Ezinne Mgbeahuruike

With her Bed-Stuy concept store Sincerely Tommy, Kai Avent-deLeon has created a vital local gathering place for women of color. Last weekend, Kai, along with friends Nana Yaa Asare-Boaudu, Dana Yolanda and Rajni Jacques brought the store’s supportive spirit out into the Brooklyn neighborhood’s streets with an epic block party. Hundreds of Black and Brown creatives swarmed the corner of Tompkins and Monroe to reunite and celebrate making it through the challenging past six months. The spirit was fresh and colorful with Black-owned businesses selling merchandise and live music coursing through the mask-wearing crowd. DJ and Event Planner Jennifer was set up on the side of one sidewalk selling her “Blacknificent” shirts, which celebrate self-sovereignty, knowing yourself and self-affirming who you are. “I love that upscale Black businesses like Sincerely Tommy are around because it’s founded by a local, that way it’s more authentic to the community. We need a support system like this to help the community thrive and sustain itself,” she said. Artisan Dynasty Ogun of L'Enchanteur echoed the same sentiment: “It’s so beautiful to see Black businesses thriving at a time like this. With Covid happening, I’m so happy to be selling our work along with my sister today because it gives us something to take pride in.” Photograph: Courtesy India Sleem When I think about community, my heart smiles thinking about Bed-Stuy. As a Nigerian Immigrant who spent 11 years in the frigid Minnesota w

Dear Afropunk, For me, a black woman from Minnesota, your spectrum of blackness is a luxury, something I hadn’t had the pleasure in indulging in. And it’s overwhelming to see the variety of style and beauty between stages each year. Yes, your declaration is that black is beautiful, but it’s also that everyone, especially the marginalized, are welcome. Your slogan—no sexism, no racism, no ableism, no ageism, no homophobia, no fat-phobia, no transphobia, and no hatefulness—sends an important message that you’re a safe space. Your DIY roots go back to the community that surround the James Spooner’s Afro-punk, a documentary in which Spooner examined what it felt like to be the only black kid at a punk show. Fast forward ten years, and you're one of the most attended festivals in the world, with celebrations in London, Atlanta, Paris and Johannesburg. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Afropunk Festival I remember my first year. Kaytranada's performance on the Gold stage built up a lit crowd. I felt so happy. My phone was out trying to capture the action, but even then, I wanted to be in the moment. To experience the intensity of black joy, to not worry about the life or my struggle. I just danced, laughed and screamed, and it was everything I needed and more. In a sense, you’re a release for me, a self-care where I can fill up on all the magic New York has to offer and release all of the tension I’ve been feeling. Of course, you’re all about the music, too. This year’s lineup boasts Jane

Art Basel Miami brings together art, design and tech lovers to celebrate the intersection of culture. The festival, which is part of Miami Art Week, highlights the best and most notable artists who are pushing the conversation forward. This event brings people from all over the world to Miami, making the destination a hot spot to meet, mingle and connect with like-minded folks. This also means Art Basel and Miami Art Week are a good time to get the apps out and start swiping, safely. That said, Time Out is here to help with a roundup of the best spots to meet your first date IRL, from low-key places to upscale establishments where your fancy Basel getup won’t look completely out of place. Cerveceria La Tropical Into beer? Like live music? Escape to La Tropical for a chill evening of locally crafted brews served in a lush botanical garden, featuring a steady roster of performances to give you and your date something to talk about. Located in the Wynwood, La Tropical’s laid-back environment is ideal for a date you don’t want to make “a thing.” L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Modern French cuisine will certainly make the meet up a vibe, which is what this restaurant and bar certainly does. Maybe you’re feeling it with this person and want to dive deeper, making eye contact in a dimly lit dining room? If so, this is just the spot. It’s an upscale restaurant so dress accordingly. Le Jardinier Fresh and modern like something out of The Jetsons, the Design District restaurant is airy and