Building and scaling an e-commerce brand takes an extraordinary amount of grit and execution.”
— Juan C. Meisel, CEO & Founder of Grip
MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Grip, a fulfillment, logistics, and technology company focused on direct-to-consumer shipping for food and beverage brands, today announced the launch of the Grip Impact Awards, a recognition program honoring partners that reach major order-volume milestones as their brands scale.
Built specifically for frozen and refrigerated e-commerce, Grip combines nationwide fulfillment with an AI-powered order management system that optimizes shipments in real time. The Grip Impact Awards recognize brands that have achieved measurable scale through sustained customer demand and long-term growth.
The program includes three award tiers based on cumulative order volume processed through Grip:
• Bronze Award — 100,000 orders: Recognizing brands that have progressed beyond early traction and established sustained demand.
• Silver Award — 500,000 orders: Reflecting continued expansion and growing market presence at scale.
• Gold Award — 1,000,000 orders: Highlighting long-term, high-volume scale with significant category reach.
“Building and scaling an e-commerce brand takes an extraordinary amount of grit and execution,” said Juan Camilo Meisel, Founder and CEO of Grip. “Behind every award there are teams who have pushed through the ups and downs of growth to reach customers across the country. These are the builders shaping the future of e-commerce, and the Grip Impact Awards exist to recognize that work at every stage of their journey.”
The awards are presented as physical trophies designed to serve as lasting markers of achievement. Order volume is used as a benchmark to reflect sustained growth and long-term brand durability.
With the launch of the Grip Impact Awards, Grip reinforces its commitment to supporting high-growth DTC brands, not only through fulfillment, logistics, and technology, but by recognizing the work it takes to reach meaningful scale.
About Grip
Grip is a fulfillment, logistics, and technology company purpose-built for frozen and refrigerated direct-to-consumer brands. Through six nationwide fulfillment facilities and a proprietary AI-powered order management system, Grip optimizes every shipment based on real-time data to deliver faster, more reliable, and more cost-efficient deliveries at scale. Learn more at www.gripshipping.com.
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Brentwood’s breadth of experience includes Board of Director and Board committee leadership, CEO, COO and C-level operational expertise
CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, February 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Brentwood Advisory Group announced that Malgorzata Guyot has joined the firm, expanding its team of senior CEOs, board members, and C-suite advisors serving growth-focused organizations. Her addition brings Brentwood to twenty-one C-Level advisors helping clients close leadership gaps, solve critical challenges, strengthen operations, and accelerate value creation.
Malgorzata brings more than 20 years of international experience across pharmaceuticals, automotive, and Big Four audit. She has led Finance, Audit, Procurement, and IT for public and private equity–backed companies, driving operational efficiency, digital transformation, and strategic growth across Europe and the United States, with global collaboration in Japan, India, and Australia.
She has worked closely with boards and audit committees, with deep expertise in pharma and manufacturing finance, governance, risk, and EU–U.S. business alignment. At Brentwood, Malgorzata advises companies navigating transformation, particularly in private equity, M&A, and pre-IPO environments. Her work spans deal support, enterprise risk management, governance and internal audit buildouts, and strengthening board reporting.
Malgorzata began her career in investment banking at Natixis Bleichroeder before joining KPMG and PwC. She later held senior finance roles at Nissan Europe and served as Global Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management for a Swiss pharmaceutical company. Most recently, she led Finance, Procurement, and IT for pharmaceutical operations in the U.S. and Canada, with direct P&L responsibility.
She holds a PhD from Télécom SudParis (Institut Mines-Télécom) and is a Chartered & Certified Accountant (ACCA). Malgorzata is a member of the Private Directors Association®.
About Brentwood Advisory Group
Brentwood Advisory Group provides executive leadership and strategic advisory services to organizations navigating change. The firm specializes in interim leadership, M&A integration, growth initiatives, and board-level advisory support.
Clients engage Brentwood to fill leadership gaps, reset strategy, and manage complex transitions. Brentwood partners with boards and executive teams to align priorities and deliver measurable results.
Mark A Zorko
Brentwood Advisory Group
mzorko@brentwoodadvisory.com
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AI Security Platforms help companies identify, manage, and prevent emerging AI-related security risks
AI security platforms like DeepKeep work with and help companies prevent AI problems”
— Jeff KAGAN Industry Analyst
ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, February 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The following commentary is from Jeff Kagan, Industry Analyst and Columnist who covers wireless, 5G, AI, telecom, and emerging technology trends. Kagan has followed these industries for several decades, offering analysis on companies, technologies, regulations, and market shifts. This commentary may be used by the media in coverage of this story.
Artificial intelligence is driving one of the fastest technological transformations in history. Much of the current attention, however, remains focused on which AI models or platforms will grow the fastest. Far less attention is being paid to an equally critical issue: AI security.
Today, the AI security market consists largely of dozens of smaller companies, only some of which directly compete with one another.
DeepKeep is designed to secure generative AI, large language models, computer vision systems, and other AI technologies. The platform addresses continuously evolving risks, including data leakage, hallucinations, and other AI-related security vulnerabilities.
Founded in 2021, DeepKeep offers a multi-layer security platform that supports both on-premises and cloud-based AI deployments. The solution is currently available on major cloud platforms including Google Cloud and AWS.
DeepKeep is used by enterprise security teams to help ensure AI systems operate as intended while minimizing security risks.
Although AI has existed for decades, the most recent surge in adoption and innovation is only a few years old. As a result, the industry faces a wide range of new opportunities and challenges, particularly around AI security.
“AI security today reminds me of Internet security in the early 1990s,” said Jeff Kagan. “Back then, very little attention was paid to antivirus software or digital protection.”
“Today, Internet security is a mature, essential market with well-known brands such as Norton, McAfee, ESET, and NordVPN,” Kagan said. “I see the AI security sector evolving in a similar way.”
“At this stage, there is still limited awareness of AI security threats, but I believe this sector will grow rapidly over the next several years,” Kagan added. “The big question is which companies will emerge as the leading brands.”
“Another likely scenario is that larger cybersecurity companies will acquire smaller firms that specialize in AI security technologies,” Kagan said.
“We are still early in the AI revolution, and it’s impossible to predict which companies will be acquired and which will continue to grow independently,” he said. “That said, I firmly believe AI security solutions will play an increasingly important role going forward.”
“DeepKeep is one of the companies bringing strong ideas to this emerging AI security space,” Kagan said. “I like what they are doing today. This is a company and a technology that will need to continue evolving as AI itself evolves.”
“I encourage organizations and industry watchers to keep an eye on the AI security platform sector as it grows in importance and recognition,” Kagan added. “I’ll continue watching and writing about which players may rise to leadership positions and which may become acquisition targets.”
About Jeff Kagan
For additional coverage, search “Jeff Kagan” on Google News.
Jeff Kagan is an Atlanta-based Industry Analyst, Columnist, Consultant, Influencer, and Keynote Speaker. For more than 40 years, he has provided analysis and commentary on innovation, market trends, and company performance across wireless, telecom, 5G, 6G, AI, and other high-growth sectors, serving both B2B and B2C markets.
Former AT&T Executive Vice President of Public Relations Dick Martin highlighted Kagan’s influence in his book Tough Calls: AT&T and the Hard Lessons Learned from the Telecom Wars, writing:
“Jeff Kagan has been described as the most widely quoted analyst in the telecommunications industry.”
Kagan has written thousands of columns and articles translating complex technology trends into clear, practical insights for executives, investors, customers, and employees.
Jeff Kagan
Jeff Kagan
+1 770-579-5810 email us here
Visit us on social media: LinkedIn X
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A groundbreaking rideshare platform combining real-time vetting, always-on safety verification, and community governance to make every ride safer by design.
HUB Cyber Security (NASDAQ:HUBC)
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Fare Co-op, the driver-owned, city-managed rideshare platform, today announced the launch of Platform 2.0 in partnership with HUB Cyber Security Ltd. (Nasdaq: HUBC) (“HUB”). This update introduces SecureRide™, a proprietary protocol that utilizes real-time, perpetual verification for both drivers and riders. This creates the first continuously validated trust environment in the mobility industry, significantly reducing insurance risks and operating costs.
While traditional rideshare platforms rely on annual background checks that provide only a snapshot of safety – resulting in a report of sexual harassment submitted every 8 minutes in the USA, according to https://every8minutes.com/ – Fare Co-op’s Platform 2.0 offers Perpetual Know Your Driver (KYD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) system, which continuously monitors identity and safety signals, ensuring that the person behind the wheel and the person in the passenger seat are verified in real-time.
The World’s First SecureRide™ establishes a new baseline for industry safety by combining perpetual vetting with mandatory dashcams in all participating vehicles. The system addresses critical gaps in the current rideshare model, where risks often go undetected between periodic screening cycles.
Real-Time Verification Capabilities:
• Motor Vehicle Records (MVR): Instant monitoring of license status, violations, and driving eligibility.
• Criminal & Sex Offender Registries: Continuous cross-checking against national and local databases.
• Global Watchlists: Screening against OFAC, UN, and EU sanction lists.
“We are proud to launch this partnership, which significantly strengthens security for everyone in the vehicle,” said Ahmed Attia, Chairman & Co-founder of Fare Co-op. “Fare Co-op pioneered the driver-ownership model to ensure economic inclusion. With this launch, we are prioritizing the physical safety of the drivers who built this ecosystem and the customers whose trust fuels it. We are making real-time accountability the new golden standard.”
Platform 2.0: A Redesigned User Experience
Beyond security, the Fare Co-op Platform 2.0 app release this month offers a redesigned interface and expanded functionality for Fare Co-op’s decentralized, driver-led network. New features include:
• Ride Bidding & Dynamic Pricing: Enhanced flexibility for longer trips.
• Advanced Preferences: Preferred driver gender selection and favorite driver lists.
• Social Connectivity: Deep-link referral systems and in-app money/credit transfers.
Strategic Impact
The enhanced verification framework is designed to lower insurance premiums by reducing claims exposure, allowing Fare Co-op to position SecureRide™ as a premium service at an affordable price point.
“This is more than a commercial agreement; it is a commitment to public safety,” said Noah Hershcoviz, CEO of Hub Cyber Security. “By deploying Perpetual KYD and KYC with a major industry leader like Fare and its network of over 10,000 verified drivers, we have proven the solution’s scalability. We are confident this will initiate a cascading effect, compelling the wider industry to recognize real-time verification as the indispensable foundation for the future of mobility.”
About Fare Co-op
Fare Co-op is a multi-stakeholder federated cooperative and a leading rideshare provider in the United States, representing a network of more than 10,000 member drivers. The platform operates on a decentralized model managed by local driver leaders, focusing on fair labor practices, community-centered safety, and sustainable transportation.
About HUB Cyber Security Ltd.
HUB Cyber Security Ltd. (Nasdaq: HUBC) is a global leader in confidential computing, AI-driven data fabric, and cybersecurity. HUB’s Secured Data Fabric (SDF) empowers organizations to virtualize, secure, and analyze sensitive data across borders and silos generating real-time intelligence while meeting the highest regulatory standards. With operations across North America, Europe, and Israel, HUB partners with Fortune 100 companies, global banks, and sovereign institutions to secure the next generation of digital infrastructure.
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MusicWire / Feb. 11, 2026 — Moroccan-born, Canadian-raised cultural disruptor El Mehdi makes a bold entrance into the global pop conversation with “SALAM,” his landmark debut EP released January 30 via RENAISSANCE/AWAL, accompanied by “EL FILM,” a self-directed musical short film premiering today. The genre-defying project marks a historic debut for an openly queer Arab artist, expanding music into a cultural statement.
They say no one is a prophet in their own land. With “SALAM,” El Mehdi breaks the adage — and with it, silence, shame, and the glass ceiling.
The project unfolds with art-pop precision, bridging regional identity with global pop resonance. A leap of faith in a landscape that still polices who gets to exist freely, “SALAM” asserts presence without compromise. Ceremonial and defiant, El Mehdi’s sound fuses modern pop with North African and Middle Eastern influences, pairing rich vocals and cinematic strings with dance-driven energy, sensual urgency, and multilingual song writing in English, French, and Arabic. The result is an incandescent world that feels ancestral yet radically future-facing. El Mehdi doesn’t dilute identity to reach wider audiences — he expands pop itself to hold it.
This is pop that remembers where it comes from — but refuses to apologize for where it’s going.
Across five tracks, including the manifesto-like title track “SALAM” (meaning both “hello” and “peace” in Arabic) — El Mehdi transforms vulnerability into power. Written and creative directed by El Mehdi, and produced by El Mehdi and Sūn Jùn (LayLow, AntsLive, Dior), with mixing by Grammy-winner Wez Clarke (Zara Larsson, MARINA, Sam Smith) and string performances by Grammy-nominated Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa), “SALAM” was created across continents — a global pop record born from emancipation, vision, and reclamation.
“I needed to create a space where we can exist without hiding. And beyond that, a place where we can celebrate ourselves” El Mehdi says. “SALAM is that place.”
Premiering today, “EL FILM” extends this declaration into cinema. Directed, choreographed, edited, and costumed by El Mehdi, the musical short film reflects his multidisciplinary approach, weaving music with dance, fashion, image, and storytelling. Set inside a Moroccan riad, the film unfolds as a passage from darkness into light, centered around a traditional mint tea ceremony. Beneath the anonymous male gaze, ritual chants and El Mehdi — an iconoclastic figure with an androgynous presence — fracture normative masculinity, allowing a fluid, liberated force to emerge. Traditionally associated with the sacred, these elements are reimagined — not as provocation, but as transformation.
“They wanted me in Hell. Baby, I went there. I came back. I only warmed up my tea.”
El Mehdi, “El Film” (Official Video):
https://ffm.link/elfilm.OPR
Disruptive to some and inspiring to others, “SALAM” opens a dialogue many were waiting for and others feared. More than a debut, “SALAM” is a cultural statement.
A new voice has arrived — and it’s coming in peace.
Moroccan-Canadian artist El Mehdi first emerged with his debut single “ELKASS HLOU,” which sparked rapid traction across platforms, amassing hundreds of thousands of streams and views and breaking into Anghami’s Top 50 across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — the leading streaming platform of the Arab world.
He crafts a magnetic, genre-defying pop sound shaped by his North African heritage, shimmering across English, French, and Arabic. A former spokesperson for Amnesty International Canada, El Mehdi has established himself as a distinctive voice within the global MENA diaspora.
With his follow-up “ENCORE” and its self-directed music video created in partnership with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Marrakech, El Mehdi affirmed a crystalline and uncompromising vision. He has been hailed as “a rising young phenomenon” (CBC) and “emblematic of a generation” (L’Orient Today), while ICON MENA described his work as “a quiet revolution, far from clichés.” Flaunt praised El Mehdi for challenging social and cultural expectations, The New Arab highlighted a stage presence that is both “elegant and subversive,” and Vogue Arabia noted his ability to move “with grace and intention.”
Previously artist-in-residence at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, El Mehdi has presented his work at TIFF, the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica ShortFilm Festival, and Amsterdam Dance Event, and has performed to capacity crowds across Canada (Nuit Blanche, Canadian Music Week, Montreal Pride).
In 2025, he made his big-screen debut as a leading actor in “L’Héritier des secrets” (dir. Mohamed Nadif), which premiered at theMontreal Museum of Fine Arts as part of Cinémania. Set for theatrical release in 2026, the film is the first Moroccan feature to address trans identity and co-stars Nisrin Erradi, who also appears in “Everybody Loves Touda” (dir. Nabil Ayouch), Morocco’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
On stage and in the studio, El Mehdi challenges what it means to be an Arab man in the modern world, transforming pop into ritual. With his debut EP “SALAM,” he ushers in a new era — free, luminous, and indelible.
UK Music Publication Examines How Belfast Singer and Moxie Media CEO Are Empowering Independent Artists to Build Careers Outside Traditional Label Systems
I want artists to bet on themselves. Show up when no one’s watching. Keep writing even when the last song didn’t hit. That’s what builds fans – the journey.”
— Jolene Allison-Burns
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, February 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Neon Music, a global voice in music and culture based out of the UK, has published an in-depth feature profiling Belfast singer-songwriter Jolene Allison-Burns and entrepreneur Kenneth W. Welch Jr. of Moxie Media Marketing. The piece examines how independent artists are building sustainable careers outside traditional label systems, with Allison-Burns’ recent trajectory serving as a case study for broader industry power shifts.
The publication opens with Allison-Burns reflecting on her career momentum coming out of TikTok LIVE Fest season. “It’s weird, because you work your whole life for momentum, right? And then momentum finally shows up, and it doesn’t knock politely. It just kicks the door in,” she states in the feature. Neon Music describes Allison-Burns’ journey from performing in Belfast venues night after night to establishing herself in “a new kind of music economy where ‘going live’ can function like touring, radio, and fan club all at once.” The article notes her work is rooted in Belfast community experiences, with songs connected to documentary projects and lived experiences around her.
The profile details her partnership with Moxie Media Marketing and its CEO Kenneth W. Welch Jr., who Neon Music describes as positioning himself differently than traditional music executives. “That’s the part people don’t really talk about,” Welch states in the piece. “We love to romanticize ‘the grind.’ The hustle. But we don’t always admit that the game is uneven from the start. There are artists who show up to these competitions, these platforms, with full teams behind them—managers taking percentages, budgets, infrastructure. Most independent talent just doesn’t have that. They’re showing up alone.”
Allison-Burns confirms this assessment in the feature. “And that’s not shade. That’s just reality. It’s not a level playing field. Never has been,” she states. “But what I’m proud of is—I didn’t need to become someone else to compete. I didn’t need to fake a persona or wait for a label’s permission. I needed a plan. Consistency. And the right people around me.”
When Neon Music asks what support actually looks like in practice, Allison-Burns describes the behind-the-scenes realities. “Moxie showed up in the unglamorous parts,” she explains. “The strategy calls. The scheduling. Figuring out how you pace a week so you don’t burn out by Thursday. How you build a show, not just a stream. They treated me like an artist with a future—not like a moment they were trying to capitalize on.”
The publication emphasizes this distinction throughout the feature: the difference between building sustainable artist development versus capturing temporary viral spikes. Neon Music highlights Allison-Burns’ newest release “Can’t Control Me” as embodying this intentional approach, dropped through her official channels as part of the Moxie Media ecosystem rollout.
“I wrote that song from a place of finally claiming my own voice,” she tells the publication. “And then it became bigger than just me. Because I think every independent artist has had that moment—where someone, an industry person, a gatekeeper, sometimes even a well-meaning friend—tries to tell you what you are. What you should sound like. What you should do to be ‘marketable.’” Making air quotes around the word, she continues: “And I just thought… no. You can’t control me. That’s it. That’s the song.”
Welch responds to her creative independence in the feature with clear appreciation. “That’s exactly why people connect with her,” he states. “You can’t manufacture that. It’s a real artist with something real to say. Audiences know the difference.”
Neon Music expands the conversation to examine Moxie Media’s broader thesis: that independent artists can build sustainable careers without waiting for traditional industry machinery to validate them. The article details Welch’s work developing the Global Talent Billboard Directory, which the publication describes as “an online visual platform designed to spotlight independent talent and connect artists into a wider discovery and promotion ecosystem.”
Allison-Burns discusses the platform with the publication not as a corporate product but as infrastructure she wishes had existed earlier in her career. “People need places where independent talent isn’t treated like a hobby,” she states in the feature. “Where you’re not just another name in someone’s DM inbox, hoping they’ll respond. The Global Talent Billboard Directory is the kind of thing that says, ‘No—this is real. This is organized. This is professional.’ It gives you a place to actually be an artist, not just hope someone notices you are one.”
The publication highlights what becomes the center of the entire conversation when Allison-Burns states: “I want artists to bet on themselves.”
Neon Music reports that she doesn’t mean this in vague motivational terms but in practical ways, listing the unglamorous realities: show up when no one’s watching, keep writing even when songs don’t hit, keep performing, learn how audiences actually behave rather than how you wish they did, protect your energy, find a team that doesn’t treat you like a line item.
“Trust is a skill,” she explains in the piece. “Trusting yourself when you’re not getting the outside validation yet—that’s a skill. And you don’t get it from affirmations. You build it by doing. By performing. By finishing songs even when you’re not sure about them. By putting the work somewhere people can actually find it.”
When the publication asks what she would tell artists who feel they’ve already missed the wave—who think TikTok, livestreaming, and the creator economy have already peaked—Allison-Burns doesn’t hesitate in her response. “I’d tell them to stop asking if it’s too late and start asking if they’re ready,” she states. “Seriously. Because the world doesn’t reward perfect. It rewards the person who keeps showing up—who shows up consistently enough that people actually get to fall in love with the journey. That’s what builds fans. Not one viral moment. The journey.”
Welch adds industry context in the feature. “And the industry sees that now. The platforms, the brands—even the old gatekeepers, the ones who used to decide who got a shot—they’re following the crowd now, not leading it. Artists who can build real community have actual power. That’s new. That wasn’t true ten years ago.”
Neon Music positions this observation as representing a fundamental change in how music careers develop. Where traditional systems required artists to wait for industry permission—label deals, radio airplay, playlist placement controlled by gatekeepers—the article notes that independent artists with direct audience relationships now hold leverage that wasn’t available in previous decades.
Allison-Burns reflects on her position with measured gratitude in the profile. “I’m grateful,” she states. “Not just for what happened this year, but for who showed up while it was happening. There’s so much incredible talent out there—some of them will never get the shot they deserve because the traditional system just can’t hold everyone. It’s not built for everyone. So if Moxie can open doors for real independent artists—people who aren’t waiting around for permission—then that’s something I want to be part of. That matters to me.”
The publication concludes the feature with Allison-Burns offering direct, practical encouragement. “If you’re an artist and you’re tired of waiting for someone to pick you—go build your own stage,” she states. “Go perform. Go live. Write the song that scares you a little. Look at what’s happening with the Global Talent Billboard Directory, because the whole point is giving artists a way forward that doesn’t require begging for access.”
She adds in the closing moments of the conversation: “And when you do it—don’t do it trying to be someone else. The only thing you can’t fake in this industry is heart. People feel it. They know. So give them something real.”
Jolene Allison-Burns’ music, including her latest release “Can’t Control Me,” is available on all major streaming platforms. More information about the Global Talent Billboard Directory and Moxie Media Marketing’s artist development programs can be found at www.moxiemediamarketing.inc.
Broc Foerster
Moxie Media Marketing
+1 949-409-4700 email us here
“Can’t Control Me” Original Song by Jolene Allison Burns
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A true Civil War story of an enslaved teen who claimed freedom, served in the Union Army, and faced Reconstruction—released for Black History Month 2026.
This is a great tale, and I recommend it to anyone interested in American history, especially the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, as well as stories of resilience and the struggle for freedom.”
— Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite
PRINCETON, NJ, UNITED STATES, February 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In recognition of Black History Month 2026, marking A Century of Black History Commemorations, HMG ePublishing, LLC announces the release of The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes Novella by award-winning author and historian David J. Mason. The book links the purpose of Black History Month to the real lives it honors.
Set in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1864, the novella tells the true story of Parson Sykes, an enslaved seventeen-year-old who secretly taught himself to read. After a dangerous escape, Parson fled bondage with his brothers and crossed into Union-held territory. The men enlisted in the United States Colored Troops and served with the XXV Corps, joining thousands of Black soldiers whose service reshaped the Civil War and the nation.
After the war, Parson returned home to face the harsh realities of Reconstruction. He worked with the Freedmen’s Bureau and resisted the limits imposed by Black Codes. Over time, he secured land, built a family, and became a leader in his community. His life reveals a central truth of Black American history: emancipation did not end the struggle for freedom—it changed it.
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week to challenge the exclusion of Black people from American history. The observance later expanded into Black History Month. Released during Black History Month 2026, the novella honors this hundred-year legacy of remembrance, education, and reflection.
“Black History Month exists to recognize lives like Parson Sykes’,” said Mason. “His story reminds us that freedom was not complete in 1865. It had to be claimed, defended, and built over time.”
The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes Novella also serves as an abridged version of Mason’s The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes Trilogy, which expands the story across three volumes:
• Enslavement in Southampton County, which examines family life, control, and resistance under slavery.
• Enlistment in the Union Army, which follows Black soldiers fighting for a nation that both relied on and excluded them.
• Return to Southampton County, which confronts Reconstruction, land ownership, and the backlash that followed emancipation.
For a limited time, readers who purchase any title in the trilogy may receive the Kindle edition of the novella at no cost. The offer invites new readers to engage with a story that continues to shape national conversations about freedom, memory, and citizenship.
About the Author
David J. Mason is an award-winning author and historian. He was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. He holds a Master of Science degree from Hampton University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University. He is also a graduate of the United States Army War College.
Paige Hinton-Mason
HMG ePublishing, LLC
+1 732-743-9137
HMG ePublishing, LLC
Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X
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Produced by Grammy-winning Drew Correa (Lil Wayne, Jay-Z); out now on major streaming platforms.
BOCA RATON, FL / MusicWire / Feb. 12, 2026 — Sol Centric, an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida, debuts with his first single and official music video, “Remember Me.” Released Jan. 23, the 3:15 track (Explicit) was produced by Grammy-winning producer Drew Correa (Lil Wayne, Jay-Z).
A song about love and breaking up, “Remember Me” pairs a catchy, string-led chorus with melancholy lyrics, crisp beats, and a melodic guitar riff that drives the mid-tempo track.
“I wanted to express the heartbreak and pain many of us experience during and after a breakup,” said Sol Centric. “It’s really about reaching out and connecting with others so they know they’re not alone.”
“I started dating at a young age—as many do today—and ‘Remember Me’ was inspired by a breakup I went through that hit me hard,” Sol Centric added. “The good news is we learn to move on and things do get better. It’s been meaningful to see people already connecting with the song. This track marks the beginning of what I hope will be a long, successful career, and I’m excited to release a lot of music this year—and for many years to come.”
“Remember Me” is available now on all major streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and more.
The official music video—Sol Centric’s first—was filmed in Miami, Florida, and directed by Grey Smoley. “This music video was the first one I’ve ever done, and I’m grateful for the team that helped bring it to life,” said Sol Centric. “We wanted to create a sad but optimistic vibe in and around Miami. As I continue making videos, I’m excited to grow visually and conceptually.”
The music video has also been added to Vevo’s “Incoming Pop” playlist on YouTube, a curated playlist featuring new and trending official pop music videos from emerging and established artists. An accompanying behind-the-scenes video is available now as well.
Sol Centric, born Luke Ryan Solomon, is an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida by way of New York City. The self-described Gringo-Latino was exposed to a wide range of musical influences from an early age, including hip-hop, heavy metal, classic rock, R&B, pop, and Latin music.
From an early age, Sol Centric gravitated toward drama, music, and performance discovering an early passion for creative expression. During high school, he performed in drama classes, spent endless hours discovering music, gaming and streaming, all while training for semi-professional tennis, though a tennis injury and other factors ultimately ended his athletic pursuit.
During a challenging period with mental health, he began journaling and writing lyrics, which became a turning point in his artistic development. As his confidence and vision matured, so did his sound. In the post-COVID years, he attended hundreds of live performances and festivals, further shaping his artistic vision.
In early 2025, he began producing music from his bedroom. Later, while recording vocals in a professional studio, he met Grammy-winning producer Drew Correa, who also served as a resident engineer at Cash Money Records. The two connected instantly and began collaborating. From this partnership, Sol Centric was officially born.
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, February 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Recording artist Jourdin Pauline is set to release her new single, “DANGERUSH,” on February 6, 2026, through MMC Entertainment Group LLC. Her new single explores the emotional experience of falling in love with someone who may not be good for you but choosing to stay in the relationship anyway. With this release, Jourdin Pauline offers a song that lyrically tells the story about the beauty of romance, and the vulnerability that comes with opening your heart to love someone.
“ ‘DANGERUSH’ tells the story of the tension between what the heart wants and what the mind logically understands. The song talks about human vulnerability and choosing the feelings in your heart over your mind’s logic. ‘DANGERUSH’ is about being honest with yourself. This song presents love as something that is complicated and at the same time powerful in our lives.” says Jourdin Pauline.
Jourdin Pauline is more than a rising pop star—she’s a cultural force. The Guyanese-American singer, songwriter, and performer is forging a new path in mainstream music, blending trap, pop, and Caribbean influences into a sound that’s bold, dynamic, and uniquely her own. Crowned the “Guyanese Pop Princess, With 1.4 million+ Instagram followers and a growing global fanbase, she’s already earned major recognition from VIBE, Flaunt, The Source, and beyond. Her recent single release “SUGAR,” Jourdin debuted on the Pop chart, peaking at #40 and gaining momentum across platforms. “SUGAR” was named a Rolling Stone Song You Need to Know, received a world video premiere on MTV, and was featured on VEVO New Music Friday, VIBE’s New Music Friday, The Fader, and more.
Produced by Grammy-nominated Brian “Killah B” Bates, “SUGAR” has racked up 1.3 million+ global streams, with the video nearing 1 million views on YouTube. On TikTok, fan engagement continues to skyrocket, with the track generating over 1.6 million likes. Influenced by icons like Prince, Frank Ocean, and Rihanna, Jourdin brings sensuality, empowerment, and bold visual aesthetics to everything she touches.
“DANGERUSH” will premiere on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and all major digital and streaming platforms on February 6, 2026.
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Barnes & Noble hosts Hot Girl Walk Creator Mia Lind for Book Signing and Hot Girl Walk Event
I am excited to share Hot Girl Walk’s message of physical and mental wellness with the LA community, while at the same time supporting an important organization like the Downtown Women’s Center”
— Mia Lind, Creator of the world famous Hot Girl Walk
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, February 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Mia Lind, creator of the world-famous Hot Girl Walk, will host a book signing event for her top-selling book “Hot Girl Walk: Find Happiness, Achieve Your Dreams, and Cultivate Confidence” on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Barnes & Nobles in The Grove Shopping Center in Los Angeles. Mia will be presenting a donation to the Downtown Women’s Center of Los Angeles, who will be attending the event, as part of the Hot Girl Walk for Good Initiative.
This special event brings the Hot Girl Walk philosophy to life, combining a book reading, interactive photo moments, fun giveaways, and a guided Hot Girl Walk. 100% of the net proceeds from book sales will be donated to women’s health and wellness organizations through the Hot Girl Walk for Good initiative.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST Where: Barnes & Noble at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
The event will be hosted by Hot Girl Walk creator Mia Lind to feature her book, and to support The Downtown Women’s Center as part of the Hot Girl Walk for Good initiative. Hot Girl Walk for Good has raised thousands of dollars to support women’s health organizations in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
Mia Lind created the Hot Girl Walk in 2020, during the pandemic, as a way to combat the negative impacts of isolation. The Hot Girl Walk is a 3 to 4 mile outdoor walk, where you focus on 3 things:
1. What you’re GRATEFUL for 2. Your GOALS and how to achieve them 3. How HOT you are (aka Confidence)
The world-famous Hot Girl Walk has billions of hashtags and views on social media, and many millions of people worldwide are part of the Hot Girl Walk community. Mia and Hot Girl Walk have been featured in multiple media outlets, resulting in worldwide awareness and recognition of the movement. Mia has hosted Hot Girl Walk events around the world, and together with her team of dedicated Ambassadors, Hot Girl Walk hosts thousands of people every month for events in many cities across the United States.
DWC maintains 151 housing units in downtown Los Angeles and North Hollywood, and has grown to serve over 5,000 women annually. DWC provides a wide array of resources to decrease barriers and end homelessness for good for all women, including female veterans and their families, women with severe physical and mental health concerns, and survivors of domestic violence.
Hot Girl Walk and HGW are registered trademarks owned by Hot Girl Walk LLC, all rights reserved
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for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
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