In a historic first, Shontel Greene, a former American gangster turned entrepreneur and TV personality, will host Grandiosity Events’ 8th Annual Celebrity Charity PoloXJazz this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
The event, which combines polo with jazz, is set to take place from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hennessy Creek in Brandywine, Maryland.
The gathering will celebrate Black excellence in the sport of polo and is expected to bring together all Black polo players—a significant milestone in the sport’s history.
About PoloXJazz
PoloXJazz is an annual charity event that blends the elegance of polo with the soulful rhythms of jazz. Hosted by Grandiosity Events, founded by Susan Smallwood, this year’s event promises to be a star-studded affair, complete with corporate sponsorships from high-profile brands like Tito’s Handcrafted Vodka, The Green Technology Group, Verizon, and Oxley Realty Services.
The event will take place at Hennessy Creek, a scenic venue known for its upscale ambiance and picturesque surroundings.
Attendees will enjoy a day filled with entertainment, featuring live jazz performances and an exclusive polo match showcasing Black polo players, a groundbreaking occurrence in the sport.
Shontel Greene’s Journey from the Streets to the Spotlight
Shontel Greene, once known for her involvement in the drug trade, has now evolved into a highly successful business owner and public figure. Greene’s rise to prominence is nothing short of extraordinary, as her story of survival and resilience has inspired many.
She is currently featured on BET’s popular series “Trap Queens,” where her journey from being a Baltimore drug dealer to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur is showcased.
Raised in a challenging environment, Greene faced immense hardships early in life, including the death of her mother due to AIDS, which stemmed from intravenous drug use. By the age of 14, she found herself entrenched in the dangerous world of drug dealing, hoping to support her family and fend off financial struggles.
Despite her early involvement in criminal activities, Greene experienced a turning point after multiple arrests and brushes with death. She chose education as her path forward, eventually earning two master’s degrees and a doctorate in nursing practice.
Today, Greene is the founder of Nursez R Us, one of Maryland’s largest healthcare employers. Her life’s mission now revolves around empowering young people with similar struggles, sharing her story through motivational talks, and inspiring others to overcome adversity.
A Platform for Empowerment and Progress
Greene’s hosting of the PoloXJazz event underscores her dedication to uplifting and celebrating Black excellence.
The event not only highlights the presence of Black athletes in the polo world but also serves as a platform to raise funds for charitable causes. Greene’s presence and leadership lend a powerful message of transformation and hope to the next generation, proving that change is possible even in the face of the most challenging circumstances.
Corporate sponsors such as Verizon, Tito’s Handcrafted Vodka, The Green Technology Group, and Transformation Health have joined forces to support the event, ensuring its success. Additionally, “Rentals to Remember” and “Oxley Realty Services” have contributed, showcasing a wide array of community and corporate backing.
A Day of Celebration and Community
As Black polo players take the field on Sept.15, this event will signify a key moment of unity and progress within the sport, while also bringing together celebrities, influencers, and entrepreneurs from diverse fields.
Guests will enjoy an exclusive polo match, live jazz performances, and an opportunity to network with industry leaders, all while supporting charitable endeavors.
Shontel Greene’s journey from hardship to success is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and self-belief.
By hosting this landmark event, Greene continues to forge new paths, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and the impact one individual can make on both local and global scales.