Pronghorn Celebrates One-Year Anniversary As It Continues To Diversify The Spirits Industry
Pronghorn’s mission is to diversify the spirits industry and close the gap between Black-owned spirits brands and others. The company, which is co-founded by Dia Simms (CEO of LeBron James-invested tequila brand Lobos 1707/former President of Diddy’s Combs Enterprises), Erin Harris, and Dan Sanborn, invests in Black-owned spirits brands to provide capital, grow the business, as well as a myriad of other things. Some of these brands include Greenwood Whisky, IslandJon Vodka, and the Ciara co-owned brand Ten To One Rum.
In celebrating its one-year anniversary, Pronghorn held a black-tie gala on Juneteenth at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The Black-owned spirits were on full display, literally and figuratively. There were open bars during the cocktail hour and the sit-down dinner, where guests chose from a variety of signature cocktails. We also got a close-up look at all 19 brands Pronghorn represents, thanks to the lovely display that was positioned near the front of the ballroom.
Queen Naija performs at Pronghorn's One-Year Anniversary Event At St. Regis in Atlanta on Juneteenth.
Photo by Paras Griffin/ Getty Images
Co-founders Simms and Harris and Pronghorn's CEO, Jomaree Pinkard, gave opening remarks and shared the company's achievements to date. These achievements include investing in 19 Black-owned spirits brands and creating a grant and internship for HBCU students. Pronghorn also has a mentorship program called the Pronghorn Spirits Academy.
Guests were treated to a three-course dinner as well as an intimate performance by R&B sensation Queen Naija.
Pronghorn Celebrates 19 Investments at One Year Anniversary Event At St. Regis In Atlanta on Juneteenth
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
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Feature image by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
London Alexaundria is the contributing editor for xoNecole. She is an alum of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts and has worked in journalism for over ten years. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theselfcarewriter
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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage