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  • FASHION
    • PATRICIA WATTS WEMODEL USA 5/24/2024
    • GEORGETTE DAVIES 5/27/2025
    • RODNEY WILSON LOVE II DANCE II ACADEMYY
    • DR. KHALILAH ALI 4/25/2025
    • MARCIA HOLMES KYAH HOUSE 5/16/2025
    • CAROLYN WHITE-WASHINGTON 5/15/2025
    • STAN JOHNSON 2025 COPA STYLE MAGAZINE "FITNESS MAN OF THE YEAR"
    • 2nd ANNUAL DMV COMMUNITY AWARDS FASHION PREVIEW 5/9/2025
    • MICHELLE REESE WISEMAN 4/21/2025
    • DAMON SCOTT 4/23/25
    • HARLEY MORGAN FASHION SHOW COORDINATOR 4/12/2025
    • CLYOPATRA WINERY & VINEYARD 4/5/2025
    • JALISSA PRYOR 2/4/2025
    • SIA KOMBA 5/13/2025
    • MARCELLA BARNES REMEMBERS REMEMBERS DR, RENEE ALLEN 2/22/25
    • PATRICIA MCDOUGALL 3/6/25
    • TICKETS FOR RON WEST'S MAN OF THE YEAR CELEBRACTION AT LA VIE ON 5/31/24
    • DEB MOSS TRIBUTE TO RENEE ALLEN
    • DR. BURKE TAUHEED, DMV FASHION AWARDS GALA 3/13/2025
    • MAYOR CASHENNA A. CROSS 3/5/25
    • DEBORAH POWELL DMV (WOMAN OF ELEGANCE, TASTE, AND STYLE 3/3/2025 >
      • Untitled
    • CERISE TURNER
    • MICHELLE WISEMAN 2/22/25
    • MARCELLA BARNES REMEMBERS REMEMBERS DR, RENEE ALLEN 2/22/25
    • STEPHANIE WHITE 3/6/25
    • WALTER KIRKLAND, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS PLAYOFF REPORT 2025
    • RAIZA BONAPARTE & RAMON
    • DOC CROSSLIN, MR. DC 2025
    • ALECEA OLIVER 12/27/2024
    • DEBBIE RUSSELL, MATURE MODEL
    • CYNTHIA JOHNSON, MATURE MODEL/ACTRESS EXTRORDINAIRE 12/17/24
    • MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH COVERS THE 2024 GATSBY SHOWCASE FASHION SHOW 12/20/2024
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS HAPPY HOLIDAY 12/17/24
    • JODY DAVIS, GATSBY SHOWCASE FASHION SHOW 12/9/2024
    • DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH COVERS THE 2024 WE MODEL USA COMPETITION FOR COPA STYLE MAGAZINE 12/8/24
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON 2024
    • CHERYL SHIVER 12/13/24
    • TERSHIA RAZZAQ 12/2/24
    • DANA SMITH BRADLEY 12/5/24
    • ROBERT BRENTCORE SMOOT 11/21/24
    • FELECE TILLMAN
    • RAIZA ANTONIA GONZALEZ-GARCIA CULTURA FASHION SHOW
    • JOANIE HELGESEN, MATURE MODEL 11/14/24
    • MICHELLE WISEMAN
    • PATRICE K. FINNEY-CARTHERN
    • KAPTURED BY KASPER
    • JANET CERSLEY MRS./MS. TOURISM 9/12/2024
    • CAROLYN PHILLIPS, MATURE MODEL 9/15/24
    • REEMA KAPANI MOVIE PREMIER 8/2024
    • TEACHER'S FEST, LISA SUBRIZE 8/15/2024
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS SPEAKS ABOUT THE MEMOIRS OF HER NEW PUBLICATION
    • MICHAEL REZEK 8/14/24
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON
    • CYNDI LOU CARSON 7/19/2024
    • TIA COLLINS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
    • NIDHI MANHJAN KHANEJA 7/18/24
    • REEMA KAPANI COPA STYLE MAGAZINE 2024 "WOMAN OF THE YEAR"
    • CAROLYN PHILLIPS MAGNIFICENT MATURE MODEL 7/15/2024
    • THRIFT SHOPPING WITH DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH 7/9/2024
    • CINTIA HULLEN & HER WORLD OF FASHION & STYLE 7/8/2024
    • SUMMER SHOPPING: DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH 6/22/24
    • DJ REX (DWAYNE BLYTHE) 7/12/2024
    • ATHENA GARCIA: MURAL ARTIST
    • MICHELLE YARNELL 7/12/2024
    • SUSTAINABLE FASHION DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON SMITH 6/10/24
    • GABBY HAAS: MODEL
    • ANGELIAS COUTURE
    • DAPPER LUQ
    • CINTIA HULLEN 6/4/2024
    • GAYELA BYNUM & JOHN SAYLOR COPA STYLE MAGAZINE 2024 "COUPLE OF THE YEAR"
    • DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH REPORTS ON THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 5/12/24
    • TRACY LANGFORD (360 VINTAGE)
    • DAPPER LUQ (DESIGNER)
    • "CORAGEOUS VETERANS" CARMEN DELGADO REPORTS ON THE AMERICAN VETERANS BALL
    • DR. MOBI 5/13/24
    • OZZY RAMOS, FOUNDER OF THE VETERANS BALL
    • EVELYN TALATALA CLOUGH
    • RAJSHREE SHRESTHA 5/6/2024
    • MEAGAN BAILEY 5/6/2024
    • CINTIA HUTTEN & HER WORLD OF FASHION 4/30/2024
    • NADIA NEUBERT
    • RON COOKE
    • A Front Row Experience: The Michael Lombard Experience at New York Fashion Week 2024
    • A Night of Elegance and Entertainment: Prashant Goyal's Fashion Extravaganza
    • MIKELL REED CARROLL 3/6/2024
    • WILLIAM GRAYSON JR. BUSINESS COACH 3/8/24
    • JEMMELYN HEWLITT
    • TAMMY FAYE: NYFW 4/13/2024
    • ELISA NGUYEN NYFW 2/24/24
    • DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH REPORTS ON RANDHAWA BRANDS NYFW SHOW 2024
    • LISA SUBRIZE: HE WHO CHOOSETH 2/14/24
    • SONIA GARBARINO
    • MIKELL REED CARROLL: PAGEANT COACH 1/23/24
    • CRISTINA CORPUZ 1/22/24
    • MISTY L. COOLIDGE 1/5/24
    • LISA SUBRIZE INTERVIEWS ROGER GORE 12/22/23
    • LA SHONDRA BROWN-NELSON 1/10/24
    • CHRYSTAL HUES 12/20/23
    • CHRIS HUNTER (MALE MODEL) 12/18/23
    • LISA SUBRIZE ATTENDS GEMS & FASHION CHARITY GALA 2/7/23
    • LISA SUBRIZE REPORTS: "SHINING BRIGHT, NIGHT OF GLAMOUR & RECOGNITION"
    • LISA SUBRIZE: EPIC BEAUTY, DAY OF HOPE 1/8/24
    • LIZETH ALVARADO PREPARES TO ATTEND THE 2023 GATSBY SHOWCASE FOUNDATION FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER AT THE KENNEDY CENTER
    • MARIANNE HANEY (SENIOR MODEL) 12/2/23
    • LISA SUBRIZE REPORTS ON DC FASHION WEEK SEPT. 29TH-OCT 1 2023
    • PARICHAT "KATIE"' GRALEY
    • GAYLA BYNUM GEMS FASHION CHARITY GALA
    • RUBY BENITEZ 9/15/2023
    • RON WEST: COPA STYLE MAGAZINE 2023 "MAN OF THE YEAR
    • TU-ANH LOVE
    • DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH PREPARES FOR MS. PETITE USA 8/5/23
    • CERISE ELAINE TURNER REPORTS ON WEMODEL USA 2023 FROM MGM, NATIONAL HARBOR
    • SCARLET ALEXANDRA TEEN MODEL 8/1/23
    • BARBARA SMITH MAC NEIL (hiTechMODA) NYFW 6/29/23
    • AMARIS SHIPMAN 6/20/23
    • "THE GIZ" REVIEW BY CRYSTAL GOODWIN 5/5/23
    • DEVENEY SHEA 7/6/23
    • DR. MARCHETTE RICHARDSON "EARTH APPRECIATION MONTH 4/16/23
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE - SMITH 3/30/23
    • AUTHENTIC BEAUTIES 4/6/2023
    • DEBRA OVALL 2023 ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
    • KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER "MY FIRST NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2023
    • KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER HI TECH MODA NYFW 2023 PART 1
    • KRISTANA CHRISTOPHER RUNWAY 7 NYFW 2023
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS NYFW WINTER 2023
    • DR.MARCHETTE LOCKETTE-SMITH AT NYFW 2023
    • MALCOLM STAPLES NYFW 2023
    • AMNA INAM FOUNDER OF RANDHAWA BRANDS NYFW
    • DEBRA OVALL
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE-SMITH REVISITING NYFW 2/6/23
    • HERITAGE FASHIONS
    • TROY ANTHONY BY KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER
    • GRACE LEMON BY KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER 1/16/23
    • LIZETH ALVARADO GATSBY SHOWCASE 2022
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS GATSBY 2022
    • CHIC NOUVELLE MODEL MANAGEMENT
    • KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER 12/23/22
    • LEZLIE DAY REPORTS ON THE GATSBY SHOWCASE FASHION SHOW
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS REPORTS ON THE GATSBY SHOWCASE 2022
    • GAYLA BYNUM DAVID YURMAN FASHION SHOW PART 2
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE-SMITH INTERVIEW 12/18/22
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE - SMITH "WIGS"
    • CULTURA FASHION SHOW 11/21/22
    • JENNIFER WAKFIELD USOA PAGENT 10/25/22
    • LIZETH ALVARADO EPIC BEAUTY Rx
    • MARTINA MYERS 10/27/22 WORLD TOP MODEL 2022
    • SOBEIDY VIDAL LATIN FASHION WEEK 10/11/22
    • DMV FASHION WEEK 2022
    • CARLA DIAZ DELEON 10/12/22
    • KALENA EVERETT
    • LAVISH CROWN PRODUCTS (CHINA WILSON)
    • ANDRES AQUINO (DESIGNER)
    • Jana Love Sedlokova & Lamont Easter HOSTS OF WE MODEL USA 5/16/22
    • PATRICIA WATTS & PHOENIX WEMODEL USA
    • ARETHA BAILEY (REE REE THE MODEL)
    • YANA ZIOLKOWSKI
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS (INTERVIEW) 4/28/22
    • CRYSTAL NICOLE
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS 3/28/2022
    • SIMON BECHARA 4/1/22
    • CARLA DIAZ DELEON
    • YOLANDA STENNETT MRS. INTERNATIONAL
    • MARQUISHA FITZGERALD
    • MARQUISHA FITZGERALD
    • MAQUISHA FITZGERALD
    • MARTINA MYERS TEEN FASHION CORRESPONDENT
    • New Page
    • CINTIA HULLEN 1/20/22
    • PRESHANT GOYAL HERITAGE INDIA FASHIONS
    • SAVANNAH RABIN (WORLD TOP MODEL DMV WINNER)
    • CRAIG KELLEY (MODEL) 12/31/21
    • ROWENA KAY (CHIC NOUVELLE MODEL MANAGEMENT)
    • JOSIE VALDEZ 12/27/21
    • CYNTHIA JOHNSON
    • GATSBY SHOWCASE AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL (DC)
    • MALCOLM STAPLES 10/21/21
    • RONKE OGUNMOKUN
    • MIRANDA FRAZIER
    • JENNIFER ZIEGELBAUER, MODEL
    • PATRICIA WATTS WORLD TOP MODEL 11/6/21
    • CINTIA HULLEN MODEL CORRESPONDENT
    • TATIANA COLE PART 1
    • MYLANTA SIMPSON
    • JUDITH BARNES
    • CYNTHIA JOHNSON MODEL 9/25/21
    • WILLIAM CALLWOOD
    • CARLTON HART 8/15/21
    • BLAQUE BARBIE BOUTIQUE
    • JACQUELINE MIMS
    • CHEYANNE JENNAE 8/22/21
    • MYRNA (HAZELEYES) PITTS 6/4/21
    • SHOE FANATIC by SHEILA
    • CYNTHIA JACKSON
    • ANYA BY VIVIEN BRIDAL 2021
    • SHENETTA MALKIA 5/15/21
    • YELENA'S MAKEUP COLUMN: "A CINDERELLA STORY" 4/10/21
    • VASHTI GRAY BURGESS 4/23/21
    • MOZELLA PLACE 4/21/21
    • YELENA SCHEIDLER
    • LASHANDA THURSTON (SHANDA GRAND) 4/21/21
    • SAMRINA LEM LEM
    • ULYCIA GREGORY
    • ROWENA KAY (MODEL MANAGEMENT)
    • SABRINA SEOUL "YING YANG LEATHER SWING COAT" 2/8/21
    • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE 3/19/15
    • SARA BEE
    • BRINETTE (ALCHEMY CLOTHING
    • LUPITA ANEZ "2020 MODEL OF THE YEAR" 11/17/20
    • NISHA SHETH MUMBAI BOUTIQUE
    • NAKIA HARDY
    • TATIANA COLE DESIGNS
    • SABRINA SEOUL "STYLE" COLUMN 12/7/20
    • HEAVEN HIGHTOWER
    • DEBRA STORY
    • CONSTANCE BELL
    • SABRINA SEOUL (Part 3)
    • SABRINA SEOUL (Part 2)
    • SELAMAWIT YIRGA
    • CYNTHIA PRESS "Le Billet D'or"
    • LISA BUSH 7/10/2020
    • SABRINA SEOUL (Part 1)
    • HOPEZ
    • MRS. SABRINA KAS FLANAGAN
    • MALCOLM STAPLES 5/29/20
    • DELTA VIRTUAL FASHION SHOW
    • NICOLE DANIELLE 8/12/20
    • LIZ NGUYEN'S INTERVIEW WITH COPA STYLE MAGAZINE
    • TONYA BROUGHTON 3/6/20
    • ANYA BY VIVIEN 4/14/20
    • CARLA FELIX-CLAURE
    • DANIELE COOKE
    • MIKELL REED CARROLL AT MILAN FASHION WEEK 3/6/20
    • SYDNEY WEBB TEEN MODEL
    • ALYSSHA SHANKS 3/8/20
    • LORD & TAYLOR (DC) HOST DELTA SIGMA THETA INC. FASHION SHOW/FUNDRAISER
    • RONALD BYRD DCFW 2020
    • BEHIND THE SCENES AT NYFW WITH HiTech MODA
    • TORI SOUDAN FOOTWEAR
    • MICHELLE WISEMAN
    • COPA STYLE MAGAZINE SALUTES GAYELA BYNUM AT LORD & TAYLOR
    • SHEKIRA RAMDASS
    • ZJAY KAYCI
    • MAYA CLARK
    • SABRINA YOUNG
    • PARIS FASHION WEEK 2020
    • LIZ NGUYEN
    • MELVIN LEE WALKER
    • HAITI ESTELLHOMME
    • RONALD BYRD DCFW
    • LISA BUSH DCFW 10/9/19
    • STEPHANIE WHITE NYFW/THE POWER OF FASHION
    • RENEE ALLEN HOSTS THE "POWER OF FASHION" SHOW
    • EAN WILLIAMS: THE UNTOLD STORY
    • DUR DOUX
    • TREMAINE POLLYDORE
    • DUR DOUX PART 2
    • BUSINESS OF FASHION
    • CALI TYLER
    • SAROSH TAKES FOCUS ON FASHION AT THE TOWER
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON
    • CLYOPATRA COUTURE
    • DELL SCOTT
    • IFEOMA ONYIA DMV FASHION WEEK
    • JANELLE JOHNSON 6/30/19
    • RICHARD SENKBILE
    • LENZI BAZAAR (PHOTOGRAPHER) TAKES FOCUS ON COPA STYLE MAGAZINE'S 8TH ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW AT LORD & TAYLOR
  • EVENTS
    • DR MARCHETTE RICHARDSON-SMITH "CHERRY BLOSSOMS 4/30/2024
    • GAYELA BYNUM: DAVID YURMAN FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT WWSC
    • JENNIFER WAKFIELD "SINGLES IN THE CITY"
    • DR. SOY RICHARDS "TEACHER FESTIVAL"
    • DMV FASHION WEEK 2022
    • TICKET FOR COPA STYLE MAGAZINE BLACK TIE AWARDS AT UNION STATION
    • SYLVIA TRAMORE MORRISON PORTRAYS JACKIE MOMS MABLEY
    • FELICIA'S FUND, VIVIEN ANYADUBA AGBAKOBA - FOUNDER
    • FOXTRAPPE REUNION 2019
    • KAREN MARIA ALSTON COVERS THE DAVID CHAPPELL PRIVATE AFTER PARTY
    • DC SWIM WEEK 2019
    • GEORGETOWN FASHION SHOW 2019
  • CUISINE
    • DR MARCHETTE RESTAURANT REVIEW 2/28/23
    • JESSE SEWARD CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE
    • LOUBNA ENNADIR "Thermomix"
    • UTOKIA LANGLEY
    • GRACE COLLINS INTERVIEWS PACO CARRASCO
    • SWAHILI VILLAGE
    • JENISE'S KITCHEN AND WWSC CELEBRATION OF LIFE EVENT 2019
  • CULTURE
    • TU-ANH LOVE 8/9/23
    • DR. ANGELA KALENDAR 8/3/23
    • MEAHSHA MAKLE SHADY ARPERTURE
    • DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH by MARCHETTE RICHARDSON SMITH 5/28/23
    • DJ BECKY GASTON DJ (PYNK DYMOND)
    • Untitled
    • BARRY MORGENSTEIN 10/20/22
    • CHRISTIE BYNUM (WE WILL SURVIVE CANCER)
    • GIGI RILEY 7/26/22
    • MICHELLE VAN HAAS FITNESS TRAINER
    • ERIKA TEMPRO DETOX MESSAGE
    • CONVERSATIONS WITH MINGO 5/9/22
    • New Page
    • BELINDA QUEEN DISRICT 6 CANDIDATE PART 1
    • DERRICK CONYERS (SU'COY (PART 2)
    • THE COPA STORY
    • DANILA RODRIGUES FITNESS MODEL 1/4/22
    • KEN ROCHON, WWSC FUNDRAISER AT LAMBORGHINI
    • WALTER KIRKLAND 1/7/22
    • KEVIN WILLIAMS, 2020 "ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR"
    • ASK TIA! (TIA COLLINS ADVICE COLUMN) 12/16/21
    • LAVISH CROWN
    • JAS BOOTHE 11/16/2021
    • DERRICK CONYERS (SU'COY)
    • GWEN HURT
    • SIA M. FINOH 9/29/21
    • SUSAN SMALLWOOD CELEBRITY POLO & JAZZ 7/19/21
    • GILDA SYMEONIDES
    • ARIANA VARGAS (BLACK BARBIE)
    • CHINA WILSON ATTORNEY AT LAW
    • JULIANNA YATES
    • ALLISON SUTHERLAND
    • KAROLA CAVAGNA Scout & Cellar Wines
    • TIA COLLINS ("The Real Modes of DC"
    • RASHAD MUHAMMAD
    • KNOIR
    • HOW MUCH DOES THAT DOG REALLY COST IN THE WINDOW?
    • THE REAL SOUTH AFRICA PART 2
    • ELIZABETH FELLOWS
    • THE REAL SOUTH AFRICA
  • PEOPLE
    • WILLIAM GRAYSON JR., BUSINESS COACH
    • LAURA DORSEY
    • CARMEN JURADO 1/8/24
    • LACY LACE: ACTRESS 1/27/24
    • ROOTS ACADEMY
    • SARAH FELIX, VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE
    • JOSE ALBERTO UCLES & TOM NOLL ( THE ARTSY PEACOCKS)
    • JULIA CHANG, HEALTH & FITNESS 1/17/2024
    • DR. JAI JAI "PART ONE" 11/17/23
    • GEORGE JUICE GRAHAM
    • MATTHEW BROWN REALTOR
    • LISA SUBRIZE, LEADING WITH LISA
    • WALTER KIRKLAND REPORTS ON THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 8/9/2023
    • FARNAZ HASHEMPOUR-HECKERT
    • MARCELLA MOLLON-WILLIAMS
    • DOC MOBI 8/5/23
    • CERISE TURNER MS. SENIOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 2023
    • KAREN JOHNSON GILLIAM 7/11/23
    • CONNIE AMOS-PARSONS 8/14/2023
    • REBECCA FREMONT 3/9/23
    • RON WEST 1/17/2023
    • LEZLIE DAY COVERS WORLD TOP MODEL 2022
    • JENNIFER WAKEFIELD PAGEANTS - AN INSIDE LOOK 11/22/22
    • DARRYL SIMS, PUBLISHER
    • NATAKI SUGGS
    • BARRY MORGENSTEIN 2
    • SISTERS 4 SISTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY 12/12/22
    • DR. NIECY FUQUA 9/1/22
    • CYNDI-LOU CARSON, MODEL >
      • LIZETH ALVARADO COPA STYLE MAGAZINE "MEET & GREET HOST
    • SUSAN SMALLWOOD 8/31/22
    • CECE ASHE ENTREPRENEUR
    • MUBASHER FAZAL (DR. MOBI)
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE-SMITH
    • REARDON D. SULLIVAN FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
    • DR. RENEE ALLEN 10/5/22
    • CANDACE JOHNSON (MY DIAMONDS SHINE)
    • ALICIA PRYOR, DNA FINANCIAL
    • ANITA HOPE (DANCE INSTRUCTOR)
    • PAMELA R. BROWNE
    • ARETHA BAILEY
    • DR. ESSIE MCKOY 1/2/22
    • JENNIFER WAKEFIELD
    • CHRISTIE BYNUM WSSC
    • FLORENCE KING
    • REV. DR. D. AMINA B. BUTTS
    • WALA BLEGAY (DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE)
    • ARIANA VARGAS TEEN MODEL 12/24/21
    • DR. BO BEST
    • JEMMALYN HEWLETT POOLSIDE COOKIN/WECARE
    • CHERYL SHIVER 9/18/21
    • Untitled
    • ALLISON SUTHERLAND 8/3/21
    • DR. JAI 8/21/21
    • LORI CONWAY RAY
    • ANGELEE L. ALSTON
    • DR. SARAH RENEE LANGLEY
    • TRAE MCLEAN
    • LAURA DORSEY
    • THE HUNGERFORDS, 2021 COUPLE OF THE YEAR
    • SYLVIA TRAMORE MORRISON PORTRAYS JACKIE 'MOMS" MABLEY 6/10/21
    • SUSAN YOUNG 4/10/21
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON TAX PROFESSIONAL
    • ALEXANDRA LEVINE 5/8/21
    • ALYSON WILLIAMS
    • JANETTE OBENSON-AROGUNDADE
    • PANDEE CHI
    • ALESHA BROWN
    • SHARON JACKSON BULLOCK "Embracing My Sexy Sixties"
    • SABRINA WOOTEN
    • New Page
    • DANA HICKS-HUNGERFORD 10/26/20
    • TAYLOR MADE
    • DIANA L. BROWN 10/19/20
    • FRONT ROW PHYLLIS
    • CHRISTINA BRICE
    • GAYELA BYNUM 7/8/20
    • JOAN ACHONG
    • MAYA CLARK "Indubitable Fitness" 8/10/20
    • SUSAN SMALLWOOD 7/24/20
    • DR. AVIS DEVEEVER >
      • SHELLY ROY
    • MIKELL 5/12/2020
    • THE SPECTRUM CIRCLE 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
    • ERANA & JAMES TYLER 2020 "COUPLE OF THE YEAR"
    • THE EUBANKS SIBLINGS
    • TAYSHA SHAW-DAVIS 5/30/20
    • CHELLY ROY
    • KATHI MUHAMMAD
    • JOHN WARDELL PHOTOGRAPHER
    • YOLANDA NELSON INTERVIEWS CHRIS THOMAS OF "RAP CITY"
    • TRACY LOVE 4/17/20
    • MICHELLE GREER 1/31/20
    • GWEN HURT SHOECRAZY WINE COMPANY
    • CHERYL SHIVER
    • CONNIE AMOS-PARSONS
    • DR. JOANNE CAREY VETERINARIAN
    • MIKELL REED CARROLL
    • SABRINA YOUNG
    • MAYA ROCKEYMOORE CUMMINGS
    • ANNA DEBOSE-HANKINS
    • GAIL KING 10/23/19 "All Roads Lead to Gratitude"
    • MARRIAGE CAN WIN
    • DR. RONNIE SIDDIQUE
    • JOAN ACHONG
    • SHARON PARKER
    • GAIL MARGARET KING
    • LEONARD DESHIELD
    • JANELLE JOHNSON 9/12/19
    • SETORIA
    • CARLA HOLMES COVER STORY
    • GIGI RILEY FOR MAYOR OF SEAT PLEASANT
    • EMMANUEL O. IRONO
    • SOFIA PELLEGRINO
    • KIMBERLY HICKMAN-BEY
    • MARGARET P. BEAN
  • JAZETTE
  • SOPHIA DAVIS
  • TIM BRADLEY
  • ALICE DOLL PART 2
  • THE REAL SOUTH AFRICA PART 2
  • GAYELA BYNUM AND WWSC'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY
  • ALICE DOLL'S BEAUTY SHOW PART 1
  • SPECTRUM CIRCLE 2019
  • KATRINA RAINEY
  • J. DE LOS SANTOS
  • KAS FLANAGAN
  • SALOME AUTOLINO
  • NIKEA MARIE
  • DEBRA CHANDLER
  • LINKS LUNCHEON
  • WIPS UNSCRIPTED CHRONICLES
  • GRETA CHAPIN MCGILL 2/4/19
  • ERENA CHEBES
  • RICHARD FLEMMING
  • KEVIN GRANT
  • JAZETTE LANE-ENGLISH
  • HAZEL MITCHELL-BELL
  • CHEF MIA
  • LISA BUSH
  • GEORGE DINES
  • MARNIE IRENE JOPP 1/8/19
  • DR. RENEE ALLEN 2/10/19
  • SYLVIA TRAYMORE MORRISON 2/1//19
  • JIMMY LEE COMEDIAN
  • LAKESSHIA SLAUGHTER
  • MARK & KRYSTAL
  • DR. SHARON HARGRO PORTER
  • JANELLE JOHNSON 1/11/19
  • GIFT HUGHES
  • CARLTON HART PT 1
  • RYANN KELLY
  • FOCUSED MARRIAGES
  • CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
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"Another World So Very Close"
​

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​by Lisa Spoden

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Situated only 105 miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba has been a mystery to Americans since 1960 when the United States imposed a severe trade embargo against Cuba. The Blockade was created after Cuba nationalized American-owned oil refineries without compensation.  As part of this embargo, travel to Cuba by Americans has been restricted for over half a century.

This embargo was eased greatly by President Obama.  As of January 16th, 2015, Americans no longer needed to pre-apply for specific licenses to visit Cuba if they fit one of the 12 special categories. It simplified the process for Americans that meet those special requirements to visit Cuba. That year the two countries exchanged Ambassadors for the first time since the 50’s.

Entry Requirements
As of November 8, 2017 the Trump administration put in place measures aimed at channeling economic activity away from the Cuban government/military.  Their stated goal is to encourage the government to move toward greater political and economic freedom for the Cuban people.

Under the new directives, Americans are forbidden from doing business with entities on a State Department list headed by the Cuban defense and interior ministries.  On the list are five major holding companies with ties to Raul Castro's government or military, and which between them control much of the organized tourism sector.

The list goes on to name dozens of major hotels in Havana and several resorts, including the brand new Manzana Kempinski, which opened with great fanfare this year as Cuba's first to meet the international five-star standard. Also included are five Caribbean marinas, ten stores in touristy Old Havana and industries serving the military.  Two rum distilleries are on the list, along with a shopping mall, a photo developer and a real estate broker.

Americans still seeking to travel to Cuba will only be allowed to do so on educational trips and “People to People” excursions organized by a US firm and with a guide. Those traveling to support Cuba's people must have a daylong schedule of activities designed to expose them to Cubans and steer dollars toward citizens. Included in this type of sanctioned travel are cruise ships.

How To Travel To Cuba
Today there are airlines that travel to Cuba. At the time of this writing there were multiple flights from Washington, DC to five cities in Cuba ranging from $410 to $540 roundtrip. If traveling by air a Visa will need to be purchased at the check in counter (or while waiting in line) before your flight. The visa is a separate card you keep with your passport, but it’s not attached.

The easiest way to get to Cuba is to take a cruise ship to Havana. Currently Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have weekly stops in Cuba.  Until just recently Royal even offered an overnight so you could experience the legendary Tropicana Night Club.  Virgin Cruise lines, launching in 2020, already has Cuba on its list of itineraries.  If traveling by ship, they will give you the appropriate form to fill out for your Visa at embarkation.
 
Exchanging Money In Cuba
Credit & debit cards issued by American banks still don’t work in Cuba. So a trip to the island involves bringing cash. Then when you are on the island, plan on exchanging it at the exchange stations throughout or at banks. There’s an official currency exchange outside the airport in Havana which is your best bet.

Most of the markets, taxis, and other retailers will hastily take American cash without the safety net of an exchange system in place. I ended up paying about $3.50 for a bottled water this way.

Cuba actually has two different currencies. The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the “tourist” currency, pegged to the American dollar. The Cuban Peso (CUP) is what locals use, and worth a lot less. So when you exchange money as a tourist, you’ll receive CUC.

$1 USD = .87CUC.
You can exchange US dollars for CUC, but there is a special 10% penalty fee for this service. So it’s cheaper to exchange Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, or Mexican Pesos for CUC instead.

Accommodations In Cuba
Hotels & resorts are available in the most popular tourist cities like Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero. They can be booked on line. But, don’t expect American standard hotels though.  I am told that what we consider modest is considered luxury in Cuba.
If you want to travel on a budget then look to a “casa particular”.  It is like a homestay or guesthouse in someone’s home. They sometimes include breakfast and run between $20 – $30 per night for a double room. To operate a casa particular, local families need to register & pay special taxes to the Cuban government.

Most casa’s don’t have websites, so you just walk around and ask about availability when you get there. If one is booked, the owner will usually help you find another nearby. AirBnB is now operating in Cuba too!

Renting A Car
Renting a car in Cuba isn’t easy or inexpensive. There aren’t many vehicles available yet, so you generally have to book a car at least 2 weeks in advance by calling or emailing the car rental company.
Renting a car in Cuba with insurance is going to cost you between $70 – $90 USD per day.  There is also a cash deposit required.

Vintage Taxi
The best option in my opinion, for traveling around Cuba, is to rent a vintage American car with driver. A ride in town for 4 people will cost you around $20.  Renting one for a longer 2-3 hour trip can cost around $60 -$70 USD and up to $120 per day depending on your bargaining skills
Simply feeling the ride in these antique autos- many of which are convertibles—is worth the investment.

Tropicana Night Club
The Tropicana night club is a must see when in Cuba.  It has been operating since 1939 with a feast for the senses.  There are literally hundreds of dancers, all fit and beautiful, with bright colored costumes that would rival any Broadway show.  There are multiple stages going simultaneously so there is always something delicious to look at. It cost about $150 per person US.
I would also recommend having diner before the show at the Tropicana. It was delicious and fun. 

Drinking Water In Cuba
Tap water in Cuba is not safe to drink, and bottled water can sometimes be difficult to find depending on where you are. If you plan on traveling to Cuba, I recommend drinking soda without ice cubes, bottled water or alcohol.

Can You Bring Back Cigars?
If you are traveling to Cuba you are now allowed to bring back $400 worth of souvenirs, including $100 worth of cigars per person.
And the cigars are available everywhere!  To make sure that you are not getting banana leaves or inferior tobacco though we recommend you seek out the state sanctioned cigar shops.  They will not limit you on how much you buy but you will not be asked at Border Control how much you brought back.  Our bags were not checked but they could have been and we would have been subject to all laws.
​
What is it Really Like?
This year I was fortunate to travel twice to Cuba; once in May and again in November.  I found it charming.  The people are warm and really want you to fall in love with their country.  But it is like stepping back into the sixties.  The cars and houses especially have stayed frozen in time.  It is definitely worth a little inconvenience to get away to another world so very close to us.

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Lisa Spoden is co-owner of Hotels at Sea www.hotelsatsea.com 
and
Connoisseur Traveler www.connoisseurtraveler.com

​~Copa