Written by | Ray Cornelius
ESSENCE and FORD teamed up Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, GA for the end of the summer soiree, “My City, 4 Ways.” This amalgamation of art, music, food and style is one of the season’s most highly anticipated events and was worth the wait! It took place at the trendy, new Garage at Tech Square and was co-hosted by ESSENCE Senior Editor Charreah Jackson and The Real‘s Loni Love.
“My City, 4 Ways” puts a spotlight on some of the city’s biggest and brightest ambassadors of African American art and culture and offers attendees exclusive access to them that you won’t experience anywhere else. This year’s featured influencers included Chef Willie Wallace, visual artist Melissa Mitchell, R&B singer and songwriter Algebra and fashion designer Charlene Dunbar. Also in the mix were fashion maven and noted creative director June Ambrose along with “Project Runway” contestant and Atlanta based designer—Kenya Freeman.
“My City, 4 Ways” was also featured a surprise appearance by singer and chef Kelis. Notables spotted at “My City, 4 Ways” included R&B singer Dondria, visual artist Fabian Williams and “Sister Circle” co-host Kiana Dancie.
As always, FORD took things further and provided attendees with opportunities to test drive their newest automobiles, which were prominently displayed all throughout the event space. Featured vehicles included the silver/blue Ford Expedition and the ever so plush Ford Mustang.
Don’t forget to tune into my radio show #UPFRONT this week, where I will feature my exclusive interviews with June Ambrose, Algebra and more highlights from “My City, 4 Ways.”
Check out more images below:
Kelis with Loni Love
Visual Artist Melissa Mitchell
Please Mr. DJ turn my music up!
Loni Love getting the crowd hyped
Dondria
June Ambrose
Kelis
Fashion & Style are major components to “My City, 4 Ways”
Melissa Mitchell‘s signature art work and fashion
Visual Artist – Fabian Williams
I’na Saulsbery and Kiana Dancie
Media maven Rita K. Davis
Charreah Jackson + Raj Register + Loni Love
My Blogger Boo – Arkeedah McKormick
Algebra
Algebra performing her hit song, “Nobody But You”
Raj Register wearing a pink ensemble designed by Kenya Freeman
Til Next Year!
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com