Mayor Derrick Henry – New Hope For BCR?

Derrick Henry has become the second black mayor of Daytona Beach. Henry snagged 58 percent of the vote defeating Edith Shelley. Republican Shelley lost despite backing from several corporate sponsors including the International Speedway Corporation and outgoing Mayor, Glenn Ritchey. Shelley reportedly spent $93,000 on her campaign, while Henry a modest $53,000. Henry credits his victory to connecting with voters directly by going door-to-door.

Mayor Henry plans to run Daytona from “the ground up, not the top down.” Focusing on the “core of the city that’s been most neglected.”

Daytona’s recent mayors have all discouraged college students from visiting the city during spring break. Henry would like to see young visitors welcomed back, rather than just appealing only to families.

“I am also going to do whatever is necessary to make African-Americans feel welcome in the city and that includes the students.”

“If someone wants to promote events geared to Black students and spring break events, I want to help create an environment to make it happen.”

“My point is it is not my job to set the agenda to say who comes to the city. We should be big enough to welcome everyone.”

“I am not throwing out things that made us successful.” – Mayor Derrick Henry

All encouraging words to college students and those who loved attending Black College Reunion in the past.

Black Bike Week 2011 Dates

Black Bike Week held in Myrtle Beach, SC will be held from May 27, 2011 to May 30, 2011. Seeing as though the Helmet law is no long in effect the organizers are hoping for larger crowds.

Memorial Day Miami 2011 Dates

Break out your workout clothes, your copy of P90x and get crackin’. Memorial Day Miami is coming!!!!! The official dates will be May 27, 2011 to May 30, 2011. Same dates as Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach.

Freaknik Atlanta 2011???

When: April 15-17, 2011
Where: All over Downtown Atlanta

Just as I posted last year about Freaknic Atlanta 2010, the hype has begun again. I emphasize “hype” because last year’s turnout was anemic. This year’s events are little more diverse. Smart move by the promoter to take a little different angle on the infamous (fun) event that had the local government shook. Now its more of a get together vibe, but ladies are encouraged to wear their sexiest bikini. I can see how that alone could draw a nice crowd. In a few days we will know how this turns out.

Calendar of Events:

April 14th
Official 72 hour block party (Near Downtown Aquarium)

April 15th
Freaknic Nation 100,000 Strong (Downtown Atlanta)

April 16th
Peachtree Street Car & Bike Show (Underground)
Greek Picnic (All day Grant Park)

April 17th
Block Part Continues (Near Downtown Aquarium)

Best of The Best Concert 2011

Memorial Day Weekend just got a little bigger. This year the Best of crew have teamed up with the SpringFest promoters to combined the event. So this year’s concert will feature hip hop, R&B and reggae artists.

Where: Bicentennial Park (Downtown Miami)
When: May 28th & 29th
Tickets: $42 General Admission, $110 VIP
Gates open at 5pm

Day One: ( Hip-ho / R&B )

Chris Brown
Lloyd
Keri Hilson
Jeremih
Miguel
Jazmine Sullivan
Marsha Ambrosius
Travis Porter

Day Two: ( Hip-hop & Reggae )

Stephen Marley
Damian Marley
Alison Hinds
I-Octane
Vybz Kartel
Assassin
Sanchez
Etana
DJ Khaled
Trina
Ace Hood
Big A.C.

Kickoff Party – Friday, May 27th at Mansion (South Beach)
After Party – Saturday, May 28th at Cameo (South Beach)

Black College Reunion 2011

In its glory years, BCR commanded crowds of up to 450,000 black spring breakers. In 2011, there were no signs that this event ever existed. The beach areas had its usually weekend visitors and streets were eerily empty. The large crowds drawn in by BET, gone. Bumper to bumper traffic of tricked out cars, gone. Students on spring break spending millions of dollars, gone. Daytona Beach is an older beach town, which relies heavily on tourism. Right now, the only visitors the city has are non-US vacationers from Europe. There are NO attractions in Daytona besides the Daytona 500. The hotels are decrepit and the nightlife is non-existent. The city can not improve its image without funds. Funds that the college crowds of the 90’s and early 2000’s provided. So to the local residents that cheered BCR’s demise… Enjoy your falling property values and higher property taxes.

R.I.P. BCR, we had fun.

2011 Summer Events Calendar

Its about that time again. Time to start planning for your summer vacations! Site updates will being shortly, so stay tuned.

Essence Music Festival 2010

The Essence Music Festival 2010 will be held in New Orleans, LA – July 2 -4, 2010. This year’s line up of performers will included:

Janet Jackson
Alicia Keys
Mary J. Blige
Gladys Knight
Earth, Wind and Fire
LL Cool J
Monica
Keri Hilson
Jill Scott
Trey Songz
Raphael Saadiq
Charlie Wilson
DJ Soul Sister
Arrested Development
De La Soul
Joe
Mary Mary
Ruben Studdard
Chrisette Michele

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010

CLICK HERE FOR NEW ORLEANS AREA HOTELS

Memorial Day Miami 2010 Recap

In one word, WOW! The year’s Memorial Day Weekend in Miami was one of the best I have experienced since its inception. From cruises to clubs, from cars to stars, there was literally something for everyone. I was especially impressed with the amount of women that were in attendance. Although I did not do a survey, there sure seemed like more women than men on the strip this year. There were several club events that delivered a good show, but the hottest event this year had to be Miami Nice’s All White Party Cruise. There were not as many celebrities walking around, but we did spot Shawty Lo, Fabolous, D. Wade and Waka Flocka Flame.

The average temperature was 92 degrees, so you know the beach was full of action. The sand was full of young black people from 7th to 12th and Ocean Drive. I met quite a few beautiful women from Atlanta, Virginia, Houston, Philly, New York, San Francisco and Tennessee. Smiles, laughter, bbq, football in the sand, jet skis, beautiful people and even occasional nudity was all to be seen and heard.

I have to commend Miami Beach police department for the way they handled their duties. Other cities could learn something from their approach to crowd control. There was no ‘show of force’ to give the impression that the City was under siege. Just patrolling men and women with pleasant demeanors walking through the crowd or on bicycles. There is no need to come across as angry because the visitors pick up on that vibe and then it becomes an unpleasant experience for everyone.

Thanks to all my friends who I hung out with this weekend. I have not stayed awake for 24 hours in a few years, but it was worth it. I had a blast.

See you next year!!

Best of the Best 2010

Bicentennial Park, Miami Fl
Sunday MAY 30th, 2010

It’s right around the corner
Get your tickets now!!!

Make sure you waste no time in getting your tickets at the
Early Bird Price there is only 10 DAYS til the CONCERT
$54 before May 29th 2010 more after!!

Best of the Best events will start early this year:
Friday, May 28 2010- Official Welcome Party @ Opium Hardrock
Saturday, May 29, 2010- B.O.T.B All White Pool Party @ the Deauville Beach Resort
Sunday, May 30, 2010- The party doesn’t end after B.O.T.B!
Official B.O.T.B After Party @ MIA
Monday, May 31, 2010- New York VS Miami @ Mansion

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