Baes of Juneteenth

Fall in line or get replaced. That's how my businesses operate. Being named the Dallas representative for the Mr. Black Organization was an honor, not a job. However, it's not easy to change the way someone maneuvers. I was determined to make this year's Juneteenth celebration unlike anything this city had seen before, starting with a road trip focused on Black culture. I had a plan, my purpose was clear, and my team was set. Until a wild-card photographer got thrown in the mix.

Tracey Copeland had been looking for something or someone to break up the monotony of her life and when that didn't happen, she begins to feel like she was losing at the game of life. In one of her most impulsive moves to date, she changes her life for what seems like the worse. But fate intervenes and brings her into the path of a man so big, he shakes her life up, and all she can do is hope to land on her feet. Fearful of the consequences, she has to decide what to do next: run once again or stick to her guns and see what hand life deals her.

One thing about me? I don't play games. Another thing about me? I don't waste time. In my role as Mr. Black Detroit, my focus is supporting my community and planning the city's annual Juneteenth celebration. Again, my time is valuable. I should've ignored the text. But . . . there's something about Daphne that makes me want to engage. Maybe it's the way she commands a room and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Or maybe it's the glimpse of vulnerability in her eyes. It's probably just her. Whatever it is in the beginning quickly morphs into something else entirely, though.

Hotelier, Jared Desdune, is focused on planning Miami's premier Juneteenth event when during vendor interviews, a blast from his past walks into his office. Desirae Kane is the distraction he doesn't need in his career right now, but exactly what his heart might be craving. Desi's event design firm has been steadily growing in the past years but landing a high-profile celebration with a five-star hotel chain will open even more doors. If only she can resist the passion that's still burning dangerously between her and the man who broke her heart.

When it comes to going after what I want, I've stood on the sidelines my entire life. With the biggest Juneteenth celebration that Scottsdale has ever seen approaching, the guys I've been friends with for over a decade thrust me onto the planning committee and made me Mr. Black Scottsdale. The only problem is, I've watched these friends of mine take to bed the women of my fantasies, clown me for always standing in the background, and convince me to play wingman to their maverick. That was all fine and dandy until I saw . . . her.

In the Baes of Juneteenth series, we invite you to journey to different cities to celebrate Juneteenth with the men of Mr. Black, an organization honoring Black culture, Black love, and Black history.

When it comes to business, Mr. Black Los Angeles, Dante Powell believes in planning down to the smallest detail, and that includes the Juneteenth festival he's spearheading. His personal life is another matter, however. He lives by one simple rule—no strings, only flings. But he didn't count on the one night of explosive passion he shared with Jayana Cole or seeing her again.

After opening a cultural community center in the heart of Chicago, Porter Crowne is determined to make The Blackout Fest the best Juneteenth celebration yet. Especially when chosen as Mr. Black Chicago. Partnering with influential members of the community will ensure its success. However, if you aren't following the plan, you're in his way just like the curvy, feisty vlogger who argues with every suggestion he has.

Cameo Rawlings, the sexy new CEO of Palmer Innovations is determined to represent the city and The Mr. Black Organization with class. With his not-so-pristine past, it was imperative that he succeed in raising awareness of the rich Black culture of the city. He was going to need a polished look and a professional event planner to make the Juneteenth celebration a success. He knows who he needs, but . . . the last encounter with the woman was less than pleasant.

When my husband invited me to an evening gala, I was elated. We hadn't spent time together in ages. Finally, I thought he heard my complaints. But when he—the great Caspian Yearwood—was chosen to lead the Charlotte chapter of the Mr. Black Organization at this event, my heart sank. Don't get me wrong . . . I was excited he'd get to showcase Black History and further the movement of 'our' stories. But two years into this marriage, I'm struggling. I didn't marry to be lonely, but Caspian is always unavailable where I am concerned. What's a woman to do to get her man's attention?

Entrepreneur Noah Chambers, aka Mr. Black Atlanta, always gets what he wants. So when he falls in love with Genesis Savell and asks her to marry him, he's certain she'll say yes. She doesn't. Instead, she insists they take a break from each other. That's when Noah knows there's something else going on, and he has every intention of finding out what.