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YOUR SociaLIFE!
We are thrilled to announce that the Black Orchestral Network (BON) 2025 Summit will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia from 10:00am-5:00pm ET! This year’s summit promises to be an extraordinary day of inspiration, action, and education — bringing together Black orchestral musicians, artistic leaders, students, and advocates from across the country. Attendees can expect dynamic panel discussions, candid conversations, and opportunities for connection that reflect the strength and creativity of our collective voice.
The Black Orchestral Network (BON) is an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for Black people in the orchestral field. Guided by our mission of “Cultivating Community, Lifting Our Voices, and Telling Our Stories”, we’re focused on strengthening connections, advancing equity, and driving meaningful change — from the concert stage and beyond. BON is a necessary vehicle for securing a future where Black classical artists are connected and form a rich, expressive, and culturally affirming network. Connection within the Black orchestral community is vital to our sense of belonging and well-being. The understanding and improvement of the Black experience is critical not only to the future of Black orchestral musicians but also to the future of orchestral music as a practice and the music industry as a whole.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an early career artist, educator, administrator, or a passionate supporter of equity in classical music — the BON Summit is your space to engage, learn, and grow.
Mark your calendars, and visit our Eventbrite page to register for this free event. The full agenda, including panelists, will be released later this month. Until then, we can’t wait to welcome you in Atlanta for a day that will energize and empower us all!
(I'm currently working as a consultant with the Black Orchestral Network based in New York City, under the guidance of the incredible Donna Walker-Kuhne. This work is deeply meaningful, as we focus on advancing equity, visibility, and opportunity for Black orchestral musicians and communities. I believe this initiative is of great interest to many, and I encourage you to spread the word and consider attending the upcoming summit. It promises to be an inspiring and impactful gathering!)
WINNER! 2022 TONY AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL Frustrated with his day job ushering for Broadway musicals, a young, gay, Black writer decides to write a musical about a young, gay, Black writer who decides to write a musical about a young, gay, Black writer. Stuck in this “strange loop,” Usher takes us on a kaleidoscopic journey of identity, desire and self acceptance – backed up by an ensemble of voices who call it like they see it. By turns thought provoking and hilarious, A Strange Loop is a groundbreaking piece of theatre that won literally every Best Musical award on Broadway.
Thurs, Aug 21 RICE(Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs) presents Celebrate National Black Business Month, Home Depot Backyard, Downtown Atlanta(next to Mercedes Benz Stadium) FREE 4pm-9pm KNOW More: russellcenter.org Come out and celebrate the brilliance, creativity, and resilience of Black entrepreneurs. An evening of community, culture, and commerce. This celebration will feature a curated Black vendor market filled with RICE Stakeholders and partners, alongside food trucks, a live DJ, and local small businesses that reflect the vibrant spirit of Atlanta. Whether you're coming to shop, connect, or simply vibe with the community, this event is all about supporting the entrepreneurs who are building legacy every day. Save the date and bring a friend. This is more than a market—it is a moment to celebrate what it means to build Black business, together.
Dragon Con is where you want to be on Labor Day Weekend.
NOW Thru - Sept 2025 "More Than Brave: The Life of Hank Aaron, Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta Ties-Sun: 9am-4pm Admission: $24 KNOW More: atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibitions/more-than-brave-the-life-of-henry-aaron/ This exhibition tells the story of Henry Aaron from his time in Mobile, Alabama, to his record making baseball career and his life as a leader in baseball, business, and charitable causes. This event is free to members, registration is required. Peanuts, Cracker Jacks & other traditional ballpark snacks will be served.
Now - Sept 7 Campbell Addy(Ghanaian Photographer), SCADFASH, 1600 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: 12pm-5pm Admission: $10 Students: $5 KNOW More: scadfash.org/ This exhibition features iconic portraits of cultural luminaries like Usher and Naomi Campbell, as well as editorial works from British Vogue, Dazed, and more, celebrating Addy’s ability to push fashion photography beyond aesthetics into a realm of deeper storytelling.
NOW - Oct 12 Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children exhibit, High Museum 1280 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: 12pmn-5pm Tickets: $23.50 (free to everyone 2nd Sunday of each month) KNOW More: high.org American artist Faith Ringgold (1930-2024) is widely known and celebrated for her paintings and multimedia art, including narrative quilts. However, her award-winning accomplishments as a children’s book creator are less well known. This summer, the High will present the most comprehensive exhibition to date of original paintings and drawings made for more than a dozen of her children’s books, featuring more than 100 works, including several that have never previously been exhibited. These include original paintings from “If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks” (1999), “Dinner at Aunt Connie’s House” (1993) and “Tar Beach” (1991), in which Cassie, a Black child in 1930s Harlem, imagines a future where she can go anywhere that she dreams of from her apartment’s rooftop. Also on view will be complete artwork from the fable “The Invisible Princess” (1999) and “We Came to America” (2016), which examines the history of immigration in America. Together, the artworks in the exhibition illuminate critical aspects of Ringgold’s practice and convey how Ringgold, a lifelong educator, presents children as creative, purposeful art maker.
AUGUST 2025
Third Wednesday of each month til 2027 Access For All, High Museum, 1280 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta 10am-5pm FREE Admission(3rd Wed on each month) KNOW More: high.orgThe High Museum launches monthly free Wednesday admission through early 2027
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays(ongoing) Midtown Atlanta Food & Cocktail WalkingTours, Saint Mark United Methodist Church(meeting location), 781 Peachtree St NE, Midtown Atlanta Thurs, Fri, Sat 12:30pm(tour starts) (tours ends near MARTA Midtown station) $99 per person per day KNOW More: Paid parking is available at 833 Peachtree St, or a few blocks from the North Ave MARTA station, Tours is 3 ½ hours, 1 easy mile. Indulge in an eclectic array of cuisine & cocktails on this insider’s walking food & cocktail tour of the classy Atlanta neighborhood “Midtown” – located in the heart of the city between Downtown Atlanta and Buckhead. Midtown is a chic, eclectic neighborhood where guests sample a variety of cuisines at a handful of unique restaurants. Don’t just sit down and eat, join us and dine through Atlanta! Dress comfortable and wear comfortable shoes. southernculinarytours.com/atlanta/food-tours/atlanta-food-cocktail-tour
Saturdays (all year round) Freedom Farmers Market, Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta 8:3am-12 KNOW More: freedomfarmersmkt.com/ Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center was formed in 2014 by a small group of Georgia farmers with one vision: bring local, sustainably grown food to intown Atlanta neighborhoods.The market, now open year-round, offers a wide range of organic, local products including: fresh produce, grass fed meats, dairy including cheeses, yogurt, milk, farm fresh eggs, handmade baked goods and preserves, coffee and more. Each market Year Round features live music and a local chef with hot prepared foods. The market also holds monthly events featuring the fruit or vegetable of the season and monthly chef demos.
Shining A Spotlight on Black Business
Marketing: Achieve Growth, Promote Your Business with us or Get listed on our Black Business Guide
Let us help you Spread the Word! about your new business, service you offer, grand openings, art show, live or virtual, community events and much more.
*What We can do for You...spread the word on social media, send an e-blast to KeithKNOWS members, post your flyer on this blog page, it's quick, easy, affordable! *We reach over 50, 000 peole on social media, email subscribers, newsletter, and on the website. Get more details about our rates at KeithKNOWS2003@yahoo.com
*If you are interested in being listed in our Black Business Guide, e-mail us for advertising rates, KeithKNOWS2003@yahoo.com KeithKNOWS, Black Business Guide. Buy Black, Support Blackowned. keithknows.ning.com/page/black-business-guide
Telfar, Popularly known as the ‘Bushwick Birkin’, Telfar, founded by designer Telfar Clemens, promotes inclusivity and affordability in fashion. In 2025, the brand is expanding its product range to include footwear and jewelry, as well as introducing sustainable materials in its designs. With collaborations on the horizon, Telfar’s influence in the fashion world will only grow. telfar.net
The Melanated Club is where culture, creativity, and connection thrive—celebrating the richness of melanated excellence in every hue. Join the club that’s all about empowering melanated voices and building a vibrant community! themelantedclub.com
Fitness Snob is a Black- and women-owned brand that offers crew socks to help maintain your fitness goals, whether you’re a beginner or a gym rat. The socks come in several bold designs and styles, including gripped socks for barre and Pilates classes and sheer crew socks to show over a pair of sporty sandals. fitnesssnobstudios.com
Kairos is a facial recognition and artificial intelligence company that is disrupting the tech industry with its ethical and inclusive approach. Founded by Brian Brackeen, the company is dedicated to addressing bias in AI and creating tools that serve diverse populations. In 2025, Kairos plans to release groundbreaking advancements in AI technology and collaborate with educational institutions to promote diversity in STEM fields. kairos.com
Incredible Health is a Black owned staffing platform that helps nurses find their next permanent role, and employers hire permanent, specialized nurses in 20 days or less. As a career marketplace for permanent healthcare workers, Incredible Health puts nurses in the driver’s seat. Hospitals apply directly to nurses rather than the other way around. The first and only platform to focus on permanent employees rather than contractors, Incredible Health is already used by over 600 top hospitals nationwide. incrediblehealth.com
Organizely is an AI-powered web app that helps people learn and grow in their careers. It curates and suggests templates, e-guides, and tutorials on a wide range of topics, so people can take control of their own learning and skill development. getorganizely.com/
HBCU Connect - founded in 1999 by Hampton University graduate Will Moss. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the company was the first African American targeted social network and continues to be the #1 online destination for Black college students and alumni. hbcuconnect.com/
Byblack.us, A National Directory & Certification Program exclusively for Black businesses! byblack.us
Peppy Valentine was born from a profound journey through Africa, where I was captivated by the vibrant fabrics and rich cultural heritage. Each design tells a unique story, filled with the colors and traditions of Africa. Inspired by this beauty, I sought to bring these exquisite prints back to the United States. At Peppy Valentine, we blend my passion for interior design with these stunning fabrics to create luxury bedsheets that elevate the elegance and sophistication of any home. Welcome to Peppy Valentine – where tradition seamlessly merges with modern style and comfort.
Eva Sonakike African Design, founded by Eva Sonaike, our London-based interior company specialises in premium home textiles, soft furnishings, and interior design services. The company’s ethos, 'Bringing Colour to Life,' is reflected in its signature collections of cushions, rugs, pouffes, lamps, wallpapers, and interior textiles designed by its Creative Director and Founder Eva Sonaike — all designed to infuse vibrant West African aesthetics into modern interiors. Emphasis is placed on hand finishing, distinct designs, and high-quality manufacturing.Our mission is to bring the joy of colourful, African-inspired living to homes and businesses worldwide. evasonaike.com/
BLK+GRN is a marketplace dedicated to promoting wellness and sustainability by featuring non-toxic, plant-based products from Black-owned brands that cater to various skincare, haircare, and wellness needs.shoppeblack.us/blkgrn/
kubé is a Black woman-owned vegan, artisanal, full-fat coconut ice cream womanufacturer in Oakland, California.
We believe you deserve ice cream that brings you joy — and justice. kubenicecream.com/
Edloe Finch Furniture, Darryl & Jessica travel around the world to design and manufacture their collection of gorgeous furniture for customers across North America. Together the couple brings a unique dynamic to the furniture industry - their products are manufactured with style, quality and functionality as the top priorities. Their mission is to manufacture chic modern furniture without the typical industry mark-ups. Edloe Finch operates exclusively online with no retail stores, showrooms or salespeople – passing the savings to you! edloefinch.com/
Take Off Luggage empowers budget-conscious travelers. Their carry-on suitcases detach from their wheels, transforming them into free “personal items” that fit under most airline seats, potentially eliminating baggage fees. takeoffluggage.com/
SquadTrip is an online platform designed to make group travel planning a breeze. It caters to organizers by offering a central hub for managing everything from creating a trip website to collecting payments and communicating with participants. squadtrip.com/
Anime Iris, Founded by Wilglory Tanjong, Anima Iris crafts statement handbags handmade in Senegal by local artisans. With architectural silhouettes and vibrant textures, the brand fuses African heritage with global appeal. It’s been seen on celebrities like Beyoncé and is frequently featured in fashion media. animairis.com
Kimeze is an eyewear brand based in London, founded by siblings Clare and Christina Kimeze. Their frames are designed for diverse facial features and made in Italy, blending modern minimalism with heritage details. kimeze.com
Brandon Blackwood, American Airlines has partnered with celebrated designer Brandon Blackwood to debut a line of limited-edition amenity kits for premium cabin passengers. brandonblackwood.com
Black Pepper Paperie Co. is a Washington, DC-based mix-media art + design studio and lifestyle brand. BPPCo. focuses on creating globally-inspired, one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces that include wearable ceramic art, home decor, paper goods, and apparel. studiobppco.com
Available at Beaucoup Hoodoo a Philly-based botanica and bookstore, Samantha Joes Barn Yard Florida water is used to cleanse oneself and space. Add some to a spiritual bath for a cleanse in the tub. beaucouphoodoo.com
Junior Wallstreeters, Kevon Chisolm and his teenage son, Kamari, the founders of Junior Wallstreeters, Inc., have unveiled a double-header of programming designed to fight learning loss, narrow the racial wealth gap, and build the next generation of savvy investors. juniorwallstreeters.org
BODDO Studio, found at Crates ATL, 215 Mitchell Street, Downtown Atlanta BODDO translates to “beautiful” in Fulani, which is Aishah’s maternal ancestral lineage, tracing directly back to Mali in the Northwest region of Africa. Aishah's first drop: Cushions and Floor Pillows made from authentic Kuba cloth—each piece is rich with history, texture, and serious style. Beautiful, plant-based textiles handmade in the heart of Democratic Republic of Congo. Ready for your home.instagram.com/p/DJPQNS4gKQZ
Ghana to the World book, by Eric Adjepong, With 100 soul-satisfying recipes and narrative essays, Ghana to the World reflects Eric's journey to understand his identity and unique culinary perspective as a first-generation Ghanaian American.
All of the cookies at Salt n Sprinkles are dairy-free, egg-free, mostly plant based and totally delicious. If you're looking for an allergen-friendly treat, you've come to the right place they also offer recipes and has a cookbook. saltnsprinkles.com
Culture Greetings products are manufactured right here, in-house, in the USA, at their state of the art printing facility! They Write. They Print. They Mail. It's simple: You pick a card and add a personal note. They print, stamp and mail the cards to your recipient(s). You also have the option of inserting a gift-card inside of the envelope. (Georgia) culturegreetings.com/
Bamboozle Jewelry, One-of-a-kind jewelry, designed, patented, and crafted by master jewelry artist, Lavalais. Bracelets, ear spears, earrings, loc ties, pendants, cowrie jewelry, rings, and more.. bamboozlejewelry.com/ (KeithKNOWS: Da Bomb! I have numerous pieces from Bamboozle, been friends for over 10 years)
Hamilton Howell House. This boutique hotel is in the heart of Sweet Auburn in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, just around the corner from the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park and a mile from downtown, the Hamilton Howell House is a wonderful backdrop for your weekend or small event. hamiltonhowellhouse.com/ (Georgia)
Culture Greetings products are manufactured right here, in-house, in the USA, at their state of the art printing facility! They Write. They Print. They Mail. It's simple: You pick a card and add a personal note. They print, stamp and mail the cards to your recipient(s). You also have the option of inserting a gift-card inside of the envelope. (Georgia) culturegreetings.com/
