Blackcliff Perfumes First Bajan-Owned Fragrance Brand At ScentXplore Convention
Blackcliff perfumes is the first brand of Caribbean ownership to host a booth at ScentXplore.
Blackcliff Perfumes is the first Caribbean brand to join the ScentXplore perfume convention.
Known as a niche international perfume convention, ScentXplore hosts some of the most coveted fragrances with exhibitors bringing their prized smells from across the world—and now the Bajan-owned fragrance brand founded by Tomilson Bynoe.
Bynoe spoke about his historic feat, also claiming that Blackcliff currently reigns as the only Barbadian perfumery with international recognition.
On the market for three years, Blackcliff has curated a large collection of 18 distinct scents with the Caribbean in mind. With bottles symbolizing the essence of the Caribbean and its natural beauty, each fragrance represents an aspect of this.
A newer launch is its white rock bottle, Silk Kiss, a feminine-leaning scent with notes of jasmine, iris, and lush florals.
“A silk kiss is a love letter to the Caribbean woman,” Bynoe said. “What she represents, her poise, her elegance…The Caribbean woman commands the attention of everyone everywhere she goes, and this is the scent of that person.”
With ScentXplore captivating the attention of fragrance enthusiasts and innovators alike, the inclusion of this Bajan brand also marks a great stride of diversity in the perfume industry. Diverse ownership in this sector of beauty remains limited, despite Black and Brown fragrance wearers dominating in the U.S. versus the general population. Over 85% of this demographic wears and purchases fragrances compared to 78% of U.S. residents overall, according to figures shared by The NPD Group, as detailed in Glossy.
However, Blackcliff hopes to change the tide of Black diasporic perfumeries.
So What’s The Point? Data Shows ICE Arrested 75K People Without Criminal Pasts
The increase of immigration arrests came after President Doanld Trump declared a “crime emergency” in major American cities, starting in Washington D.C.
As the Trump administration continues to boast about the number of criminal migrants U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have gotten off the streets, new data shows a majority of arrests were people without criminal records, NBC News reports.
Out of approximately 20,000 people arrested by ICE officers between Jan. 20 and Oct. 15, over a third of them lacked criminal records. Under the direction of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, ICE targets murderers, rapists, and gang members. Migration Policy Institute Senior Policy Analyst Ariel Ruiz Soto says the new data from the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Berkeley, contradicts the White House’s narrative, leaving several members of minority communities fearful. “It contradicts what the administration has been saying about people who are convicted criminals and that they are going after the worst of the worst,” Soto said.
According to the Washington Post, the increase in immigration arrests came after President Donald Trump declared a “crime emergency” in major American cities, starting in Washington, D.C.
“Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals,” the 47th president claimed before ordering a National Guard takeover. However, 143 people detained in the District had no criminal record.
It wasn’t until his emergency decree that the number shot up to 932.
The numbers show 90% of people arrested by ICE through mid-October were male, with Mexican nationals accounting for the largest number of overall arrests at 85,000. Natives of Guatemala trailed behind at 31,000, followed by Honduras at 24,000. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller threatened to fire senior ICE officials in mid-May 2025 if they failed to arrest at least 3,000 migrants per day.
Policy attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Nithya Nathan-Pineau, says the data proves what the organizations and other immigrant rights groups were saying all along: there was no strategy behind the ICE arrests. “If their stated purpose was to address violent crime or public safety, you would think they would focus on people who have been doing things that would endanger public safety,”she said.
“These were indiscriminate enforcement actions going after any person who appeared to be an immigrant. … What’s motivating them is just sheer numbers.”
However, the White House and corresponding agencies continue to stand by the president’s claim of nothing but success. “The focus of President Trump’s highly successful D.C. operation has been to address crime committed by anyone, regardless of immigration status,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said.
The arrests resulted in massive damage in the workforce, specifically in construction, as more than 60% of detainees ranged between the ages of 25 and 45. “Now we’re really feeling that pain in the workforce,” Hispanic Construction Council CEO George Carrillo said.
“Now even the most conservative Republicans are feeling it and understanding that, hey, something different has to be done because now it is affecting their businesses. And they’re worried about this strategy.”
Republicans Pushing High Deductible Insurance Plans As Deadline To Extend Tax Credits Nears
The tax credits Americans use to lower the cost of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will expire on Dec. 31. This means millions of Americans will face high health insurance costs if Congress fails to act.
In approximately three weeks, the tax credits Americans use to lower the cost of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will expire. These subsidies, extended at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, are set to expire on Dec. 31. This means millions of Americans will face high health insurance costs if Congress fails to act.
Republican lawmakers are reluctant to extend government subsidies, which was the central issue for Democrats during the recent government shutdown. During the 43-day shutdown, the longest in history, GOP lawmakers promised to work with Democrats on a plan to keep health insurance lower for Americans. So far, Republicans have not released a cohesive proposal.
However, as NPR points out, some are pushing to give Americans cash through a health savings account paired with a high-deductible health plan. A plan like this would mean that Americans who choose an ACA plan through the marketplace will have cheaper monthly payments but higher individual deductibles.
Americans On Both Sides Support Tax Credits
In 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which temporarily increased tax credits for adults who purchased their own health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. Ultimately, these credits increased financial assistance to qualifying enrollees. The tax credits were extended as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which expires at the end of 2025.
Without the tax credits, premium payments will increase by an average of 114% for the 22 million people who currently receive them. Many Marketplace enrollees report struggling with healthcare costs. A new poll released by KFF found that 61% of those who buy health insurance through the Marketplaces find it very or somewhat difficult to do so.
Enrollees want a solution. The same KFF study found that 84% of Marketplace enrollees, including nearly all Democrats and about 7 in 10 Republicans, say Congress should extend the tax credits. If the tax credit expires, KFF’s poll finds that most enrollees think either President Trump (41%) or Congressional Republicans (35%) is most to blame.
Claressa Shields Issues $100K Open Challenge To Fight Any Woman ‘From Any Hood, Any Country’
Claressa Shields made the boast on Instagram.
Women’s boxing champion Claressa Shields has put out a bold $100,000 open challenge to “any girl from any hood, any country” willing to step into the ring.
On Dec. 7, self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time) Claressa Shields shared Instagram photos from one of her victories, posing triumphantly in the ring with her five championship belts. She used the post to signal that she’s open to new challenges from women worldwide—provided the pay is right.
“LIKE I SAID, I GOT $100K FOR ANY GIRL FROM ANY HOOD, ANY COUNTRY!” Shields wrote in her caption. “BUT THIS IS THE GAG, WHAT DO I GET OUT OF GIVING Y’ALL AN OPPORTUNITY 0️⃣ SO YES ITS GONNA HAVE TO BE SOME INCENTIVE FOR The GWOAT!”
Shields emphasized her readiness to face any willing opponent and mentioned several streaming platforms as potential partners for a reality show centered on the challenge.
“SO YES, IT’S GONNA HAVE TO BE SOME INCENTIVE FOR The GWOAT!” she wrote. “ONLY WAY I CAN ACCEPT WASTING MY PRECIOUS TIME PROVING WHAT I ALREADY KNOW IS A REALITY TV SHOW, LIVE AUDITIONS & COMPETITIVE COMPETITIONS! WHERE WILL THE HOME BE FOR THIS REALITY TV SHOW @wwe @netflix @thezeusnetwork @youtube ???.”
In the comments, Shields added that she plans to start naming potential opponents she believes could be worthy challengers.
“It’s a few of y’all I actually believe got some real heart and self-belief, I’m making a list of y’all names,” she wrote.
The post is Shields’ latest attempt to secure a high-profile fight, following her recent proposals to face boxing legend Laila Ali. Ali addressed the matter on her YouTube channel, explaining why she would never fight Shields, citing Shields’ repeated jabs at the retired champion and references to her late father, Muhammad Ali.
Cinnabon Employee Fired After Admitting To Being Racist In Viral Social Media Video
The couple reportedly asked the white employee for additional sauce.
The Wisconsin-based Cinnabon employee who admitted she was a racist and spouted racial slurs at a couple in a now-viral TikTok video has been fired, the Associated Press reports.
The Dec. 5 incident took place in the suburban town of Ashwaubenon after an unidentified customer, half of what’s been described in an online fundraising campaign as a “black Somali Muslim couple,” ordered a caramel pecan cinnamon roll.
The couple reportedly asked the white employee for additional sauce. That’s when the employee, identified by social media users as Crystal Terese Wilsey, started berating the couple and mocking the woman’s hijab.
The employee used the n-word and started making obscene gestures. “I am racist, and I’ll say it to the whole entire world,” she said. “Don’t be disrespectful.”
Such behavior did not fly with the Georgia-based company, which clarified that it does not condone Wilsey’s actions.
“The franchise owner immediately terminated the former employee,” Cinnabon said in a statement posted on its social media. “Their actions do not reflect our values or the welcoming experience every guest deserves.”
Some social media users saw the video as a reflection of similar racist rhetoric taking place in the Midwest after President Donald Trump’s disturbing comments on Somali immigrants at a recent cabinet meeting.
“I’ll be honest with you, OK. Somebody will say, ‘Oh, that’s not politically correct.’ I don’t care. I don’t want them in our country. Their country is no good for a reason,” the President of the United States said.
He also attacked Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, referring to her as “garbage.”
A GoFundMe was created for the couple to help cover legal fees.
“The racism in this country is getting out of hand, and we refuse to stay silent. No one should ever have to experience this kind of hate,” the campaign said.
Supporters of Wilsey have launched an online fundraiser to support the now-unemployed woman. “Stand With Crystal” has been set up on GiveSendGo, the same Christian crowdfunding platform used to raise thousands for a Minnesota woman who used a racist slur against a Black child earlier this year.
As of Monday, Dec. 8, Wilsey’s campaign has raised over $100,000 of its $109,000 goal. The fundraiser for the attacked couple has received about $3,600 of its $45,000 goal.
“Meet Crystal: hardworking White mom doing her job at Cinnabon. Two Somali customers decide to make her shift hell with intimidation,” the campaign read.
“Instead of banning the offenders and backing their employee, Cinnabon fires Crystal to keep the nons happy. We’re not letting this slide. Funds go to making sure Crystal lands on her feet after this betrayal. No White person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians.”
The Ultimate Gift Guide To Black-Owned Fragrance Brands
Black fragrance is a vibe.
Our Black-Owned Holiday Gift Guide presents 10 exceptional fragrance brands on day six of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 12 Days of Gifting.
Wearing Black fragrance is so much more than just smelling good. It’s identity, expression, cultural pride, and an investment in Black companies.
Our support for Black-owned brands go beyond gifting, but the holiday season is a good start to help sustain Black business and economic forces that contribute to the growth and success in Black community and industry.
Fenty Beauty
Part of Rihanna’s gigantic Fenty Beauty, Fenty perfume is distributed through its worldwide retail stores and regular beauty markets. Through its fragrance expansion, Fenty maintains cultural significance and representation while reaching a wide mainstream audience.
The luxury niche fragrance line World of Chris Collins was established by former model-turned-perfumer Chris Collins to provide unisex and men’s scents. The colognes distinguish themselves in the market through their deep complexity and sophisticated, rich notes. The brand sells its products through international online platforms while maintaining its identity as a luxury scent house. World of Chris Collins emerged as part of the recent expansion of Black-owned niche perfumeries in the market. This brand serves fragrance enthusiasts who seek intricate, refined scents through its bold, layered, elegant fragrances.
Chris Classic established Savoir Faire, hand-blended unisex fragrances that use higher oil concentration to achieve extended longevity with gentle sillage and adaptable wearability. The collection combines various elements, including woods together with spices, herbs, and additional components. Savoir Faire began operations in the late 2010s, as Black-owned niche perfume houses began to gain recognition through online sales and directories of Black-owned fragrance brands. The brand’s mission is to create fragrances that are inclusive and personal.
Brianna Arps established Moodeaux to connect scent with self-care and clean beauty. Moodeaux creates unisex clean-luxury fragrances that focus on skin health. Moodeaux operates through online sales and represents the increasing visibility of Black-owned perfume brands in clean beauty and fragrance culture.
The Eau de Parfum collection from BROWN GIRL Jane delivers floral, fruity, warm-amber, gourmand, and fresh scent options. Customers can use the brand’s online scent quiz to find their perfect fragrance match. BROWN GIRL Jane fragrance makes an ideal gift for individuals who value heritage-based femininity and luxurious scents that deliver cultural validation.
Monisha Edwards, a Black woman entrepreneur, established Scent & Fire as a brand focused on self-love, wellness, and cultural expression. Their unisex perfumes and body products create warm experiences that promote identity and wellness through clean, inclusive formulas. Scent & Fire markets itself as a socially conscious brand that unites fragrance, personal care, and cultural identity. The founder’s personal wellness journey inspired the brand to use fragrance as a tool for mental health promotion, self-love, and cultural affirmation, while creating clean, cruelty-free products with inclusive design to address inequities in the fragrance industry.
The Black-owned brand Aromatic Perfume Oils creates alcohol-free vegan perfume oils. These roll-on oils provide a fragrance experience that lasts longer than traditional sprays while nurturing the skin. The brand sells its products online to customers who want vegan-friendly, skin-safe fragrances. The brand joined the recent movement of independent perfume entrepreneurs by supporting active Black-owned fragrance houses. Perfume oils make a considerate gift choice for people who want gentle scents or need vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly fragrances.
Mair Fragrance represents a Black-owned niche perfume house that creates elegant fragrances, including “Peony Silk” and “Remember When.” The fragrances at Mair Fragrance aim to be wearable and subtle through their soft, sophisticated designs. Mair Fragrance offers the perfect gift for people who prefer classic, soft, sophisticated scents over loud, bold fragrances.
B Fragranced is a Black-owned fragrance brand that combines fresh floral notes with fruity elements and sweet-spice undertones. Its fragrance combinations create a warm, sensual experience, making them ideal for daily use or as a light signature scent. B Fragranced continues to exist as a fragrance brand that serves people who want feminine-centric cents.
The grooming and fragrance brand Crowned Skin combines skincare and fragrance in its “Body Butter Colognes” and “Body Oil Colognes.” The brand became well-known on TikTok. Crowned Skin quickly became famous after its April 2024 launch, fulfilling a gap in men’s grooming and fragrance products.
Portland Man Acquitted After Stabbing White Man Who Used Racial Slur Against Him
Gary Edwards was acquitted after a jury heard Gregory Howard Jr. use the slur on police body camera footage
A racial slur by a white man was the catalyst for a Portland jury to acquit a Black man, Gary Edwards, of assault charges after he stabbed a white man who uttered the N-word during the incident.
According to Oregon Live, Edwards, who was charged with second-degree assault for stabbing Gregory Howard Jr., will not be going to jail, once a jury saw a video of the assault and also heard Howard say the offensive word, on police camera video, although he denied saying it. The incident occurred earlier this year, during the morning hours of July 7, near a public transportation station. Edwards faced a sentence of five years and 10 months in state prison.
Edwards did admit to stabbing Howard in self-defense, but it was based on his aggressiveness toward him and calling him the N-word upon approaching him. Howard denies using the racial slur. Cameras from the station showed Edwards, with a knife at his side, approaching his adversary from behind while Howard was sitting on a bench. The video shows Howard getting up and pushing Edwards after sighting him, as the two start fighting. There was no audio, but it showed Howard being stabbed in the shoulder by Edwards.
Edwards’s attorney, Daniel Small, told the jury during the trial that Edwards was going to Howard to offer him his knife in exchange for some cigarettes. He also stated that, although Howard said he didn’t use the N-word against his client, video evidence from police officers after they arrived on the scene disproved that. However, police officers’ body cameras recorded Howard clearly saying the word when he told officers what transpired before they arrived on the scene.
“What other than racism could explain why Mr. Howard perceived hatred, animosity, and aggression from a complete stranger?” Small asked the jury.
Both men, who have struggled through homelessness, are not strangers to the prison system, as they each have been arrested multiple times over the years. In 2012, Edwards was convicted of attempted second-degree assault and was sentenced to three years in prison for another stabbing at the Skidmore Fountain MAX platform in May 2020. After being accused of fourth-degree assault for an incident with a clerk at Old Town’s Helen’s Market, his case was dismissed in June because there were no public defenders available to take his case.
Meanwhile, Howard has been arrested numerous times in recent years, and he was also convicted of felony rape of a child in Washington’s Kitsap County in 1997.
Metro Atlanta County Using ‘Master’s Rule’ For Homeowners To Rent Tax-Free During World Cup
Fayette County in Metro Atlanta will use the "Master's Rule" tax code for homeowners to rent out their properties tax-free.
One county in Metro Atlanta will use a special rule to help homeowners get an extra boost of income during the upcoming World Cup.
Fayette County wants local homeowners to take advantage of the influx of visitors to Atlanta as the city hosts the FIFA World Cup next summer. With hotels and other short-term rentals expected to sell out as millions watch the games, Fayette County homeowners can also get into the accommodation game.
Homeowners can list their own residences as available lodging options and get a tax break for doing so. Through a federal tax code called “Master’s Rule,” homeowners can rent their homes for up to 14 nights a year without paying any state or federal taxes on the income made.
County officials made the announcement months in advance to prepare locals for the soccer fans flocking to the area. Furthermore, they want homeowners to cash in on this money-making opportunity that also helps address a potential lodging shortage throughout the metro area.
“I want people to understand the gravity and magnitude of how big it will be when the World Cup comes to Atlanta,” shared Eric Dial, head of Fayette Forward, to WSB-TV.
The city is already prepping interested renters through a new platform, SoccerHousingBureau.com, as homeowners already put their houses on the rental market. To get on the site, local homeowners must register their properties and prepare the homes through a rental checklist provided by the Bureau.
Afterward, they will be matched with qualified guests and earn money from a short-term rental opportunity through the Master’s Rule.
Properties around Fayette County appear especially marketable given their proximity to the U.S. Soccer Federation’s new headquarters and training center. For fans who want to stay near the action, homes in this vicinity make prime rental options. Furthermore, the county’s suburban landscape features larger homes that accommodate larger parties more comfortably.
To apply, homeowners must pay a $30 application fee, plus a 5% listing fee on all bookings. Suggested rental rates can range from the mid $400s to upwards of $15,000 a night for homes with five or more bedrooms. Premiums can be added to the nightly rate for homes with exceptional amenities, such as pools, hot tubs, and golf carts.
Atlanta will host eight matches for the FIFA World Cup, including one semfinal, starting on June 15.
History Made In South Carolina As One Town Elects First African American And Youngest Mayor All At Once
According to the South Carolina Conference of Black Mayors, the nonprofit organization representing African American mayors in South Carolina, there are currently 57 mayors who serve 275,180 constituents statewide.
History was made in Latta, South Carolina. According to the unofficial results from the Dillon County Election and Voter Registration Office, the town elected Marcus McGirt as mayor, making him the town’s first African American mayor. McGirt says he’s also the youngest mayor ever elected.
In a close race between McGirt and newcomer Rick Watson, McGirt gained 197 votes to Watson’s 137, WPDE reported.
“I am deeply honored to be elected as the first African American Mayor of the Town of Latta, and also the youngest African American Mayor in our town’s history,” McGirt wrote in a heartfelt thank you post on Facebook. “This moment is truly momentous, not just for me, but for every young boy and girl who sees themselves reflected in this victory.”
According to the South Carolina Conference of Black Mayors, a nonprofit organization representing African American mayors in South Carolina, there are currently 57 mayors serving 275,180 constituents statewide.
“As Mayor-elect, I promise to listen, to work tirelessly, and to lead with integrity, transparency, and compassion,” McGirt adds. “The best days of Latta are not behind us—they are ahead of us. And I am ready to walk that path with you.”
History of Black People In Latta, South Carolina
Located in South Carolina’s historically agriculturally rich Pee Dee region, near the North Carolina border, Latta is a town of around 1,300 people. Approximately 40% of the town’s population is Black.
In 1889, Robert Rose Bethea, a respected merchant, was appointed as Latta’s first Black postmaster.
Latta, South Carolina, is home to Latimer School,a Black educational institution. The Latimer School was the only school for Black residents of Dillon County from its construction in 1954 until integration in 1970. The school provided vital opportunities for students and served as a community hub.
The school complex was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 20, 2024, highlighting its importance in African American history. There are efforts currently underway to preserve the school’s history and structure.
Don Rafael Ithier, Afro-Puerto Rican ‘El Maestro’ Of Salsa And Founder of El Gran Combo, Passes at 98
Ithier was a pioneer who helped construct the very bedrock of the salsa genre.
The Latin music world has lost a musical master with the passing of Rafael Ithier, the legendary founder, pianist, and musical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
Known universally as “El Maestro,” Ithier died at age 98, concluding a monumental six-decade career that cemented his position as one of the most consequential architects of contemporary salsa.
The famous Afro-Puerto Rican bandleader’s death was announced in his native language of Spanish via Instagram on Dec. 7. Itihier died the day before.
“COMUNICADO OFICIAL.El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Con profundo pesar confirmamos el fallecimiento de nuestro fundador, maestro y patriarca musical, Don Rafael Ithier Natal. Hoy despedimos no solo a un gran músico, sino al arquitecto de un sonido que marcó generaciones, un líder cuya disciplina, visión y amor por la salsa forjaron la historia de El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico y de la música latina en el mundo.” Translation: OFFICIAL STATEMENT. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. With profound sorrow, we confirm the passing of our founder, maestro, and musical patriarch, Don Rafael Ithier Natal. Today we say goodbye not only to a great musician, but to the architect of a sound that defined generations, a leader whose discipline, vision, and love for salsa forged the history of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and of Latin music worldwide.”
“The caption continued, “A nombre de su familia y de todos los integrantes de El Gran Combo, queremos expresar nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por las incontables muestras de solidaridad, cariño y respeto que hemos recibido. Cada mensaje, cada recuerdo y cada expresión de apoyo han sido un abrazo para todos nosotros en este momento de profundo dolor.” Translation: On behalf of his family and all the members of El Gran Combo, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the countless expressions of solidarity, affection, and respect we have received. Every message, every memory, and every expression of support has been a comforting embrace for all of us during this time of profound grief.”
“El legado de Don Rafael Ithier permanecerá intacto, vivo y eterno en cada tarima, en cada nota y en cada corazón que alguna vez bailó, cantó o se emocionó con su música. Su historia continúa. Con respeto y gratitud, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.” Translation: “Don Rafael Ithier’s legacy will remain intact, alive, and eternal on every stage, in every note, and in every heart that has ever danced, sung, or been moved by his music. His story continues. With respect and gratitude, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.”
Ithier’s artistic perspicacity and rigorous leadership transformed El Gran Combo into “La Universidad de la Salsa,” a cultural institution and global emissary for the richness of Puerto Rican rhythm and musical excellence.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 29, 1926, Ithier was a gifted, autodidactic pianist whose professional career began at 18. His Afro-Puerto Rican stature in music circles was first established in 1955 as the pianist for the celebrated ensemble led by Rafael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera — two other prominent Black Puerto Rican musicians.
In 1962, amid internal turmoil within the Cortijo orchestra, Ithier co-founded El Gran Combo. He became the singular, constant presence, steering the orchestra through the production of over 50 studio recordings, countless international itineraries, and numerous roster permutations—including the integration of vocal titans like Andy Montañez and Charlie Aponte.
Ithier’s creativity guided the genre’s evolution, yielding classic hits such as “Brujería,” “Un Verano En Nueva York, (which popular Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny reworked into a modern take), “Me Liberé,” and “Ojos Chinos.”
The proud Boricua’s dedication to a core musical architecture rooted in Puerto Rican identity and melodic lucidity, a structural rigidity he maintained even as salsa underwent various permutations.
“We can not and do not want modify the musical structure that has brought us success, because that is how the public want El Gran Combo to be,” Ithier once averred, emphasizing his fidelity to the band’s established signature sound.
A rare confluence of business acumen and artistic consistency characterized Ithier’s command of the orchestra. He cultivated a familial environment within the ensemble, garnering the deep reverence of musicians and producers worldwide.
In 1992, the copious contributions of Ithier and El Gran Combo to the musical canon were at the Festival De La Salsa at Madison Square Garden, confirming the orchestra’s incontrovertible icon status.
In March 2024, the University of Puerto Rico awarded El Maestro a double doctorate for his outstanding contributions to Puerto Rican music and culture.
Upon learning of El Maestro’s death, tributes from governmental officials, cultural figures, and salsa luminaries were immediately forthcoming, universally recognizing him as an indispensable pillar of Puerto Rican culture and an unparalleled orchestral conductor.
Ithier was a pioneer who helped construct the very bedrock of the salsa genre.
