BLAC Fridays: Rock the Bells

It’s?Christmas Eve?and while the world is out?buying last minute gifts?and stocking up on ingredients for the big meal,?BLAC?is rocking the bell for Love.

“Good morn or evening friends

Here's your friendly announcer

I have serious news to pass on to everybody

What I'm about to say

Could mean the world's disaster

Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain

… It's that, love's in need of love today.” ~ Stevie Wonder

There are so many reasons to rock the bells for love this week; whether planning?time with family?or?time alone, BLAC has got articles just?perfect for reading?and?brands to experience.

This week, BLAC featured several BLAC lists from?perfumes?to family?board games?to the best?black-owned burger joints; ringing the bells for love for all that we’re made of and all that we can become. Rock the bells for?John Lewis?who was honored with his own?US Postal stamp.

If you ever wanted a Love fest?BLAC Playlist?this week is what we’re all in need of.?

Until next week;?

Merry Christmas and keep rocking

Darralynn Hutson and Team BLAC Magazine

#TGIF VIBES

Click to listen?to this week's playlist

THE MOMENT

John Lewis Receives USPS Stamp

This stamp celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis (1940-2020) of Georgia. Devoted to equality and justice for all Americans, Lewis spent more than 30 years in Congress steadfastly defending and building on key civil rights gains that he had helped achieve in the 1960s

CREATOR’S CORNER

Five Black-Owned Lip Balms Made Just For Black Lips

Detroit’s cold weather along with central heating will play havoc on your lips. So in order to keep them looking juicy you need to invest in a good lip balm or two. We feature the best lip balms created by Black-owned brands.

BEST OF THE REST

5 Black-Owned Board Games to Play With Friends & Famil

It’s the?most wonderful time of the year?and for many of us that means lots of?gatherings of friends?and family as we make our way to Christmas and?New Year’s Eve?celebrations. And what’s a great way to spend time with your friends or family? Games. Big ones. Small ones. We’re talking board games and card games, and games where people have to sit, and games where people have to stand. That means it’s a perfect time to share the best black family (or friend) games!

?Tips For Setting Up a Dating Profile During The Holidays

Online dating sites can look especially enticing during the holiday season. After all, it seems like everyone around you is snuggling up with their significant other around the fireplace, kissing under the mistletoe, or getting engaged on Christmas Eve.

If you’re single, how can you set up the best profile to get the best responses? Online dating can be an adventure and setting up a dating profile can be a bit intimidating, but don't worry - BLAC is here to help

Christmas Customs, Unwrapped: The Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday Traditions

Every family has their own special holiday traditions. Some people decorate their Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Some families open up their gifts on Christmas Eve, too. There are families who watch a movie marathon of their favorite holiday movies or cook until the wee hours of the morning, preparing for the big family meal. Each and every family has something that is a holiday tradition, but where do many holiday traditions and fixtures come from?

?Best Place for A Burger in Detroit

Don’t worry burger lovers, the Detroit food scene has plenty more to offer than just Coney Islands and Soul Food. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall establishment with no website or social media, or the new trendiest eatery downtown or a good-for-you vegan burger, no matter where you are in Detroit proper, chances are you aren’t far from a great burger.

In no particular order, here are the best burgers in Detroit.

COFFEE BREAK

Swinging at Monday and Monday Coming Back Like...

?DISCOVER

?? Black-owned Jewelry Brands...Take note of your inventory, and the next time you find yourself in the market for a new piece of jewelry, challenge yourself to branch out and explore new labels and designers, including these featured Black-owned brands.

??? Three Sex Tech Founders Who Are Changing The Future of Sex...In the year 2023, just about every appliance and device in our lives is “smart.” It should really come as no surprise that smart vibrators and other high-tech sex toys are about as abundant as smart phones and smart TVs.

?? Six Tips to Sell Your Home in the Dead of Winter...From Thanksgiving to Black History Month is the slowest time of the year for home buying in Michigan, due to it being the dead of winter. But that doesn’t mean sellers can’t sell during the winter months.

?? BLAC Review: Les Miserable at the Detroit Opera House...Michigan's own Haley Dortch portrays Fantine who make her national tour debut as Fantine. Currently a student at the University of Michigan, Dortch spoke to BLAC about being one of few black faces on stage.

WHAT’S COOKING

Beans & Cornbread’s Famous Cornbread Recipe

Cornbread has always been a staple component for a soulful Christmas. Black families have enjoyed the tradition of this mouth-watering treat for centuries. Beans & Cornbread Soulful Bistro has satisfied the taste buds of Detroiters since 1997 with its renowned cornbread and plethora of other soul foods. In the spirit of the holiday season, Beans & Cornbread Soulful Bistro has given the gift of delicacy with this recipe for cornbread.