I Test Drove The Ford Expedition & Here's What Happened
This weekend, xoNecole had the pleasure of hosting the Ford Motor Company booth at ESSENCE Festival. Held in New Orleans, LA, ESSENCE Fest provides a safe space for Black women to gather and celebrate. The festival is the true embodiment of #BlackGirlMagic.
Throughout the weekend, attendees were able to take a break from the summer heat and test-drive Ford vehicles, as part of the company's Ride and Drive experience. I was pleased to have had enough time to drive an exclusive 2018 Platinum Edition Ford Expedition.
Accompanied by a product specialist, I was able to drive and receive a tour of the Ford Expedition, which I referred to as a "big boy." It's an eight-passenger vehicle. That's no small vehicle!
During our tour, the product specialist provided me with a breakdown of the vehicles features. Immediately, I noticed the rotary gear shift dial that made shifting gears effortless. It's the first time I've seen anything like it, and it felt very futuristic. I also loved how big the vehicle felt. The middle console is large enough to fit my purse.
The vehicle also has a keyless start with a full entertainment system. However, the most impressive feature was the 360-camera view that made it really easy to park in the midst of the big ESSENCE crowd. The vehicle also has additional features that include a Waze navigation system and Alexa partnership that allows owners to turn on their car using the Amazon Alexa system.
True luxury.
Apparently, the luxury Ford driving experience is consistent with their customer service. There were several Ford-owners in line to test-drive another vehicle. One of the owners test-drove a Ford Mustang, because she really enjoys being a Ford customer, and is interested in purchasing a second vehicle with the company.
I have to admit; the Ford Expedition really spoke to me. It was definitely difficult for me to turn in the keys for the big boy. The power that I felt behind the wheel matched the energy that I felt the entire weekend.
Guess who test drove the exclusive platinum edition of the 2018 @Ford Expedition during #EssenceFest? It's so class… https://t.co/SV0ejwcTSu— xoNecole (@xoNecole) 1531494248.0
Jaleesa Lashay is a film reporter and TV host in Los Angeles. She focuses on engaging in conversations that challenge representations within Hollywood. For more, follow her on IG @JaleesaLashay.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Tyler James Williams Explains Why His And Quinta Brunson 'Abbott Elementary' Characters Should Remain Friends
While Abbott Elementary fans are hoping that Janine and Gregory end up together, the show’s star has another take. Tyler James Williams plays Gregory on the Emmy award-winning sitcom, and he recently stopped by The Jennifer Hudson Show to share his point of view on his storyline with Janine, which Quinta Brunson plays.
“I hate to say it. I know that everybody’s always mad at me for this. I don’t necessarily want to see them together,” he revealed. “It’s partially an actor’s choice, but also somebody who, like, I read a lot of scripts all the time. I watch a lot of TV, a lot of film. I don’t think that we see displays of platonic love between two people often. I think it’s really easy to go right to they have feelings for each other, therefore they should be together. I like this dynamic of exploring withholding that and just actively loving each other where they are. That I like to see more.”
If you recall, they were co-workers who became friends but were secretly crushing on each other. They’ve had many awkward run-ins during and after school, like the unforgettable club scene where they were dancing nervously with each other in season one, and in season two, they finally kiss. However, it only made things even more awkward, and they decided to just be friends. Tyler further explained why he thinks it’s important to showcase that type of relationship on screen.
“I think it’s time for that. I think TV allows people to see things that could be their lives for the first time, and I think seeing a healthy friendship that is deeply caring about one another in a work atmosphere needs to be shown more than the relationship,” he concluded.
Abbott Elementary comes on every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images