Brunch, Purpose & Power: Thurgood Marshall College Fund Returns to Sag Harbor This Summer. Last summer, I had the incredible honor of attending the inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Brunch in the Hamptons, hosted by powerhouse Racquel Oden, Chair of the TMCF Board of Directors. Let me tell you—it was one of those events. Thoughtful. Inspiring. Beautifully curated. And filled with people who are truly invested in the next generation of Black leaders.
I’m beyond excited to be attending again this summer, when the brunch returns to Sag Harbor on Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., once again held at Racquel’s beautiful private home.
This isn’t just brunch—it’s a moment. A celebration of nearly 40 years of TMCF’s unwavering commitment to students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs). And it’s also a gathering of hearts and minds that believe in real investment—financial and otherwise—in the future of Black excellence.
Why it matters:
The event is about more than mimosas and music (though there will be music, thanks to The Rakiem Walker Project 🎶). It’s about supporting students like Chelsea Grant, a standout TMCF scholar and participant in the Hennessy Fellows Program, who will be sharing her story. It’s about hearing directly from TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams and connecting with board members from Google, the NBA, Breakthru Beverage Group, and GCM Grosvenor—leaders helping shape the pipeline for tomorrow’s changemakers.
As Racquel said:
“Last year was a success and we will build on that momentum this year. It’s an incredible opportunity to invest in the impact and success of our students while helping chart the course for the next 40 years.”
🎟️Tickets are $200, with suggested donation levels of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000—and every dollar helps expand opportunities for Black college students.
So there’s been a lot of talk lately about “no taxes on tips.” If you work in a restaurant, bar, salon, spa, or anywhere you get tipped—you might be thinking finally!
Well… here’s what’s really going on.
✅ What Just Happened
Congress passed a huge new bill (like, trillions of dollars big), and tucked inside it was something called the No Tax on Tips Act.
It means this:
👉 You won’t have to pay federal income tax on up to $25,000 in tips each year.
👉 But you still have to report your tips and still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (those come out of your paycheck like always).
👉 It only counts for cash tips that you report to your boss.
👉 This is good for 2025 through 2028 — after that, it might go away unless Congress brings it back.
💁🏽♀️ Who This Helps
If you work in:
• Restaurants 🍔
• Bars 🍸
• Hair or nail salons 💅
• Spas or hotels
• Any job where you get tipped in cash…
This law could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on your taxes.
But Read the Fine Print
Before you go celebrating too hard:
• You must report your tips to get this benefit. If you’ve been keeping tips off the books, you won’t qualify.
• You’ll still pay payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare. That part didn’t change.
• If you make over $150,000 a year, you don’t qualify.
• It’s temporary. This is only good through 2028 (for now).
So Is This a Big Deal?
Yes, for a lot of workers, this is a big help.
You work hard, and tips are your livelihood. This law lets you keep more of the money you’ve already earned. That’s real money in your pocket—especially when rent, groceries, and gas prices keep going up.
But it doesn’t help everyone. People who work behind the scenes—like dishwashers or cooks—don’t get tips and won’t benefit at all.
And it’s not a total tax break—you still have to follow the rules, report your income, and pay some taxes.
Bottom Line
If you make tips, report them, and earn under $150K—you win.
This new law gives you a tax break on up to $25,000 in cash tips per year. That means more money stays with you.
Just keep track of your tips, report them the right way, and be smart when filing your taxes.
Got questions about how this works for you personally? Ask a tax pro or drop a commenton our social media post.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Sagharbor @Hamptonsmp
If there’s one event I mark on my calendar every summer, it’s Art & Soul: Hamptons. As someone who’s attended this incredible celebration in past years, I can tell you—it’s not just an event, it’s an experience. From the inspiring art to the mouthwatering cuisine (yes, I’m still dreaming about those crab cakes made by Chef Ronica Copes, Five Star Crab Cake—hands down the best I’ve ever tasted), Art & Soul captures the essence of what makes the Hamptons community so rich, so cultured, and so vibrant.
This year, Art & Soul returns on July 18-19, 2025, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Hosted in partnership with the Southampton African American Museumand Southampton Arts Center, the weekend is a celebration of BIPOC artists from the Hamptons and beyond—through art, music, food, and storytelling.
🎨 The Artists: Passion. Power. Purpose.
Let’s start with the reason we gather—the art. This year’s featured artists are an incredibly talented group of creatives, each with a unique voice and story to tell:
• Reynoir Lewis brings his limitless energy to Southampton with his bold, abstract paintings and home décor pieces. Reynoir’s art is as vibrant as his personality—he draws from his Caribbean roots, DJ background, and love of storytelling to create pieces that are alive with movement and color. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the WOOD ART EXHIBITION at the Southampton Arts Center.
• Laura R. Gadson is a master of textiles. Her quilt, fiber, and mixed media work is deeply rooted in history, heritage, and heart. If you’ve ever been touched by the texture of a story told through fabric, you’re going to love meeting Laura and experiencing her work up close.
• Suliman Onque is the definition of multi-talented. From murals to comic books to wearable art, his creativity knows no limits. I love that he’s not afraid to explore every medium and tell stories that speak to identity, justice, and culture.
• Shaunt’e Lewis , who will be featured at the Southampton African American Museum, is an illustrator and fiber artist whose bold and colorful work celebrates powerful women and community resilience. Her story—from hairstylist to nationally recognized artist—is a beautiful reminder of the power of purpose and passion.
• And don’t miss the Shinnecock Artist Exhibition at Ma’s House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, featuring local Indigenous artists like Jeremy Dennis, Durrell Hunter, and Reebekah Wise. It’s an intimate experience that honors the deep cultural roots of our region.
🍽️ The Culinary Experience: Come Hungry!
Now, let me talk about the food—because y’all, the culinary team at Art & Soul knows how to throw down.
This year’s tastings will be brought to us by:
•Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering (bless her hands with her fried chicken beignets are a spiritual experience),
• and Chef Doug Gee, another culinary star who brings soulful, elevated flavor to every dish.
And for the cocktail lovers, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery will be serving up award-winning spirits passed down through generations. They’re the first Afro-Puerto Rican-American distillery in the country, and their story is as smooth as their rum.
🎶 Music, Vibes & Magic
As always, Art & Soul delivers on vibes. You’ll be serenaded by the incredible Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu’s band, and transported by Yacouba Sissoko and the SIYA African Band, whose traditional kora music bridges generations of African storytelling.
And yes, the red carpet is back! My favorite photographer (and husband) Kurt Leggard will be capturing the magic, so bring your style and let your soul shine.
🖼️ Beyond the Art: Walk, Learn, and Celebrate
The weekend includes a cultural Art Walk with stops at the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem —a luxury home boutique founded by sisters Tanya and Temidra Willock. I love that this event also creates space to support Black-owned businesses right here in the Hamptons.
There’s also a private museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation—one of my favorite hidden treasures in Southampton. The work being done there by Indigenous artist Jeremy Dennis is powerful and deeply rooted in legacy and land.
And for the film buffs, don’t miss the screening of Erased, executive produced by Idris Elba, which highlights the forgotten contributions of soldiers of color during WWII. This is the kind of storytelling that changes minds and hearts.
💃 The Afterglow
From the Art After Dark Soirée to the Caribbean cocktail-fueled afterparty with DJ Infmatick, every moment of Art & Soul feels like a love letter to culture, creativity, and connection.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Art & Soul is one of my favorite events in the Hamptons. It’s a beautiful blend of art, soul food, music, and community. It fills me up and reminds me why I love being a part of this place. If you’re looking for a weekend that inspires, uplifts, and feeds both your soul and your appetite, don’t miss this.
Hamptons Mouthpiece: A Conversation with Dr. Florence Rolston: Women’s Health, Screening, and Building Healthy Habits
Women’s Health: When it comes to women’s health, having a trusted voice to guide you through the stages of care is essential. I recently sat down with Dr. Florence Rolston, a distinguished physician specializing in women’s health, to discuss some of the key questions many young women and their families have: When should you schedule your first gynecologic visit? Why is the HPV vaccine so important? And what habits should we all be building for better long-term health?
When Should a Woman Have Her First Gynecologic Screening Visit?
Dr. Rolston shared that the first cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear should begin at age 21.
“It’s very unusual to find significant abnormal cervical changes before the age of 21,” Dr. Rolston explained. “That’s why the recommendation is to start screening at 21.”
However, Dr. Rolston emphasized that many young women will see a healthcare provider before then — particularly for screening and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For women under 25 who are sexually active, annual STI screening is recommended.
“In terms of general health screening, most patients continue to see their family physician or pediatrician until they transition to adult medicine providers after age 21,” she added.
When is the Right Time to Get the HPV Vaccine, and Why is it Important?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has revolutionized women’s health by drastically reducing the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Dr. Rolston stressed the significance of receiving the vaccine before becoming sexually active, ideally starting around ages 11 or 12.
“The HPV vaccine has been incredibly beneficial in reducing cervical cancer rates in the U.S.,” she noted. “Compared to parts of the world where the vaccine isn’t widely available, the difference is dramatic.”
HPV is a common virus with over 100 different strains, but the vaccine targets the strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer and genital warts. Early vaccination provides the best protection.
What Healthy Habits Can We Incorporate Into Our Daily Lives?
Of course, health isn’t just about vaccines and screenings. Dr. Rolston passionately advocates for simple, daily habits that can make a world of difference:
“Health maintenance starts with eating a healthy diet. What you put into your body can have a huge impact on your overall health.”
She recommends focusing on:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Limiting processed foods
• Staying well-hydrated
Exercise is equally crucial — not only for physical well-being but also for mental health.
“Regular exercise supports physical strength and reduces stress, which in turn helps your immune system,” Dr. Rolston said. “Even just getting outside into nature can lower stress levels significantly.”
Finally, managing stress itself is a key pillar of good health. Whether through mindfulness, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or being active outdoors, keeping stress under control benefits both the mind and the body.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Rolston’s advice is clear: Prevention, early screening, and building strong daily habits are the foundation for a healthier life. Whether you’re scheduling your first gynecologic visit, getting vaccinated, or choosing better foods and activities, these steps are vital investments in your future well-being.
If you have questions about women’s health screenings or vaccinations, reach out to a qualified healthcare provider like those at Stony Brook Medicine, where Dr. Rolston and her colleagues are dedicated to supporting your journey to better health.
Why Earth Day Matters — And How You Can Make a Difference
April 22 is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s Earth Day, a powerful reminder that we share a responsibility to protect the planet we call home.
Started in 1970, Earth Day sparked a movement that brought environmental concerns to the forefront. Today, more than 190 countries around the world take part in events, campaigns, and everyday actions that aim to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” focuses on one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution. From oceans and forests to our own communities, plastic waste is everywhere—and it’s harming wildlife, ecosystems, and even our health. Earth Day encourages each of us to do what we can to reduce our use of single-use plastics and find more sustainable alternatives.
But Earth Day is about more than just plastics. It’s about: • Conserving energy • Reducing food waste • Supporting eco-friendly businesses • Protecting green spaces • Educating ourselves and others
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to change everything overnight. But small changes, made consistently, add up. Bring a reusable bag, skip the plastic straw, recycle mindfully, and talk to your community about why this matters.
The truth is—every day is Earth Day when we choose to live with intention and care. Let this April 22 be your invitation to do a little more, speak a little louder, and love this planet a little harder.
