People often say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but I’ve always believed in doing just that when the opportunity arises. Running a media and tech company like TANTV keeps me busy with meetings and client calls, so when I get a chance to blend work with a good time, I’m all in.
At TANTV, our mission is to elevate Black voices and brands, unapologetically centering them on our platform. One of the ways we do that is through our “Tastemakers” vertical, where we spotlight products from Black and multicultural creators. Partnering with Walmart for their Black and Unlimited experience, ‘The Shoutout,’ at Sai’s Summer Cookout was a no-brainer for us. Walmart is doing something remarkable by not just featuring Black-owned brands in its store aisles but also creating rich, personalized experiences that bring Black-owned brands closer to their communities across major events and epic festivals.
This summer, I had the pleasure of attending the Sai Summer Cookout—Chapter Two—in Washington, DC, hosted by none other than Marsai Martin, the multi-talented actress and Hollywood producer. The event felt like a true HBCU homecoming, packed with the kind of energy you only get from Black Joy in full celebration. Imagine Marsai Martin and rapper Smino on stage, DJ Quicksilva hyping up the crowd, and the Howard University Stroll team keeping the vibes strong. The music was a perfect blend—hip-hop, rap, afrobeats—it kept the crowd energized all day long.
As someone from the DMV area, I love when events like this bring the community together, especially in DC, a city that, despite its Black majority, is often described as one of the loneliest in the U.S. The vibe at the cookout was anything but lonely, though—it was high-energy and full of love.
I was greeted with a VIP pass by a Walmart associate, who welcomed me to the cookout with a warm hug. From there, it was all about fun. Hosts like Azel Prather and Gia Peppers were running the show, keeping the youthful crowd engaged, while influencers like Jamiesha Thomas added their magic to the event.
But the real highlight for me was ‘The Shoutout,’ Walmart’s Black and Unlimited experience. This immersive setup was all about celebrating Black-owned brands, and I was here for it. My first stop was the Print on Merch station, where I got to design a custom T-shirt. Of course, my shirt read, “Ask me about my favorite Black-owned brands.” After all, what else would you expect from the CEO of a Black-owned media company?
—these gluten-free goodies were the perfect pick-me-up for this new mom!
I couldn’t resist grabbing a few goodies, like Partake Snacks—these gluten-free goodies were the perfect pick-me-up for this new mom! I got to chat with Marsai Martin, the mastermind behind the event. She shared her excitement about hosting in the DMV and how the cookout originated from a simple love for community and HBCU culture.
Marsai shared how this event was borne from a simple love of community and good food. “It started as just an idea in my journal,” she told me, explaining how important it was to create something for HBCU students to connect before the fall semester starts. The way she spoke about paying homage to the culture felt so genuine, and I couldn’t agree more. We need more spaces where we can celebrate Black creators and entrepreneurs—and that’s exactly what we did at ‘The Shoutout.’
“I feel like when it comes to HBCU events, it normally is curated for them by them. So to be able to do something for them to pay homage to the culture while also mixing in just the love of the cookout and family, it’s something that I and my family always strive for,” said Martin.
Of course, the TV girl in me couldn’t resist setting up a makeshift QVC-style desk to shout out some of my featured Black brands using Walmart’s Black and Unlimited backdrop. On my recommendation list:
- Camille Rose’s Rosemary Oil Strengthening Drops
which I always use before putting on my wig—my scalp thanks me every time. - The Honey Pot herbal-infused pantiliners
a daily essential that’s all about self-care with Black women in mind. - The Lip Bar
my go-to for lip shades. That day, I rocked a mix of “Rich Auntie” and “Baddie,” and both lived up to their names.
Smino brought BIG VIBE to the stage with his hit “No L’s,” which had the crowd singing along; it was an inclusive experience that featured an amusing dance performance by Justina Taylor Miles, the Deaf ASL performer who made history at the Super Bowl. Watching her dance was nothing short of inspiring.
Thanks to Walmart’s Black and Unlimited new experience, ‘The Shoutout,’ this summer event will definitely go down as one to remember.
