JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS

When it comes to the culture, DTLR is at the crux of it all. Branching off into the sports world, DTLR is excited to announce our official partnership with undefeated star boxer, Jaron “Boots” Ennis! This month, we took over our 52nd + Market DTLR location in the heart of Philly – Boots’ hometown – to host a press conference with Boots himself to make the official announcement.

After an interview on DTLR Radio with DJ RL, an impromptu meet and greet with fans who were in attendance, and conversations with local photographers and media folks, Boots and Billy Blea of Southpaw Promotions hosted the press conference, where they announced the DTLR partnership as well as Boots’ upcoming fight in Atlanta on March 24, the first bout following our new long-term collaboration.

In addition, Ennis’ “Boots On The Ground” community organization seeks to address education and health issues in the Philadelphia community and intends to work alongside “Dare To Live Right,” DTLR’s community outreach wing. All parties are excited about this collaboration, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Boots and DTLR for 2023 and beyond!

In partnership with the U.S. Army and CIAA, Dare to Live Right sponsored the annual High School Education Day at The Baltimore Convention Center. The event provided 2,000 students the opportunity to learn more about the importance of furthering their education and to discover the exciting programs and experiences CIAA colleges and universities have to offer, along with Army ROTC opportunities.

Geared toward high school juniors and seniors, the Education Day event aimed to inform students about future educational and career opportunities, and get students excited about higher education. The event included dance battles and performances from CIAA college cheerleaders, 360 photo booth, and words of inspiration from the CIAA Commissioner.

Along with information about Army ROTC opportunities, the following schools hosted booths offering on-site college acceptances; Bowie State University; Claflin University; Elizabeth City State University; Fayetteville State University; Lincoln University (PA); Livingstone College; Johnson C. Smith University; Saint Augustine’s University; Shaw University; Virginia State University; Virginia Union University; and Winston-Salem State University.

“Education Day is an opportunity that allows sophomores, juniors and seniors a glimpse at what their future can hold,” said CIAA Education Day Director Raukell R. Robinson. “We believe that touting the tradition of CIAA is deeply rooted in the amazing opportunities that students are afforded by attending a CIAA institution.”

CIAA Weekend came through Baltimore city for the second year in a row, and what a year it was once again! For our activation this year, we partnered up with our friends at Jordan Brand to do a full-blown layout unlike any other.

Taking over the Baltimore Convention Center on Friday (2/24) + (2/25), we had it all: a half court Jordan-branded basketball enclosure packed with giveaway contests all weekend long; a mini DTLR pop-up shop where we sold the brand-new WHEATIES x AJ1 collab (which was a hit to say the least); a full DTLR Radio set up with a stage for artist meet and greets and interviews; the popular 360 photo booth that was bumping all weekend long; and most importantly, an open area for the CIAA attendees to rock out to our many guest DJs all weekend long.

Special guests were aplenty at this year’s Fan Fest. With our DTLR Radio hosts Tiara

LaNiece, Fadam Got Da Juice, DJ RL, King Flexxa and more, we linked with quite a few folks. We sat down for interviews with the likes of King Combs, Lightskin Keisha, Rican Da Menace, Slimeroni, Money Jake, Bossman and many others. Other Baltimore influencers such as Bunkey Jr., TSU Terry, The Top Tier Shiners all came through as well, teaching folks how to dance, balling on the court, and more.

We even had the next generation of DJs take over the 1s and 2s for us, including DJ Saucegod (DJ Quicksilva’s son) and “The Future” DJ A-Eazy. Keeping the good energy flowing not only with the music, but on the mic as well, these young stars-inthe-making have a bright career on their horizons.

All in all, this year’s CIAA Fan Fest was one to remember and DTLR’s presence was felt tremendously.