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FunTimes Magazine

2019 Men of Influence Release Party

A True Celebration:

A Look at FunTimes' Men of Influence Release Party

By Mariam Dembele

Community. That was the word I heard said over and over by guests who felt that the event was a family gathering – a uniting of our community.

“This is a place where we all can come together and socialize without concern of who [someone is]. We're just friends and family together,” said Jinaki Ahmed, a guest at the May-June FunTimes Magazine Release Party.

As I chatted with Ahmed, the rhythmic sounds of a drummer welcoming guests to the event flowed through the room mixing with the beat of the music. Attendees milled into the space, many stopping on our 'red carpet' to take photos in front of the FunTimes Magazine banner, before heading off to chat with old friends and colleagues that they spotted inside.

We had come together at the African American Museum of Philadelphia to share in community, but also to celebrate the latest edition of FunTimes Magazine which honored a prestigious list of Men of Influence.

One of the awardees that night was particularly well known, a central figure in the east coast community and the international community: Heavyweight Boxer Larry Holmes, or as he's nicknamed the 'Eastern Assassin'.

Holmes was being honored with the LifeTime Achievement Award, alongside the Men of Influence, for his profound impact on our community. The former boxer now runs a foundation called “Heart of a Legend”, there he works to combat homelessness and sexual violence, as well as, support victims and children.

In addition to Holmes, the Men of Influence consisted of an accomplished and diverse group of musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, veterans, scholars and community activists. Each has devoted their life to bettering our communities.

When asked how it felt to be recognized as a Man of Influence, many said they felt humbled.

“It's part of my make-up as an educator and as a Black man to teach and to uplift the people, so it's not something that I look for accolades for,” said Jeff Weaver, an educator, youth advocate and traditional African drummer. “But, I'm grateful that someone else saw what I was doing and felt that it was worthy of honor.”

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