Posted By: C. Harrison/8/25/2016

An Insight Into Designer Curtis Thomas’s ‘House of Hillary’

By: C. Harrison/August 22, 2016/7:04PM

Upon first hearing about  ‘House of Hillary,’ a website T-Shirt company and what its  Owner & Designer, Curtis Thomas had done, my immediate thoughts were,  was he using  Hillary’s campaign to make money.  My fair came to a halt when I interviewed him on the very topic.

According to the enthused Designer, “Yes, one can say we are capitalizing from Mrs. Clinton running for office. It makes sense right now because of the everyday captions on the T-Shirts, but we plan  to go beyond.  We are in essence using the T-Shirts to drive voters and more women to the polls and put people in leadership positions.  We definitely have a game plan for after the campaign and when Mrs. Clinton becomes President.  And  yes, my company is a for profit; the shirts are walking Bill Boards, for candidates,” ascerted the unshakable sounding Thomas.

In addition, Thomas stated,  “We also have T-Shirts depicting First Lady, Michelle Obama and President Obama honoring their contributions;  as well as T- Shirts for the Justices.  I believe the shirts will go very far, we have over 30 thousands people following us. We have people in Demark and Australia ordering T-Shirts and soon, we will have another T-Shirt rolling out for a democrat in California, Kamela Harris,” articulated Thomas .   He further explained that candidate names, are fair game to use and that they are going after other political avenues such as fundraising, block parties, and speakers.

The very frank Designer made pellucid that, ‘House of Hillary,’ is not part of Mrs. Clinton’s, campaign  website.  He said,  “Whatever they have on their website is theirs.  We have a more specific target on the younger generation, 18-25, and we also have things on our site for older people.  Our T-Shirts span generations, there are also T-Shirts for men. We hope to do fundraising for candidates and be a catalyst for young people.”  Thomas further injected that ‘House of Hillary’s’ goal, is to recreate the same synergetic excitement in 2016 for Mrs. Clinton, as the nation shared in 2008 for President Barack Obama.

Moreover,  the expressive Designer said that what Mrs. Clinton will get from them for using her title and name, is hopefully votes, further inspiration, and motivation.  He concedes that it’s important for a democratic candidate, running for Presidency to win and that Hillary, will need engaged citizens as well. Everyone should do their part in a campaign. Our role is to reach out to those who don’t necessarily know who or how to vote or get in the game. I am 35-years old and there is a lot to be done.  We hope to be that engagement on the ground,” reiterated the creationist.

In describing his T-Shirts apparels, Thomas said the designs were his and all of them were made here in the United States. The Designer also creates logos. The very culpable Thomas, is using his T-Shirts, to highlight politicians, public figures, advocacy and women because they are an underrepresented group.

In the quest of not running a political muck, I asked Thomas point blank,  if he sees his company running into a political risk; in which he answered no. He referred to the fact that if, he does, then maybe it’s a  good thing.  “We want to use our T-Shirts, to impact candidates races,” stated Thomas.

The genteel Designer said that he had no idea if he would run for office. He moreover noted that it takes a type of personality to run and that doing the T-shirts, was his way of contributing for now.

‘House of Hillary’ was conceived in 2015, Summer. it was the vision of its CEO Curtis Thomas, a Morehouse College International Studies graduate from Greensboro, NC. Thomas was a Washington insider who have worked for Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr, Rep. Yvette Clarke and Rep. Bobby Rush.

Celebs droning his T-shirts are: Rocsi Diaz, Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Phaedra Parks and Gizelle Bryant from Real Housewives of Potomac, the Jamie Foxx Show star Garcelle Beauvais and Living Single & The Cosby Show’s Erika Alexander, to name a few.  Slogans on the T-shirts includes: “I Met the President” “High Heels” “High Office” and “Polls Before Bros” etc.

Posted By: C. Harrison/August 21, 2016

FAR ROCKAWAY TRANSPORTATION HUB BOOST

New York, NY…On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, an announcement will be made by  State Senator James Sanders, regarding distributed funds of $12 .94 million for transportation improvement to Far Rockaway A- Train Station.

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the MTA are collaborating on the improvement project to provide increased transfer convenience for buses and commuter van operations, stops and layovers at the Far Rockaway A-Train Station and the MTS’s Bus Terminal on Beach 21st street.

The reconstruction project will create open spaces to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility while stimulating economic development. It will include the addition of a new pedestrian plaza at the Far Rockaway Station-A train Station/Beach 22nd to Beach 21st Street, and the expansion of the NYC parks Department Green Street on Central Avenue and Mott Avenue. The addition of these open spaces will allow for seating, plantings and other features.

“As someone who has taken public transportation for most of my life, I understand how important it is to have fast reliable options to get to work, school and important appointments,” Sanders said. “This capital investment in our mass transit system and surrounding pedestrian areas will bring much needed changes to Far rockaway, which has long been a transportation desert.”

The money was set aside in the 2016 budget for a multi-year state transportation plan agreed upon by Senator Sanders along with his colleagues in the legislature and Governor Cuomo.

Posted By: C. Harrison/August 21, 2016

A Long Wait But Jamaica Queens, Got What It Was Promised

 New York, NY… A $7 . 85 Million in state funding has been allocated for the improvement to the Jamaica Transportation Center Station Plaza. The money was set aside in the 2016 budget for a multi-year state transportation plan agreed upon by Senator James Sanders, the New York legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo. According to Sanders, state office .

The project includes the realignment and widening of Archer Avenue to create new bus lanes and bus stop areas aimed at improving traffic flow. A new traffic signal will be added at Archer Avenue and 148th street, to make it safer for pedestrians crossing to the Jamaica Long Island Railroad Station.

“I am proud to have helped facilitate this funding which will make the busy downtown Jamaica area safer and more accessible to both pedestrians and motorists,” said Sanders. “Hopefully, we will see job growth and an increase in the amount of people enjoying the many goods and services available in this community.”

In addition, the sidewalks on the north and south sides of Archer Avenue will be widened and new center medians will be added. Two new MTA subway entrance staircase with canopies will be constructed on the corners of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard.

Now, truly this is a blessing because if one look at Sutphin Blvd right now, you will think that you were in a traffic jam on the long Island express way.

Posted By: C. Harrison/August 21, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

from left: Senator James Sander, Governor Cuomo and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz

Downtown Jamaica was selected as the winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in New York City, a comprehensive plan at transforming local neighborhoods into vibrant communities. it also aims to create new opportunities for long-term growth and prosperity.  The selection process was a competitive one conducted by the state’s New York City Regional Economic Development Council.

Senator State Senator James Sander Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway and his colleagues in government on Wednesday joined Governor Cuomo as he announced $10 million in funding for the revitalization of Downtown Jamaica.

“This is a great day for this community,”  Senator James Sanders said. Jamaica is a jewel of Queens and now it will have a chance to truly shine. As we plan together, we must be mindful that stimulating economic development in the downtown area may cause gentrification, an unintended consequence for which we must be prepare.”

The funding will include up to $300,000 for experts to draft a strategic Investment Plan with local stakeholders. They  are tasked to identify specific economic development, transportation and housing projects.  The grant is part of a $100 million effort to improve the vitality of urban centers across the state.

Posted By: C. Harrison/August 21, 2016/10:37 AM

CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF SIZZLA/and he will only be at Irie Jam’s 23 Anniversary In the Park. SAVE THIS DATE

According to long time PR spoke person for Irie Jam Radio, Anthony Turner, in an immediate press release dated August 31, 2016, noted that Irie Jam Radio’s CEO Bobby Clark said, “Our anniversary concert promises to be an exciting event, so I am inviting music lovers in the tri-state to come out and celebrate this milestone with us.”

Clarke also acknowledged the ongoing support of radio listeners and sponsors to the longevity of their station.

“We have had an excellent run since we first graced the airwaves in New York, 23 years ago. We could not have been on air this long without the support of our many clients (past & present), our dedicated staff and most importantly our valued listeners. We are truly grateful for your support,” Clarke said.

The respective artist that were selective to the signature event have been supporters of the Irie Jam Radio, events over the years, with the exception of new comer artist Jahmiel.

Posted By: C. Harrison/August 21, 2016

Posted By: C. Harrison/ August 14, 2016

SOCA MEET REGGAE ON THE BEACH

      photo credit: C. Harrison

By: C. Harrison/August 14, 2016

A media Appreciation Soiree thrown by George Crooks, Jammins Entertainment CEO, gave us an insight as to what’s next for this amelioration entertainment company. Jammins Entertainment have been out front lately, with a series of concerts at Coney Island. The first show feathered Maxi Priest, Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse, Ed Robinson and Beniton with Sonia Williams; it was hosted by Dahved Levy. Their latest will be “Soca Meet Reggae on the Beach,” Sunday, Sept 4, 2016, Labor Day Weekend at the Ford Amphitheatre on Coney Island board walk. We also learned that the up coming Beres Hammond show, is already sold out. The impending Coney Island show includes: Tarrus Riley, Machel Montano, Capleton, Lyrikal and the New Kingston Band.

Crooks said the party was to show appreciation for the media’s effort’s that they have shown him and his companies over  the years. The Soiree, turned into a well respected night, right down to the two cakes and the Bartenura Moscato wine, (one of my favorite Moscato wines). The nicete was held at Trelawni Place, 1440 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn NY.

The room full of media personalities and some spectators listen to moderator Sharon Gordon, founder of CPR, the Correlation to Preserve Reggae; who told us why the Soiree was significant and introduced Crooks to the crowd. “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Crooks uttered first thing. He thanked several people personally and shared stories about a few of them. Crooks said, “A dollar off every ticket of the live events goes to the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies,” for which the Director of that Foundation Ann Marie Grant, was on hand. “New York promoters don’t give no props.” “We have some serious New York artist coming up.” “Big up to Sharon Gordon,” said Producer/Singer Ed Robinson when he was introduced. Ed also didn’t fail to mention that Crooks paid him.

The Media dined on coconut shrimps and some very tasty onion rings. I’m still trying to figure out how they made it taste like that. The media was also treated to meet some home grown local reggae artist and one international English bread, artist–Macini, who turned the house out with his acappella free style d-jing, he was really good. Thereafter, he treated all of us with sample cds of his work. The Soiree was a well attended event; Brooklyn came out, Queens came out, Bronx and as far away as New Jersey.

Highlights photo credits: C. Harrison

Sharon Gordon (CPR) and George Crooks (J E)

                                                       C. Harrison here ph /c :By Sonia Williams

‘HOUSE OF D` MARSH’

photo credit C. Harrison

By: C. Harrison/August 13, 2016/4:37 PM

Coming off what was a highly anticipated and very successful  fashion show, for New York’s premier Fashion Week; Jamaican born fashion designer Glenroy March, is ‘House of D` Marsh;’  who has earned his place amongst and inside New York’s  Fashion Industry.  February 18, he held is Marquee Fall/Spring La Vie Du Noir fashion show,  in the Soho district of Manhattan, where Coco Mat an high-end European mattress maker, calls home. The run-way cat walk show coincided with black history’s month celebrations, which March used to drew more emphasis on the experiences of immigrants and their contributions to localities, black history and the world around them.

March’s seasoned collections was influence by the story of a black couple from the capital city of Paris, who emigrated to New York City and endured a culture shock of fallacy about color and race; thus, complied with the challenges of adjusting by using their acute sense of style and fashion.

Accordingly, each year the astute designer opens his fashion shows usually with an astonishing number and the 2016 Fall show, didn’t disappoint it resonated. It showed resilience, it open with a trio of talented dancers comprised of two males and one female, from the Alvin Dance School in New York. Black! was the theme for this elegant and sophisticated upscale couture, along with mixtures of white, aqua and gold….which blended with the collection to perfection. The distinguish fall 2016 La Vie du Noir, fashion show, was design for both men and women. It featured cocktail dresses, signature evening gowns and upscale men’s wear. The evening’s patrons witnessing the glamorous collections, along with media personalities, dined on wine and o`devers, supplied by Caribbean Foods Delight.

Additionally, March conceded that he has a knack for making people beautiful; the idea led him to start his journey into the world of fashion at age 13, has a pupil. Realizing that fashion could possibly be a career at age 16,  when school officials began asking in class, where to place pupil  he went for it and later saw that a career could in-fact, be made out of fashion. Thereafter, he forged a path into the edgy and ever trending world of fashion.

“I got my fist break while I was working at Super Clubs Hotel, in Jamaica–where I met Mark and Carl. From there I interned with them basically becoming their protégé, learing to understanding the ins and outs of the fashion business and was exposed to the wider world of fashion. Mark and Carl were the leading Jamaican fashion designers back then.” articulated March.  The Cosmopolitan designer confirmed that his signature fortes are, his Evening Gowns, which he makes from stretch.  “I know fabric, at the same time it’s the feel and pair of the sketch with the fabric,” March said. This solemn visionary and creative maven also, explained that there are no  particular place that he travels to, to get fabrics and that when he does travel, he picks them up from all over the world.

Futuristically speaking, March said that there are plans in the works for his company.  “D` Marsh is a culture and currently they ‘re setting the foundation to go mainstream. D` Marsh, will become an household name but not a commercial name. It’s like Valentino,”  March said.  The clean shaven and cool dark skin March, moreover noted and confirmed that so far, the company has a lot of international small boutiques across the globe.

“D` Marsh, is a special brand I’m not just another designer.” “I ‘m picky when I choose models but run-way walk, is important.”  “I also like good skin and great personality, and as I said run-way is key,” March explained.  Moreover,  the quiet and fort right designer said that thus far, he has done shows in Canada, Paris, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and the United States. He confided that his very first show took center stage in 2003, at Caribbean Fashion week, in Jamaica. At present he claims that he will only do yearly shows.

Adding to his collection, March inserted a Bowtie Collection Line, which when ask he said was doing very well. Here, the Designer, again injected that he carries also a Cosmetic Line, in Italy.  “They  send me the ingredients and I approved them. This line is also doing well,” said March with a smiled.

“I decided to go all in with designing and the selling of beauty products because D` Marsh is a lifestyle brand.”  “Sales are doing good, the clientele are good and our clienteles are from all over the world.”  “I want the future to see me as –I know who I am, I know what I believe. I do what I believe in. I stand by elegance, luxury, details and I fully stand by my Clienteles,” the humble designer said.

In ending our very engaging interview, March pointed out that he want his designs to one day be seen everywhere and on the red carpet at awards shows. He said that he plans to stay on top of the Fashion Game by always evolving and creating, as well as inserting trends and new products.

Not only did March get training in Fashion in Jamaica, but he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, in Manhattan. The D` Marsh Brand, opened its first boutique store in Brooklyn, May 2016.

The multi-talented designer wants you to know that he eats, sleeps and live for fashion.

  Glenroy March and C. Harrison