Acclaimed actor, activist, and cultural architect Kendrick Sampson is set to make history once again as he expands his annual birthday fundraiser, Who All Gon’ Be There (WAGBT), into a two-city event, merging music, activism, and community power like never before.

On March 9 in Houston and March 15 in Los Angeles, the electrifying celebration will raise critical funds for BLD PWR, the social impact organization Sampson founded to mobilize artists, organizers, and communities toward equity, justice, and collective care.

More than a party, WAGBT is a cultural movement—a space where joy meets purpose, community meets action, and music fuels momentum for change.

Texas Southern University (TSU), in collaboration with BLD PWR and BAM (Blacks at Microsoft), presents "Real Talk: The Power of Black Storytelling and Tech", a thought-provoking town hall led by actor-activist Kendrick Sampson. This signature event is a cornerstone of TSU’s Black History Month theme: Reimagining the African Diaspora: The Intersection of Black Storytelling and Technology.

Sienna Wings, founded by Houston’s own Tyla-Simone Crayton, is set to debut in Las Vegas at the MGM Resorts’ Mandalay Bay as part of the prestigious Pepsi Dig In Residency. Known for their award-winning Sienna Sauce Lemon Pepper Wings, Sienna Wings will feature on the exclusive residency menu from November 16 to December 13, 2024. This is a major milestone for 20-year-old Tyla-Simone, who has made history as the youngest Black woman to hold a culinary residency at MGM Resorts.

CultureCon 2024 was an electric convergence of creativity, culture, and purpose, bringing together over 5,200 attendees, creators, and panelists in Brooklyn. The atmosphere was alive with the pulse of innovation and community, and the "Autonomy is My Joy" activation became a gravitational force for attendees. Situated next to the main stage, the activation provided an immersive, emotional experience centered around gender autonomy, civic engagement, and BIPOC storytelling.

 The Center for Cultural Power and its sister organization, Cultural Engagement Lab are proud to present the "Autonomy is My Joy" activation, a powerful video and art installation that highlights the intersectional experiences of multigenerational BIPOC storytellers. The activation will take place on October 5-6 at the MacDuggal Greenhouse in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, offering attendees an immersive experience centered on gender autonomy, social justice, and civic engagement during this critical election year.

BLD PWR, in collaboration with Kendrick Sampson and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), is proud to announce the Who All Gon' Be There (WAGBT) Bus Tour, a nationwide celebration to amplify voter registration and civic engagement leading up to the pivotal 2024 elections. This innovative "Roll to the Polls" tour aims to infuse the voting process with joy, ancestral culture, and communal energy, inspiring marginalized communities to use their political power.

The Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) at Rice University is proud to announce the induction of Mia X, the pioneering emcee who made history as the first female rapper to sign with Master P's No Limit Records, into the CERCL Hip Hop Archival Collection. This momentous event will take place on September 18, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM CDT at the Grand Hall in the Rice Memorial Center/Ley Student Center.

Sienna Wings proudly celebrates its one-year anniversary, marking a year of remarkable growth and success. Founded by 19-year-old CEO Tyla-Simone Crayton, Sienna Wings has quickly become a local favorite, serving over 5,000 customers and selling more than 10,000 items, generating over $150,000 in sales.

Jay Ellis and Kendrick Sampson, beloved stars of the hit HBO series "Insecure," are reuniting in Houston for an exclusive event on August 6, 2024, at 7 PM CST at Stages, located at 800 Rosine St, Houston, TX. This marks their first public appearance together since the show ended in 2021, and it promises to be a memorable evening for fans and the community.

The BLD PWR organization and its co-founder, Kendrick Sampson, celebrated the inaugural BLD PWR Day in Houston,TX on June 18, 2024, at The Warwick. Attended by approximately 40 people, the event honored their community, supporters, and longtime collaborators with a night of empowerment and reflection. On the eve of Juneteenth, a significant day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson presented a special proclamation to Kendrick Sampson, known for his roles in "Insecure," "Something From Tiffany’s,” and the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic as Quincy Jones, recognizing BLD PWR's work in fostering community and infrastructure centered on culture, art, independent filmmaking, media, and radical transformational liberation. This aligns with BLD PWR's mission to reimagine and realize the liberated future we know our people deserve. This celebration also highlighted the ongoing fight for justice and the need to amplify the voices of BIPOC communities.

LLCigars (Lady Loves Cigars), a pioneering luxury cigar brand founded by Candace Ford, is excited to announce its inaugural Celebrity Charity Bowling Weekend, "Stogies for Strikes," set to take place from October 31st to November 2nd, 2024. This three-day weekend will feature a variety of engaging activities, including a star-studded bowling tournament aimed at supporting the TJ Ford Foundation and BLD PWR.

CCM Foundation, in collaboration with Houston Public Library, Rice University’s Center for Engaged Research & Collaboration Learning (CERCL), and Fondren Library, proudly presents the ‘Straight Flexin’, No Plexin’ hip hop exhibit. This immersive exhibit will open and be held in the Vinson Branch Library at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center from June 1 to June 30, 2024. Showcasing an unparalleled collection of artifacts and memorabilia from hip hop icons such as Swishahouse, E-40, Scotty ATL, and exclusive, never-before-seen items from the legendary Pimp C, this exhibit is a cornerstone event of Black Music Month.

Maria Asuelimen, a seasoned leadership expert and the dynamic force behind AMA Consulting LLC, proudly announces the upcoming launch of her much-anticipated book, "The First One”. Released in March 2024, the book promises to be an essential guide for trailblazers and pioneers in leadership, offering profound insights and strategies to foster authentic leadership styles and overcome the unique challenges faced by those who are the first in their families, communities, or organizations to step into such roles.

75th & Canal, in collaboration with Foot Locker, announces the launch of their second capsule, "Canal Street World Tour," marking another milestone in their brand partnership. The celebrations kick off with an exclusive gathering for friends, family, and media on March 22nd at the Foot Locker Community Store in Houston's 3rd Ward, located at 3388 Old Spanish Trail, followed by a public event on March 23rd at MacGregor Park at 5225 Calhoun Rd.

Social media sensation, creator, DJ and YouTuber Vanilla Trill has just been announced as the official in-stadium DJ for the Houston Texans for their 2023-2024 season.

Toyosi has been invited to host and curate the very first "Nigeria Day" at the 2023 Essence Festival, held from June 30 to July 2, where she will be showcasing the best of African content to a global audience. With Nigeria being the second-largest film producer in the world, generating approximately 2,500 movies annually, Toyosi's involvement at the Essence Festival is a significant milestone for the Nigerian creative sector.

Come join us for the She Builds Festival: an inspiring and empowering event for Women of Color from the Diaspora and the African continent in technology, business, government, media, entertainment, sports, fashion, music, and art! This incredible event will take place June 8th-11th in Miami, and will feature thought-provoking discussions from high profile speakers including our very own, Vice President of Growth Strategy, Peter Brooks. The festival is also home to a pitch competition powered by Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition, giving entrepreneurs access to capital and investors. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity—join us in Miami and come be part of history! For more information and to purchase tickets: www.shebuildsinitiative.com/future-festival

Women Empowering Nations (WEN), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing young women of color in the global economy, and Cantu Beauty, an award-winning textured hair care brand committed to empowering individuals, are proud to announce their 4th year of partnership to host the 2023 Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Global Cohort.

Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will premiere the 7th season of its hit dating series Ready to Love Friday, January 6 at 8 p.m. EST | 7 p.m. CST and Houston’s own Rashid Floyd and Symone Redwine of Season 3, Ready to Love: Welcome to the Last Resort are set to make a surprise appearance on the premiere episode as a couple.

Intermodal trucking entrepreneur and freight broker, Ashley Williams-Booker, will host her highly anticipated Surviving Intermodal Summit on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 at the The Marriott Westchase in Houston, TX.