"Jumping The Broom" Movie Trailer w/ Paula Patton, Laz Alonzo, Angela Bassett & Loretta Devine

Jumping The Broom focuses on a weekend wedding in Martha’s Vineyard where two families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds clash during their first meeting before the big event. A wedding-themed ensemble comedy directed by Salim Akil.  Visit the official website here for updates.

Cantu Shea Butter Contest

During the month of September and thanks to all my wonderful readers and followers Beauty Is Diverse had over 54 thousand pages views. And to celebrate Cantu Shea butter has offered to give away a cantu® Shea Butter Advanced Clinical Straightening No-Lye Relaxer System . Two lucky winners will win the prize. To enter the contest all you have to do to enter is either 1. RSS to Beauty Is Diverse, 2. Route this contest on Twitter to @beautyisdiverse . or 3. Share this contest on Facebook and leave a comment on this post with your name and email address advising me that you have done 1 out of the 3. The two lucky winners will be selected at random and the 2 winners once they have received the product have to send me back their feedback on the product .

Read more about the product below.

Jay Z covers Forbes Magazine w/ Warrent Buffet

via{forbes}

IMAN Cosmetics Fall 2010 Leather & Lace Video Contest

Want to win a 6 month or 1 year supply of IMAN Cosmetics ! I'm sure you do. Check out the contest rules below.

Enter Now For Your Chance to Win ONE YEAR'S Worth of IMAN Cosmetics!

Create a video of yourself as a VIDEO RESPONSE showing how you use any combination of IMAN Cosmetics products to create your version of the Leather & Lace look. Be as creative, original and stylish as possible! Winner will receive a year's supply of IMAN Cosmetics!

Product Review: Cantu Shea Butter

Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Cream Shampoo helps…

• moisturize your hair with real shea butter and essential oils
• maintain a healthy scalp and soft, strong shiny hair
• clean away styling product build up without breaking

The Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Cream Shampoo, left my hair smelling great, easy to detangle and my scalp very clean .

Cantu Shea Butter After Shampoo Rinse Out Conditioner helps…

• moisturize dry brittle hair with deep penetrating oil & emollients
• soften, detangle and add shine to hair
• provide extra protection from split ends and breakage

The Cantu She Butter condition left my hair very soft which I love, great shea butter smell.  The conditioner is a bit thin but still covered my hair well and was easy to detangle after rinsing out.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream helps…

• moisturize dry brittle hair with deep penetrating oil and emollients
• soften, detangle and add shine to hair
• protect hair against heat and sun styling damage
• provide extra protection from split ends and breakage

The cantu shea butter leave in conditioner is great for the ends of your hair, great for detangling.  And keeps you hair well moisture.

To purchase Cantu Shea Butter Products visit their website for the full range of products

7th Annual Rock The Bells Festival

Recording artist Lauryn Hill performs during the 7th Annual Rock The Bells festival on Governors Island on August 28, 2010 in New York City.

Savannah Brinson in Harpers Bazaar

photos: Douglas Friedman

By LOLA OGUNNAIKE

Savannah Brinson, long-time girlfriend of basketball phenom LeBron James, has just finished her first major photo shoot. For this low-key girl from Akron, Ohio, it was quite the heady experience. James is used to this sort of attention, she says. She, on the other hand, is decidedly not. "I've always been in the background," she says, having changed back into her white track suit with bedazzled hearts for a bowl of spaghetti at Manhattan's Serafina restaurant. As she slowly twirls her pasta, she looks both wide-eyed and incredulous. "Now that magazines and the paparazzi are taking pictures of me, it's kind of weird. I never thought it would get to this magnitude, but clearly I was mistaken," she says. read full interview here.

Look of The Day

Actress Jurnee Smollett  & Yaya DaCosta attends the 9th annual InStyle summer soiree hosted by InStyle editor Ariel Foxman and the West Coast Editors of InStyle held at a private residence on August 12, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. 

via{wireimage}

Desiree Rogers Named CEO Of Johnson Publishing Company

Desiree Rogers former White House Social Secretary has recently been named the cheif executive officer of Johnson Publishing.  Linda Johnson Rice will remain the chairman of her family company founded by her father John H Johnson. via{huffingtonpost}

Spanish Royals Meet Michelle Obama in Mallorca

Sasha Obama, King Juan Carlos of Spain, U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, Queen Sofia of Spain and Princess Letizia of Spain at the Marivent Palace on August 8, 2010 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. 

Look of The Day

In celebration of Essence Magazine's 40th Anniversary Iman along with Michelle Ebanks President of ESSENCE Communications rang in the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
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Alicia Key's & Swizz Beats Tie The Knot

Alicia Key's and Swizz Beat's finally tied the knot yesterday July 312010 at a small ceremony held in Corsica, France.  Alicia Key's wore a Vera Wang one should wedding gown , while Swizz Beats was in a White Tux with pink shirt and bow tie. Queen Latifah and Bono were a some of the celebrity guest on hand at the wedding.

via{aliciakeysweb.com}

First Class Style: Michelle Obama in Byron Lars Beauty Mark

Redefining American style, the Byron Lars Beauty Markcollection is about affordable luxury with mass-market appeal. The fit and fabrication of each design is developed to perfection. Clean, body-conscious lines complement proportion and detailing. Designer Byron Lars oversees every facet of each collection to realize the brand's commitment to "continually enhance the beauty of women."

Lars, who is celebrating 20 years in fashion, enjoyed the esteemed honor of seeing First Lady Michelle Obama appear in one of his designs, the Holiday Swirl Neck Blush Dress, at the In Performance at the White House taped on June 2. 

Catch a full glimpse of Mrs. O in this original Beauty Mark creation as she rocks out with Sir. Paul McCartney onstage for a rendition of “Hey Jude.” The “Paul McCartney: Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" airs Wednesday, July 28, at 8 P.M. ET on  PBS stations nationwide, followed by an encore presentation at 9:30 P.M.

This October three select Lord & Taylor stores — New York/5th Avenue, Connecticut/Stamford and Washington/Chevy Chase —will carry the same Byron Lars dress worn by Michelle Obama.

Jada Pinkett Smith Red Carpet Style

Jada Pinkett Smith has been hitting up the red carpet "Karate Kid" premieres looking great every single time.

photos via{wireimage}

Play Mas Caribana 2010

Model: Mandy Marie

Photography: Rowan Marks

Make Up: Asha Emm anuel, Shamel ‘Eunique’ Thomas &

Annesley Broadhead (Courtesy of Cargo Cosmetics)

Band info:

Mas Band: Tribal Knights

Band Leader: Dexter Seusahai

Costume Designer: Dexter Seusahai

Section: Paparazzi

The 43rd annual Caribana Parade is just around the corner 9 days to be exact, here are 3 looks from Mas Band Tribal Knights and Callaloo.

Look of The Day The Belle Affair Birthday Celebration For Demetria Lucas

 Kat DeLuna, Demetria Lucas and DJ Egypt attend "The Belle Affair" on the Shelbourne Hotel Rooftop on July 19, 2010 in New York City. 

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Agbani Darego & Millen Magese at Touch Foundation's Cocktails on the Terrace 2010

"The Touch Foundation is a not-for-profit organization working with local partners to address the severe shortage of doctors, nurses and other health workers in Tanzania. Ultimately, the Touch Foundation aims to make itself redundant overtime, leaving behind a fully functioning health worker training system that can be replicated across Africa."

via{afrikanspot}

"The Karate Kid" Gala Premiere In London

Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Willow Smith and Will Smith and attend the Gala Premiere of " The Karate Kid " at the Odeon Leicester Square on July 15, 2010 in London, England. 

via{wireimage}

Gatorade Male & Female Athlete of the Year

Gatorade Male Athlete of the Year Brandon Knight and Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year Chiney Ogwumike arrive at the 2010 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A.

via{wireimage}

Venus Williams Book Launch With Los Angeles Confidential Magazine

Serena & Venus Williams, Selita Ebanks

Selita Ebanks

Professional tennis players Serena Williams and Venus Williams attend the launch Venus Williams' book 'Come To Win' with Los Angeles Confidential Magazine at the Geisha House on July 13, 2010 in Hollywood, California. via{wireimage}

Christina Norman Vogue August 2010 Age Issue

Christina Norman 46yrs, CEO of OWN The Oprah Winfrey Network featured in Vogue August 2010 "Age Issue".

"With nearly two decades of excellence in broadcasting and recognized as one of the industry’s most creative businesswomen, Christina Norman is Chief Executive Officer of OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. As CEO, she manages all business and creative areas of the new cable channel and multi-platform media venture designed to entertain, inspire, and empower people to live their best lives. Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Norman reports to the OWN Board of Directors." read more below."

Serena Williams Opens 2nd School In Africa

Serena Williams 4 time Wimbledon champion has opened a 2nd school in Africa, watch video above.

via{cnn}&{daylife}

La La Vasquez & Carmelo Anthony's Wedding

Congrats to La La Vasquez & Carmelo Anthony 

La La Vasquez & Carmelo Anthony's wedding at Cipriani 42nd Street on July 10, 2010 in New York City. 

via{wireimage}

HEAT Summer of 2010 Welcome Event

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James attend the Miami HEAT Summer of 2010 Welcome Event at AmericanAirlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida. 

via{wireimage}

Nigerian Designer Washington Roberts

Inspiration 

I am honored to present my latest collection, which has been designed and crafted entirely by me. For this collection, I was inspired by photos of beach rocks. The shape and the layering of the stones on top of one another made me think of drapes.The textures of the beach rocks also induced me combining different fabrics together. Fabrics such silk and wool, silk jersey and Crepe back satin silk.

All colors used were colors of the rocks. I also envisioned that the wearer of my designs, the women who are  strong and beautiful as the rocks on the beach, would bring life to the sensuous and colorful creations that I have designed. I hope you feel as inspired by my designs as I have been while creating them.

Designer Bio

From a very young age, Nigerian designer Washington Roberts began the hobby that would later become his career and passion. Born in West Africa on January 12, Washington was raised by his grandmother, Beatrice, a devout seamstress whose influence on Washington would later impact his life and his career. Beatrice's attention to detail, steady hand and highly coveted seamstress skills were absorbed and practiced by young Washington, who adored his grandmother and watched her carefully. Throughout his childhood , and to this day Washington's grandmother has always been the biggest inspiration for him.

Although fashion was always a big part of Washington's life, it was never in his career agenda. Washington attended Igbobi College Yaba in Lagos, Nigeria and upon graduation relocated to the United States to continue his graduate studies. While studying chemical engineering, He decided to start designing clothes as a hobby. His first piece was a blazer for himself to wear on his 23rd birthday party. The jacket was a hit amongst the party guests. It was the topic of conversation throughout the night, and a wake up call for the designer who realized that his true passion and talent was in fashion.

In the past few years since his 23rd birthday party, Washington has featured his designs in numerous New York fashion shows, several issues of Hype Hair Magazine and on Envision Style & Substance during NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Washington takes pride in all of his creations and picks the finest materials and the best colors. He designs pieces that compliment the women's body and accentuate her femininity. He believes all women should try to look their best everyday and for Washington, that does not always mean following trends. "Fashion is about creating your own style, knowing what works for your body. Finding few trends that you like that you can incorporate in to your own style. Women should wear heels everyday and look their best so that they can feel their best."

Washington believes in the famous Coco Chanel quote "Fashion fades, only style remains the same" and it shows. The Washington Roberts Collection is about timeless style, feminine elegance and class.

Contact:

347.424.5720
WashingtonRoberts@gmail.com
www.WashingtonRoberts.com

View full collection here

View more from the collection below.

New Breed of Talent to hit New York Fashion Week Farai Simoyi

 Up and coming designer Farai Simoyi will debut her new brand 'FARAI' during New York Fashion Week on September 13, 2010 at 12pm. Her fashion show will be held in the stunning Skylight West, located in the heart of Manhattan at 500 West 36th Street.


The London-born Zimbabwean designer is a fresh talent, whose Spring/Summer 2011 collection reflects her birth in the American fashion scene. She grew up in West Virginia and moved to New York City shortly after completing her college career. The theme behind the collection, aptly titled “Primordia,” derived from the Latin origin primus and ordiri meaning to begin from conception, represents her birth as an artist. This collection reflects the dreams of a young and fabulous designer waiting to burst onto the American and global fashion scene. Her pieces are inspired by her first sketches as a fashion designer living in New York as well as the colorful prints and pallets of her African ancestry.

The brand 'FARAI' is designed for the urban cosmopolitan. The clientele includes young fashion forward women who are worldly thinkers and are aware of global issues that are changing the fashion, music, and film industries among many others. No stranger to the eclectic style of the New York fashion scene, the look is fresh, edgy, unique, and represents a diverse view that is sure to set new trends for this season.
Farai Simoyi is currently based in New York City, where she is launching 'FARAI' and her online store.

For more information on Farai Simoyi and her brand, visit her website at http://www.faraisimoyi.com/.

Follow her fashion blog for updates on her Spring/Summer 2011 collection and upcoming projects at http://www.fashionfarai.wordpress.com/.

If you would like to attend the fashion show please contact: pr@faraisimoyi.com

EXCLUSIVE: AFRICA FASHION WEEK in New York City

"See your royal roots, see your reflection- see Africa.

*Side Note* Did anyone see the World Cup matches? Sigh...."

Adiat Disu, Africa Fashion Week (New York) founder and producer.

"These images are by us, for all to see. Forget what the world

defines as African. We are of the earth and our essence is within

all that you see" Gugu, Africa Fashion Week (New York) Executive

Stylists. 

About Us: http://africafashionweekny.com/fashion/about-afwny 

Press Registration: http://africafashionweekny.com/fashion/press-registration 

CREDITS:

Africa Fashion Week Executive Stylist: Gugu Lethu - Africa Fashion Week (New York)

Photographer: Adda Ehime

Make up Artist: Tamara Figuero

Hair Stylist: Sabrina Adaba

Ayuba Suleiman Diallo

Ayuba Suleiman Diallo (1701–1773), also known as Job ben Solomon, was a famous Muslim slave who was a victim of the Atlantic slave trade. Born in Bondu, Senegal West Africa, Ayuba's memoirs were published as one of the earliest slave narratives, that is, a first-person account of the slave trade, in Thomas Bluett's Some Memories of the Life of Job, the Son of the Solomon High Priest of Boonda in Africa; Who was a Slave about two Years in Maryland; and afterwards being brought to England, was set free, and sent to his native Land in the Year 1734.

He came from a prominent Fulbe family of Muslim religious leaders. His grandfather had founded the town of Bondu, and he grew up with Sambo the heir to the Kingdom of Futa. In 1730, while on a trip to the Gambia River to sell two slaves and to buy supplies like paper, Ayuba was captured by a group of Mandingoes.  Ayuba became a victim of the ever-growing slave exploitation of the Senegambiaregion. Before being boarded on his ship to the New World, Ayuba attempted to negotiate a slave exchange with the captain. However, the word did not reach his father in time, and Ayuba was taken aboard. Ayuba was transported to Annapolis, Maryland, where he was purchased by Mr. Tolsey of Kent Island, Maryland. Ayuba was initially put to work in the tobacco fields; however, after being found unsuitable for such work, he was placed in charge of the cattle. While in captivity, Ayuba used to go into the woods to pray. However, after being humiliated by a child while praying, Ayuba chose to run away. He was captured and imprisoned at the Kent County Courthouse. It was there that he was discovered by a lawyer, Thomas Bluett, traveling through on business.

The lawyer was impressed by Ayuba's ability to write in Arabic. In the narrative, Bluett writes the following:

Upon our Talking and making Signs to him, he wrote a Line or two before us, and when he read it, pronounced the Words Allah and Mahommed; by which, and his refusing a Glass of Wine we offered him, we perceived he was a Mahometan, but could not imagine of what Country he was, or how he got thither; for by his affable Carriage, and the easy Composure of his Countenance, we could perceive he was no common Slave.

When another African who spoke Wolof, a language of a neighboring African ethnic group that Ayuba understood, was able to translate for him, it was then discovered that he had aristocratic blood. Encouraged by the circumstances, Mr. Tolsey allowed Ayuba to write a letter in Arabic to Africa. Eventually, the letter reached the office of James Oglethorpe, Director of the Royal African Company. After having the letter authenticated by John Gagnier, the Laudian Chair of Arabic at Oxford, Oglethorpe purchased Ayuba for ₤45.

Bluett and Ayuba traveled to England in 1733. Ayuba learned English, and when he reached England, he was in the company of many prominent people, including the royal family. In July 1734, Ayuba returned to Gambia and later returned to his homeland. His homeland was ravaged by war, but being a prosperous individual, he was able to regain his old lifestyle, which included owning his own household slaves. His memoirs were published by Bluett in English and French. Ayuba was an extremely rare exception in the slave trade. Due to his intelligence and monetary prowess, he was able to legally escape the hardships of slavery and return back home to Africa.

via{wikipedia}