselves and still still set admirable examples for the young brothas in the shop. Here they can be whole, safe, and celebrated.

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STANDARD GROOMING SALON

Tucked away in the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn hides the Standard Grooming Salon. A Black Barbershop where men come for a cut but leave crowned. Crowned physically by groomers who lift faces to the sky to get fades right and beards tight. Crowned mentally by the exchange of ideas and experiences from the brotherhood of clients. Crowned by the conversation of Groomer and Owner Vince Jamal, who so carefully modernized the Black barbershop. Crowned by the joy and excitement in Groomer Troy Johnson, who greets every client like his favorite cousin. Crowned by the warmness of Groomer and Owner Autumn Ardrey, whose curiosity makes everyone feel safe. These skilled groomers have taken the experience of the Black barbershop, bottled it up, and added everything it wasn’t to make it everything it is. The barbershop is a coronation for the Black man.

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Words by: EBONY ALLISON Photography by JACK MCKAIN Fashion Styling by STEPHANIE SINGER Grooming by MELISSA HIBBERT AND DANYETTE THOMAS

Skip Marley

Was Born For This It’s minutes before our interview with emerging musician Skip Marley and an unpredictable WiFi connection holds the fate of our conversation. Since the quarantine hit, in-person meetings with our cover stars have been replaced with Zoom calls and conference line dial-ins.

And one bad LTE or 5G connection at the wrong time can completely sabotage these one-off encounters.

Did we take face-to-face interaction and social gatherings for granted? Skip Marley, begins to answer one of our questions in regard to our new socially distant reality but opts for a lighter reply, “Ya know, it’s an interesting time, but I think it’s a good time to focus and connect with things you love ya know, for me that’s the music.”

Just weeks before our exchange, Skip became the first Jamaican born artist to land at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Adult Charts. With his single “Slow Down” featuring H.E.R. imposing on all airwaves, the young musician makes it very clear that positioning on charts is a blessing, but not the fuel for his journey. Love, unity, and the ability to connect with others spiritually through rhythms and sound are the virtues governing the music he makes.

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Photography by Meredith Truax

The son of Cedella, grandson of Rita, and nephew of Stephen and Damian Marley, he finds no pressure in living up to his genius family of musicians’ namesake. Instead, he counts every blessing on his personal journey with music as a closer connection to his legendary grandfather, Bob Marley.

Knee deep into our phone call, there’s a brief moment of silence, possibly a bad connection, but Skip manages to get out his last words. His tone is mellow and raspy, a Patois rooted in Jamaica.

He humbly thanks us for taking the time to listen to his story and mentions his album Higher Place dropping later this year.

Photography by Jack McKain

You come from a family of iconic musicians. Music has been embedded in your DNA by default, but what age were you when you began to tap into that creative side?

It was around the age of like 13 or 14 years old. I was never pressured into music, it was just a natural connection for something I love, for me it was always about love.

Can you give us a little bit of your back story… What led to the success you have now?

It was around 2014 was when I first started working on music and going to the studio and creating music. My first single came out in 2015 “Cry To Me,” and I remember touring with my uncles in 2015-that was my first time performing for people. My mudda was in connection with Island [the record label] through a connection with my grandfather and one day they were emailing back and forth and my mudda sent them my video for ‘Cry To Me’ and they asked who is that, and she said, that’s my son and after that, they brought me in for a meeting.

Did you have any reservations with signing to a major label or was that something you hoped for?

No, it was a blessing. I think it was a connection from my grandfather, ya know. I think it was a special thing. I will say I had some thoughts about it definitely but I’m already on Tuff Gong, Tuff Gong is my grandfather’s label. I’m always Tuff Gong, that was always first. Ya know it was interesting signing to a major label, but definitely a blessing.

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“It’s about people loving the music, not position on charts, ya know.”

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Photography by Jack McKain

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And when you say it was interesting signing, what were some of those thoughts going through your head at that moment?

When I was signing, I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure how that would work. Working on music with different artists and different producers, and just going around finding the sound, and going around trying to see what sound could work with my sound. All of those experiences and trials were going through my head.

Now after you signed your deal with Island, you released your single “Lions” and then you linked up with Katy Perry. The two of you have such a different sound and are tapped into two completely different genres of music. How did that collaboration come about? (laughs) I know right, we definitely make different types of music, or at least that’s what I thought. But, um we recorded my single “Lions” in that same studio as Max Martin and his camp. Katy works with Max and his camp. Katy came into the studio one day and Max was playing my song “Lion”, and she say who is that, and then he said oh that’s Skip Marley and she say I need him on my next single, I want him on my next single, and then he called me and said Katy Perry wants you on her next single, I said Katy Perry, he said, yea Katy Perry, I said aight so ima fly over. I was in Miami, so I flew over to LA, and went over to their studio. And I remember Katie did a pop-in while I was recording so I met her then. She’s a nice artist, with good vibes. I’m glad that I did it and how it turned out.

And even now, fast forward to the present day - your single with H.E.R. “Slow Down” is having a multitude of successes. How are you taking it all in?

Humbly, ya know, nothing happens before its time, that’s how Jah works so all praises to the most high. But like I said, it’s not about positions, it’s about the message and the music, the effect on people, how people are affected by it. I just want to make music that affects people positively ya know.

What’s your process for creating a song?

Ya know, sometimes you just feel an inspiration drop down on you and I’ll just pick up the guitar and play a

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chord and then the words just drop down… Sometimes it can go like that. Or sometimes I might just have an idea. Or a chorus or a word, one or two words and just follow the feeling. When I first started writing music it was just me and the guitar in my room. That’s where I started writing. I still write like that.

And is the guitar the only instrument you play?

No, I play piano and guitar, bass, and drums. I started playing the piano first actually, so I’ve been playing the piano the longest. I always wanted to play the guitar but I remember when I was young it would hurt my fingers.

I was like 13 or 14 when my uncle bought me a guitar.

And I remember saying, Unc I don’t play the guitar, and he said, well you’re going to, you will.

With everything going on in the world right now, many people are having a hard time finding peace, but your music always has such a strong message with being at peace, and healing and love. What helps you to stay centered on your message?

Some meditation upon the Most High. We’re supposed to have love and be love and give love from our hearts, so that’s what I really meditate on ya know.

With you being from Jamaica, you already know there’s a divine energy in your country. With your upcoming album releasing soon, have you had a chance to go to Jamaica to record?

Man, it’s such a spiritual place, and I have been wanting to do that. I’ve performed down there but I haven’t had a chance to record down there. When all this clears up I’m definitely going to go down and get some jam sessions in with a full band and just vibe ya know. I really want to go down there and just create and be in that element.

There is nothing like Jamaica.

For new listeners who are just now becoming familiar with who Skip Marley is, what do you hope they take away from listening to your music?

I hope they take away consciousness, positivity, love, love for humanity, togetherness, a sense of unity, a sense of brother and sister, a sense of where we come from, and moving forward in humanity. No more going back, ya know? Just a more conscious approach to life and being connected spiritually.

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Words by: TOMMY RODRIGUEZ

Photography by: MIKE C.

Troy Daniels Ascends Through the Ranks of Fashion and Basketball

Troy Daniels’ story is one of dedication and perseverance. The 29-year-old has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most talented shooters and proved plenty of doubters wrong along the way. As he begins to branch out into fashion, he will surely prove a couple more wrong.

Despite having to traverse through a rather difficult road to the NBA, Troy Daniels finds himself at the top of the basketball world. Seven years into his still young career, the Denver Nuggets guard is nearing his prime and has taken it upon himself to expand into realms outside of basketball. From basketball to fashion, Troy Daniels continues to prove that he can and will overcome any obstacle in the way of his dreams.

Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Daniels’ sports career began early as his mom made sure of it. “She kept me in sports. In basketball, to be specific… Every memory, as far as basketball, always goes back to her. From five or six years old, I can remember my mom always being there [and] putting me in those types of positions.” While he tried his hand at sports like baseball and football, basketball prevailed and proved to be his passion. Like many of our greatest athletes, Troy Daniels’ recognizes that his success would not have been possible without his mother and her guidance.

Daniels always stood out from the crowd as a basketball player, but it wasn’t until his junior year of high school that his status truly elevated among college recruiters. After joining an elite AAU team and having a phenomenal senior year, Troy Daniels drew in offers from several top-of-the-line D1 institutions.

Ultimately, the young basketball star decided to head to Virginia Commonwealth University. In his four years at VCU, Troy broke several shooting records and went down as one of the greatest sharpshooters in the program’s history.

Even with an array of spectacular performances throughout his collegiate career and over a dozen NBA workouts, Daniels went undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft. “That was one of the worst days of my

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life,” he reminisced. “Every little kid wants to be a professional athlete and make millions of dollars doing it, but the reality is [that] it’s not for everybody. It’s hard to accept that, especially since that was a dream that started when I was six years old. It was like somebody ripping your whole dream and your heart from you.”

After much consideration of his options to move forward with his career, Troy Daniels and his family opted for the NBA Development League instead of options overseas. He ripped through the D-League and spent much of his rookie year going back and forth between the Houston Rockets and their D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Naturally, selfdoubt often settled while he bounced between the two leagues. But he pushed forward and made the best of his situation, a situation that provided much-needed experience for the rookie. “I knew guys around me in the same situation that were disappointed when they had to go back down [to the D League], but I took it as a challenge.”

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streetwear, but he’d even experiment with releasing some suits or even sneakers. “I have a lot of creative stuff in my mind that I want the world to see. Just gotta figure out how I can do it.”

Whatever it may be, he is ready for it and ready to embark on his career in fashion. As a basketball player, Troy Daniels will continue to ascend through the ranks and let it fly. But as a brand, he is just getting started.

“If I could do it all over, I’d do it again. When you get here and you’ve taken the route I’ve taken, it means a little more to you.”

Six years later, Troy Daniels has established himself as one of the best shooters in the sport and has played alongside his fair share of all-time talents. On March 5, 2020, he signed with the Denver Nuggets.

Throughout his career, Daniels has picked up on a few tips and has shifted some of his attention to fashion. “When I first got to the NBA, I knew I was an NBA player, [but] I didn’t know what else I was…

I’ve learned that I am also a brand as well.” Without a doubt, he is one of the most fashionable players in the league. As important as it is for the NBA and its teams to market their clothing and branding, it is equally important for players to do so as well.

“I think I bring a lot more to the table than just putting a ball in a hoop, and I wanna show the world that.

I wanna show the world that I’m interested in fashion, I wanna show the world that I love helping out the less fortunate and young kids from my hometown. I wanna show the world that I’m more than an athlete.”

The sharpshooter has big plans for his journey into the world of fashion, and hinted at some things already being in the works. He and his team have projects planned out with different companies and designers, including a collaboration with streetwear brand MNML that “should come out soon”.

Troy Daniels’ ultimate goal is to launch his very own clothing brand. The brand would mainly feature

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Wrapping up his third season in the pros, Wesley Iwundu has been making his hoop dreams come true while being one of the flyest to do so. The NBA forward has developed into a key player in the Orlando Magic’s rotation and continues to hone his craft, and has stumbled upon another passion of his along his basketball journey: Fashion.

The Houston-born NBA player has established his spot in the league after having gone through his fair share of trials and tribulations. The 33rd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Iwundu was named one of Kansas State’s best players in recent history. He navigated his way through the G League before earning his spot on the Magic roster. Three years later, Wesley Iwundu is not only drawing looks from basketball scouts, but from fashion aficionados.

The forward’s pregame outfits are some of the freshest in basketball and cleanest on Instagram. He has already expressed tremendous interest in stepping into the design realm of fashion and truly has the potential to merge both passions.

Bleu: What sparked your interest in basketball?

Wesley: Going into the third grade, my brother took me to an AAU game or some-

Words by: TOMMY RODRIGUEZ Photography by: KADEEEM

Wesley Iwundu: Dribble and Drip In just a few seasons, Orlando Magic forward Wesley Iwundu has emerged as a rising two-way player with plenty of potential. It didn’t take very long for fans to pick up on the hooper’s talent, but it took even less time for Iwundu to establish himself as one of the best-dressed players in the league.

thing. I wasn’t even expecting to play, honestly, but I ended up playing with some random team. I had fun with it, so I tried it again. After a year, I was on the AAU team playing basketball, so it started getting serious around fourth grade with organized basketball and little leagues and stuff.

When did you begin drawing attention as a Division 1 talent?

W: After my junior year, I had a breakout season on a summer circuit and AAU. After that summer of junior year, going into my senior year, I started getting a lot of offers from some good D1 schools. I was down to Miami, Kansas State, SMU, and Nebraska. Those were my last four and I ended up going with Kansas State, just off the relationship I had built with the coaching staff and connections we had there.

Looking back on your choice to attend Kansas State, was it the right one?

W: Yeah, for sure it was the right choice.

I’m here right now, today in this position, so it was 100 percent the right choice.

After getting drafted in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft, was it discouraging to momentarily be sent to the G League?

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G League, they’re gonna be like, ‘man, I’m tryna be in the real league, in the NBA.’ It was discouraging, but luckily I had a lot of good people around me telling me what was real and what needed to be done in order to get where I was tryna go. People like my brother, my mom, my best friend, I had those people around me.

When did you truly begin taking interest in fashion and the way you dressed?

W: Since maybe [my] senior year of high school through college to now, I was always following the latest fashion trends and I was always seeing what everybody was wearing. But it really didn’t start for me until the NBA, where I could really take off and have the freedom to go in the store [and] get what I want. That really didn’t start for me until my rookie year, when more money was in the bank account. It’s a blessing, man.

How important is having a sense of fashion as an NBA player and public figure?

W: Dressing right now and being in the NBA, it represents you as a person a lot.

Even if it’s a chill fit, some shorts or whatever it may be, to a suit. I feel like whatever people see you in represents you and gives them a feeling of your sense of style.

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pretty much going chill to the games. Just some Supreme, some chill stuff to rock out in Orlando. But when I’m on the road, I always have some good outfits on for pregame and stuff like that.

Best-dressed players in the league?

W: I’ll definitely [say] Swaggy P. He comes with different styles [and] tries to switch it up a lot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He switches it up a lot too, for sure. My boy from Houston, too, his name is Jarred Vanderbilt. I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of other guys out that do their thing.

What are a few of your go-to brands, both to rock and potentially work with one day?

W: My top three brands right now that I’ve been rocking a lot and also keeping up with are Palm Angels, I have a lot of Amiri, and maybe some Supreme. When it comes to just being chill, those three brands are at the top of my list right now. Hopefully one day, making more connections and networking some more, [I’ll] slide across some of those people at different functions and [we’ll] see what’s going on.

Have you experimented with the idea of trying your hand at fashion designing?

W: I’m honestly trying to continue to get my foot in the door with everything and meet a lot more people before I actually get to designing some things. I really got a lot of ideas, but I for sure wanna make more connections and network a little bit more through the fashion industry before I really put a step on my next move of designing stuff.

If you weren’t playing basketball, would you pursue work in the fashion industry?

W: Now, I would say that. Back then, if you asked me that question I probably wouldn’t have said that. I feel like there’s so many opportunities and so much money that can be made within the industry, and there’s still a lot of growth within the industry. Right now, if I wasn’t playing basketball, I’d try to do something in that direction and probably be a mentor of some sort.

What goes into deciding your outfits for gameday?

W: One-hundred percent the weather. The weather’s always my number one thing when I’m trying to pick out outfits for the road. Number two is the city. When it comes to New York, LA, the big market cities, you wanna for sure have some of your best outfits laid out for those trips.

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Sammie Is Back R&B singer Sammie discusses his new single “Friend Zone,” the Millenium Tour and his plans for the future

Entering the game at such a young age, R&B singer Sammie has found a way to keep his name relevant in an industry where longevity isn’t promised. With over 20 years in the music business, Sammie’s name has been recognized in each decade from his 1999 hit singles “I Like It”, and “Crazy Things I Do For Love”. With a new album dropping this summer, we caught up with the R&B vet to discuss his new single “Friend Zone,” growth in the music industry, and the Millenium Tour 2020.

Bleu: Can you talk about your latest single ‘Friend Zone’ and the inspiration behind it?

Sammie: Based on a true story, I’m best friends with the female that I’ve known since 2009, and a lot of people see this chemistry in us and love for one another that surpasses the bestie ‘terminology.’

But I think at this time, we both have accepted the fact that we won’t go romantic because god forbid if things don’t go right, you will never get that friendship back. And it is so pure, we never crossed any barriers. I always have been down for her when she’s going through her ups and downs, and vice versa.

Before I released the song, she listened to it, and I had her blessing to release it. Every man and woman have been friend-zoned, sometimes because the feelings are mutual and you don’t want to risk it, or the feelings aren’t mutual, and things become a little bit odd between the two.

I know you have an LP coming out this summer, can you talk a little bit about it and what can fans expect from that album?

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a great boyfriend in a relationship and it still hasn’t worked out, I’ve been in a toxic one and had to analyze myself. All these trials and tribulations in life, in general, molds you into the person you are today.

I learned that it’s not about what happens to you, it’s how you react to it. I turned out pretty awesome, I took those losses and lessons, and I applied it to my life. It’s an album designed to heal, and I touch on love, monogamy, infidelity, pain, sex, and pleasure.

Those are roller-coaster emotions that people deal with. I just wanted to be the sound for that, especially during this season, where we all need some peace, some type of getaway. I think this album will be utilized for that reason.

Do you have any collaborations on the album or is it solely your work?

I have a record with my brother Rotimi that I’m very excited about. We’re releasing the single next month in June. My big brother Tank is on the album, and DJ Luke Nasty as well is on the album. This is the most collabs I’ve ever had on a project.

Obviously you’re working on this LP from home, what does that look like for you, and what are the challenges of getting an album out while being quarantined?

The fifth studio album, I completed right before we left for the Millennium tour. But I’ve been very inspired since I have so much time on my hands to garden new inspirations and I tell people, ‘every day is a new song,’ we have to seek it. So I’m simultaneously working on my sixth studio album while rolling out the Such Is Life project. The process has been magnificent, from a marketing standpoint, this time is making all of us creators and innovators.

What was your experience like on the Millennium Tour?

It felt like a homecoming, that’s the best way I can say it. I was very instrumental and verbalized how I wanted to be a part of it simply because I was the first child star of the Millenium. My fans were very vocal, and it became a subject matter during that time. But I earned my stripes. I came out during Lloyd’s set in Atlanta as a guest appearance. Performing in front of the fans was incredible, I felt the energy coming from the crowd. The first six shows during the Millennium 2020 tour were something I never experienced before; watching my fans sing songs from 1999 to the present was special.

troversy over the book Think Like A Man by Steve Harvey. It struck an idea in my head that I don’t want my woman to think like a man, and as a man, I don’t want to think like a woman. Genetically, it is impossible to do those two things. We thrive and move differently, emotionally, and more. The book is entitled Good To Know, it is about letting women inside of our heads and letting them see why we’re so different. Let us not focus on who’s right, let us find a median to these problems.

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Being famous at such a young age, did it help your music career and music growth or did it hinder you and come with some challenges?

Being so young, it helped mold me into being someone very self-sufficient. I can write a song in 25 minutes from a music standpoint because I’ve been around Dallas Austin, Corner Boys, to name a few. When you’re around greatness at such a young age, you can’t help but become great. I don’t need anyone in the studio but an engineer since I’ve mastered the craft of music.

I heard you have a candle line, can you talk to us about that and what’s the process behind it?

A business partner of mine, Troy, is part owner for a candle line called Pop and Pearl in Georgia. He wanted me to be a part of the grand opening, and in this establishment, you get to come and create your candle. They educate you about different waxes, oils, scents, etc.

I thought it was pretty dope; it sounds like a chill date night. I’m a candle lover. I have candles all over my home, so I decided to create a scent or two. The process led to a few meetings, a few lawyers, and now I’m in business with them. I have a scent entitled Pure Love as well as Pure Honey. You can go to popandpearl.com to purchase these candles.

You also mentioned you were writing a book, is that still coming along, do you have plans to release it?

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Images courtesy of Nneya Richards

Words by: NNEYA RICHARDS

Zihuatanejo is the Mexican Pacific’s Best-Kept Secret Until Now Decades after its cameo in an Oscar-nominated film, this relaxed Mexican fishing village is having a revival

ANDY: Tell you where I’d go. Zihuatanejo.

RED: Zihuatanejo?

Andy: It’s in Mexico. Little place right on the Pacific. You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific? They say it has no memory. That’s where I’d like to finish out my life, Red. A warm place with no memory. Open a little hotel right on the beach. Buy some worthless old boat and fix it up like new. Take my guests out charter fishing… That hotel and that boat… I don’t think it’s too much to want. To look at the stars just after sunset.

Touch the sand. Wade in the water. Feel free.

Steven King (writer), Frank Darabont (writer). (1994). The Shawshank Redemption [Motion Picture]. United States: Columbia Pictures.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Most people’s reference to this fishing village is that quiet paradise Andy Dufresne dreams of in The Shawshank Redemption. That turquoise pacific ocean, the winding road through cliffside vistas.. There is something about the name, the scene, Andy’s imagining of the perfect retirement in paradise after going through the misery that sticks with people. It doesn’t matter when they’ve seen the film, even decades later, they remember the name: Zihua-

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tanejo. It’s as though this waterfront village’s name was synonymous with salvation.

As the travel industry has been brought to a standstill, many of our readers that are frequent leisure travelers might be eyeing their next getaway with a little trepidation.

Zihuatanejo, with its quiet off-the-radar feel, its bountiful natural resources from the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains seems like the perfect place for a little retrospective self-isolation.

You’ve heard of, may have even been to some of Zihuatanejo’s neighbors — big resort destinations like Puerto Vallarta to the North and Acapulco to the South are oft-considered on the Mexican vacation circuit. Even Zihuatanejo’s closest neighbor, the resort town of Ixtapa casts a shadow (albeit a sunny one) being a well-known riviera destination of mega-resorts and high-rise condominiums, all just a short flight from Mexico City. Zihua residents are quick to remind you that Zihua is not about hard-partying like its neighbors, though it was indeed a hot spot in the 70s beloved by celebrities like Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol.

While gentrification is something we mostly think of when it comes to cities, overpopulation and mega-tourism can have detrimental effects on small seaside towns erasing original culture and lifeblood and replacing it with an understandably financially attractive, whitewashed destination. The designation “Pueblo Mágico” by the Mexican tourism authority can be a gift and a curse to smaller, seaside villages like Zihuatanejo. With an influx of tourism, especially day-trippers, comes a surge of waste and many of these towns have struggled with the proper resources of an effective waste management system. We’ve seen it happen to our favorite Mexican destinations along the Caribbean and Pacific, like Tulum and Sayulita.

Cautionary tales hopefully give travel writers a cause to share their stories responsibly.

“I don’t see that happening to Zihua,” many locals said, citing the fish market in their reasoning. Zihua is an authentic Mexican fishing village and it plans to remain that way for years to come. An early AM visit to the fish market on Playa Principal will give you an insight into the essence of the town. Restaurant and hotel chefs haggling, locals buying their daily groceries from a favorite fishmonger; friends, relatives, neighbors. The fish market

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is the lifeblood of Zihuatanejo. So yes, it’s an early town, maybe not the place you’d go to for nightlife.

From farm, or sea, to table, Zihuatanejo is a clean-eating foodie’s dream. After the fish market, head into town toward the food and produce market for breakfast. Sip on delicious atole, a milk corn-based drink sweetened with condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, as you browse the stalls. The limes are juicer, bursting with juice you can almost feel it through the skin. The strawberries are smaller and sweeter, the flavors come alive. Delicious local sea salt is the perfect addition to mouth-watering recipes — try it on a fresh mango from a roadside market. You are in a fishing village after all and thus, seafood reigns supreme. Make sure to have the local specialty tiritas de pescado, raw skipjack tuna or mahi-mahi fillets cut into strips and mixed with lemon and lime juice, onions, and chilies. If you happen to be visiting on a Thursday, partake in the local tradition and slurp on some pozole verde, a hominy corn-based pork stew. Authentic and homey is the Zihua way.

This town has a natural feel. While as a vacation destination it can accommodate a range of price points, it’s

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down-home vibe mixed with it’s charm leads to a barefoot luxury experience. Think Mexican surf culture, beach yoga, and full moon parties. Leading the charge for a great deal is the new Thompson Hotel in Zihua nestled on the white sands of Playa La Ropa that opened in January of 2019. Chef Miguel Baltazar’s fire roasting cage on the beach will give you a whole different perspective on your typical barbeque. The restaurants on property, Ceniza, and Hao boasting ancient Mexican cooking techniques and fresh ingredients attract locals and tourists alike. Could you imagine a fine-dining establishment that has a “Challenge the Chef ” interactive competition? That’s the vibe you get here at the Thompson Zihuatanejo, a truly unique luxury experience.

Zihuatanejo is nestled around the pristine Pacific bay with waters that provide sanctuaries for delicate marine life like sea turtles. As you drive through the beautiful green jungle you suddenly see Playa La Ropa beneath you. It’s almost as though the surrounding Sierra Madres is hugging Zihua, keeping this town a secret just a little bit longer. Watching awe-inspiring Zihuatanejo sunset, while sipping on a locally grown mezcal, you immediately know that you’ve found Andy’s utopia.

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W H E R E T O S TAY :

W H AT T O D O :

CENIZA Carretera Escenica S/N, Playa la Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Gro., 40895 Mexico +52 755 555 5500

THOMPSON ZIHUATANEJO Carretera Escenica S/N, Playa la Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Gro., 40895 Mexico +52 755 555 5500

PLAYA LAS ROPAS & CATAMARAN SUNSET CRUISE OF THE BAY Rent a car and drive south, about 30 minutes outside of town you’ll find beautiful lagoons with tropical birds and mangroves and miles of beach, some of which are only accessible by horseback or foot!

ANGUSTINA MEZCAL & COCINA Paseo del Pescador No 70, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero 40896 +52 755 544 8566 Courtesy of Loot

PACÍFICA GRAND ZIHUATANEJO Camino Escenico a Playa Las Gatas, Playa las Gatas, 40880 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico courtesy of PG

COOKING CLASSES & GUIDED TEQUILA & MEZCAL TASTINGS HAO Carretera Escenica S/N, Playa la Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Gro., 40895 Mexico +52 755 555 5500

MERCADO ZIHUATANEJO (FARMER’S MARKET) Av licenciado Benito Juárez, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero 40890

EMBARC ZIHUATANEJO

MEDICINAL HOT SPRINGS

Escénica La Ropa S/N, Playa la Ropa, 40895 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico +52 755-555-0350

North of Zihuatanejo at the entrance of Lagunillas Photo Credit: Discover Troncones

courtesy of Embarc Zihuatanejo

LOOT SURF & LIFESTYLE STORE La Ropa 55, Playa la Ropa, 40895 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico +52 755 544 6038

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The Fantasy of

Phuket

R&B singer Sammie discusses his new single “Friend Zone,” the Millenium Tour and his plans for the future At last, the brochure doesn’t lie and nor do the pictures need airbrushing. There are a host of luxury hotels across the island of Thailand, but I wanted to experience those that offered a special authenticity. Those that blended in with their surroundings. Hotels with their own story and not merely offering jungle living with Wifi.

Could this purity still be there on an island steeped in mass tourism? Not all of Phuket is now attractive. Garish boards and gaudy buildings, long traffic queues and party-seeking tourists have left their mark. But emerging out of the jungle landscape are some wonderful places to stay. And I want to attempt to do them justice.

My first stop was The Slate. A hotel proud of its industrial imagery, with tool-shaped cutlery and propeller fans cooling the patio, reflecting its former role as a tin mine. Similarly, the rooms have a very masculine feel, grounded as they are with large, heavy doors.

The highlight is in the landscaping with a gorgeous infinity pool and shaded avenues of vibrant shrubs, cacti, and scented white flowers called Champak and Leelawadee, and the

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red spiky Heliconia. The trees compete for light and cleverly eclipse the buildings giving an overall relaxing green tone.

The next province north of Phuket is Khao Lak; less spoilt and less built-up. The beaches are clean and empty with strands going on for miles. I stayed at The Sarojin, a stunning boutique hotel. What a joy to be invited to share the passion of the owners’ personal dream.

The vision, created by Sim Boon Yang, a Singaporean architect, reflected the owners’ desire for “a resort that was empathetic to the surroundings and reflected the simple beauty of the site.” The rooms are Zen, with an “inside-outside” feel. The serenity and classic tones are truly refreshing. The ficus tree in the middle of the land is “the focal point and spiritual heart.” Even the spa is positioned close to the beach in order for the lapping of the sea and bird songs to be incorporated into the experience. The extraordinary service is palpable from staff clearly enjoying the shared dream. Indeed 50 of the 56 rooms are named after the families who helped rebuild the hotel after the tsunami in 2004.

Words by: ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

A few days later I returned to Phuket. Next up was Keemala. Pisit Aongskultong, in his vision, has used sustainable materials for what is a new luxury eco-venture. It has its own distinctive brand, new to Phuket of both fantasy and nature. Resembling the Beijing Olympic stadium, the mesh exteriors of the villas seem suspended in the air. As for the “pool’s nest villa,” it has a bird’s nest theme with round wicker basket beds with grand mosquitos nets looking out to sea across Kamala Beach. Unlike most modern structures, Keemala will effortlessly benefit from the seasoning process. The foliage will become more bountiful and lush, and nature will brim and enhance it.

The hills and treetops embrace the bird’s nest theme. Each room has its own tree. Frogs are teeming and crickets are chirping. And the Thai language has an expressive vocabulary for their noises. Jiap jiap is the sound of chicks; ake-e-ake-ake of cockerels; gaa gaa of crows and hook hook of owls. And at night there is magic in the evening wicker lanterns scattered across the slopes.

And finally to Amanpuri. I arrived to have a fragrant heart-shaped jasmine bracelet placed

Photo Credit Mahannop Po-on

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Photo Credit Robin Noguier

on my wrist. Set in a mature coconut plantation and meaning “place of peace,” Amanpuri has a real economy of design. While minimal, it’s luxury in an expansive sphere.

Ed Tuttle was the American architect who built upon a former copper mine and opened this flagship Aman hotel in 1988. With 40 pavilions and 44 privately-owned villas, the design is inspired by Thailand’s former capital Ayuthia. It is built with the woods makha, golden brown with dark veins, and teak which was considered a “royal” tree by the kings of Thailand and Burma. The lighter wood in the roof tiers gives it depth and breathing space from a distance.

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The design embraces authentically the Thai tradition and is timeless and serene with intelligent spacing between the restaurants and swimming pool. The sloping location is enhanced with cascading stairs and raised steps that took me down from the rooms to the lobby. Even more magnificently, straight out of a stage setting from Aida, it took me down again from the pool to the private beach.

The lobby is open-planned, airy, counter-free, and welcoming; there’s a flow and balance. Each villa has been designed to ensure true privacy. There’s a nautical feel to the rooms. The wonderful outdoor “sala” sun deck smells of sweet varnished teak.

It’s all so efficiently run and the staff keep an attentive but low profile. Mosquitos are present but deet is good and so is “marmite and gin and tonic.” Interestingly Trudy Rilling-Collins, an American lady, was brought in by the innovative general manager Paul Linder to minimalize the mosquitos. On researching the pests’ habit of only living within 100-150 yards of steady water for their eggs to hatch, she uses a labor-intensive but highly effective ploy of draining the still waters. It needs constant attention but keeps the customers satisfied. As do the hotel’s airport staff who whisked me through the crowds to take care of the arduous task of returning myself to the world of responsibility.

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W H E R E T O S TAY :

THE SLATE Nai Yang Beach, 116 Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalanage Phuket, Thailand 83110 +66 76 327 006

W H AT T O D O :

SIRINAT NATIONAL PARK 89/1 Village No.1, Ban Nai Yang, Saku Subdistrict Thalang District, Phuket Province 83140 0 7632 8226

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W H E R E T O E AT :

THE EDGE (ON SITE AT SAROJIN) 60 Moo 2, Kukkak, Takuapa Phang Nga, Thailand 82190 +66 (0) 76 427 900

THE SAROJIN

PHUKET FANTASEA

BLACK GINGER (ON SITE AT THE SLATE)

60 Moo 2, Kukkak, Takuapa Phang Nga, Thailand 82190 +66 (0) 76 427 900

99 Kamala, Kathu District Phuket, Thailand 83150 +66 76 385 00

Nai Yang Beach, 116 Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalanage Phuket, Thailand 83110 +66 76 327 006

AMANPURI

BIG BUDDHA PHUKET

NAMA (ON SITE AT AMANPURI)

118 Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherngtalay, Thalang District Phuket, Thailand 83110 +66 76 324 333

Karon, Mueang Phuket District Phuket, Thailand 83100 +66 81 891 3827

118 Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherngtalay, Thalang District Phuket, Thailand 83110 +66 76 324 333

Photo credit Miltiadis Fragkidis

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Photography by: ANDREW ZAEH

(Anti) Social Summer

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Model Stacey Edwards styled by himself

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T-SHIRT UC SANTA CRUZ COLLEGIATE PANTS UNIQLO

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SWEATER LACOSTE PANTS DICKIES SNEAKER CONVERSE CHUCK 70

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SUIT AUGUSTA SPORTSWEAR JEANS LEVI SNEAKER NIKE TENNIS CLASSIC

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SHIRT H&M PANTS DESIGNED BY STACEY EDWARDS

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SHIRT GOOD THREADS BY AMAZON SHORTS CODE FOUR ATHLETICS

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HUMANS

Olivier Germain

New York City became the United States’ epicenter early-on when COVID-19 initially rocked the nation. Olivier Germain was one of the first called to action. As an RN on the East Side of Manhattan, his work as an around-the-clock nurse quickly blossomed into being an emotional support system to patients and a positive guide to the outside world, representing hope for so many. He’s personally taken the new levels of stress in a professional and calm manner, caring for so many, but not allowing the difficulties to hinder his abilities to continue to help, being a true dignitary.

BLEU: What is your background as a nurse and how did it help you in adapting to the beginning of the pandemic in March and April?

Olivier: The pandemic reached heightened numbers in March and of course the city was told to shut down. When the pandemic broke out, I was in New York. It trickled down into the five boroughs, and we started getting slammed here. My hospital is traditionally an Orthopedic hospital, but it ended up converting to a full regular hospital that takes care of COVID patients. My area is Immediate Care, for Orthopedic emergencies, but I also have experience in Med-Surg and post-anesthesia as well.

At no point in my career, or anyone else who I know of, had experienced something like this. It was so sudden. The amount of

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I personally had my ‘quarantine circle’, seeing the same faces. I can empathize with so many people who felt like they needed to go out and talk with people.

It wasn’t their fault, but at what cost is the issue. Sometimes you have to do things for the greater good. New York City is slowly progressing toward a normal state.

people who ended up in our emergency room was beyond measure.

How did your work change over time by May and June?

A lot of us are so much more grateful, acknowledging the value of life so much more.

As we realize how important our profession is, especially during the pandemic, people were inside of those rooms without their family members. Visitors weren’t allowed. In those instances, we were the last faces, the last to hold the hands of people going away, unfortunately. We were there to be that person’s comfort and family.

By now in July, New York is handling it much better than other major cities.

What is happening there?

New York as a whole has been pretty good as far as maintaining masks. We haven’t had as much of an issue. People are very adherent and careful. Maybe not so much in the beginning, but many definitely became cautious once the peak hit. As a young person as well, I empathize with people. We love our company and depend on a lot of social interaction.

How has being a nurse changed during the pandemic versus before it?

We’re definitely a more unified group.

We’ve always been a family, but we’ve gone through this common struggle together. All of us across all departments, we’re a union. We debrief together before our shifts. We’ve always done this, but now it’s to make sure that we’re okay. We want to make sure our nurses are mentally doing well. We’re all learning to adapt.

Do you have any advice for future nurses?

To new graduates in nursing school, I want to let them know that this is a profession where if you are not cut out for it, you will know. If you go into it simply because you want to make a living, no one’s upset, everyone has a job for a living. But recognize that you are dealing with human beings, with lives. It comes with not only taking care of people physically or in a medicinal way, but you have to care for people in an emotional way, for their psyche. It takes a lot to be a nurse. I congratulate you simply for even tackling such a hard task as nursing school. I am sincerely proud of you, and I hope you get to change the world, to make a difference

Photo courtesy of Olivier Germain

Words by: EMILIE BRESLIN

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Marquita Mack Depression, Schizophrenia.I feel like it’s happening because all of the out-patient facilities and clinics are closed. People who routinely used to see their psychiatrist or behavior health doctor for medications no longer have those resources.

Throughout this pandemic, many healthcare professionals have been up against tremendous new levels of stress and are expected to overcome each hurdle flawlessly. Marquita Mack, a Registered Nurse BSN residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a champion for her patients by putting them first each day and risking her own health and safety in the process. Working from the beginning of March to the present-day, she has been experiencing firsthand the effects COVID-19 has placed on the medical world.

BLEU: What was your initial reaction to the pandemic and what was the beginning like for you?

Marquita: It was initially in March when things started really coming to the public regarding COVID-19. My employer was trying to get us prepared by coming up with procedures and policies, keeping the staff informed, and how to prepare for this surge of positive patients. I was concerned about how sick these patients would be. Would I be physically and mentally ready and capable? At the time, I had a baby who was less than a year old when COVID started to hit. I was worried about how that could potentially infect him.

And then the complete opposite happened at work. The government started pushing social distancing, and people stopped coming to the hospital. Our hospital typically holds about a thousand patients. I think we were down to 190. Now we had this strong nursing population with no patients to take care of. My employer actually started laying us off. At that point, I was contacted through my company, Atrium

Health to help with on-site patients in underserved populations and communities.

They set up medical RVs that would go to different communities. That’s where I got on the front lines. I did that from the last week of March up to May 24th.It was a way for citizens of all different backgrounds to get the assistance they needed regarding COVID-19.

What have you done since then in June and July? What does the pandemic look like now versus in the beginning?

Over the last month, I’ve been called back into the hospital, working back on my unit which is a COVID floor. It’s not ICU, it’s for asymptomatic COVID patients, which basically means that patients come in, we swab them, and then they have to wait 24 hours for a test result. While they wait for their result, we treat them as a positive patient.

In addition to that, with COVID and quarantine, we’ve seen a huge influx of psychiatric patients. Now, we’re having patients come in with suicidal thoughts, Bipolar,

Photo courtesy of Marquita Mack

Words by: EMILIE BRESLIN

How have you personally been coping with the pandemic as a medical professional?

I’ve been a nurse since 2004 for sixteen years, and eventually, you’re going to come into contact with things that may ultimately affect you. You have the risk of taking care of patients with Tuberculosis, finger sticks, blood splashes; I’m very much aware and prepared for. I’ve never been prepared for a pandemic.I sometimes find myself worrying about my co-workers and I may go in to help them out, sympathizing with them.

Some of my co-workers that work in ICU have patients that are dying alone. That’s something that I can’t fathom as a nurse. You are that person’s only other physical contact before they leave this earth. That takes a mental toll on both parties.

What advice do you have for up-andcoming nurses?

Take care of yourself. Know that it’s okay to make time for yourself. Go get that massage, have that glass of wine, just be prepared. People tend to think, ‘when you go into nursing, I’m just going to take care of sick patients’ and before you know it, you’re doing so much more than just taking care of a sick patient. Sometimes when you’re so caught up and overwhelmed, you lose sight of your own well-being. Definitely take time for yourself.

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Let’s Talk About the Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 The quarantine is taking a toll on everyone’s mental and physical wellbeing. Feelings of anxiety and unease are normal during these times. We have a few tips to help with coping.

Imagine living in the land of the free and not being free.

In early March, our lives changed in the blink of an eye.

Mandated home schooling for our children, curfews, the closing of non-essential businesses, orders to wear masks, working from home, limited health care due to the overwhelming and growing population of patients diagnosed with the Coronavirus, and millions filing for unemployment have become the new normal. This pandemic and the lack of resources smacked us clean in the face.

When we turn on the news and log into social media, we hear about the concerns for our health and how we will rebuild the economy. Our ladies are longing for hair and nail salons, and our fellas are tapping their feet waiting for a barber to open. Nonetheless, there needs to be a real conversation about how this pandemic is impacting our mental health. It is no secret that mental health is a taboo in many minority communities however, it is time to normalize the conversations around the need for mental health care.

This is important for ourselves, our future generations, and to honor our ancestors.

The Coronavirus arrived and snatched the bit of control we had over our lives, and as a result anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. Whether one is fearful of going outside, having increased heart rates,

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Below I have generated a list of healthy ways to tackle symptoms of anxiety and depression surrounding COVID-19: Limit your intake of COVID-19 news, it can become overwhelming.

Be still: It is okay to take time out to relax.

Remind yourself daily that quarantine is temporary .

Make a vision board for post-quarantine life. Personal goals and finances may have been impacted and altered due to COVID-19. Revisit your goals, recharge, and reset. experiencing exhaustion, lack of motivation, having anger outbursts, having panic episodes, or avoiding the situation all together, every single person is consciously or subconsciously having a response.

Let me first start by saying it is normal to have a wide range of feelings and emotions around COVID-19. Read that again. It is normal people!

Every single American, including myself is experiencing and adjusting to a new normal, and because of this, it is natural to feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Knowing this, it is also imperative to allow one’s self to feel. If you do not face your feelings, there is absolutely no way you can fix them.

While reading this piece, I want you all to take a moment to write down your feelings around COVID-19. Are you frustrated? Are you sad?

Are you tired? Are you annoyed? Are you tired of home school? Are you annoyed that work and home are in the same space? Are you tired of being an essential worker?

Now that you are aware and are willing to face feelings and emotions, it is time to fix them.

When experiencing anxieties, having feelings of depression, or undergoing a trauma, it is imperative not to avoid these feelings and emotions. Though the practice of avoidance may appear to be quick fix, avoidance may actually be more damaging long-term than in the present.

When one buries their emotions and feelings, they come back in the future by way of a trigger.

One may never know what will trigger it or how many triggers may be associated with the event. It is best to gently and safely address your feelings and emotions as they appear and develop coping mechanisms to support normal and healthy functioning. Is there a possibility that you still may be triggered in the future? Yes, however, you will already have developed methods to respond to future triggers.

Find Something to celebrate in your home. An example of this could be celebrating a student’s completion of remote school for the week. It is important to remember that the child is adjusting to this new norm, too.

Find control. We do not have control over this situation, so stay in control of things you can. Example of things one can take control over is your diet, home schedule, workout and self-care regimens, and work/home boundaries.

Take a walk and get fresh air. Be sure to take proper safety precautions with social distancing and wear masks if required by your state.

Make a schedule for yourself. It is easy to lose track of time when being home and not on a strict schedule.

Meditate before you start your day. Take 10 deep breaths when you wake up for clarity.

Journal at night to release your thoughts prior to bedtime.

Schedule a virtual happy hour, girls’ night, or game night with your friends and family.

Help others. Text, DM, or email a thank you or motivational note to an essential worker or health care worker.

Join live workouts.

Try new recipes.

Create a memory book with your children.

Do not overwork yourself and create boundaries around work. Home may now be your workplace, however, it is imperative to know when your workday is over.

Be gentle with yourself. You do not need to know the answers at this time. This current pandemic and its restrictions are a new norm that many of us have never experienced.

Give yourself a pat on the back. Everyday you wake up and have survived a day of quarantine is a day to remember,you are not defeated!

Frontline workers: you are tired, you are overworked but you are making history and you are a hero. Document your journey. It can be a motivation for you, your family, or future healthcare workers that you may mentor. You are appreciated!

Utilize telehealth to speak to a mental health professional

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Words by: JAMIE ROLLO

3rd Space Embraces their Community Opened in May of 2019, 3rd Space is the newest addition to an ever-growing list of coworking spaces. 3rd Space’s sincere dedication to the Newark community makes this space extraordinary.

Newark, New Jersey, located minutes from bustling Manhattan, is home to a rich American history. Not only has the city raised some of the most successful recording artists including Whitney Houston, Queen Latifa, and Wyclef Jean, but it also served as a huge industrial production hub before the age of globalization. Nestled in the heart of the city’s up-and-coming Ironbound District, in a repurposed textile factory is 3rd Space, a coworking facility with a deep dedication to the city’s community and schools.

One of the first things you notice when walking into the space is the images of M&M’s everywhere. Why? Because Newark was home to the first M&M’s factory and according to Community Manager and Partner Kenneth Miles, the decorum is only a sliver of the company’s admiration for the city and its history.

“Newarkers, they have a level of pride that I’ve never seen anywhere else - and I’m from Jersey,” Miles said in an interview. “They love Newark. They need to feel that you’re sincere 90

MAGAZINE

in doing something in the community or else they’re not gonna deal with you.” All throughout 3rd Space, you’ll see beautiful artwork and illustrations strewn across the walls of the facility. The installations are all made by students from Newark Arts High School. “They did an amazing job,” Miles commented.

Much like the other New Jersey cities with close proximity to New York, Newark is currently undergoing a huge transformation that is not always welcomed by the people who live there. Who can really blame them? As trendy businesses switch up the neighborhood, rent prices skyrocket thus pushing out the people who have called Newark home for years. Therefore, the site of a modern and hip co-working space being built was not favored by residents.

Kenneth Miles knew that in order to have community support, he would need to support the community too. 3rd Space holds events that are completely open to the public and encourages Newark’s population to get involved. They host workshops, book signings, self-defense classes, and many more community-based events.

“This is like a second home for me. I grew up in Jersey City, so I’ve seen the changes,” Miles said. “I understand that this is a business, we need to be able to make a profit, but at the same time, you have to make space for people in the community who have always been here.

And I feel like that’s one of my jobs here, too.”

Not too long ago, 3rd Space welcomed activist Cyntoia Brown-Long for a signing of her latest novel Free Cyntoia. “We invited the community because we have a lot of people who are activists. They followed her story and just being able to have the opportunity to ask her questions on a one-to-one basis was amazing,” said Miles. “We had a lot of young women here and lawyers. What we did was we charged a small fee, like $10, to get in and we donated all of the money to the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice.”

Following Cyntoia Brown-Long, 3rd Space welcomed in Pose star and Newark native M.J. Rodriguez. An alumna of Newark Arts High School, she came to speak to current students about how to prevent bullying. While this event wasn’t open to the public, many students and community leaders came out.

Many of the space’s occupancy includes Newark-based businesses and nonprofits.

Uniquely, the space provides pricing points for a variety of different businesses and creatives. Prices can be as low as just $25 a day

to use the open spaces or $99 for access for the entire month. This way, the space is made available for anyone and everyone, including one artist who sets up shop in the common area.

3rd Space has many accommodations for its members. In the front entrance is a beautiful cafe where members and guests can enjoy coffee from Great Notch Coffee Roasters, a New Jersey based company. Also, in the back, the space has a full kitchen. There are plenty of conference rooms, event spaces, phone booths, and a fully functioning podcast studio where anyone can come in and create.

After working as a writer and editor, and obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree, Miles decided to apply to 3rd Space for the community manager position. He soon was able to meet face-to-face with the President of 3rd Space, Jennifer Donolo. After sharing similar goals for the company and community outreach, Miles was brought on as a founding part-

ner for the Newark location. His passion for 3rd Space and its mission continues to grow each day. “[It’s like] when you write a story and you finally see it published. I felt the same way when the doors opened up. And what really gets me are the events and I was able to tap into other skill sets of mine, I didn’t know I had,” said Miles. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur, but this role really helped to challenge me. It helped to hone a lot of my skills. I already love dealing with people but now there’s a business aspect to it.”

While coronavirus quarantine may hinder his plans, Miles’s main goal is to continue the upkeep and improvement of the community programming that has given 3rd Space a positive reputation in the Newark community. “I want some quality people here, but it’s not easy either. People don’t see the behind-the-scenes,” he explained. “We’re open. If you wanna come to 3rd Space and you have a story to tell and you wanna give back to the community, hit me up.”

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BLEULIST

Charities Helping During Coronavirus

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Feeding America

International Community Foun-

Response Fund

Doctors without Borders

dation

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

Oxfam America

ActionAid USA

Coalition for the Homeless

The Red Cross

Prevent Child Abuse America

East Oakland Collective

Team Rubicon

Healthcorps

Slice Out Hunger

Global Citizen

Sewa International, Inc.

The Foundation for Contemporary Artists

No Kid Hungry

National Foundation for Infec-

Artist Relief Fund

UNICEF

tious Diseases

HealthWell Foundation

Partners in Health

American Autoimmune Related

RIP Medical Debt

New York Cares

Diseases Association

Operation USA

Vitamin Angels

Family Promise

Project C.U.R.E.

Alight

Asha for Education

The Seattle Foundation

CDC Foundation

Crisis Aid International

The American Red Cross

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness

Givedirectly, Inc.

Save the Children

Innovations

Orphan Life Foundation

AFT Education Foundation

Direct Relief

World Central Kitchen

Akron Community Foundation

Modest Needs Foundation

Meals on Wheels

Alliance for a Just Society

Project Hope

International Medical Corps

Alliance for Education

United Nations Foundation

WeCount!

Student Relief Fund

Convoy of Health

Sanctuary DMV

Black Belt Community Foundation

Good360

Immigrant Worker Safety Net

Building Changes

Haitian Health Foundation

Foundation

Central New York Community Foundation

Preemptive Love Coalition

National Bailout

CMS Foundation

GlobalGiving

Freedom for Immigrants

Cobb Community Foundation

Americares

PNWA

D.C. Education Fund

Gary Sinise Foundation

Flickr Fund

DonorsChoose

United Way Worldwide

Native American Community

Emergent Fund

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ICON

I

Words by: SHALISA ALBA

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett Forging An Important Path For Black Women In Science A look into the life-saving work of a scientific researcher hoping to change the world.

According to data from the National Science Foundation, in 2017 there were more than a dozen fields - largely subfields within science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM) - in which not a single doctoral degree was awarded to a Black person anywhere in the United States. Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D. is working tirelessly to dispel the myth that one has to look a certain way to pursue higher education as she leads the charge against the most devastating pandemic in the last 100 years.

First seen by most Americans in a roundtable held at the Vaccine Research Center in early March surrounded by members of the White House coronavirus task force, Dr. Corbett was named as the scientific researcher at the forefront of making a Covid-19 vaccine and her colleagues believe her to be the perfect person for the job.

“She’s one of the hardest workers I know,” said Freeman Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Dr. Corbett attended UMBC as an undergraduate

from 2004-2008 on a full-ride scholarship as part of the esteemed Meyerhoff Scholars Program, meant to increase diversity amongst future leaders in STEM. In an interview with The Washington Post, Hrabowski expressed his confidence in Dr. Corbett’s ability to be successful even though the outcome is naturally unpredictable. “People don’t know how hard she works. She is an extraordinary human being with a passion for science and helping people.”

However, despite such glowing remarks and news of her position as the ultimate expert on a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Corbett was not asked a single question by the press at the time of the roundtable’s taping. “At some point, you just have to say, ‘I don’t care what they think’, and just show up and let your work speak for you,” the 34-yearold viral immunologist and senior research fellow at the National Institute of Health told Black Enterprise Magazine in April.

Just three days after the roundtable found her singled out, President Donald Trump signed

a bill authorizing an $8.3 billion emergency Coronavirus response package including at least $3 billion for testing, vaccines, and treatment development - having spent time with Dr. Corbett and recognizing the promise of her team’s work.

Less than two weeks later, they completed the introductory clinical trial for their first-of-its-kind vaccine and just 66 days after the viral sequence was released, solidified their place in history as having the fastest progress toward a possible vaccine for a novel pathogen.

A self-described empath, Dr. Corbett is involved in science communication and public engagement when she’s not confined to her lab. Regularly sharing valuable STEM resources through her social media, she hopes to be a mirror for the many students who share her natural love and appreciation for the sciences but struggle to see themselves in her shoes. As a Black, Christian woman from the South who effortlessly switches up her hair and listens to Young Jeezy while working in isolation with her team, Dr. Corbett remains visibly committed to her community.

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S TO C K I S T

Photography by FABRICE LEONARD

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