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CHATGPT: HOW TO USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN TODAY’S WORLD!
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
FIRST LOOK
HIP-HOP AT 50
•CHUBB ROCK
SEE THE LATEST BRIDAL STYLE THAT IS ALL THE RAVE
SPEAKS FACTS
•TOP BRANDS TO REMEMBER
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL TIPS
•A DIARY OF
CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
A HIP-HOP LADY
PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA
GET READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP
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CELEB HAIR
Trina
MENTORING YOUNG WOMEN BUT STILL THE BADDEST CHICK
JUNE-JULY 2023 JUNE-JULY 2023
upscalemagazine.com
“...I look forward to continuing
to spread the same support to rising female artists in music.”
ARTWORK BY EVELYN HENSON
CONFETTI HEARTS WALL, SOUTH END
Charlotte. Love takes on a whole new meaning in the Queen City. Pulsing with pride thanks to the tastemakers, trendsetters and the all-around passionate people shaping it, discover undeniable soul that is waiting to make a lasting impression on you. Plan your trip at charlottesgotalot.com.
@ charlottesgotalot
charlottesgotalot.com
CONTENTS FEATURES
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STILL THE BADDEST With a legacy that spans decades Trina wears her grown and sexy well. Hip-hop’s Diamond Princess drops gems about leaning into her next phase and mentoring those who are on the rise. By Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd
HOLLYWOOD HAIR What if you could have the hairstylist who created styles for the likes of Beyoncé Beyoncé,, Mary J. Blige and Zendaya do your hair? By Jocelyn Amador
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COMMON THREAD Traveling to the Caribbean Caribbean,, the Summer 2023 issue of upscale Magazine focuses on tropical style for this editorial. By Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds
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GET THE LOOK Newly married bride Toni Norton had one request, to look naked in her custom wedding gown which was designed by Gbemi Okunlola of Alonuko based out of London. By Jonell Whitt
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TRAVEL GUIDE Cartagena,, Orlando and Port Antonio Cartagena By Annita Stokes Thomas, Leslie E. Royal and Hal Peat
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TASTY FOODS These 3 easy summer recipes will have you cooking By Jonell Whitt
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Thi s p a g e a nd C over p hot og r a p hy b y St a nl o Phot og r a p hy
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CONTENTS 11
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UPDATE 08 / Opener Hip-Hop turns 50 by E. Monique Johnson
10 / M edia Reviews Plantains and Our Becoming Poems; What the Fireflies Knew; In Our Shoes by Leslie E. Royal
11 / Next Faly Rakotohavana stars in Hulu’s “Unprisoned” by Utamu Belle
12 / Pets Puppy Love is in Style by Annita Stokes Thomas
14 / M usic Chubb Rock celebrates Hip-Hop at 50 by Jonell Whitt
15 / S tyles Father’s Day Gifts fit for a king by Leslie E. Royal
COLUMNS 19 / Health Upscale discusses uterine fibroids with Dr. Kanini Z. Rodney by Tash Van Doimen
21 / Relationship Tried and True: dating tips for professional women by Tash Van Doimen
22 / Wellness Fitness, Nutrition, and Mental Health Tips by Michelle & Delino DeShields
23 / Gospel Gospel music’s rising star-Otis Kemp by Yannason Duncan
24 / Hip-Hop Diary of a Hip-Hop woman
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by Dr. Adia Winfrey
26 / Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen Engaging, Empowering, and Encouraging the Global Community by Denise Powell
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27 / Tech ChatGPT: A beginner’s Guide by Tash Van Doimen
SPOTLIGHT 64 / Dyana Williams uses her voice to exalt the artistry of black music and culture; Malena Cunningham Anderson-News Reporter, Actor, Director, and Filmmaker
ET CETRA 72 / L ast Word Huntsville, Alabama’s Georgia Bearden is a trailblazer
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER Bernard Bronner
Founder / Publisher
WINNING PLAYS
pg 22
Bernard Bronner Publisher Ceobernardbronner Bernardbronner Bernardbronner
Cou rte sy of D e l in o D e S h ie lds
upscale CEO Bernard Bronner sat down for a conversation with Major League Baseball (MLB) coach and former player Delino DeShields. DeShields was also a coach with the Reds organization for fourteen years. For this issue, DeShields was a contributor to our Health and Wellness article. BB: What was your role with the Reds and what’s your present role? DD: During my time with the Reds, I managed at every level for ten years and was the MLB first base coach for an additional four years. Currently, I am in my first year with the Washington Nationals. I am the manager for their Double A affiliate, The Harrisburg Senators. BB: How long have you been involved with baseball? DD: Basketball is my first love. I received a full scholarship to Villanova to play hoops in 1987. That same year I was also a first-round draft pick
by the Montreal Expos in the MLB June Draft. I decided to forgo my scholarship and to take my chances playing baseball. Needless to say, things worked out and I played in the MLB for fourteen years. I started coaching in 2009 so this will be my fifteenth-year coaching in Professional Baseball. BB: What has been one of your most memorable experiences? DD: One of my most memorable experiences was getting four hits in my Major League debut with my mother in the stands. Someday soon, I hope to manage in the Major Leagues.
VP / Editorial Director Art Director Associate Editors Editors at Large Senior Writers Fashion Editor Copy Editor Writers Editorial Events Manager Senior Contributors Contributors Correspondents
P. Nigel Killikelly Michael A. Chester Utamu Belle, E. Monique Johnson Michelle Elliott DeShields, Tash Van Doimen Jocelyn Amador, Sheryl Nance-Nash, Hal Peat Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds Evelina Singh Kitty J. Pope, Pat Ramanou Dirk ìChiggaî Christiani Shindana Johnson, Leslie E. Royal, Annita Stokes Thomas Yannason Duncan, Carolyn Walcott, Ibiyi J. Wilson Terry Allen, Nicole Baskins, Bentley Diolier, Errol McCollin, K. Nkosi Killikelly
VP / National Sales and Marketing Senior Account Manager National Sales and Promotions National Sales / Health and Wellness East Coast Sales and Promotions West Coast Sales and Promotions Media Consultant and Advisor Newsstand Sales Director Publicist Digital Manager Regional Promotions Manager Event Manager
Millie Y. Harrell Armenious Patterson Jr. Endura Govan Leris Bernard Jay Ellis William M. Johnson Bob McNeil John Blassingame Jonell Whitt Denise Powell Gail Foster/Midwest Marie Tichler
CORPORATE/EDITORIAL OFFICE 4200 WENDELL DRIVE, SW ATLANTA, GA 30336 404-407-5750 OFFICE 770-953-0848 FAX
announce that for this issue. Hip-Hop’s Diamond Princess Trina has been featured on our cover. Catch the exclusive story penned by Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd (pg 28)
2 Celebrating 50 years of
Hip- Hop! A powerful milestone- Upscale pays tribute to the musical icons who have paved the way (pgs 8, 24)
3 Journey with upscale
to Cartagena and Port Antonio through our interesting and fun Travel Guide (pg 52)
4 We continue to stress
the importance of maintaining both mental and physical health, through our Health and Wellness articles, featuring expert advice (pgs 19, 22) as well as important Relationship tips (pg 21)
Upscale magazine is the ultimate lifestyle magazine addressing the needs of stylish, informed and progressive African-Americans. You Can Also Stay Connected to Our Digital and Radio Network Platforms DIGITAL Like and Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ Upscale Magazine to stay informed on the latest in news, lifestyle, entertainment and education. Check out the links below: website: upscalemagazine.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/UpscaleMagazine Instagram: instagram.com/upscalemagazine Twitter: @upscalemagazine All editorial queries should be sent to upscalemediateam@gmail.com
From the desk of Bernard Bronner 1 I am pleased to
Two and Naturi Lewis shows love for their upscale cover!
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upscale highlights the inspirational work of Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen (pg 26)
Subscription Service: 404-407-5750 upscalemagazine.com upscale (ISSN 1047-2592) “The Ultimate Experience” is produced bi-monthly by Killikelly Media for the Publisher. VOLUME 34 ISSUE 3. Periodicals postage paid in Atlanta, Ga., and additional offices. Copyright © 2023 by UPSCALE Communications Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. UPSCALE assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine. ABC membership applied for. Subscriptions are $14.99 for six issues in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to upscalemediagroup@aol.com
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