PREVENTION NOT MANAGEMENT IS THE BEST CURE
Posted by: nyprdiva on: December 3, 2009
The Black Girl Project Releases New Internet-based PSA for World AIDS Day
BROOKLYN, NY – DECEMBER 3, 2009 –According to the Centers for Disease Control, 64 percent of the women who contract HIV/AIDS is African American. This startling fact was one catalyst for The Black Girl Project’s (www.blackgirlproject.org) internet-based public service announcement (PSA) for World AIDS Day entitled ”Prevent, Don’t Manage HIV/AIDS” – geared specifically to the largest segment of the population affected by HIV/AIDS.
The three and a half minute PSA comes from the perspective of real, young black women and The Black Girl Project’s (BPG) founder, filmmaker, educator and writer Aiesha Turman. In the spot, young women look directly in the camera and talk about preventing HIV/AIDS instead of managing it.
“Black women and girls are under siege within their own communities and society at-large,” says Turman. “With no comprehensive sex education in many cities, such as New York, and with the high visibility of advertisements for antiretroviral drugs, it is time for direct action targeted toward those most affected by the disease.”
As HIV/AIDS is not only devastating communities within the United States, “Prevent, Don’t Manage HIV/AIDS” reaches out to the global community by providing a free toolkit for direct action through the Black Girl Project’s website. The toolkit is currently available in English, Spanish and French, with other translations to come soon.
Born of Turman’s film by the same name, BPG has quickly become an empowerment and leadership initiative. Though waiting to clear the final stages of obtaining 501(c) 3 status, World AIDS Day was thought to be ripe for its initial connection with the black female community at large.
ABOUT BLACK GIRL PROJECT
The Black Girl Project aims to address the challenges girls face in their daily lives, in addition to helping girls build a strong sense of self, develop healthy relationships and take care of their bodies and minds. Black women and girls are under siege within their own communities and society at large. Not only are they more likely to contract HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they are at high risk for physical and sexual assault, and death from curable/manageable ailments such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension. In addition, they are more likely to be living at or below the poverty line.
The Black Girl Project addresses the critical worldwide problem of low self-esteem, lack of education, poverty rates and issues specific to black adolescent and pre-adolescent girls regardless of ethnicity. The Black Girl Project is designed to foster positive self-esteem, critical thinking, leadership, academic achievement, community service and entrepreneurial skills among girls, ages 8 to 17, in the United States, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Europe — wherever there are black girls in need.
This film, also the impetus for a non-profit of the same name, seeks to portray black girls as the complex beings they are. Not just the two sides of the coin we see perpetuated in the media: saint or sinner. It also seeks to spark inter and intra-generational dialogue between black girls and women. For more information about the Black Girl Project, visit: www.blackgirlproject.org.
CREDITS FOR PROTECT. DON’T MANAGE HIV/AIDS
Participants:
Amanda Rivera
Netchem Hairston
Patrice Perry
Tiffany Coley
Courtney James
Filmed/Photographed:
Aiesha Turman, Black Girl Project
Photographed:
Nasheim Williams
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GETTING THE EDGE IN THE RACE FOR THE PAGEANT CROWN
Posted by: nyprdiva on: November 30, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Savvy Magazine, The Red Carpet Pageant, Karaliene Productions and New York’s own Amaris Acosta invite you to attend The Queens Corner Pageant Networking Event
NEW YORK, NY– NOVEMBER 30, 2009 – Think you have what it takes to be a Queen? Let the experts decide at the second annual Queen’s Corner (www.the-queens-corner.com) pageant networking event, taking place on Saturday, February 27th at the Hilton Gateway in Newark, New Jersey. Hosted by founder and former Miss Caribbean USA, Amaris Acosta, the Queen’s Corner attracted contestants, exhibitors and titleholders from the tri-state area and beyond at last year’s event and has become the premiere social networking event and expo of its kind for the East Coast. This year’s sponsors include Savvy Magazine, The Red Carpet Pageant & Prom andKaraliene Productions.
The Queen’s Corner is a day long series of workshops that provide attendees with advice and tips in various areas including interview, nutrition and competition prep from some of the industry’s premier pageant coaches and top titleholders. Last year’s event featured a keynote address by Miss USA 2005, Chelsea Cooley. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by famed media coach, Don Baker of Don Baker Communications.
The event also provides a platform for many of the pageant world’s top vendors with the opportunity to showcase their wares to a large number of contestants who are seeking to gain an advantage over the competition.
“The Queen’s Corner is currently in its second year and my goal this year, as always, is to make available the best in pageantry to the tri-state area,” says Acosta “ Especially in NY we tend to have access to high-fashion but not pageant necessities. Often we have to travel quite a bit for coaches, pageant attire and photographers. This becomes especially costly for at-large delegates. So I wanted to bring a bunch of pageant resources under one roof and give the girls a chance to network, have an extra appearance under their belt, and be featured in a way that is not often found on the upper East Coast.”
Interested in attending this year’s event? Tickets for the Queen’s Corner are currently being sold via the event website for an early bird discount of $25. For more information about The Queen’s Corner or to purchase tickets, visit: www.the-queens-corner.com.
ABOUT AMARIS ACOSTA
AMARIS ACOSTA has a habit of always saying what everyone else is thinking- which doesn’t exactly make you the most popular girl in school. Luckily, she found a place where it can be useful- she can be seen stumping celebrities and common folk alike in the lifestyle show En la Escena, where she has interviewed distinguished personalities such as Iman, Mikki Taylor, Andre Harrell and Phillip Bloch. Prior to joining ELE, Amaris gave pageants a try and was awarded the title of Miss Caribbean USA, placing in the semifinals of Miss Caraibes Hibiscus International. Not one to forget her start, she now runs the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Competition, a preliminary to Miss America. Active in her community, Amaris volunteers her spare time to various local charities including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and CocoaChic’s TeenChic. To learn more about Amaris, visit www.amarisacosta.com
ABOUT THE QUEEN’S CORNER
The brain child of New York beauty queen, pageant coach and founder of Karaliene Productions Amaris Acosta, The Queen’s Corner is the premiere pageant networking event for the East Coast. Bringing together regional titleholders, photographers, contestants, coaches, vendors, and fans; The Queen’s Corner is a one day event that offers workshops from the best the pageantry world has to offer. The Queen’s Corner is also the official sponsor of the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship organization. For more information about the Queen’s Corner, visitwww.the-queens-corner.com .
BE THANKFUL….A wish from the NY PR Diva
Posted by: nyprdiva on: November 26, 2009
The holidays this year find many of us in a place we never thought we would ever be in. But we endure. Be thankful for your friends and family and what you have. Don’t dwell on what you don’t have. Love, live and be happy.
Now something to make you smile.
STACY ARMAND JEWELERY & AMIRAH CREATIONS PRESENT THE CHOCOLATE & VANILLA POP-UP SHOP!
Posted by: nyprdiva on: October 23, 2009
EVENT: “How Women are Portrayed by The Media” Panel Discussion
Posted by: nyprdiva on: October 15, 2009
Please join NY PR DIVA friend and Founder of SuperHussy Media, Aiesha Turman, at the “How Women are Portrayed by the Media” panel discussion on Saturday, October 24th at Noon at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Sponsored by The Phenomenal Women Group, the panel will touch on a variety of subjects including: media portrayal of girls and women, stereotypes, body image and more. For more information or to RSVP to this free event, visit: http://medgar.eventbrite.com/.
event flyer
TAKING IT “BEYOND THE BEDROOM” (A Girlnetic Event)
Posted by: nyprdiva on: October 10, 2009
Girlnetic Presents: “Beyond the Bedroom”
(A Health & Wellness Social Event — FOR WOMEN)
A recent survey commissioned by the National Women’s Health Resource Center and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals found that 70% of women between the ages of 18 to 50 have experienced a sexual health issue that negatively impacted multiple aspects of their lives.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH?
Do you sometimes feel like you can’t “get in the mood” even though you’re attracted to your partner?
Are you unable to have an orgasm even though you enjoy sexual activity?
Do you ever experience pain during intercourse?
For answers to these questions and more, please join us for an informative discussion focused on FEMALE SEXUAL HEALTH. Discussions will be led by a nurse practitioner from the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, and will include time for an open question forum.
Topics will include the importance of sexual health, female sexual health issues including sexual dysfunctions, and when women should consider speaking with their partners and their health care providers about their concerns.
In order to maintain an environment comfortable for discussion, we politely request that ONLY WOMEN attend. Light refreshments will be served. Although this event is FREE, you must RSVP and be added to the guest list to be able to participate.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your feedback and information are held with the highest respect and discretion. Girlnetic and Ammo Marketing has not and will never share, sell or trade your contact information with any parties. This event is developed with the support of a sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI).
For more information about this event or other Girlnetic events, email contact@girlnetic.com.
| Date: |
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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| Time: |
7:00pm – 10:00pm
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| Location: |
AVEvents Loft
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| Street: |
15 West 28th Street, Suite 10B
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New York, NY
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Internship Opportunity with NY PR Diva
Posted by: nyprdiva on: September 27, 2009
After a very successful Fashion Week, business is growing by leaps and bounds.The NY PR Diva needs help. Thank you.
I’m looking for an intern (or 2) who can devote about 15 hours a week to NY PR Diva and other projects (scheduling is flexible). This is an unpaid internship where the prospective intern would be learning the ins and outs of public relations (including writing a press release, pulling editorial opportunities for clients, how to construct a pitch and how to put together a clip report…amongst other things). Please note that I am based in NY and though the intern would be able to telecommute, must be within a reasonable traveling distance for weekly meetings with myself, clients, etc. The intern must be able to start the week of October 5th.
I am searching for someone who is calm under pressure, and is willing to learn from and to give feedback. The candidate needs to be someone who is willing to take initiative and is not afraid to ask questions. He or she needs to be someone who is a strong, creative writer and has an interest in high fashion (someone who reads Vogue, Elle. Bazaar, etc. on a regular basis and is familiar with the quality and types of designers featured in these publications).
Interested candidates, please send a writing sample, resume and a cover letter answering why you are interested in public relations and particularly fashion PR to nyprdiva@gmail.com. Please put *** PR INTERNSHIP *** in the subject line. Serious inquiries only please.
Thank you.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010
Posted by: nyprdiva on: September 12, 2009
The craziness is upon us yet again. As I type this post I am in the Maybelline booth at the Tents in Bryant Park. What does that mean? It means Mercedes Benz Fashion Week has descended upon the city of New York. This year sees me doing quite a bit for Ground Crew and for NY PR Diva. I will be tweeting updates from various shows that I am both working and attending (www.twitter.com/nyprdiva) as well as blogging about the events of the day as soon as possible. With that said, let the posting begin….
Last night was Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out, a global celebration of all things fashion. New York saw celebrity filled events at every major shopping mecca in Manhattan and the outer boroughs. I found myself at Zhozet Boutique in SoHO, a two month old gem of a boutique featuring the most fabulous of independent designers. In attendance were Nailah Lymus and Elise Elliott of Amirah Creations showcasing their distinct style and sexiness (they would make the perfect additions to this ultra femme boutique). Definitely a spot for all of you fashionistas to visit!
I didn’t stay our long as I had a ridiculous 7:45 am call time for Cynthia Steffe for Ground Crew. Though I was tired (and it showed on this poor diva’s face), I’m glad I attended. The collection was very feminine and girly but with a sex appeal that was understated by definitely appealing (‘ll post pics soon). We were pleasantly surpised by a decked out Ciara, looking especially svelte in her Cynthia Steffe cocktail dress and Christian Loboutins. Definitely a very glam girlie girl that Ciara. Definitely an A+ in the NY PR Diva fashion notebook.
I had a long break before I headed to Cedar Lake down in Chelsea for Rag & Bone, During that time, I paid a visit to Miss New York Galazy, Amaris Acosta at the 7 West Showrooms. After lunch with the pageant beauty, I headed to Rag & Bone. This rainy day had me feeling like a wet kitty versus the PR diva that I am. But I was all smiles backstage at the show where I dressed 3 models in some of the fiercest pieces ever! Rag & Bone brought that adrogynous sexy. Pictures are definitely on their way.
Afterward, I headed back to the tent to catch the Arise Magazine fashion show. I am glad I didn’t give in to my frustrations and headed home. The show was phenomenal. Tiffany Amber, Jewel by Lisa and David Tlale were amazing. Chanel Iman, Arlenis and Tyson Beckford graced the state showcasing sone of the hottest designs from the continent. Lovin it!
So that’s it for now. I am getting ready to head home so that I can get up at 4AM to be here in the morning for Lacoste.
PLUTOCRACY: A NEW FASHION WORLD ORDER
Posted by: nyprdiva on: August 12, 2009
Fashion Designer Anitra Michelle to Launch New Line during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
NEW YORK CITY—August 12, 2009— New York-based designer Anitra Michelle announced today that her highly anticipated collection Plutocracy (www.beplutocracy.com) will debut during New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. She will host a two day presentation at the Bryant Park Hotel, located just steps away from the semiannual fashion Mecca in the heart of midtown Manhattan, beginning on September 15.
The fusion of American design sensibilities and the daring of African exploration, Plutocracy exudes the designer’s mantra of Individuality, Innovation and Iconography. Anitra Michelle’s goal is to reach out to different types of women based on the idea of showcasing the future, while exploring the past through cultural sensitivity and ancestral roots. To encourage their style discovery and fashion experimentation, Plutocracy offers sexy, flattering silhouettes catering to various shapes and sizes and are complimentary in varied settings and platforms. The premier collection is called “Classic Funk.”
“In high pressure situations, like an interview for that new client, first impressions or traveling to Europe for a vacation,” the designer says, “Plutocracy & Young Aristocrat’s mix of style, femininity and sophistication will be thread to give you the feeling of complete confidence.”
The motivation behind Plutocracy’s designs, encompass the woman on the move: one who is young and professional, and needs effortless style. According to Anitra, her inspiration is an up and coming professional who is attempting to create her image, while building her rolodex and client base—a vision that is not limited to any particular ethnic or cultural demographic but is expanded upon by the woman, who is dynamic, yet has the desire to maintain a certain mystique. “She engages in networking and business opportunities in versatile environments, while showcasing her individuality,” the designer says. “She desires to always look the part in an effort to persuade her clients that she is desirable and capable simultaneously. The top priority is to exude confidence, independence, and versatility, while showcasing her desire to be an individual.”
“Our woman is a perfectionist opportunist. She must always be prepared and most desirable, so I chose materials that would evoke her ambitious desires, individuality as well as worldly style,” says Anitra Michelle.
For more information about Anitra Michelle or the Plutocracy fashion presentation, contact Tamara Walker at 347.701.8371 or via email at nyprdiva@gmail.com.
ABOUT ANITRA MICHELLE
For Anitra Michelle, who hails from the Michigan to Maryland, the path to designing has been one of growth and internal exploration. From a very young age, she has embraced all things eclectic and diverse. She earned a dual Bachelors Degree from Howard University with an internship with Patternmaking Department at Vera Wang. As well as coveted internships in the showrooms of Karl Lagerfeld and Lanvin, while a fashion student at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. With the anticipated debut of her first collection, Plutocracy, in September 2009, Anitra is awaiting the opportunity to free women and offer something that is not only fresh, but reflects individuality. For more about Plutocracy, visit www.beplutocracy.com.
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