Flowers & Crowns

Tamara N. Houston is the founder of heritage development enterprise ICON MANN, a published author, and an entertainment producer. She and her organization are committed to direct engagement and working across channels from boardrooms to studio campaigns to original productions to positively rewrite and reposition the narrative of black men. But Tamara's love for the Black community and Black men is only part of what we explored during our conversation. We touch on everything from classic film, fashion, and the entertainment agency world to some of her early conversations with Hollywood stars like Idris Elba and Charles King. But ultimately, this episode is a love letter to Tamara and all the women who fight with and for us. We honor you all today and every day.  WE GIVE THESE FLOWERS IN COLLABORATION WITH McKinsey and Company and the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility. Their goal is to inspire, empower, and sustain action that leads to the economic development of Black communities across the globe.

Misty Copeland is known around the world as an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) principal dancer, a distinction that she earned in June 2015. Her promotion made her the first African American woman ever to hold that position in ABT's 75-year history. Misty's genius as an artist and dancer is deserving of accolades and appreciation. However, Misty's humanity, generosity of spirit, and willingness to support others have led her to inspire so many of us. This episode begins with Misty opening up about her childhood, her biracial identity, and her experiences with instability and homelessness. She shares how she used her early experiences and stood on the shoulders of many elders – like Raven Wilkinson and Marion Cuyjet – to become the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author, and artist she is today. We end with Nia, Co-Founder of https://revolutionnaire.co/about (Révolutionnaire), telling a beautiful story about the time she met Misty Copeland and Misty's impact on her. Misty also gives flowers to Gilda, an extraordinary woman who has been with her since the beginning of her career. WE GIVE THESE FLOWERS IN COLLABORATION WITH McKinsey and Company and the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility. Their goal is to inspire, empower, and sustain action that leads to the economic development of Black communities across the globe.

As President and COO of Parkwood Entertainment, Steve Pamon played an integral role in developing and delivering https://www.netflix.com/title/81013626 (Beyonce's Homecoming) performance at Coachella 2018, one of the most significant cultural moments this generation has ever seen. His creativity and leadership on that alone would be enough to warrant Steve receiving his flowers, but we get into so much more. It's Steve's character, intellect, and values that have allowed him to consistently set (and raise) the bar in business, sports, and entertainment. In this episode, Steve takes Bryan on a journey through the Southside of Chicago, where family, community, comedy, and music helped shape his youth. He reflects on his mentors' impact on him. He also shares a few defining moments in his career – including a behind-the-scenes look into how Homecoming came together and an emotional memory he has with music industry legend Andre Harrell and the https://www.netflix.com/title/80173387 (Black Godfather), Clarence Avant. WE GIVE THESE FLOWERS IN COLLABORATION WITH McKinsey & Company and the https://www.mckinsey.com/bem/overview (McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility). Their goal is to inspire, empower, and sustain action that leads to the economic development of Black communities across the globe.

On February 1st, we're launching a podcast with good energy and high vibrations. On every episode, we'll lovingly give everyone from cultural icons to community leaders their flowers.  In this trailer, get a taste of the people we'll honor and the stories they'll share in our pilot episodes. Let's give thanks and flowers together