Category: Lifestyle

Entertainment /

ESSENCE WILL STREAM NATIONAL HBCU COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis that has forced colleges and universities across the nation to postpone their commencement celebrations, a coalition of HBCU leaders, advocacy organizations, and corporate partners have come together to host the National HBCU Commencement Celebration.  The virtual event, the brainchild of Paul Quinn College president Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, will be streamed live internationally on ESSENCE Studios (www.essencestudios.com) thanks to a partnership with ESSENCE – the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities for 50 years.

The celebration will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2020, and will feature celebrity hosts, motivational speakers, musical performances, and the profiles of HBCU valedictorians and other graduates. In addition to highlighting this year’s graduates and their institutions, the event will raise funds for participating HBCUs and their students.

“As the result of COVID-19, our students have been robbed of a moment that they and their families have earned,” said Sorrell. “I am so grateful that this coalition of partners stepped up to answer the call of the HBCU community and stand in the gap for our students and their families.”

In addition to Paul Quinn College, the celebration is being organized by Howard University, The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), Thurgood Marshal College Fund (TMCF), and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The event is being supported by several partners, including ESSENCE, JPMorgan Chase, and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

“We are excited that graduates from our member-schools will receive the public recognition that they earned and deserved,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, and CEO of TMCF, which represents 47-member schools. “This celebratory event is an effort to lift up all of our students and to let them know that we are proud of their hard work and perseverance, especially during these difficult times.”

Dr. Michael Lomax, President, and CEO of UNCF praised the event and said that the celebration will reinforce the importance and history of HBCUs.

“For 76 years, UNCF has helped more than half a million students graduate from college, and our mission remains the same even as we grapple with the impact of COVID-19,” said Lomax. “Students who receive a UNCF scholarship have a 70% graduation rate. I hope this program inspires viewers to support students to become college graduates.”

Funds raised during the event will go into an emergency fund to support HBCU students and will be distributed by TMCF and UNCF.  These dollars will go a long way in helping students who have been impacted by COVID-19.

“NAFEO is excited to join Dr. Michael Sorrell in realizing his vision and the dream of giving back to HBCU seniors, perhaps the most unfathomable aspect of their abrupt exile—the canceling of the commencement ceremonies,” said Lezli Baskerville, President, and CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. “Denying the seniors and their families the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial walk down the aisle to higher ground and the receipt of a ticket to greater economic security, greater independence, opportunities for service, and leadership is a celebration we would not permit for our sons and daughters and their families to miss.”

Added Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University: “Every HBCU in the country has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic due to interruptions to our academic year and the challenging transition to online learning,” said Frederick. “However, the loss that our seniors are experiencing with the abrupt end to their final semester and subsequent cancellation of the commencement convocation is the most heartbreaking part of this crisis. Hopefully this opportunity to come together as an HBCU community and celebrate these exceptional students will express our sincere gratitude to these scholars for their individual contributions to their respective institutions.”

JPMorgan Chase is supporting this effort through its Advancing Black Pathways initiative, which is committed to helping the black community achieve meaningful gains in three areas: educational achievement, career success, and wealth creation.

“Graduating from college is a sacred moment in a student’s life, and we are honored to support HBCUs, students and their families as we navigate one of the most unique and challenging periods in our nation’s history,” said Sekou Kaalund, the Head of Advancing Black Pathways. “Education is core to our mission of creating opportunity, and we are committed to helping black college students and graduates navigate this difficult environment and get on a path to lasting and rewarding careers.”

“These deserving students have earned the right to commemorate and celebrate the tremendous accomplishment of receiving their diploma and launching the next phase of their lives,” said Oris Stuart, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer for the NBA. “The NBA is proud to support HBCUs and honor their graduates during this momentous occasion.”

“HBCUs have served as educational, social, and legacy pillars in the Black community for generations and continue to be an invaluable treasure to the nation,” said Richelieu Dennis, Founder, and Chair, Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE.  “For more than 180 years, these institutions have equipped students with the critical tools needed to create pathways to success and have cultivated generations of vanguards, trailblazers, and leaders.  As we come together to develop innovative solutions for these unprecedented times, we are excited to utilize our ESSENCE Studios platform to provide thousands of 2020 HBCU graduates and their loved ones from around the world with the special commencement experience and celebration they deserve.”

Entertainment /

ESSENCE CONTINUES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING MEGASTAR AND FIRST-TIME FESTIVAL PERFORMER BRUNO MARS

ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women globally, is continuing the year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary with the announcement of GRAMMY-award winning artists Bruno Mars and Janet Jackson as mainstage headliners for the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola. This will be the first-ever ESSENCE Festival appearance and the only 2020 U.S. festival performance for Mars, a celebrated singer, songwriter, producer and musician who has sold over 200 million singles worldwide. Jackson’s performance will mark her third appearance at the Festival, which will take place during her newly-announced Black Diamond World Tour.

“This is a milestone year for ESSENCE and our community as we celebrate 50 years of creating opportunities for our culture to shine and the role of Black women in making it possible for us to do what no other brand has done,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. “To be able to say that at 50 years, we are Black-owned, diversified across media, technology, commerce and live events, and impacting our culture in new and even deeper ways than ever before is a blessing – and one that comes with a tremendous responsibility to our community to continue to evolve, innovate and transform. That remains our focus and commitment as we work to ensure that we are here serving Black women deeply and advancing Black culture, economic ownership and inclusion globally for the next 50 years.”

Ebanks continued, “In this celebration year, ESSENCE could not be more excited to welcome Bruno Mars for the first time and to have Janet Jackson return to headline the mainstage during the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. These two powerhouses, along with our robust slate of programming, performances and tributes, will continue our legacy of cultural excellence and dynamic, only-at-ESSENCE experiences that excite, elevate and inspire. To Bruno, Janet and all our ESSENCE Festival artists we say, ‘Welcome home.’”

As the world’s largest cultural, music, entertainment and empowerment experience and the global epicenter of Black culture, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture has created a home for Black artists and communities around the world for 26 years and routinely attracts more than half a million international attendees over July 4th weekend. In honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary and marking one day for each decade, the Festival will be extended for the first time from three

days to five days and will take place July 1-5 in New Orleans, LA.  This year’s theme, “Own Our Power,” will be at the center of performances, conversations and activations that span arts, entertainment, music, beauty, fashion, technology, film, food, wellness, advocacy, civic engagement, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

The Festival’s three-night concert series at the Louisiana Superdome—featuring an eclectic global mix of R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Afrobeats and more—includes:

Mainstage:

Bruno Mars, Janet Jackson (headliners); Ari Lennox; Janelle Monae; Patti LaBelle; Raphael Saadiq (Performing songs across his entire career from Tony! Toni! Tone! through his solo albums, including Jimmy Lee); Estelle Presents Reggae & Afrobeats Link Up featuring Afro B, Chronnix, Elephant Man, Kranium, Max Glazer, Maxi Priest, Shenseea and more; Summer Walker; Swizz Beatz Presents In the Zone featuring guest artists; and more. Hosted by Loni Love. Music by D-Nice. In addition, the Mainstage will feature rousing tributes to music icons each night, including a special anniversary celebration on July 4th. 

 

Superlounges:

Casmé, D Smoke; Demi Grace; Doug E. Fresh Presents The Real Hip-Hop and R&B Party; Elah Hale; Goldlink; Jac Ross; Jamesdavis; Jidenna; June’s Diary; Kiana Lede; Kitty Cash; Leikeli47; Masego; Mr Eazi; Oswin Benjamin; Rapsody; Saweetie; SiR; Smino; Stokley; Tamia; Tank and the Bangas; Teamarrr; The New Respects; Umi.

Weekend ticket packages are on sale now with prices starting at $180. For information about ticket sales, accommodations recently launched exhibitor applications and VIP travel packages,  and the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival of Culture,  visit Essence.com/festival. Join the festival community: Follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of Festival on Facebook.

Sponsors for the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ include Coca-Cola and State Farm. The ESSENCE Festival is produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

 

Additional details for ESSENCE 50th Anniversary celebration activities throughout the year will be announced soon.

 

Fitness /

Sweat It Out: Best Workouts for When You’re Sick

With so much news about the “coronavirus” and the flu, Cat Kom, founder and lead trainer of Studio SWEAT onDemand, thought about putting together a list of exercises that people could perform, (not when having a serious illness like those strong viruses, but at least) when not feeling so well.

Being sick is never fun, but it’s even worse when you’re a devoted fitness aficionado. Feeling a little ill can mean needing a few days off, but skipping a workout could throw your routine all out of whack.

So if you’re feeling a little sniffly but still wanna get back on the fitness saddle, here are some ways you can exercise when you’re sick.

Walking or Jogging

I get it, being stuck inside isn’t fun, and lying in bed all day can actually make you feel worse. Although hitting the pavement for some sprints or going on a strenuous 10-mile hike probably isn’t a great idea, some light walking or jogging can do wonders for a cold. Even just a short 20-minute walk…

Yoga

Whether you’re in the midst of a cold or in perfect health, yoga is a go-to workout for increasing flexibility and building strength in a low-impact way. When you’re feeling a little under the weather, a nice yoga flow can help…

LISS on the Spin Bike

Love spin so much that you just can’t bear to miss a day? Us too! But sometimes, you gotta make sacrifices for your health. Although you might not be able to make it through a tough spin class, you can still get a little biking in. I recommend…

Water Aerobics

Being sick can really drain your energy, making it hard to do intense workouts, so you probably won’t be swimming laps. But you can still get in the water by doing a gentler workout like water aerobics. It’ll give you the same movements, but with a little extra help from the water holding you up… If you’re feeling worse than just a cold (we’re talking fever and chills), definitely get back in that bed and rest up. But if you do choose to get some exercise in when you’re not feeling your best, be sure to take it slow.

Missing out on a workout is no fun, especially if the alternative is cough drops and tissues.

So if you’re looking for a way to still get that group class in from the comfort of your own home, check out a 7-Day Free Trial from Studio SWEAT onDemand. Our huge library of on-demand workouts features passionate trainers and classes like TRX, HIIT, and Spin, plus low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. Remember, it’s all about feeling better, so make sure you listen to your body, even if that means an extra rest day… or three.

Holiday Gift Giving Guide /

Crush Your Host Decor Game This Holiday Season with Natural Fragrance Rose

Natural Fragrance Rose is the gift that every hostess with the mostest should have. 

From tabletop arrangements to dressing up your bathroom, everyone will thank you and rave about these beauties!

These STUNNING Roses are:

  • Last 3-4 months!
  • Low Maintenance
  • Affordable ($19.99)
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Premium, garden-grown
  • The sustainable alternative to chemical-based scented candles and diffusers
  • Green revolution in indoor fragrance
  • Available on Amazon.com

Celebrity /

ESSENCE’S “YES, GIRL!” PODCAST TALKS TO ROBYN CRAWFORD: TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON

In the latest episode of ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast, hosts Cori Murray and Charli Penn talk to Whitney Houston’s confidante Robyn Crawford—who reveals a side of the iconic singer that only ESSENCE can share.

While at the height of a whirlwind tour promoting her book, A Song For You: My Life With Whitney Houston, Crawford shares her own truth with the Yes, Girl! team on life with Houston—weighing in on everything from their bond, the first time they met, their friendship after Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown came on the scene and more. She shares with ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! (time codes included):

  • ON WHAT WHITNEY WOULD WANT [12:09-12:35]: “…I asked myself that question, what would Whitney want? What would Whitney want? So my intent is to raise my friend’s legacy, honor our friendship because that’s what she deserves. That’s how I feel…”

  • ON BEING YOUNG, FEARLESS AND FREE WITH WHITNEY [15:06-15:36]: “…We were young, fearless, and ready, and I was a believer. It was happening. Everything she said was happening. She didn’t talk like, ‘I’m going to have a hit record and we’re going to…’ It was none of that. It was like, ‘I’m a singer. I sing. I’m going to get a recording contract, and stick with me and I’ll take you all around the world.’ And that’s exactly what happened…” 
  • ON THE FIRST TIME THEY MET [17:20-17:50]: “…It all happened at that first meeting when I walked in and we met that day. It just clicked, something happened, and it was just a friendship that developed and it kept growing and growing. And it was deep because we were open, we were bare, we were naked. And when I mean naked, with our feelings and we didn’t think about what we were saying, we just said it…”

  • ON ROBYN’S BOND WITH WHITNEY [26:52 – 27:46]: “It was the bond, and the deepness, and the connection that we had. And it was beautiful. Those moments…I know I am very free when I express it in the book. And that’s because that’s what that moment felt like. Whitney used to always say, if you want a friend, you have to be one. If you love me, love me unconditionally. And that was something else for me to strive for, understanding what the word unconditional meant. And the love that I had for her was really deep. And that love she had for me was the same…”
  • ON HER FRIENDSHIP WITH WHITNEY AFTER SHE MARRIED BOBBY [35:42 – 38:04]: “…I did not know Bobby before the wedding. We never really got a chance to know each other. And, when they became a couple, I still really didn’t get to spend any quality time with both of them. But, while I will say about Bobby is she told me she loved him. And his behavior and the way I saw him treat her… let’s just say this about Bobby, Bobby’s behaviors played out in the press. And he and I were not squaring off in Everlast shorts and boxing gloves. That never happened. I was still in the same spot that Whitney always wanted me to be. Bobby never approached me personally and said anything to me about the rumors of our relationship. Not once. But I watched him make a mess of her trail. Bobby was funny. He had a way of shifting the attention to him anywhere, any place, at any time. That was Bobby’s talent….But I wasn’t competing for anything. I had her friendship. I was her friend. And he could have been a better friend too…”

Subscribe to ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast today, available for streaming and download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartMedia and Google. For more details visit ESSENCE.com.

Accessories /

SHOP THE LIST: LIKEtoKNOW.it Releases the Top Shopped Items of 2019

On behalf of LIKEtoKNOW.it – the first app to provide 100% shoppable inspiration letting users shop real looks from influencers and tastemakers – has announced their curated, data-backed list of the top influencer-driven products of 2019.

Just in time for the holidays, LIKEtoKNOW.it’s Most Loved Products list reviewed billions of products shopped by over 14M users to determine the top shopped products from their favorite influencers from fashion, home, beauty, lifestyle, and family categories.

Birmingham /

The Magic City #DEBBHAM Experience: Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham 2019

Le Diner En Blanc Birmingham

** updated **

Wonder. Wow. Whimsy.  All three words are used to describe last week’s Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham.  This was the inaugural year for the event to be hosted in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Magic City (another name for Birmingham) has emerged from its traditional roots and becoming an innovative, sophisticated mecca.

Therefore, it’s only fitting that such an event had its turn with tastemakers and professionals residing in the Birmingham area.

Hosts for the exclusive all-white picnic were Jasmine and Lynda Allen, owners of Destination Birmingham which is a local event management firm.

DEB Ambassador & Group Leader 2019:

Le Diner en Blanc Timeline:

Arrival:

6:30 p.m. – Guests were asked to meet at various locations in the downtown area.  From there they walked to the final event spot.  To everyone’s surprise, the beautiful all-white picnic took place at 20th Street North near the Regions-Harber Plaza and Cathedral Church of The Advent.

7:30 p.m. – After the place settings were established and beverages picked up, the official napkin wave began which signified that dinner had started.

Various activities took place in between dinner that included lighting the sparklers and posing in front of a beautiful floral backdrop.

9:00 p.m. – The upbeat music and artistic paintings showcased for Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham members and guests ensured that everyone had a wonderful time!

Ending:

11:30 p.m. – Oh yes, and the after-party took place at The Tutwiler Bar and Grille.

jusqu’à l’année prochaine translate until next year!

Photos are from Instagram
Beauty /

ESSENCE FULL CIRCLE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN SUPPORT OF CULTURAL OWNERSHIP AND ECONOMIC COLLABORATION IN AFRICA AND BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN AFRICANS ON THE CONTINENT AND IN THE DIASPORA

Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned consumer technology company merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color and the parent company of Essence Communications, Inc., today announced that it has partnered with Full Circle Festival, LLC to create the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival.  The ESSENCE Full Circle Festival partnership will focus on a three-part mission: (1) supporting cultural ownership and economic collaboration among Africans on the continent and people of African descent in the Diaspora; (2) connecting Black communities globally for the exchange of ideas and shared objectives that leads to cultural monetization and community reinvestment; and (3) facilitating the learning and discovery of the many facets of Africa’s beauty, excellence and opportunity globally.  In addition, the annual ESSENCE Full Circle Festival experience will focus on showcasing African nations increasingly as global destinations by highlighting their critical roles as ancestral, spiritual, cultural and commercial epicenters.

 

“As someone born and raised in West Africa and who has spent adulthood in the U.S., there is no greater joy than forging partnerships with a purpose rooted in the elevation and the promise of the people of the African continent and the Diaspora,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder, and chair of Essence Ventures.  “My family and I spent three decades building a global beauty business and business model that empower, among others, women Shea butter processors in Northern Ghana – women just like my grandmother.  We believe economic inclusion is a human right, and now with ESSENCE Full Circle Festival, our continued goal is to be catalysts and connectors for long-term economic empowerment, growth and cross-sector job creation in Black communities globally through increased engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.”

 

The 2019 ESSENCE Full Circle Festival will take place in Accra in December and complete the Year of Return commemoration – marking 400 years since the first slave ships left Ghanaian coasts for the transatlantic slave trade.  This specially-curated, week-long immersion will enable engagement between U.S.-based cultural influencers and business executives with Ghanaian and regional leaders and communities, including explorations of history, cuisine, music, fashion, beaches, nightlife, commerce and more.

 

“This partnership recognizes Ghana’s role as a beacon for people of African descent in this Year of Return,” said Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.  “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019, is a conscious effort to cement our pan-African legacy.  Throughout the Year, the Tourism Authority has worked with several partner organizations to welcome home our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora.  The Essence Full Circle Festival is a welcome addition to the activities and will hopefully become one of the legacies of the year which celebrates African resilience.”

 

The inaugural Full Circle Festival also included the participation of President Akufo-Addo and took place in Accra on December 2018, led by Full Circle Festival, LLC partners Boris Kodjoe, Patrick Kodjoe, Bozoma Saint John – all of Ghanaian descent – and Nicole Ari Parker.  More than 120 invited guests including business executives, influencers, and celebrities from the United States traveled to Ghana for cultural engagement and ancestral reconnection, resulting in nearly 10,000 positive social media posts and half a billion media and social impressions, as well as an estimated economic impact of more than $70 million in tourism revenue.

 

The 2019 ESSENCE Full Circle Festival will include the first ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum: Africa, which will convene entrepreneurs, executives, entertainers and government officials to discuss how new opportunities for economic development and cultural exchange can be created.  This inaugural international Global Black Economic Forum will explore topics including connectivity within the African diaspora, environment and sustainability, post-colonialism, contemporary racial dynamics, entertainment and fashion industry growth, and other themes via a series of panel discussions, keynotes, and interactive sessions.  A solution-driven dialogue will be at the core of this event, which will include ESSENCE Full Circle Festival guests as well as local and regional participants.

 

“In furthering our mission to serve Black women deeply across the globe, ESSENCE is honored to answer the call to ‘Return’ with the creation of the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival, beginning with Ghana and subsequently extending across the continent,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, Inc.  “We are grateful to be able to use the power of our platforms and the influence of our networks to positively impact narratives about Africa, as well as positively impact the people of Africa and the Diaspora through cultural and economic exchange.  We are thrilled to celebrate the Year of Return and our African ancestry, culture, and achievement in the vibrant country of Ghana as we reconnect over our heritage, connect over new experiences and co-create viable opportunities for the future.”

 

To capture the diversity of images and narratives that truly reflect the country and culture, ESSENCE Full Circle Festival participants are encouraged to share their first-hand experiences via their social and digital platforms.  In addition, select events will be live-streamed for broader community participation, engagement, and input.  Lastly, with the goal to inspire, encourage and assist as many people of African descent to visit the continent as possible, ESSENCE Full Circle travel packages will become available to the public in 2020.

 

“It’s so important that as people of African descent, we see and feel the beauty of the continent and the majesty of our people for ourselves,” said Full Circle Festival, LLC co-founder Boris Kodjoe.  “There isn’t a more transformative and empowering experience than to honor the Year of Return and its 400-year history while in Ghana reconnecting with our cultural heritage, celebrating our ancestry and co-creating our future with our brothers and sisters on the continent.  I hope that our ESSENCE Full Circle Festival partnership will ultimately encourage more people to visit nations across Africa, as well as serve as an example of the impact that can be made when we join in the spirit of collective purpose and progress.”

 

About Essence Ventures

Essence Ventures is an independent Black-owned consumer technology company merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.  The company began in 2017 and is chaired by its founder – entrepreneur, investor and social impact innovator Richelieu Dennis.

 

About Essence Communications Inc. 

Essence Communications is the number one media company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of almost 25 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content.  With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival.  Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures.

Birmingham /

Birmingham Joins the list of Cities to Host the International Event Diner en Blanc #DebBirmingham

Le Dîner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-style pop-up picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code will take place in Birmingham for the first time ever this October. The exact date will be announced later on.   

 

To participate in this first edition: guests must be invited via the hosts’ network or participating partners or get on the waiting list via the official website.  If you want to be part of this inaugural event, sign up now on the waiting list at register.dinerenblanc.com/birmingham/en/register. 

 

Le Dîner en Blanc began in Paris in 1988 when François Pasquier, returning from a long stay abroad, had the idea to gather friends for a picnic. As the number of guests grew, he decided to hold the dinner in a public space and ask everyone to dress in all white to easily recognize one another. In June 2018, Le Diner en Blanc de Paris marked its 30th anniversary. A record 17,000 guests from Paris and around the world gathered at the Esplanade des Invalides to celebrate this historic moment. In 2009, the first-ever export of Le Dîner en Blanc took place in Montreal, Canada, followed by a first American edition in 2011 in New York City. After its successful New York debut, Diner en Blanc International was created to bring the Parisian secret to more cities around the world. Le Dîner en Blanc is now held in over 80 cities all over the world including London, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Toronto, Nairobi, and Los Angeles, with over 130,000 annual guests.  

 

Now for the first time ever, Birmingham will host its own Le Dîner en Blanc, thanks to local hosts Jasmine Allen.  “As Birmingham grows and competes on an international level, it is imperative that Destination Birmingham, the city’s only DMC, reflect those efforts by recruiting international events such as Diner en Blanc.  These type events not only provide entertainment and culture but also boost tourism and help push the City of Birmingham as the go-to Destination Location in the South” says Jasmine Allen, owner of Destination Birmingham.   

 

To uphold Le Dîner en Blanc’s tradition, guests of around the world must dress head-to-toe in white and are requested to bring their own portable tables, white chairs, white table linens, tableware, and a gourmet meal.   

 

A large part of the excitement surrounding Le Dîner en Blanc is the secrecy surrounding the event location which is kept secret until the very last moment. Guests are given rendezvous to a departure point when they purchase their tickets. 

 

 About Diner en Blanc International 

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos, and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.  

 

About the Hosts of Le Dîner en Blanc – Birmingham 

As the city’s only Destination Management Company (DMC), Destination Birmingham is the destination liaison for meeting planners and special event clients. We are logistic gurus and our passion is showcasing Greater Birmingham. We specialize in event production, meeting management, and tours. Our expertise is logistic solutions, venue selection, and itinerary planning. We apply our creativity to your vision and engage our community connections to produce a memorable event.

For full details on the rules and regulations, visit birmingham.dinerenblanc.com 

 
 

dinerenblanc.birmingham 

 

@dinerenblancbirmingham 

#dinerenblanc #debbirmingham