Harry Mack
Rapper, Producer, Drummer, Freestyle Artist & Social Media Influencer
Event: 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2024
Location: Times Square. NYC
"Special Guest Performer”
*Harry did an on the spot freestyle rap live on ABC for Ryan Seacrest, Rita Ora and the Times Square crowd.
Multi-talented artist and rapper Harry Mack is best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual freestyle rapping. He first came to fame when his Venice Beach Freestyle video went viral, which propelled him to opportunities alongside the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Soulja Boy, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Hudson, Complex Music, RedBull Music, and NBA on TNT.
As a content creator, his self-produced YouTube series have amassed millions of views. Harry has surprised, impacted, and entertained millions of people, leaving them with something unique that they can’t wait to share with others. His content and live shows promote positivity and keep fans engaged through mind-blowing interactive performances.
Harry’s background in jazz drumming is a reflection of his life-long fascination with improvisational music. His unique approach to hip-hop revolves around the spirit of rhythmic improv. Blending the excitement of instrumental jazz improvisation with the impactful messages of hip-hop lyricism, Harry constantly strives to push the boundaries of his own abilities, while reaching for new approaches to rap expression.
Jeremy Hassell
TV & Media Personality
Event: 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2024
Location: Times Square. NYC
"Times Square Live Co-Host”
Before Jeremy became a host for MTV and reporter for WCBS & E! news, he started his career with many different online streaming entertainment shows in NYC. As his success grew, Jeremy was asked to host various live events & projects for Tommy Hilfiger, DJ battles, fashion shows, Red Carpets, benefit concerts, battle of the bands and so much more!
Jonathan Bennett
Actor & TV Personality
Event: 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2024
Location: Times Square. NYC
"Times Square Live Co-Host”
He is known for his roles as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 comedy film Mean Girls, Bud McNulty in 2005's Cheaper by the Dozen 2, the title character in the 2009 direct-to-DVD comedy Van Wilder: Freshman Year, and his recurring role as Casey Gant in the mystery drama Veronica Mars. He was the host of the Food Network series Halloween Wars, and he previously hosted Cake Wars.
Bennett made his Broadway debut in Spamalot on January 23, 2024, playing Sir Robin, Guard 1 and Brother Maynard.
Mickey Guyton
Country Music Artist
Event: 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2024
Location: Times Square. NYC
"Event Performer”
She performed a number of her hit songs, along with closing out the ceremony (prior to the ball drop) by performing John Lennon’s “Imagine”
Mickey is a 4x Grammy Nominee and ACM Award winning country music artist.
She made history as the first Black female solo artist to be nominated for a Grammy in a country category for her song “Black Like Me”: The song was released in the wake of the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, which speaks to her experiences as a Black woman in country music
She has performed the national anthem at Super Bowl LVI, along with gracing the world stages at 2024 Democratic National Convention, 2021 ACM Awards, The Today Show, 63rd Annual Grammy Awards and much more..
Triad Brass
Brass Band Ensemble
Event: 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve l 12.31.2024
Location: Times Square. NYC
"Event Roaming Street Performers”
NYC-based brass Grammy Award Winning band known for their energetic and entertaining performances. The band is comprised of a rotating cast of world-class brass musicians known for incorporating dance and theatre into their shows. With unmatched stage presence, they have become sought-after for captivating audiences with their music, dancing, and unique marching band-style crowd work."
Alex Warren
Singer, Songwriter & Social Media Creator
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“He appeared in the 2024 Parade on Kinder's "Fantasy Chocolate Factory" float. He was joined by a performance featuring New York Ballet principal dancers Roman Mejia and Tiler Peck.”
Singer-songwriter and social media creator who creates content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. His songs, including “One More I Love You” and “Carry You Home” detail the intimate details of his life through vulnerable pop melodies. In 2022, Warren signed on with Atlantic Records and released several singles, and began the Locked in with Alex Warren podcast.
Coco Jones
Singer, Songwriter and Actress
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“She performed at the 2024 Parade on the "Colossal Wave of Wonder" float from Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.”
Singer-songwriter and actress who has captivated the world with her timeless artistry, sensual voice, and emotive songs which made her one of R&B’s breakout artist. In 2022, she released the EP What I Didn’t Tell You with the lead single “ICU,” which has been certified platinum. By 2024, Coco was nominated for five Grammys, including Best New Artist and won Best R&B Performance for “ICU.” With new songs like “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” “Sweep It Up,” and “Most Beautiful Design” featuring London On Da Track and Future, she's now embarking on her debut album and stepping into an era of empowerment and connection. She was also featured on TV as Hilary Banks in Peacock’s Fresh Prince reboot, Bel-Air, and Netflix’s Vampires vs. the Bronx.
Cole Escola
Comedian, Actor, Singer, and Playwright
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“Cole Escola appeared at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Macy's own Rocking Flamingo toy float, which marks the first time for a guest star to appear on it since 1993.”
They have made a significant mark on both stage and screen. Their 2024 Broadway debut in Oh, Mary!, has been widely acclaimed, earning them multiple awards. TV credits include roles in Big Mouth (2022), Search Party (2020–2021), At Home with Amy Sedaris (2017–2020), and Difficult People (2015–2017), where they also contributed as a writer. Cole’s creative vision extends to their own projects, notably the cult-favorite TV show Jeffrey and Cole Casserole (2009-2010), which they co-created, wrote, and starred in. Plus, they’ve released critically acclaimed comedy specials Help! I’m Stuck! (2020), which they filmed alone in their apartment during quarantine, and Our Home Out West (2023), which Vanity Fair named one of the “25 Best Performances of 2023”. Both programs are currently available on YouTube.
Corny-Copia Clowns
Clown Group
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“(formerly Cloe’s Clowns) are a clown unit from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
Cloe’s Clowns debuted in the 2005 Macy’s Parade, leading the procession with their guardian spirit, Cloe the Holiday Clown, and costumes in bright colors of orange, yellow, and green to match; the clown unit accompanied the Cloe balloon annually through 2009. The following year, the clown unit was renamed the Corny-Copia Clowns and was joined by Pilgrims, who remained with the group until 2012.
The Corny-Copia Clowns led the 2019 Parade lineup with bunches of bright balloons as they zipped down the Parade route on rollerblades. Following a scaled-down appearance in 2020, the clowns returned for the 2021 Parade with signs that read “Thankful Since 1924.” The Corny-Copia Clowns continue to zip and zoom in the Parade as of 2023, bringing plenty of laughs to the table.
Dasha
Country/Pop Singer-Songwriter
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“She made her debut at the 2024 Parade on the Big City Cheer! float”
Armed with a passion for telling her true story, she released her debut country album, What Happens Now? in February which features her notable track, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” being called “one of the signature country songs of the year” by the New York Times. The track has not only garnered over 10 billion views on TikTok but has officially been RIAA-certified platinum in the U.S. and seven other countries around the world.
Jimmy Fallon
Comedian, Television Host, Actor, Singer, Writer, and Producer
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“Jimmy Fallon and The Roots return for their tenth appearance at the 2024 Parade, on their second ride with Macy's Santaland Express”
As host of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon has expanded the boundaries of late night television, treating audiences to memorable celebrity interviews, creative musical bits, and groundbreaking viral videos. The four-time Emmy winner began his career in 1998 with six successful seasons at Saturday Night Live, and went on to host the show three times. Additionally, Fallon is a best-selling author--his children's books, Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada and Everything is MAMA both debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list.
The Roots are a hip-hop band that serve as The Tonight Show's house band, and have become one of the best known and most respected hip-hop acts in the business, with 12 Grammy nominations and four Grammy award wins. Additionally, "The Roots Picnic," a yearly star-studded mix of musicians, has become a celebrated institution. The Roots were named one of the greatest live bands around by Rolling Stone.
Joey McIntyre
Singer-Songwriter and Actor
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NY
“This is his third time at Macy's, and McIntyre will be singing "A Brand New Christmas" on Brach's Palace of Sweets float at the 2024 Parade.”
He is best known as the youngest member of New Kids on the Block and has sold over 80 million records while continuing to sell out arenas today. His TV/film credits include The Fantasticks, Boston Public, The McCarthy’s, and more. On Broadway, McIntyre played Fiyero, the love interest of Idina Menzel's Elphaba in Wicked, and Dr. Jim Pomatter in Waitress. Joey has weaved his solo music in and out of his acting career, producing five albums of his own including the self-penned Billboard Top Ten hit “Stay the Same."
Lea Salonga
Filipino Singer and Actress
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NY
“Salonga appeared for a third time at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with her muppet friends on the 1-2-3 Sesame Street float.”
She is best known as the first Asian actor to win a Tony Award for her performance as Kim in Broadway’s Miss Saigon. Her further theatre roles include Éponine in the Broadway and West End productions of Les Misérables as well as playing Fantine in the 2006 Broadway revival, Wu Mei-Li in the 2002 Broadway revival of Flower Drum Song, Kei Kimura in the original Broadway production of Allegiance, Erzulie in the 2017 Broadway revival of Once on This Island, and Aurora Aquino in the original Broadway production of Here Lies Love. Salonga is also recognized as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine and Fa Mulan from Disney's animated films like Aladdin, Mulan, & Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, The Walt Disney Company has honored her as a “Disney Legend” in 2011. In addition, Salonga has released 14 albums including her latest recording Sounding Joy. Plus, she can be seen on MAX’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin & Sony’s Yellow Rose along with her voice talent being featured on Netflix’s Centaurworld & FX’s Little Demon.
Tom Kenny
Voice Actor
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“In commemoration of SpongeBob Squarepants' 25th Anniversary, the legend who brought the beloved sponge to life, Tom Kenny made a special appearance at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He rode the new SpongeBob-themed carriage known as "The Garriage" as none other than the president of the SpongeBob Fan Club and his biggest fan: Patchy the Pirate. It follows the iconic giant balloon that Kenny provided his voice for.”
Since 1999, he has gained worldwide recognition for voicing the titular character in SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as the live-action character Patchy the Pirate, Gary the Snail and the French narrator based on Jacques Cousteau. Kenny has voiced many other characters, including Heffer Wolfe in Rocko's Modern Life, the Ice King in Adventure Time and its spin-off Fionna and Cake, the Narrator and Mayor in The Powerpuff Girls, Carl Chryniszzswics in Johnny Bravo, Flain from Mixels, Dog in CatDog, Hank and Jeremy in Talking Tom and Friends, The Penguin in various animated media based on DC Comics, and Spyro from the Spyro video game series. His live action work includes the comedy variety shows The Edge and Mr. Show. Kenny's accolades include two Daytime Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards for his voice work as SpongeBob SquarePants and the Ice King. He is married to fellow voice artist Jill Talley, who plays Karen on SpongeBob SquarePants, with two children
T-Pain
Singer, Songwriter, and Record Producer
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“T-Pain made his debut on Jennie-O's "Big Turkey Spectacular" float at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
He is known for his popularizing creative use of Auto-Tune pitch correction, often used with extreme parameter settings to create electronic-styled vocal performances. T-Pain has not only changed the course of pop, hip-hop, & R&B, but has reshaped the fabric of culture itself. He’s sold over 50 million singles, accumulated billions of streams, racked up 10 iconic No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including "I'm Sprung", "I'm 'n Luv (wit a Stripper)", "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')", "Bartender", "Can't Believe It", and "5 O'clock", captivating the world with his charismatic live performances, earning a reputation as a global phenomenon. In 2019, T-Pain was the champion of the first season of the Fox reality music competition The Masked Singer as "Monster".
Walker Hayes
Country Pop Singer
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“Walker Hayes appeared at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Green Giant's "Harvest in the Valley" float.”
Alabama native, his smash hit “Fancy Like” topped country music sales and streaming charts as the song spent more than six months at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, hit the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs and No. 1 at country radio, and it gave Walker his first Grammy award nomination as an artist for Best Country Song. Walker's last project Sober Thoughts included the single “Same Drunk” and saw him partnering with Athletic Brewing on a custom non-alcoholic beer. His recent project, Christmas Vacation, features a collection of classic holiday cover songs, with some of his originals, was released Christmas of 2024.
The War and Treaty
Husband & Wife Duo (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter ) Singer & Songwriters
98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade I 11.28.2024 I Central Park West I Manhattan, NYC
“The War and Treaty appeared on Balsam Hill's Deck the Halls float at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
They have emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. Their debut studio album Healing Tide (2018), received critical acclaim upon its release and soon afterwards, they released their sophomore album Hearts Town (2020). They recently earned their first-ever Grammy nominations for Best New Artist & Best American Roots Song, and were also nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards & Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards. They have won two Americana Music Awards (both for Duo/Group of the Year) and have received additional nominations and recognition from CMT Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, People’s Choice Country Awards, as well as from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Dave Huie
CEO & Founder of UNK NBA and Vio/k Marketing Group
United Breast Cancer Foundation Holiday of Hope Premiere Gala Hosted by Vivica A Fox, Larry Romano & Todd Wharton I 11.9.2024 I Leonard’s Palazzo I Great Neck, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
UNK brand and its imprint on NBA fashion began as a grassroots, underground hustle, but it blossomed into a multi-million dollar company, along with being the CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group, which was dedicated and named after his mother, Violet Kathleen.
Larry Romano
Actor
United Breast Cancer Foundation Holiday of Hope Premiere Gala Hosted by Vivica A Fox, Larry Romano & Todd Wharton I 11.9.2024 I Leonard’s Palazzo I Great Neck, NY
Event Co-Host
American film and television actor. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, he was a regular on NYPD Blue and the sitcom The King of Queens, on which he played Richie Iannucci. He played First Base in the motion picture Lock Up. He had a lead role in the NBC sitcom Kristin as Aldo Bonnadonna; the short-lived sitcom aired only six episodes before being canceled.
Romano made a minor appearance in Out for Justice. In 1996, he played Tino Zapatti in the film City Hall and played a minor role in the film Sleepers. In 1997, he had a brief role playing opposite Al Pacino in the role of Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggerio's son in Donnie Brasco, and appeared in the 1998 Terrence Malick film The Thin Red Line. He also appeared in the 2010 film The Ascent, as well as in the 2015 film Laugh Killer Laugh.
Ralph McDaniels
Co-Founder of Video Music Box
United Breast Cancer Foundation Holiday of Hope Premiere Gala Hosted by Vivica A Fox, Larry Romano & Todd Wharton I 11.9.2024 I Leonard’s Palazzo I Great Neck, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
Video Director, DJ, VJ, Co-Creator & Co-Host of Video Music Box, along with being one of the founding members of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. He is heading up the education department.
Stephanie Mastroianni
INTERVIEW COMING SOON!
President & Founder of The United Breast Cancer Foundation
United Breast Cancer Foundation Holiday of Hope Premiere Gala Hosted by Vivica A Fox, Larry Romano & Todd Wharton I 11.9.2024 I Leonard’s Palazzo I Great Neck, NY
United Breast Cancer Foundation
Founded in October 2000, United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that began as a small grassroots organization serving low-income, under and non-insured women and men in New York State. UBCF is headquartered in Huntington Station, NY and has regional offices in Arkansas, and Maryland. We serve women, men and their families across the country through 8 life-supporting patient and family programs.
Ms. Stephanie Mastroianni, our Executive Director since 2001, has shaped UBCF into the wonderful organization that it is today due in large part to her personal experience with breast cancer. Stephanie's mother, Audrey B. Mastroianni (pictured to the left), passed away from this disease at the age of 42.
UBCF is committed to honoring Audrey's memory through our passionate dedication to our mission, programs and superior client care.
Uncle Nino
Reality TV Star of MTV’s “Jersey Shore”
United Breast Cancer Foundation Holiday of Hope Premiere Gala Hosted by Vivica A Fox, Larry Romano & Todd Wharton I 11.9.2024 I Leonard’s Palazzo I Great Neck, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
Antonio "Nino" Giaimo, also known as Uncle Nino, is Vinny Guadagnino's wild uncle. Nino is a party animal and often shows up randomly, mostly to annoy his nephew. He is Paola Giaimo's brother.
Nino has been through it all, and although he's known as the "crazy uncle", he lends his knowledge and life experiences to Vinny and the roommates when needed.
Vivica A. Fox
Actress
United Breast Cancer Foundation Holiday of Hope Premiere Gala Hosted by Vivica A Fox, Larry Romano & Todd Wharton I 11.9.2024 I Leonard’s Palazzo I Great Neck, NY
Event Co-Host
She started acting professionally, first on soap operas, such as Generations (1989), Days of Our Lives (1965) and The Young and the Restless (1973). In another early role, she played Patti LaBelle's fashion designer daughter, "Charisse Chamberlain", on the NBC-TV series, Out All Night (1992). Her first big break was in the film, Independence Day (1996), along with Will Smith, and also Set It Off (1996). She has earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of "Maxine" in the 1997 motion picture, Soul Food (1997), which netted her MTV Movie Award and NAACP Image Award nominations. In 2000, she was casted in the medical drama, City of Angels (2000), as "Dr. Lillian Price". She has had roles in many other movies ever since, such as: Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999), Two Can Play That Game (2001) and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003). In 2004, Fox was in an episode of Punk'd (2003), where her pregnant friend pretended to go into labor, but they became angry when a paramedic appeared to care more about taking pictures than delivering the baby. Vivica also took another television role, from 2004 to 2006, as she starred in the drama series, 1-800-Missing (2003), on the Lifetime Television Network. In 2007, she was a contender on Dancing with the Stars (2005) and stayed until she was voted off in the fourth week. In 1998, Vivica A. Fox married singer Christopher Harvest (aka Sixx-Nine), whom she later divorced in June 2002. She also dated rapper 50 Cent, however this was a brief relationship.
DJ Ria
The Voice of The New York Liberty
New York Liberty Ticker Tape Parade & Victory Ceremony I 10.24.2024 I City Hall I Manhattan, NY
From DJing events alongside (Then) US Senator Kamala Harris and Artists such as Trey Songz, Salt & Peppa, Talieb Kweli, Nas, J.cole, to brands like Belvedere & Hennessy, Moët, Coors Lite, D'USSEd, and Ciroc, DJ Ria finds time between modeling, traveling & being a fitness model to advocate and host events.
Click here for Full Bio https://djria.nyc/
Anthony F. Giordano
Vice President of The Columbus Citizens Foundation
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Participant
The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City's annual Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian-American heritage on New York's Fifth Avenue since 1929.
Eric Adams
NYC Mayor
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Participant
Eric Leroy Adams is an American politician and former police officer, serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since 2022. Adams was an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than 20 years, retiring at the rank of captain
Giada Valenti
World Renowned Italian Singer
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
ABC 7 NY Special Guest Parade Co-Host
She is most known for her stunning music special “From Venice With Love,” which aired nationally on PBS television. The airings of her PBS special made it possible for her to do concerts in Performing Arts Centers and Theaters all around the country. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019.
Ismael Malave
2025 NYC Comptroller Candidate
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Participant
Affectionately known as “ISH.” Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, USA, and raised in the Bronx, Mr. Malave has dedicated his life to serving his community. Growing up in challenging circumstances, he learned the values of resilience, hard work, and compassion from his mother, who raised him and his siblings single-handedly. Mr. Malave graduated from Lehman College, CUNY, with a BA in Economics and later earned an MBA from Baruch College, CUNY. With over two decades of experience in public service and a deep understanding of fiscal policy, Mr. Malave is ready to bring positive change to New York City as its next Comptroller.
Jessa V
Emerging Italian Recording Artist
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Grand Stage Performer
Native New Yorker, emerging vocal artist
She draws on classical, jazz, and rock influences, blending them into a one-of-a-kind genre. She can now be seen at various venues and events in the New York area performing originals and interpreting beloved jazz, rock and pop standards with her band The Fringe
Joe Piscopo
Legendary Actor, Comedian, Talk Show Host & Former SNL Cast Member
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
ABC 7 NY Parade Co-Host
Television, film, theater, night club- they are all arenas in which Mr. Joe Piscopo has won the acclaim and affection of millions. For decades, Joe has proven to be one of show business’ brightest lights. After a career as a disc jockey and dinner-theater performer, Joe turned to comedy. He was chosen to join a newly formed ensemble charged with one of the most difficult tasks in TV history- replacing the original cast of Saturday Night Live.
Letitia James
NYS Attorney General
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Participant
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Nicola Fiasconaro
Sicilian Chocolatier & Award Winning Pastry Chef
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Participant
Nicola donated a replica of The Wallstreet Bull (made fully out of chocolate) to the 80th Annual Columbus Day Parade in dedication to the Master Arturo Di Modica.
Nicola Fiasconaro, a talented pastry chef, created a Sicilian interpretation of the Milan sweet bread that would make the brand world-famous. In doing so he achieved great recognition, earning the title of Honorary Citizen from the Municipal Administration of Avola, as well as Cavalieri del Lavoro; two great distinctions in business and cultural excellence on behalf of Sicily.
Stephen Pishner
Lead Singer of The Italian Folk/Rock Band “Amici”
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Grand Stand Stage Performer
AMICI - an electrifying musical sensation that's redefining festival experiences, shows and events of various kinds. They play a wide range of American Classic Top 40, Country, Standards, Italian Favorites and more. That's the magic of Amici.
Vanessa Racci
World Renowned Italian Jazz Singer
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Float Performer
Vanessa Racci is a singer, producer and voice teacher with over 25 years of professional performance experience. She offers a range of shows that span jazz, theater and Italian American music genres with unique show production, edutainment and a distinct retro image. She has produced an album and currently performs several shows that celebrate American jazz composers, Italian American music and their contributions to jazz and pop in the US.
Vinnie Medugno
WABC Host of The Vinnie Medugno Show
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Participant
Media Broadcasting at his alma mater of Port Richmond High School in Staten Island New York, which he feels is his greatest accomplishment. As for his work in radio, he‘s worked alongside his mentor and friend, Joe Causi at WCBSFM 101.1 in New York City, where he learned his craft, which led him to being one of the pioneer personalities to bring music back to the legendary and century old 77WABC radio on the AM band, now heard weekly leading into Cousin Brucie, who hand picked Medugno for the time slot of Saturdays at 5PM!
Vivian Cardia
Former President of Vivicar LLC
80th Annual Columbus Day Parade I 10.14.2024 I 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
Parade Honoree
Philanthropist and former President of Vivicar LLC. Born, raised, and educated in New York, she earned her BA in Italian from Fordham University. Notably, she was one of the first Italian American female members and traders of the American Stock Exchange, trading options from 1982 to 1988. Following the crash of 1987, she joined her family's business, the storied Greenwich Village restaurant, the Beatrice Inn, which the family owned from 1955 to 2005. After the death of her parents, Vivian established Vivicar LLC, now closed, to manage the restaurant and other properties, continuing her parents' legacy.
Apache Ramos
Actor & Producer
THE BROOKLYN POP EXHIBIT OPENING EVENT & Celebrating The Collaboration Of Mister Kaves X Bailey 1922 I 9.26.2024 I Industry City I Brooklyn, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
Apache Ramos was born on December 24, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for The Warriors (1979), The Ungovernable Force (2015) and The Genesis Project (2014). He has been married to Rae Chamblee-Ramos since October 12, 1984. They have one child.
Crazy Legs
Legendary Breakdancer (Rock Steady Crew)
THE BROOKLYN POP EXHIBIT OPENING EVENT & Celebrating The Collaboration Of Mister Kaves X Bailey 1922 I 9.26.2024 I Industry City I Brooklyn, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
He is an American b-boy who was featured in the earliest stories on hip hop dancing to appear in mainstream press, and as president of the Rock Steady Crew brought the form to London and Paris in 1983. Today he is also involved in community outreach, dance instruction, and dance theater productions. He has appeared in fiction films and documentaries. Crazy Legs is current president of the Rock Steady Crew.
Danny Boy O’Connor
Rapper & founding member of the Hip Hop group “House of Pain”
THE BROOKLYN POP EXHIBIT OPENING EVENT & Celebrating The Collaboration Of Mister Kaves X Bailey 1922 I 9.26.2024 I Industry City I Brooklyn, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
American rapper, art director, and the executive director of The Outsiders House Museum. O'Connor spent his childhood in New York, before moving to Los Angeles in the 1980s. In the 1990s, O'Connor co-founded the rap group House of Pain, with fellow rapper Erik Schrody (Everlast) and DJ Leor Dimant (DJ Lethal). Based on their cultural heritage they fashioned themselves as rowdy Irish-American hooligans. O'Connor played the role of art director, designing logos, branding, hype man, and co-rapper. In 1992, with the singles "Jump Around" and "Shamrocks and Shenanigans", their self-titled debut album, also known as Fine Malt Lyrics, went platinum.
They followed it up with Same as It Ever Was (1994), which went gold, and Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again (1996), before they all went their separate ways. O'Connor took part in several music projects, and continued doing designs as freelance work. In 2006, O'Connor founded the rap group La Coka Nostra where he was joined by George Carroll (Slaine), William Braunstein (Ill Bill), Dimant, and Schrody (only for the first album). Together they have three releases: A Brand You Can Trust (2009), Masters of the Dark Arts (2012) and To Thine Own Self Be True (2016).
In 2016, O'Connor, who is a lifelong fan of S. E. Hinton's book The Outsiders and its film adaptation by Francis Ford Coppola, bought the house used in the film located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He turned it into a museum named The Outsiders House Museum, that contains much of the book and film memorabilia. For his efforts preserving a cultural landmark, he received a key to the city.
Erni Vales
NYC 3D Graffiti Artist
THE BROOKLYN POP EXHIBIT OPENING EVENT & Celebrating The Collaboration Of Mister Kaves X Bailey 1922 I 9.26.2024 I Industry City I Brooklyn, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
HE IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS DEVELOPMENT OF THE 3D GRAFFITI STYLE THAT HAS INFLUENCED THOUSANDS WORLDWIDE TO FOLLOW HIS TECHNIQUE; HOWEVER, VALES, HAS A PORTFOLIO REACHING FAR BEYOND WHAT MIGHT BE EXPECTED FROM A GRAFFITI ARTIST.
Joseph D'Onofrio
Actor & Comedian
THE BROOKLYN POP EXHIBIT OPENING EVENT & Celebrating The Collaboration Of Mister Kaves X Bailey 1922 I 9.26.2024 I Industry City I Brooklyn, NY
VIP Guest & Event Participant
He is known for many roles including young Tommy in Good Fellas, Slick in A Bronx Tale and his recurring roles of Carmine on Power Book 3 Raising Kanan.and Johnny Mad Dog on Gravesend. He has enjoyed both comedic and dramatic roles throughout his career.He is Born and raised in New York.
Mister Kaves
World-renowned Graffiti Artist and Musician turned Tattooist
THE BROOKLYN POP EXHIBIT OPENING EVENT & Celebrating The Collaboration Of Mister Kaves X Bailey 1922 I 9.26.2024 I Industry City I Brooklyn, NY
Exhibit Visionary & Exhibit Creator
Michael "Kaves" McLeer is a world-renowned graffiti artist & musician turned tattooist. In the winter of 1981, a scrawny, Brooklyn-born twelve-year-old kid by the name of Michael McLeer hung from the beam of an elevated B train. Spray can in hand, sneaker against steel, he felt spraypaint adorn the surface of an MTA train car for the first time. When he wrote the name KAVES, he penned the beginning of a folklore that spanned New York City's restless, crumbling, hip-hop-fueled 1980s and 90s. Over the era, Kaves, a "Brooklyn boy who makes good" took paintings from train cars to museums and galleries. He took hip-hop from the crackle of his boom box radio into the unwelcome lap of the neighborhood he loved.
FULL BIO, GO TO mrkaves.com/bio
Brittany S. Hall
Actor
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
Cast Member (Role: Cheyenne Holliday)
American actress born on September 30th, 1987 in Washington D.C She was raised in the D.C./MD area, where she discovered her love for the performing arts. She performed in varies dance recitals and plays starting at an early age, which continued until she graduated high school. She then attended Frostburg State University where she studied Theatre and Mass Communications.
In 2009, Brittany was cast in VH1's hit reality Show "Real Chance of Love' receiving the nickname "hot wings." Brittany was instantly a favorite of producers and viewers and went on to be one of the winners of the show. While living in New York City, Brittany found another stage in Stand Up Comedy. She performed on weekends at one of NYC's most popular comedy clubs Laugh Lounge..
Brittany returned to her real passion for acting in 2014 when she began taking classes at Premiere Actors Network while living in Atlanta. Shortly after she signed with AWA, and began booking roles on series such as Ravenswood and Being Mary Jane. She also played supporting roles in films such as Cat Run 2 and Drumline 2. In 2015, she was cast in a recurring role as "Rosalie" on the USA series "Satisfaction." Her character returned for the second season in 2015, appearing in every episode.
Brittany signed with APA in 2016 and was later cast in a recurring role in the hit series Ballers. She resides in Los Angeles, California.
Chrissy Monroe
Former Reality TV Star / Love and Hip Hop New York
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
She famously known from being on the very popular VH1 weekly show Love and Hip Hop New York The Dr. Phil Show ,TLC or from her prior love advice column in Hip Hop Weekly, Love Talk with Chrissy Monroe .
Her main passion has become her non profit foundation: Survive to Thrive Global .
Being a domestic-violence survivor, She has devoted her life to the cause, by sharing resources and bringing awareness to this deadly global epidemic.
Jonathan Burke
Actor
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
VIP Guest Attendee
He can be seen as 'Eric' on Amazon Prime's "Harlem," and has been seen on NBC's "New Amsterdam," Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," and EPIX's "Bridge and Tunnel."
On Broadway, he appeared as the leading role, 'Pharus Jonathan Young,' in the closing company of Choir Boy, as 'Young Man 5/Toby's Agent/Charles Wilcox' in the Original Broadway Cast of the Best Play Tony Award winning, The Inheritance, and was a member of the Original Broadway Cast of Tuck Everlasting. Jonathan was seen Off-Broadway as 'Mungojerrie' in CATS: "The Jellicle Ball," as 'Jeff' in Love + Science at NY City Center Stage II, as 'Jordan' in Patience at Second Stage's McGinn/Cazale Theater, as 'Elzie' in Toni Stone at the Roundabout Theatre Company's Laura Pels Theatre, and as 'Priest/Judge' in Joan of Arc: Into the Fire at the Public Theater. His tour credits include Mary Poppins, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Joseph..., and Cats. Regionally, he has appeared across the country at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, The Cape Playhouse, Syracuse Stage (for which he won a SALT Award for Leading Actor in a Musical as 'Bert' in Mary Poppins), The Muny, Portland Center Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, the Studio Theatre, the Hangar Theatre, the MGR Playhouse, the Broad Stage, and the Virginia Stage Company. Jonathan is the co-creator of the series in development, "Not Looking.".
Jussie Smollett
Actor
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
Director, Producer, Co-Writer and Film Star (Role: Jason Holliday)
Jussie is famously known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the Fox TV Series "Empire", along with the films “The Mighty Ducks" and "B-Boy Blues"
“The Lost Holliday” A Jussie Smollett Film - NOW PLAYING IN AMC THEATERS!!!
2024 American drama film directed by Jussie Smollett and written by Smollett and Jerrell Chesney. The film stars Vivica A. Fox as Cassandra Marshall, who travels to Los Angeles to plan the funeral of her estranged son, Damien (Jabari Redd). Upon her arrival, Cassandra discovers that the funeral arrangements are already being handled by her son's husband, Jason (Jussie Smollett). Smollett also recorded a soundtrack album for the movie.
Co-Producers: Mona Scott-Young & Tressa Azarel Smallwood
Londyn Carter
Actor
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
Cast Member (Role: Arielle Adams Holliday)
She is known for her roles in Snowfall (2017) and Abbott Elementary (2021).
Mona Scott Young
Businesswoman & TV Producer
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
Film Production - Film Producer
Mona is an American television producer and entrepreneur. She is the CEO of the multi-media entertainment company Monami Productions, best known for producing the VH1 reality television franchise Love & Hip Hop
A world-leading independent production company focused on content creation for film, television, digital & mobile distribution.
Monami Productions is a division of Monami Entertainment, a lifestyle and entertainment company specializing in talent management, cross-platform development & experiential marketing. Founded by Mona Scott-Young, Monami Entertainment was created on the premise of expanding upon Mona Scott-Young’s remarkable track record for success in all areas of the entertainment business; music, television, publishing & consumer products.
In 2005, Mona Scott-Young created Monami Entertainment. Today, Monami Entertainment houses Monami Productions, Monami Books, and several other companies. Monami Entertainment is a leading multi-media lifestyle and entertainment company with a speciality in talent management and cross-platform brand development. The company focuses on all areas of entertainment including film, television, music, publishing, food and beverage, and digital.
Shajuan Andrews
Music Producer
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
Film Production - Film Scorer
Shajuan Andrews took an early liking to the drums, as a kid growing up in church. Shajuan started working professionally at an early age, being asked to perform for numerous of people and participate in live recordings. He has traveled with the Boys Club of New York and performed at prestigious venues such as: The Rainbow Room, Cipriani's, The Waldolf Astoria, The World’s Famous Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden and so much more. Shajuan took interest into performing on stage for the rest of his life. At the age 17, he had the privilege to record drums for artist Wale on track 1 titled "The Curse of the Gifted". Shajuan continued striving for success and involved himself around great people. He was granted the opportunity to perform on Live tv at the MTV EMA Awards and Good Morning America. Shajuan has played for artist such as: Jussie Smollett, Kelly Price, Jeff Redd, Big Daddy Kane,Horace Brown, Al B Shure, Donnie McClurkin,Dorinda Clark Cole, Kierra Sheard, Jason Derulo, Rita Ora, Zacardi Cortez, Judacamp,Tasha Cobbs, Swizz Beatz, Tiara Thomas, Sean C and LV and more. Shajuan is currently on tour with Emily King.
Vivica A. Fox
Actor
“The Lost Holliday” Harlem Premiere l 9.25.2024 I AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
Cast Member (Role: Cassandra Marshall)
She started acting professionally, first on soap operas, such as Generations (1989), Days of Our Lives (1965) and The Young and the Restless (1973). In another early role, she played Patti LaBelle's fashion designer daughter, "Charisse Chamberlain", on the NBC-TV series, Out All Night (1992). Her first big break was in the film, Independence Day (1996), along with Will Smith, and also Set It Off (1996). She has earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of "Maxine" in the 1997 motion picture, Soul Food (1997), which netted her MTV Movie Award and NAACP Image Award nominations. In 2000, she was casted in the medical drama, City of Angels (2000), as "Dr. Lillian Price". She has had roles in many other movies ever since, such as: Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999), Two Can Play That Game (2001) and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003). In 2004, Fox was in an episode of Punk'd (2003), where her pregnant friend pretended to go into labor, but they became angry when a paramedic appeared to care more about taking pictures than delivering the baby. Vivica also took another television role, from 2004 to 2006, as she starred in the drama series, 1-800-Missing (2003), on the Lifetime Television Network. In 2007, she was a contender on Dancing with the Stars (2005) and stayed until she was voted off in the fourth week. In 1998, Vivica A. Fox married singer Christopher Harvest (aka Sixx-Nine), whom she later divorced in June 2002. She also dated rapper 50 Cent, however this was a brief relationship.
Aitana Doyle
Actress
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Cast Member (Role: Sydnie / Lead)
Aitana Doyle is known for Aitana Needs a Gun (2024), If That Mockingbird Don't Sing (2024) and Killing A Vice (2024).
Ava Bodnar
Actress, Director & Producer
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Cast Member (Role: Iris / Sister)
Ava Bodnar was born in New York City, New York, USA. She is an actress and director, known for If That Mockingbird Don't Sing (2024), I Need Your Love (2024) and Lou & Gem (2022).
Catherine Curtin
Actress
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Cast Member (Role: Carrie / Mother-In-Law)
Catherine Curtin is an American actress. She is best known for her role as correctional officer Wanda Bell in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black. Her other notable recurring roles include Insecure, Stranger Things, and Homeland.
Josh Landau aka “Stolen Nova”
Recording Artist, Producer and Musician
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Crew Member (Role: Film Score)
Josh Landau is also known for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022), and Warm Blood (2022)
Single “Eclipse” released on September 13 & Debut EP Oct 4
Kevin Corrigan
Actor
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Cast Member (Role: Bob)
Kevin Corrigan is an American character actor. He has appeared mostly in independent films and television since the 1990s, including as Uncle Eddie on the sitcom Grounded for Life.
Notable Films include Goodfellas, Pineapple Express, Superbad, The Departed and much more..
Mandy Ward
Film Producer
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Crew Member (Role: Producer)
Mandy Ward is known for Hello Again (2017), If That Mockingbird Don't Sing (2024) and Almost Love (2019).
She is the Executive Producer and Founder of Akward Productions ,𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯.
Nadia Dajani
Actress & Podcast Host
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Cast Member (Role: Liz / Mom)
Nadia Dajani is a Hollywood Film, TV & Theatrical Actor, famously known for her roles in "View From The Top", "On The Rocks" "Young Betty", "Younger", "The Big C", "Happy Accidents", “Suits”, “Sex in The City” and so much more…
She is also the founding member of the Malaparte Theatre Company, along with friend Ethan Hawke
Sadie Bones
Filmmaker, Screenwriter and Director
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Cast Member (Role: Bella)
Daughter to Hollywood Actor, Kevin Corrigan. She is a 19-year-old triple threat in the world of filmmaking as a screenwriter, director, and actor. She is celebrating her New York Film premiere of “If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” at the SoHo International Film Festival.
Mockingbird won 3 Awards
1. New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Narrative Directing
2. Best Cast
3. Best Feature
Victor Colicchio
Actor, Screenwriter , Singer/Songwriter & Musician
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” NYC Premiere at the 2024 Soho International Film Festival l 9.22.2024 I Village East Cinema by Angelika I Manhattan, NY
Red Carpet Guest
Along with being the writer of “Summer of Sam” Victor is famously known for his roles in the Goodfellas, Inside Man, The Brave One, The Sopranos, The BlacKkKlansman & much more..
Carl Thomas
R&B/Soul Recording Artist
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Carl is a gifted R&B singer whose cool but passionate style is a solid match for his flexible vocal abilities, Carl Thomas was born in Aurora, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) on June 15, 1972. After graduating from high school, Thomas moved to Chicago to pursue a career in music, and for a while sang with a vocal group called the Fourmula, who scored a minor hit in 1994 with the tune "Pass It Over." In the mid-'90s, Thomas relocated to Brooklyn, New York, and began playing open-mike nights and showcase gigs in hopes of making a name for himself as a solo artist. In 1997, Thomas was spotted at one such performance by Sean "Puffy" Combs (aka P Diddy and Puff Daddy), who liked what he heard and promptly signed the singer to his Bad Boy Entertainment label. Initially, Thomas sang R&B-styled backups on sessions for hip-hop acts such as the Notorious B.I.G., the LOX, LL Cool J, N.O.R.E., and Puff Daddy, and it wasn't until 2000 that Thomas' first full-length album, Emotional, was released. On the strength of the hit singles "I Wish" and "Summer Rain," Emotional sold over a million copies, but it would be four years (marked by plenty of touring and many more guest spots on albums by others) before Thomas released his follow-up. The timing of 2004's Let's Talk About It proved unfortunate; Thomas' brother died as the result of a drive-by shooting shortly before it came out, and the singer opted not to tour as he dealt with the emotional fallout, which compromised the album's promotional campaign. In time, Thomas dissolved his relationship with Bad Boy, and he was briefly signed to Interscope, contributing vocals to "Dumpin'," a track on the posthumous 2Pac album Pac's Life, released in 2006. That same year, Thomas joined Yolanda Adams, Chaka Khan, and Gerald Levert to record the song "Everyday (Family Reunion)" for the movie Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion; the performance earned a Grammy nomination. In 2007, Thomas' third album, So Much Better, was released by the independent Umbrella label. In early 2011, Thomas signed a new deal with Verve Music, and his fourth album, Conquer, was released in December of that year.
Chubb Rock
Hip Hop Recording Artist
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Born in Kingston, Jamaica and bred in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, Chubb Rock — known for his authoritative and nimble flow, as well as an imposing frame — was a key rap artist of the late '80s and early '90s. He attended Brown University but abandoned his pre-med studies in favor of a music career. Supported by DJ and producer Howie Tee, his first cousin, he signed to the Select label — home of U.T.F.O. and Whistle, among others — and released his first album, Chubb Rock Featuring Hitman Howie Tee, in 1988. A remix of the album's "Caught Up," issued on 12", didn't chart but made a significant impact. The following year's And the Winner Is..., also made with Howie Tee, reached the Top 30 of Billboard's R&B Albums chart, highlighted by "Ya Bad Chubbs," which hit number 15 on the publication's Rap Singles chart and was regularly aired on Yo! MTV Raps.
During the early '90s, Chubb Rock released another pair of albums for Select: The One (1991) and I Gotta Get Mine Yo! (1992). The former spawned his biggest hit, the number one rap single "Treat 'Em Right" — another MTV staple. During the rest of the decade, he wasn't as active, though he was part of Crooklyn Dodgers '95, along with Jeru the Damaja and O.C., who contributed the DJ Premier-produced "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" to the Clockers soundtrack. He appeared beside Biz Markie and Prince Paul the following year on America Is Dying Slowly, a compilation for the Red Hot Organization. A fifth album, The Mind — his last release for Select — was released in 1997. After that, he recorded sporadically. Among his output during the following decades was a contribution to Prince Paul's Politics of the Business (2003), the album Bridging the Gap (2009), and a guest verse on Eric Roberson's "Summertime Anthem" (2011).
Clinton “Buddy” Wike
R&B/Soul Recording Artist & Member of The R&B Group “INTRO”
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Brooklyn, New York-based R&B group Intro which originally consisted of members Kenny Greene, Jeff Sanders and Clinton 'Buddy' Wike burst on the scene 30 years ago with their Gold-selling self-titled debut album which spawned their top 10 hit single "Come Inside". The album scored several other successful singles "Let Me Be the One" and "Love Thang" both reaching the top 30 in the R&B charts as well as a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon In the Sky" that managed to reach No. 11 on the R&B charts. The trio released a second album entitled New Life in 1995 which features the top 30 R&B hit "Funny How Time Flies" as well as charting single "Feels Like the First Time". Lead singer Kenny Greene continued writing for the likes of Mary J. Blige, Will Smith, 98 Degrees, Soul for Real, Christopher Williams and more. Unfortunately, Greene passed away in 2001. RnBJunkieOfficial caught up with remaining members Jeff Sanders and Buddy Wike for an exclusive to discuss all things Intro. Come Inside...
Freaky Kah
Hip Hop Recording Artist & Member of The Hip Hop Group “Lost Boyz”
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
He is the son of the late Freaky Tah (original member of the “Lost Boyz”) He’s continued his father’s legacy as a member of the group and he is also embarking on a social career as well. See Lost Boyz (to the right) Full Bio
Lost Boyz
Hip Hop Group
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
A Queens crew who came into being during the early '90s, Lost Boyz were significant players in the golden era of East Coast hip-hop. They scored several hits around the time of their 1996 debut, Legal Drug Money, but a murder would effectively end the group before the end of the '90s. After a lengthy span that found the surviving members focusing on solo work, a new iteration of Lost Boyz formed in the late 2010s, resurfacing in 2019 with the new mixtape Next Generation.
Lost Boyz was formed in 1993 by Freaky Tah, Mr. Cheeks, Pretty Lou, and Spigg Nice. The four friends grew up in New York's South Jamaica, Queens area and began rapping together when they were teenagers. Lost Boyz developed a distinctively East Coast sound adjacent to the rugged beats and microphone trade-offs of Wu-Tang Clan, but they chose a more celebratory and relatively less aggressive approach than some of their contemporaries. The group's 1995 single "Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless" was a big enough hit to land them a deal with Uptown Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records, which released their debut album, Legal Drug Money, in June of 1996. The record would yield multiple hit singles, including party anthem "Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz and Benz" and the more narrative "Renee." Second album Love, Peace and Nappiness arrived quickly the next year, adding hints of reggae influence to the group's old school rap sound. A third LP was nearly finished when Freaky Tah was shot dead on March 28, 1999, while leaving a birthday party for Mr. Cheeks at a hotel in Queens. The three remaining Lost Boyz finished their third album, LB IV Life, but it sold poorly and the group soon splintered.
Mr. Cheeks spent the 2000s working on a solo career and Spigg Nice eventually went to jail for bank robbery. In 2005, Forever arrived, a collection of Lost Boyz hits, rarities, and unreleased tracks. In 2019, a newly reorganized version of the Lost Boyz issued the seven-song project Next Generation. This new lineup found original member Mr. Cheeks joined by K Chrys and Freaky Kah, son of the deceased Freaky Tah. A single from Next Generation, "Lost Boyz Anthem," was licensed for use by NBA team the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing more attention to the re-formed group. The Lost Boyz released the new EP Legacy in 2020.
MC Lyte
Hip Hop Recording Artist, Actress, Author, Activist, Public & Motivational Speaker and more…
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Lana Michele Moorer, better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is an American rapper. Considered one of the pioneers of female rap, MC Lyte first gained fame in the late 1980s, becoming the first female rapper to release a full solo album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock.
First female to perform hip hop in the White House and first African American female to serve as the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammy Organization): these are just the first of many firsts. Lyricist, inspirational speaker, dj, pioneer, icon, veteran and entrepreneur describe one of the most prolific and well-respected female Hip Hop artists of all time: MC Lyte. She has consistently found ways to reinvent herself musically, while expanding her resume and gaining new fans. A current member of the Board of Trustees of Dillard University and reared in Brooklyn, New York, MC Lyte always has her finger on Hip Hop’s pulse. Many are familiar with her stellar music making skills, but over the course of her extensive career, MC Lyte has ventured out to other avenues that have allowed her to show the world just how talented she truly is.
Read More - FULL BIO
Samara Osae-Asareumvigh
Media Personality
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Samara Osae-Asare is a Ghanaian child entertainment personality, budding journalist, and brand ambassador who promotes Ghana through her interviews.
The young media personality is renowned for interviewing some of the world's most acclaimed entertainment and business personalities.
She was recently seen as a guest on the world renowned talk show “Sway’s Universe” hosted by Sway Calloway on Shade 45 / XM Sirius Radio
Sean Paul
Dancehall Reggae Artist
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Sean Paul, a true ambassador of Dancehall music; his commanding voice has become a personification of the genre. Each word that leaves his lips propels the entire art form. Recording artist, songwriter, and producer, Sean Paul continues to make an immense contribution to the culture, garnering a global audience and consistently filling venues in over 120 countries and counting.
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Shawn “Pecas” Costner
Executive; Brand Consulting & Sports Marketing at CAA
Event: Rise Up NYC “Queens” l 8.24.2024
Location: Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Shawn “Pecas” Costner is an Executive at CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). CAA Sports represents more than 3,000 of the world's best athletes in sports such as baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer, in addition to icons in individual sports, on-air broadcasters, coaches, and other pre-eminent personalities. Beyond on-field athlete representation, CAA Sports provides unique opportunities for clients off-field, in areas including entertainment, licensing, endorsements, speaking, philanthropy, video games, and digital.
Based in New York, Pecas has more than two decades of expertise in creating pop culture moments by tapping into passion points at the epicenter of music, sports, TV, film, and fashion. Pecas works closely with CAA’s award-winning Brand Consulting division, serving as a cultural translator for brand strategy, while helping ideate, strategize, and negotiate opportunities for clients across the agency.
Pecas previously served as the Vice President of Player Development for Roc Nation Sports. Previously, he served 15 years at Def Jam, where his roles included Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, and Vice President of Lifestyle Promotion. Pecas got his start in the music industry in 1994 as National Director of Street Promotion for Penalty Records, and also worked as Director of Rap Promotions at V2 Records, Elektra, and Director of Urban Promotions at Arista, among other positions. He joined CAA in 2020.
Ceaser Emanuel
Former Reality TV Star and Owner of Black Ink
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
He is an American businessman and reality television personality who is known for his role as the main cast member of “VH1”’s hit reality show “Black Ink Crew.” He is a skilled tattoo artist and the proprietor of his New York–based tattoo parlor, Harlem, which is featured on the show. He is co-owner of Black Ink, along with his other partners Dutchess Lattimore, Alex Estevez, Puma Robinson, Sky Days, Donna Lombardi, Young Bae, and many more.
CL Smooth
Hip Hop Legend
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
New Rochelle, NY Born Hip Hop Recording Artist. He is famously known as the member of the former hip hop duo “Pete Rock & CL Smooth”
They have produced such hits as : “They Reminisce Over You”, “T.R.O.Y”, “ The Creator” and much more..
DJ Hercules
Hip Hop DJ
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
Radio/Media Personality, Event Host and Official Tour DJ for Hip Hop Legend “CL Smooth”
G Dep
Hip Hop Artist
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
American rapper from Harlem, New York City. He joined Bad Boy Records in 1998 and released his debut album Child of the Ghetto in 2001. He released his second album Ghetto Legend on September 7, 2010 with Famous Records.
Grandmaster Dee
Hip Hop Legend
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
DJ & Member of The Legendary Hip Hop Group "Whodini" The Group has produced such hits as "Freaks Come Out At Night”, “Friends”, “Big Mouth” and much more..
Joe Jaxson
Talent Manager, Bookings & Event Promoter
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
Joe is a celebrity talent manager and powerhouse in the entertainment world of Hip Hop. Currently he manages Legendary DJ “Funk Flex” and other known artists, along with being an entertainment bookings agent and event promoter;
Karti3r Conway
Tap Dancer, R&B Singer and Non-Violence Activist
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
ENTERTAINER "SINGER" "DANCER" & "ACTOR" THE SAMMY DAVIS JR OF "HIPHOP" A 7TIME APOLLO WINNER. He was also famously known as the Young Sandman at the Apollo Theater.
Karti3r was recently seen performing alongside R&B Legend, Meli’sa Morgan at the Rise Up NYC Concert in Harlem, NY in front of the Apollo Theater.
Lola Brooke
Hip Hop Recording Artist
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn, NY born hip hop recording artist, Lola is considered one of the top female MC’s of Today. She has performed at Rolling Loud NYC, Break The Internet Fest, HOT97’s “Who’s Up Next” & “Summer Jam” showcases, halftime Brooklyn Nets. She closed out the 2022 year pulling up to Future’s sold-out show at Barclays Center & During the first half of 2023 Lola embarked on her first nation-wide tour with A Boogie wit da Hoodie signaling her rising super-stardom status felt outside of the East coast. She is also a 2023 BET Awards “Artist of The Year” Nominee.
Milk Dee
Hip Hop Legend
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
He is famously known as a member of the hip hop duo “The Audio 2” Their debut single, "Make it Funky", was released in 1987, but it was the B-side, "Top Billin'", that became the chart hit. The beat made by Milk Dee and produced by Daddy-O of Stetsasonic and Milk Dee's lyrics would be sampled and referenced time and time again, even by the group itself: both the group's full-length debut, 1988's What More Can I Say? and its 1990 follow-up, I Don't Care: The Album, were titled after lines from the song. However, the duo would never recapture its initial success. The singles of its second album, "I Get the Papers" and "On the Road Again," were only moderate hits. It was a time of rapid change in the hip hop market; gangsta rap was rising in popularity, and Audio Two found itself unsuccessfully struggling to maintain recording contracts and a fanbase.
Parish Smith
Hip Hop Legend
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
Parish Smith, professionally known as PMD (the Mic Doctor), stands as a pivotal figure in the evolution of hip-hop. Parish alongside Erick Sermon joined forces in their creative vision to create EPMD. Now PMD has established himself as a legend in hip-hop history with a career spanning over three decades. Known for his dope mellow voice coupled with his b-boy attitude, Smith’s contributions to hip-hop have solidified his status as one of the most respected hip-hop legends in the music industry.
Rakim
Hip Hop Legend
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
Better known as “The God MC”, Rakim is famously known as a member of the Hip Hop Legendary Duo “Eric B. & Rakim” with whom he released four albums: Paid in Full (1987), Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990), and Don't Sweat the Technique (1992). He also released four solo albums: The 18th Letter (1997), The Master (1999), The Seventh Seal (2009), and G.O.D.'s Network: Reb7rth (2024).
Rakim is considered a transformative figure in hip hop for raising the bar for MC technique higher than it had ever been
Treach
Hip Hop Legend and Former Reality TV Star
Event: Rise Up NYC “Brooklyn” l 8.10.2024
Location: Coney Island Amphitheater, Brooklyn, NY
Treach is famously known as a member and lead rapper of the Hip Hop Legendary group “Naughty By Nature” with Vin Rock and DJ Kay Gee.
The Group produced such hits as “O.P.P.”, “Uptown Anthem”, “Hip Hop Hooray” and much more..
After rising to fame for his music, Treach began acting in guest roles on television series and movies. Some of the TV series include CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Person of Interest, Blue Bloods. Some of his movies include Juice (1992), The Meteor Man (1993), Jason's Lyric (1994), and a starring role in Love and a Bullet (2002).
Allan Houston
Former NBA Star, NY Knick Legend & Founder of FISLL
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
Allan Houston is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1993 to 2005. A shooting guard, Houston played nine seasons for the New York Knicks; he was a member of the Knicks' 1999 NBA Finals team. Houston made the NBA All-Star Team twice and also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Dave Huie
Founder of UNK NBA, CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group & Business Mogul
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
UNK brand and its imprint on NBA fashion began as a grassroots, underground hustle, but it blossomed into a multi-million dollar company, along with being the CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group, which was dedicated and named after his mother, Violet Kathleen.
Donovan Richards
Queens Borough President
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
Politician serving as the Borough President of Queens. He is also a former New York City Council member, having represented the 31st district. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
John Starks
Former NBA Star & NY Knick Legend
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
Former professional basketball player who was a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was undrafted in the 1988 NBA draft after attending four colleges in his native Oklahoma, including Oklahoma State University. Starks was named an NBA All-Star while playing for the New York Knicks in the 1990s.
In 2003, Starks was named Alumni and Fan Development Advisor for the New York Knicks. Starks is involved in the day-to-day efforts focused on expanding the Knicks Alumni Relations, Community Relations and Fan Development Programs.
Master Gee
Hip Hop Legend and Member of The Sugarhill Gang
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop duo, originally a trio. Their 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap single to become a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak position of number 36 on January 12, 1980. This was the trio's only U.S. hit, though they did have further success in Europe until the mid-1980s. The trio reformed in 1994 and did a world tour in 2016.
Melle Mel
Hip Hop Legend and Member of The Furious 5
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
Melle Mel is known as a rapper who was the lead vocalist and songwriter of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. A hip hop group formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978. The group's members were Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Scorpio, and Rahiem. They are the 1st Hip Hop Group/Artists to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Tiffany Lamela
Co-Executive Director of Life Camp Inc.
Event: 2nd Annual Par4Peace Charity Golf Tournament presented by Life Camp Inc. l 7.1.2024
Location: North Shore Towers & Country Club, Queens, NY
LIFE Camp provides youth and families that have been impacted by violence the valuable tools they need to stay in school and out of the criminal justice system. We provide programs and other holistic approaches to reinforce self-esteem and respect for life among one another and also connect and mobilize youth to prevent and heal from violence in New York City’s most underserved communities. “””We are a frontline gun violence prevention and intervention team making our communities safer.”
To learn more about Life Camp & Founder Erica Ford, please click go to https://www.peaceisalifestyle.com/
Chuck Schumer
NY State Senator & Senate Majority Leader
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
A member of the Democratic Party, Schumer is in his fourth Senate term, having held his seat since 1999, and is the senior United States senator from New York.
Eric Adams
Mayor of NYC
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Eric Leroy Adams is an American politician and former police officer, serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since January 1, 2022. Adams was an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than 20 years, retiring at the rank of captain.
Imperial Court of NY
King & Queen of The ICNY
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade Participant”
The Imperial Court is a social, fundraising organization which has raised millions of dollars for social service and health support organizations. Our membership includes, all inclusive title holders, all enjoying the “game” of court and royalty while raising much needed social awareness and money for deserving charities in the tri-state area. In addition to our own fundraising, we often lend our support and talent to other organizations in their ventures by performing, volunteering or just adding Royal beauty and style!
Our members are people who have chosen to make a commitment, get involved and make a difference in the LGBTQ+ communities.
Jumaane Williams
Justice, Equality Activist & Politician
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
American activist and politician who has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district, which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.
Letitia James
NYS Attorney General
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Mark D. Levine
Manhattan Borough President
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
He is also the an educator, chair of the City Council Health Committee and former chair of the City Council’s Parks Committee.
Nikki Jax
DJ
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Official Parade DJ”
Nikki has been a performer and DJ for many years. Based in The Bronx, she brings a unique mix of high energy and culture to every gig. Having been a former dancer herself, she understands how to keep the dancers on the floor.
She is also proud to be sought after as one of the Pride DJs for the June every year. But as a professional she is equally at home working for corporate and non-profit clients.
Sirens Women Motorcycle Club of NYC
Women’s & LGBTQ+ Activist Organization
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participants”
The Sirens MC is an association of women+ motorcycle enthusiasts who emphasize safety, solidarity, support and friendship, organize and participate in charitable and community activities, support and participate in LGBTQ+ Pride events and women’s health initiatives, and strive to improve public acceptance of all motorcyclists.
The Siren’s are the official group to kick of the NYC Pride March Annually.
Thomas DiNapoli
NYS Comptroller
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Thomas is an American politician serving as the 54th and current New York State Comptroller since 2007. A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed by a bipartisan majority of the New York State Legislature to the position of comptroller on February 7, 2007
TRANScend
First Trans Ensemble / gender-expansive classical vocal ensemble
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"ABC 7 Live Broadcast Performers & Parade VIP Participants”
We are New York's first trans / gender-expansive classical vocal ensemble, exploring the unique aural aesthetic of trans and other gender-atypical voices singing a thousand year-old canon of concert, liturgical and art music from around the world.
Triad Brass
Brass Band Ensemble
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade Participant”
NYC-based brass Grammy Award Winning band known for their energetic and entertaining performances. The band is comprised of a rotating cast of world-class brass musicians known for incorporating dance and theatre into their shows. With unmatched stage presence, they have become sought-after for captivating audiences with their music, dancing, and unique marching band-style crowd work."
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
Event: 2024 NYC Pride March l 6.30.2024
Location: 5th Ave. NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
She is an American politician, former member of the NYC Council & the First Female & First African American to be elected as the Bronx Borough President.
Adriano Espaillat
US Congressman
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Dominican-American politician. He is the U.S. representative for New York's 13th congressional district and the first Dominican American and first formerly Undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress.
Andrea Navedo
Actress
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
Andrea has 30 years of professional acting experience in a variety of genres for both film and television. She is an award winning actor, including recognitions for Breakthrough Performance, Outstanding performance and Women in Film awards.
Andrea is the Imagen Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in her most notable recurring role on the CW's Jane The Virgin.
Her extensive filmography includes appearances in One Life to Live, Guiding Light, The District, Law & Order, Fast and the Furious, El Cantante, Washington Heights, Jane the Virgin and countless others.
Asianna Saragosa - Torres
Miss Latina Hawaii
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
She is a mental health advocate in the State Of Hawaii. She is Miss Latina Hawaii 2024, The National Alliance Of Mental Illness Hawaii's Youth And Peer Coordinator and is 102.7 Da Bomb, a local radio station, new radio Dj! At the age of 23, She has had the honor to be featured on all local hawaii news platforms advocating for suicide prevention, bullying prevention, and mental health awareness. She speaks to Hawaii's youth as a motivational speaker in the schools and is a Girl Scouts Troop Leader. In addition, she was granted a senate certificate from Hawaii State Capitol for the change and advocacy she has made in her community.
Carmen Jovet
News Anchor
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
First female & Emmy winning news anchor on Puerto Rican television in 1968. She is the founder of her own production company, Productosra Nacional Inc., which produces television programs such as "Now We Can Talk", "Let's Talk About Health" and "En Caliente con la Jovet" on NotiUno.
Brad Lander
NYC Comptroller
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
American politician, urban planner, and community organizer who currently serves as the New York City Comptroller. A member of the Democratic Party, Lander is a progressive politician, and has been described as "one of the most left-leaning politicians in the city.
DJ Charlie Chase
DJ & Music Producer
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
Puerto Rican DJ who played a key role in establishing Latinos as a contributing force in The Bronx's early hip hop culture on a Global Level. He is the co-founder of The Cold Crush Brothers w/Tony Tone.
Chuck Schumer
NY State Senator & Senate Majority Leader
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
A member of the Democratic Party, Schumer is in his fourth Senate term, having held his seat since 1999, and is the senior United States senator from New York.
DJ Frankie Cutlass
DJ & Music Producer
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
Frank Javiel Malave, better known by his stage name Frankie Cutlass, is an American award- winning platinum DJ, Artist, Producer, Writer and Remixer from Harlem, New York, United States. He is best known for his hits "Puerto Rico Ho" and "Shake Whatcha Mama Gave Ya."
Ismael Malave
2025 NYC Comptroller Candidate
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Affectionately known as “ISH.” Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, USA, and raised in the Bronx, Mr. Malave has dedicated his life to serving his community. Growing up in challenging circumstances, he learned the values of resilience, hard work, and compassion from his mother, who raised him and his siblings single-handedly. Mr. Malave graduated from Lehman College, CUNY, with a BA in Economics and later earned an MBA from Baruch College, CUNY. With over two decades of experience in public service and a deep understanding of fiscal policy, Mr. Malave is ready to bring positive change to New York City as its next Comptroller.
Jorge Rivera Nieves
News Anchor
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
He is a prominent Puerto Rican journalist and television anchor with an outstanding career spanning almost half a century. In 1977, Rivera Nieves joined the news team at Telemundo Puerto Rico (then known as "Telenoticias en Acción"), where in 1986 he became one of the main news anchors, a position he has held since. He is known for his warm voice and his presentation style close to the public. Rivera Nieves has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career of almost half a century. In June 2022, Rivera Nieves was honored with two honorary degrees, by the Universidad Ana G. Méndez and the Universidad del Caribe.
Jose “Piculin” Ortiz
Former NBA Player
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
Ortiz played for the Utah Jazz in the NBA from 1988 to 1990. He was the first Puerto Rican-born player drafted into the NBA, selected 15th overall in 1987. Ortiz represented Puerto Rico in four Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996, 2004) and won several medals in international competitions. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Puerto Rican B-Ball players of all time.
Jumaane Williams
Justice, Equality Activist & Politician
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
American activist and politician who has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district, which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.
Letitia James
New York State Attorney General
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Maripily Rivera aka 'Hurricane Boricua'
Actress, Model & Television Presenter
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
As the winner of the fourth season chosen by the public through LaCasadelosFamosos.com, María del Pilar 'Maripily' Rivera, known to all as the 'Hurricane Boricua', is one of the most recognized and talked about celebrities in the world of entertainment. Owner of a vibrant and outgoing personality, this Puerto Rican has conquered millions of admirers on her social networks with more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram. Throughout her more than 25 years in the artistic world, she has participated in successful reality shows and television productions. Mother of 22-year-old Joe Joe, Rivera has worked on hit shows like Eso Vale and No te Duermas en Puerto Rico, as well as the Telemundo competition Si Se Podemos, Telemundo Internacional's JAM, the reality show Famosas VIP, the late-night show Dog Night, among others. She also owns boutiques and the famous “Mahones” (Jeans) with her personal stamp, she has made music videos with famous Latin artists and graced covers in renowned magazines and calendars.
Mark D. Levine
Manhattan Borough President
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
He is also the an educator, chair of the City Council Health Committee and former chair of the City Council’s Parks Committee.
Nydia M. Velazquez
US Congresswoman
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
She is currently serving her fourteenth term as Representative for New York's 7th Congressional District. In the 116th Congress, she is the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, a senior member of the Financial Services Committee and a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
She has made history several times during her tenure in Congress. In 1992, she was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In February 1998, she was named Ranking Democratic Member of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Hispanic woman to serve as Ranking Member of a full House committee. Most recently, in 2006, she was named Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Latina to chair a full Congressional committee.
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
American politician who has served as the Borough President of The Bronx since 2022. She served as a member of the New York City Council, representing the 16th district from 2014 to 2021. A Democrat, she was elected Bronx Borough President in November 2021 to a four-year term beginning January 2022, running on a platform focused on recovery from COVID-19 impact, food insecurity and housing instability. She is the first female and first African American Bronx Borough President.
Xander Zayas
Professional Boxer
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade Honoree”
Puerto Rican professional boxer. In an amateur career that spanned from 2007 to 2018 he had more than 130 bouts, winning eleven national championship tournaments including the 2018 U.S. Youth National Championships
Xavier Santiago
2024 NYS Assembly Member Candidate for East Harlem, NYC
Event: 2024 National Puerto Rican Day Parade l 6.9.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"Parade VIP Participant”
Xavier Santiago is a result driven community leader, film/tv producer and businessman who has spent his career elevating and advancing the needs of everyday New Yorkers by fighting for equity of opportunity, affordable housing and a safe neighborhood for our families.
A'ja Wilson
WNBA Pro Basketball Player
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Titan of The Year Award Recipient”
WNBA Professional Basketball Player for the Las Vegas Aces, Olympic Gold Medalist and 2x WNBA Champion
Alex Edelman
Actor/Comedian
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Artist of The Year Award Recipient”
Stand-up comedian based in New York City. He is an internationally touring comic and found early success in the United Kingdom where he was named Best Newcomer at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Billy Porter
Actor, Singer, Writer, and Director.
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee & Former Time Award Recipient (2020)”
Billy is A GRAMMY, EMMY, AND TONY AWARD WINNER. Before embarking on a career as a mainstream pop vocalist, Billy Porter built a substantial reputation as a theatrical singer in Broadway productions such as Grease and Smokey Joe's Cafe. He made his initial impact by placing 'Love Is On The Way' on the soundtrack to the film First Wives' Club, in 1996.
Dominique Crenn
Chef
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Innovator of The Year Award Recipient”
French chef. As of 2016, she was the only female chef in the United States to attain three Michelin stars, for her restaurant Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco. Crenn has been featured in several Food Network and other television shows
Don Lemon
TV Journalist
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Innovator of The Year Award Recipient”
He is best known for being a host on CNN from 2014 until 2023. He anchored weekend news programs on local television stations in Alabama and Pennsylvania during his early days as a journalist. Lemon worked as a news correspondent for NBC on its programming, such as Today and NBC Nightly News. Lemon is also a recipient of an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for his coverage of the capture of the Washington, D.C. snipers. He also received three regional Emmy Awards for his special report on real estate in Chicago and a business feature on craigslist.
Kelley Robinson
Human Rights Activist
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
" 2024 Time Titan of The Year Award Recipient”
American community organizer who is the current president of the Human Rights Campaign. She was formerly the executive director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Kelly Sawyer Patricof & Norah Weinstein
Baby2Baby Founders
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Pioneers of The Year Award Recipient”
This dynamic duo who have made a significant impact on the lives of families who are struggling. Their dedication and tireless efforts to provide essential items for children through their work with Baby2Baby have helped so many families across the country—their passion for giving back is truly inspiring. Kelly and Norah’s leadership and vision have transformed Baby2Baby into a beacon of hope, providing items such as diapers, clothing, and other necessities to ensure that children have what they need to thrive.
Maria Bello
Actress, Writer, and Producer
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Star of Netflix TV Series “Beef” Her first major film role was in 1998's Permanent Midnight. She followed this with a range of supporting and leading parts in films such as Payback , Coyote Ugly, The Cooler, Secret Window, Assault on Precinct 13, A History of Violence, Thank You for Smoking, World Trade Center, The Jane Austen Book Club, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Grown Ups, Prisoners, and Lights Out.
Outside of film, Bello is best known for playing Anna Del Amico in the medical drama ER and Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane in the police procedural drama NCIS. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and won a Critics' Choice Award for her performance in the limited series Beef, The Guardian named her one of the best actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination.
Osas Ighodaro
Nigerian-American Actress
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Osas is best known for her work in ‘Rattlesnake’, ‘Smart Money Woman’, ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’, ‘Cadillac Records’ & ‘Tyler Perry’s ‘Meet the Browns’ amongst her many projects. She founded the production company, ‘Imuetinyan Productions’, who’s aim is to produce projects that both entertain and create positive impact.
Osas was awarded for ‘Best Actress in a Drama’ consecutively at the 2022 & 2023 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, respectively. In 2021, she was named ‘Woman of the Year in Entertainment’ at the HER Network Awards. Osas was also named the ‘Highest Grossing Box Office Actress’ in Nollywood in 2018, Best TV Actress at the 2014 Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards and amongst the top 3 highest grossing actresses in 2020, respectively. In 2010, Osas was crowned Miss Black USA and was the first Nigerian American to do so.
Osas is an advocate against the spread of preventable diseases and in turn is the founder of the NGO, Joyful Joy Foundation, which strives to eradicate Malaria throughout Africa – one community at a time.
Sakshi Malik
Former Indian Freestyle Wrestler
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Icon of The Year Award Recipient”
Former Indian freestyle wrestler. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, she won the bronze medal in the 58 kg category, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics
Sam Tsemberis
Homeless Activist & Founder of Pathways Housing First
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Pioneer of The Year Award Recipient”
Greek Canadian clinical and community psychology practitioner, and the founder and executive director of Pathways to Housing, a Housing First program for individuals with serious mental illnesses, long histories of homelessness, and often co-occurring substance abuse.
Sharon Lavigne
American environmental justice activist
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"2024 Time Pioneer of The Year Award Recipient”
American environmental justice activists in Louisiana focused on combating petrochemical complexes in Cancer Alley. She is the 2022 recipient of the Laetare Medal, the highest honor for American Catholics, and a 2021 recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize
Tarana Burke
Founder of The Me Too Movement
Event: 2024 Time 100 Gala l 4.25.2024
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee & Former Time Award Recipient (2018)”
American activist from New York City, who started the MeToo movement. In 2006, Burke began using MeToo to help other women with similar experiences to stand up for themselves.
Collette V. Smith
Former NFL Coach for the NY Jets.
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"Event Honoree”
She is the First African/American Female Coach in NFL’s History (Team: NY Jets). She is also a former Female Pro Football Player for the NY Sharks and now presently a Motivational Speaker, Women’s Right Activist & Founder of Believe N You Inc.
Joy-Ann Reid
MSNBC News Journalist & TV Host
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"VIP Guest”
She is an American journalist and television host. She is a national correspondent for MSNBC and is best known for hosting the political commentary program The ReidOut since July 2020. Her previous anchoring credits include The Reid Report and AM Joy.
Keiron Bigby
Former Pro Football Player
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"VIP Guest”
He is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins during the 1987 NFL season. He played college football at Brown. In 2018, Bigby was awarded a Super Bowl ring for playing for the Redskins in 1987, the year they won Super Bowl XXII.
Presently he is the Co-Founder & Owner of K Street Spirits
Keith Beauchamp
Filmmaker
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"VIP Guest”
He is an American filmmaker based in Brooklyn and best known for his extensive investigation of and films about the lynching of Emmett Till. Beauchamp was born in 1971 and grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Dr. Keith C. Perrin Jr.
FUBU Brand Co-Founder
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"VIP Guest”
FUBU, short for “For Us By Us,” was founded in 1992 by Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown as a hat company. During the 1990s, it became a popular fashion choice in the street-wear scene and by the early 2000s, it had gained worldwide recognition.
Michelle J. Howard
U.S. Navy Admiral
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"VIP Guest”
She is a 1982 Naval Academy graduate, Adm. Michelle Howard became the first black woman to command a U.S. Navy combatant ship, USS Rushmore (LSD 47) (1999). She was the first woman promoted to the rank of four-star admiral (2014). Upon her promotion, Howard became the highest ranking woman in U.S. armed forces history and the highest ranking black woman in Navy history. She served as VCNO from 2014 to 2016. Howard also became the first woman four-star admiral to command operational forces when she assumed command of both U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Naval Forces Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples (NATO) from 2016 to 2017. Howard retired from the Navy in 2017, after nearly 36 years of service.
Tracey Bagley
ABC Executive TV Producer
Event: Collette V. Smith’s 50+5 Birthday Soiree w/a Purpose l 4.11.2024
Location: Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY
"VIP Guest”
She is the Executive Producer of Here & Now at WABC with Sandra Bookman
Deji LaRay
Actor, Writer & Producer
Event: Bounce TV “Johnson” Private Screening & Q&A l 4.10.2024
Location: Scripps Network, 810 7th Ave, NYC
"Writer, Creator, Producer & Cast Member (Greg)”
Deji LaRay, the creator of Johnson, is a multi-talented actor, writer and producer from Atlanta. After performing on Broadway at just 13-years-old, training with the Alliance Theater and the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, and ultimately graduating from high school, LaRay took his talents to Los Angeles, where he received a BA in Film and TV from Cal State Los Angeles, studying directing and filmmaking to hone his skillset. LaRay can be seen starring in seasons two and three of Age of the Living Dead. He spent six seasons on Bosch and appeared in three episodes in season one of Greenleaf. Off the set, LaRay is passionate about mentorship and aims to start his own nonprofit that will help mentor children in inner cities and show them that the world is bigger than the neighborhood in front of them.
Earthquake
Comedian & Actor
Event: Bounce TV “Johnson” Private Screening & Q&A l 4.10.2024
Location: Scripps Network, 810 7th Ave, NYC
"Cast Member (Booker)”
Stand-up comedian, actor, voice artist and radio personality. He presently hosts a radio show entitled, Quakeshouse for SiriusXM and Kevin Hart's Laugh Out Loud Network
Thomas Q. Jones
Actor
Event: Bounce TV “Johnson” Private Screening & Q&A l 4.10.2024
Location: Scripps Network, 810 7th Ave, NYC
"Cast Member (Omar)”
Thomas Q. Jones is a captivating force on and off the field. While best known as an unstoppable all-time leading running back that played 12 seasons in the NFL, his focus has turned to acting and technology. Jones served as Showrunner and lead actor in Johnson, and has executive produced and appeared in film and television shows including Straight Outta Compton, P-Valley, Tales, Luke Cage, Shameless, Being Mary Jane, Runaway Island and A Violent Man. Off the set, he is co-founder and CEO JoinLevel, LLC, and is the co-founder and Executive Producer of Midnight Train Productions. Jones grew up in Big Stone Gap, VA with six siblings and his coal-miner parents, whom he collaborated with to publish "Blessings from the Dust," a book inspired by family struggles endured in Virginia’s poverty-stricken coal-mining camps.
Curtis Sliwa
Founder of The Guardian Angels & 2021 & 2025 NYC Republican Mayoral Candidate
Event: 2024 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade l 3.16.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
The Guardian Angels is a non-profit international volunteer organization with the goal of unarmed crime prevention. The Guardian Angels organization was founded on February 13, 1979, in New York City
Edward Caban
Eric Adams
NYC Mayor
Event: 2024 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade l 3.16.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Eric Leroy Adams is an American politician and former police officer, serving as the 110th mayor of New York City since 2022. Adams was an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than 20 years, retiring at the rank of captain
Jeffrey Maddrey
Chief of the NYPD
Event: 2024 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade l 3.16.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Police Officer who is currently serving as the chief of the New York Police Department. He was appointed to the position by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Maddrey is a former inspector in the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn and former assistant chief.
Letitia James
Attorney General of New York
Event: 2024 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade l 3.16.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Lawyer, activist, politician, & member of the Democratic Party. She is also the first African-American and first woman to be elected to the position of Attorney General
Mark D. Levine
Manhattan Borough President
Event: 2024 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade l 3.16.2024
Location: 5th Ave, NYC
"VIP Guest Attendee”
He is also the an educator, chair of the City Council Health Committee and former chair of the City Council’s Parks Committee.
Alexis Sims
Actress
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"Cast Member - Gloria”
Alexis Sims is a Broadway and TV actress known for her roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), Blue Bloods (2010) and Love Life (2020).
April Walker
Fashion Designer
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Urban Fashion Mogul/Designer and founder of Walker Wear a heritage lifestyle fashion brand straight from Brooklyn. Donned by greats like BIG, TUPAC, RUN-DMC, Barrel Brothers, Joey Badass, Power.
Dave Huie
Founder of UNK NBA & CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"Executive Producer”
UNK brand and its imprint on NBA fashion began as a grassroots, underground hustle, but it blossomed into a multi-million dollar company, along with being the CEO of Vio/k Marketing Group, which was dedicated and named after his mother, Violet Kathleen.
Gina Keys
Arts Educator, Director, Playwright, Songwriter & Choreographer.
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"Playwright”
Gina Keys, is a playwright originally from Chicago, Illinois. Her career began as a professional equity entertainer, performing internationally and on Broadway, touring with musicals such as the ”Will Rogers Follies” Directed by Tommy Tune. Gina's writing began at New York University (Tisch School of the Arts) where she created her first collaborative black box one-act play. Gina has published two books available on Amazon and Kindle Books. Gina enjoys writing human stories, creating an opportunity for diverse voices, expanding the narrative of the African American experience in America.
Lance Roberts
Actor
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"Cast Member - Richard ”
Broadway, tv, & film actor known for his roles in The Music Man on Broadway, Love Life on HBO Max, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Prime, Pose on FX, Best Man, NBC Blacklist, NBC Law and Order and much more..
Leon
Hollywood Actor, Producer, Director & Singer
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"Cast Member - Bobby”
Leon is best known for his roles as David Ruffin in the TV miniseries The Temptations (1998), J.T. Matthews in the 1991 Robert Townsend film The Five Heartbeats, Derice Bannock in the 1993 film Cool Runnings, Shep in the 1994 basketball drama film Above the Rim, and Little Richard in the 2000 film Little Richard
Leon is currently and also the lead singer of the Reggae Band “Leon and the Peoples”
Melle Mel
Hip Hop Legend
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"VIP Guest Attendee”
Melle Mel is known as a rapper who was the lead vocalist and songwriter of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. A hip hop group formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978. The group's members were Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Scorpio, and Rahiem. They are the 1st Hip Hop Group/Artists to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Sunny Hostin
Co-Host ABC’s “The View”
Event: “Mississippi Land” Stage Reading l 2.4.2024
Location: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY
"VIP Guest Attendee”
"Sunny" Cummings Hostin is an American lawyer, journalist, author, and television host. Hostin is co-host on ABC's morning talk show The View as well as the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News.
