Welcome to Upscale Weekly, your curated guide to the people, ideas, and experiences moving culture forward. Explore the latest in entertainment, fashion, music, travel, business, and community—along with the emerging trends and influential voices everyone will soon be talking about.
Millie Y. Harrell
Editor-in-Chief
THE CULTURE EDIT
Beauty & Style:
Lifestyle: From the Courtroom to the Future of AI: Areva Martin on Why NeurodivergentTalent Is America’s Competitive Advantage. For nearly two decades, civil rights attorney Areva Martin has challenged systems that underestimate human potential. As founder and president of Special Needs Network, she has built a career around disability rights, education, workforce development and expanding access to opportunity.
THIS WEEK’S CELEBRATIONS
Honoring the artists, icons, and culture shapers celebrating another year.
August 16 - Angela Bassett
August 16 - Magic Johnson
August16 Jackie Harry
August 16 - Rhonda Ross
August 16- Reginald VelJohnson
August 17 - Thierry Henry
August 17 - Historian Marcus Garvey
August 18 - Maxine Waters
August 18 - Actor Malcolm Jamal Warner
August 19 - Fat Joe
August 19 - Romeo Miller
August 19 Tracy Thoms
August 20 - Me !!!!
August 20 - Al Roker
August 20 - Don King
August 20 - Issac Hayes
August 21 - Hussain Bolt
August 21 - Loretta Devine
August 21 - Kelis
August 22 - GZA
August 22 - Akawele Akinnuoye-Agbaje
August 22 - Keith Powers
Happy 68th Birthday
Happy 60th Birthday
HERITAGE CORNER
This week, we honor a story of a woman who single handedly changed cancer research. Meet Henrietta Lacks, The Woman Who Changed Medicine Forever
Few individuals have transformed the course of modern medicine as profoundly as Henrietta Lacks, yet for decades her name remained largely unknown. While scientists around the world benefited from one of the greatest breakthroughs in medical research, the woman behind that discovery—and her family—received neither recognition, compensation, nor consent.
Born Loretta Pleasant on August 1, 1920, Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose extraordinary legacy emerged from an unimaginable circumstance. In 1951, while seeking treatment for an aggressive case of cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, physicians removed a sample of cells from her tumor. Without her knowledge or permission—a common medical practice at the time—those cells were provided to researchers.
What happened next changed science forever.
Unlike other human cells that quickly died in laboratory conditions, Henrietta's cells continued to grow and reproduce indefinitely. Researchers soon realized they had discovered the world's first immortal human cell line, later named HeLa, using the first two letters of her first and last names.
The HeLa cell line revolutionized biomedical research. For more than seven decades, scientists have relied on these cells to advance treatments and deepen their understanding of countless diseases. HeLa cells played a pivotal role in the development of the polio vaccine, cancer therapies, chemotherapy drugs, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and advances in virology, including research related to HIV and COVID-19. Millions of scientific studies have depended on these remarkable cells, making HeLa one of the most important research tools in medical history.
Yet while Henrietta's cells became indispensable to science, her family remained unaware of their existence.
Henrietta Lacks passed away on October 4, 1951, at just 31 years old. It wasn't until 1975—nearly 25 years after her death—that her family learned her cells were still alive and being distributed to laboratories around the world. By then, HeLa cells had become a cornerstone of medical research and had contributed to a multibillion-dollar biotechnology industry.
The revelation sparked difficult conversations about medical ethics, informed consent, patient privacy, and racial inequities in healthcare. Neither Henrietta Lacks nor her family had given permission for the cells to be collected or commercialized, and they received no financial compensation despite the immense scientific and commercial value generated from HeLa cells.
Her story has since become a catalyst for change. It has inspired discussions about patients' rights, informed consent, and the ethical responsibilities of medical researchers. In recent years, greater efforts have been made to acknowledge Henrietta Lacks' contributions, including agreements that provide her family with a voice in how genomic data from HeLa cells is accessed and used.
Today, Henrietta Lacks is remembered not simply as the source of an extraordinary cell line but as a woman whose unwitting contribution has saved millions of lives. Her legacy stands at the intersection of scientific innovation and social justice, reminding the medical community that groundbreaking discoveries must be accompanied by respect, transparency, and ethical responsibility.
More than seventy years after her death, Henrietta Lacks' influence continues to shape the future of medicine. Every new breakthrough built upon HeLa cells serves as a testament to her enduring impact—a legacy that transformed modern healthcare while prompting the world to rethink the rights and dignity of every patient.
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CULTURE RECAP
Barack H. Obama served two terms as the 44th President of the United States (2009–2017). His presidency focused on economic recovery, health-care reform, financial regulation, national security shifts, climate action, and social advances. In recent months his presidential library and civic center in Chicago has opened, adding a public-facing hub for his archive, exhibits, and community programs.
Major accomplishments as president
Economic recovery and jobs: Guided the U.S. recovery after the 2008 financial crisis with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009), which funded infrastructure, clean energy, education, and helped stabilize employment and growth. Oversaw years of sustained job growth and falling unemployment.
Health care reform: Enacted the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, expanding health-insurance coverage, prohibiting denial of coverage for preexisting conditions, allowing young adults to stay on family plans, and creating health-insurance marketplaces.
Financial reform: Passed the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to increase oversight of financial institutions and reduce systemic risk.
Auto industry stabilization: Supported interventions that helped stabilize and revive the U.S. auto industry, preserving jobs and manufacturing capacity.
National security and counterterrorism: Ordered the operation that killed al‑Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden (2011); pursued a broader counterterrorism strategy emphasizing special operations, intelligence sharing, and drone strikes rather than large-scale ground deployments.
Climate and environment: Advanced climate policy through regulations, fuel-economy standards, major investments in renewable energy, and U.S. participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming.
Foreign policy shifts: Negotiated the Iran nuclear framework (JCPOA) to limit Iran’s nuclear program (2015) and eased longstanding tensions with Cuba, reopening diplomatic relations.
Social and civil-rights progress: Supported marriage-equality developments and signed orders and policies expanding protections; ended “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the military; implemented deferred-action policies for young undocumented immigrants (DACA).
Judicial appointments: Nominated two Supreme Court justices (Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan) and numerous federal judges, shaping the judiciary.
Education and technology initiatives: Invested in early‑education, increased Pell Grant support, promoted STEM and broadband access, and launched data-driven education reforms like Race to the Top.
The Obama Presidential Center — what it offers
Archives and museum: The center houses Obama’s presidential papers, artifacts, and multimedia exhibits that interpret his life, the presidency, and major policy themes from his administration.
Civic and community programs: Designed as more than a museum, the center includes public spaces for civic engagement, leadership programs, educational initiatives, and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits to support workforce development, digital literacy, and community health.
Design and public space: Located in Chicago, the campus combines museum galleries with landscaped public areas, meeting spaces, and cultural programming intended to serve both local residents and visitors.
Digital access and research: Offers digitized records, research services, and online exhibits to broaden access to scholars, journalists, and the public worldwide.
Why the center matters
The library and civic center preserve primary materials for historians and provide a public platform for civic education and engagement. As with other presidential libraries, it is intended to document the presidency, encourage study and debate about policy choices and leadership, and support community programming tied to democracy and civic life.
Happy 65th Birthday, Mr. President!
EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS
Your curated guide to the gatherings, performances, festivals, and cultural moments worth adding to your calendar.
1. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo-September 18-19, 2026| Marlboro, MA
Why it matters: Founded in 1984, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) is the world’s only touring African American rodeo association, honoring the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls through professional rodeo competition and cultural celebration. Led by President and CEO Valeria Howard-Cunningham, BPIR's legacy travels coast to coast blending sport, history, and community to preserve Black Western heritage and elevate it for future generations. Learn more
2. Ubiqitous Womens Expo, August 21 - 23, 2026| Hanover, MA
Why it matters: Join thousands of women for a powerful weekend of inspiration, education, entertainment, and connection. Discover new opportunities, gain valuable insights, support innovative brands, and experience the power of a community united by purpose.
Featuring nationally recognized speakers, media personalities, entrepreneurs, wellness experts, and cultural influencers, the Ubiquitous Women's Expo delivers the tools, resources, and experiences women need to thrive in every area of life.
Celebrity Line-Up - Big Daddy Cane, Le-Andria Johnson, October London, Dr. Karri Bryant, Roland Martin and Cynthia Bailey to name a few.
Open to the public. Free parking. Free Wi-Fi
3. AFROPUNK - August 15-17, 2026| Brooklyn, NY
Why it matters: AFROPUNK is the cultural event that hip-hop, punk, jazz, fashion, and activism all claim as their own. Twenty years in, nothing else is quite like it. AFROPUNK Brooklyn 2026 is a two-day celebration at Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn — Jazmine Sullivan, Flying Lotus, Joey Bada$$, Vince Staples, Baby Tate, and 70,000 artists, activists, and culture makers who refuse to be categorized. Learn more.
4. The 7th Annual Purple Affair - Sunday, August 16, 2026 / Georgia Aquarium
Why it matters: For more than 7 years, The Purple Affair is hosted by the James M. Dixon Foundation for Alzheimer's Research & Support, the annual benefit honors community heroes, advocates, and caregivers while raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. This is a Formal event that is sold out.
5. 2026 Dukes and Boots Southern Soul and R&B
Why it matters: Celebrate the Black diaspora through music, food, live performances, and a variety vendors. A family-friendly event for all our cousins! All will be entertained by performances from local artists and dance teams, and a DJ spinning all day! This is a FREE to attend, community event, open to everyone! Learn more.
6 Masquerade and Sneaker Ball - August 29th, 2026 - Morrow, Georgia
Why it matters: Celebrate with the Crown & Eagle Foundation at their Annual Masquerade and Sneaker Ball. This event raises money for scholorships, Back to School Supplies, Boys & Girls Clubs, Avalon Nursing Homes, Veterans Assoc and much more. Tickets are $75. This is a formal event and is open to the Public. You must wear sneakers. For tickets and information please call Jessie at 470-389-5439.
7. Emmett Till 71st Anniversary Commemoration Weekend - August 28–30, 2026, Jackson, MS
Why it matters: Hosted by the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and Till family members, this educational and reflection-focused tour honors Emmett's life and legacy. Come together to commemorate this important anniversary and stand in solidarity to continue the fight for our rights, the truth, justice and accountability. Learn more
Until Next Week,
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We thank all of you and promise to remain true and committed.
Millie
