Quantcast
ESSENCE & Ford's My City 4 Ways Is Reppin' For The Culture
PHOTO CREDIT: Nigel DeGraff

ESSENCE & Ford's My City 4 Ways Is Reppin' For The Culture

Culture & Entertainment

If I don't know anything else, I do know one thing, whenever Ford comes through the city, it's a lituation!


In partnership with media company ESSENCE Magazine, Ford made their presence known once again – this time in Atlanta for their annual Ford My City 4 Ways Atlanta Culture Festival experience. The one-day event acts as a mecca where music, food, art, and style culminate. And this year, the automaker made it a point to emphasize that Atlanta is truly where the culture is by celebrating the many facets the A has to offer.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sheriden Chanel

The weekend festival kicked off with a special dinner held at the Beltline Studios where innovators and tastemakers were invited out to preview what Ford had in store, including enticing guests to "go further" with the rollout of their 2018 Ford Mustang. With its 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, I was instantly reminded of my ride and drive experience with Ford during ESSENCE Fest when I got behind the wheel and experienced that baby's purr and roar up close and personal.

Guests were treated to a special menu curated by Chef Aleem on the rooftop of the studios, so we got a taste of a delicious feast while overlooking views galore, compliments of the city of Atlanta. (Sidebar: the rose roasted chicken with the sweet potato mash and wilted spinach was divine). The thing that speaks to me most about Ford is its constant dedication to making sure they tap into an urban market. Being surrounded by ladies and men who represented different aspects of the media, as well as multiple shades of blackness, was a personification of community. And it was amazing to be a part of.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sheriden Chanel

PHOTO CREDIT: Sheriden Chanel

PHOTO CREDIT: Sheriden Chanel

The next day the actual cultural festival took place, and although not as intimate as the dinner the night before, it was still a show of community and a celebration of love, for each other, as well as Atlanta. Held at the Mason Fine Art Gallery, it was a bigger version of the previous night's festivities, as even more cultural leaders were invited to show up and show out. ATL's own R&B Queen Monica reminded festivalgoers to "Don't Take It Personal" as she gave us the gift of hearing some of greatest hits live and in living color, flawlessly as ever. An electric violinist named Joy Black also amped up the mood throughout the gallery, assisting with the soundtrack of the day.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nigel DeGraff

The hostess with the mostess for the night was none other than emcee extraordinaire, MC Lyte. Hors d'oeuvres prepped by Chef Aleem and musician turned celebrity chef Kelis circulated throughout the room as guests vibed. The Ford "Ride & Drive" experience was back in full effect, allowing guests and consumers to get a one-on-one experience with the product by test driving the Mustang, the F-150, and of course, the new 2018 Ford Expedition.

In addition to music, food, and vibes, attendees got the pop up shop experience thanks to the contributions of art influencer Melissa Mitchell, lifestyle influencer Kenya Freeman, and entrepreneur Milan Amani. Lip Bar founder Melissa Butler added a little variety to the mix by putting attendees onto the Lip Bar experience where guests could become familiar with the bold and fearless array of colors her lipstick brand has to offer.

I swear to God, I love my city.

Check out some of our favorite moments from the festival by clicking through the gallery below:

PHOTO CREDIT: Nigel DeGraff

To learn more about future Ford My City 4 Ways events, click here and RSVP.

Featured image by Nigel DeGraff

7 Things You Didn't Know Were Keeping Your Lips Dry

Having ashy lips may be worse than having ashy knees. It's true. And now that it's getting colder, it's getting harder to keep our skin moisturized, and the skin on our lips is no different. Dry lips can be painful and uncomfortable. In extreme cases, they can even lead to bleeding and infections. So how can you keep your lips moisturized during the fall and winter months?

Keep reading...Show less
The daily empowerment fix you need.
Make things inbox official.
I Tried It: Amina Adem Natural Skincare Routine

Creative Producer and Spelmanite Maura Chanz has amazing, flawless skin, so we had to know, what's her skincare routine?

Keep reading...Show less
Why Ami Colé Founder Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye Never Quit

Here’s an indisputable fact: Black is beautiful. It always has been and it always will be. No one understands this more than Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye. As a little girl growing up in Harlem, New York, the Senegalese-American entrepreneur spent a lot of time in her mother’s hair salon watching the carousel of Black women that would come through the doors of the shop and saw how beauty could be a communal experience.

Keep reading...Show less
Here Are The Least Compatible Zodiac Signs, According To Astrology

Astrology can give you insight into who you connect with on different levels, and where your heart is meant to be. The basics of astrology compatibility are that air signs go well with fire signs, and earth signs go well with water signs. The elements in the zodiac are nature's way of guiding people toward what feels good for them and what doesn’t, and when looking at what would make two signs incompatible, this is a big one. You also can examine compatibility by looking at the different modalities such as fixed signs, mutable signs, and cardinal signs.

Keep reading...Show less
Bianca Kathryn Is Making A Bold Statement And Building Inclusivity With Yo Soy AfroLatina

Bold statements allow us, as Black women, to affirm ourselves, be sure we are heard, and let the world know we are to be loved and acknowledged. They unite us, spark healthy discourse, and allow us to build community in a way only we can.

"I'm Black and I'm proud."

"Reclaiming my time."

"My Black is beautiful."

Keep reading...Show less
Exclusive Interviews
Latest Posts