View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yasmine Cheyenne (@yasminecheyenne)

Cheyenne’s work in the Air Force sparked her passion for helping others.

Following a period of deployment, Cheyenne became a victim advocate in the Air Force. In doing this work, she discovered her gift for empathy and empowering others.

“I realized I can hold space for people who have been through really hard times, and not only can I do that in a way that is caring and loving, but it does something to me in a positive way. I don’t feel drained, I don’t feel exhausted, I don’t feel wiped out. Yes, I need to care for myself. But I feel invigorated. I want to do this again. I want to help as many people as I can.”

Fast forward to today, and Cheyenne is a powerful voice in the wellness space. Bolstered by her experience in the field as a victim advocate, where she helped people rebuild their lives, Cheyenne built her business around empowering others through impactful speaking engagements, transformative workshops, and published works.

“What I do through healing is giving people an opportunity to be connected to resources as they go through a life changing event,” she said.

She described the process behind her first book ‘The Sugar Jar.’

Cheyenne released her first book, The Sugar Jar, in 2022. She described it as the culmination of a years-long journey, from the inception of “the sugar jar concept” to its publication.

“I had just given birth to my second daughter. I was just coming back to work, so y’all know I was exhausted,” she said. “My life had a lot of the things that I thought my life should have for me to be happy and fulfilled. But I was not feeling that way.”

She confided in a friend about how she was truly feeling at the time. “I feel bad for complaining about not feeling like myself. I’m just drained. I feel like a jar of sugar, where I have this very sweet energy that people are attracted to. But they come inside of my kitchen and they take my sugar … and there’s sugar everywhere. And I’m just dispersed and I’m all over the place. And I feel like I can’t even collect myself.”

She discovered a powerful metaphor that is now a pillar of her self-healing work. “The sugar jar became a way that I could teach people about boundaries.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yasmine Cheyenne (@yasminecheyenne)

‘We’re breaking the generational cycle that our parents didn’t have an opportunity to do.’

As a mother of two daughters, now 14 and 6, Cheyenne sees motherhood as an opportunity to model healthy coping skills for the next generation.

“The reason why we didn’t know how to do it is because no one modeled it for us. And unfortunately we had to be the first people to go through it and be the pioneers of healing and mental health. So now our children won’t have to do that. I think that’s the blessing of it, that we’re breaking the generational cycle that our parents didn’t have an opportunity to do.”

Part of breaking the generational cycle is normalizing healthy boundaries, Cheyenne said. “This reprogramming is how we begin to prioritize ourselves. Stop being so angry and resentful at everybody else ‘taking’ from us and realize that we’re part of the problem too. And that is the power position, because if I’m a part of it then I can change it.”

‘The business can still grow if you are cared for.’

Setting healthy boundaries has been key to finding balance both in her work and personal life. “I still have hustle moments, but the way that I take care of myself before and after are completely different,” she said. “The business can still grow if you are cared for. I really wish I knew that when I was starting my business.”

Source: Yasmine Cheyenne / Yasmine Cheyenne

‘I had no idea my mindset was toxic.’

The native New Yorker has come a long way from the life she once knew. Cheyenne reflected on breaking free from the “toxic” mindset that was once her norm.

“Twenty years ago, I had no idea my mindset was toxic. I didn’t know that there was another way that you could be, that you could think positively about yourself, that you could have positive relationships. I didn’t realize how the people you have around you can negatively impact the goal, the dream, or the belief you have in yourself.”

Empowered to envision a life beyond her comfort zone, Cheyenne unlocked a world of possibilities previously believed to be out of reach.

“I stumbled into this. I never would have imagined that this would be my life. This just happened out of sharing my writing online … in terms of the way that it developed from wanting to help people one-on-one and wanting to create that change that I wish I had. So get down to the root of why and what you want to do.”

Catch new episodes of ‘Mompreneurs’ every week.

Every week, we celebrate beautiful Black entrepreneurs who are simultaneously amazing business moguls and awesome moms. Join host and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Redd as these mompreneurs share their life stories and inspiring advice. Catch new episodes of Mompreneurs every Monday on MadameNoire’s YouTube channel. Or listen to the podcast online on the Urban One Podcast Network.

The post Mompreneurs: Healing And Growing With Author Yasmine Cheyenne appeared first on MadameNoire.

Essence Atkins attends The Paley Center for Media Hosts Paley Honors Fall Gala Honoring Tyler Perry at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on December 04, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Source: Leon Bennett / Getty

In an appearance on Sherri last month, Atkins, 52, touched on her latest projects and shared intimate details on her personal life. When Sherri Shepherd complimented her on looking ageless, the actress said peace is the key and you must actively seek it out.

“I keep saying its the Fountain of Peace. You have to actively participate and that means that you can’t just…what you intake needs to be peaceful and what you put out needs to be peaceful,” she said.

Adding to a life of peace, Atkins also revealed she’s super single and has been abstaining from sex for the past four years. She believes her decision will pay off.

“It was something that I heard very clearly,” she told Shepherd. “I believe there’s honor in what I’m doing, and my obedience is going to yield a great harvest.”

Ageless Wonders: Essence Atkins and Tia Mowry attend Tia Mowry And WeTV Celebrate New Show “Tia Mowry: My Next Act” at NeueHouse Hollywood on October 04, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Source: Olivia Wong / Getty

RELATED CONTENT: Celibacy After Sex: Is It Ever Too Late To Start Over?

A study from the University of Michigan found more young American adults aged 21 to 30 are abstaining from sex. Abstinence rose from 12.8% in 2008 to 16.5% in 2020 among women in that age range. Many Black women are taking it a step forward and fully committing to a life to celibacy. Celibacy is when you abstain from marriage as well as sexual relations. According to a recent survey by BLK, a dating app for the Black community, 64% of Black Gen Z women are celibate.

Atkins said she’s seeing the benefits from choosing a life of abstinence.

“I have tremendous clarity,” she said. “When I meet someone, I can really assess and listen with much better ears because I’m not distracted by the possibility [of physical intimacy].”

She hopes her journey will produce clarity for young women.

“It’s important that we value ourselves and make sure that others are valuing us,” she said in her message to young women. “Can you spend time with someone without physical companionship? Do they make you laugh? Are they joyful? Are they purposed? Are they responsible? Are they intentional? Learn that. Give yourself time and space to learn that.”

RELATED CONTENT: Thinking About Taking A Break From Sex? Here’s My Celibacy Journey

The post Essence Atkins, 52, Credits Not Having Sex For 4 Years For Her Ageless Appearance appeared first on MadameNoire.

Claressa Shields attends The Fire Inside – Flint Community Screening at Cinemark Flint West on November 10, 2024 in Flint, Michigan. Source: Scott Legato / Getty

This Christmas, the inspiring story of 2x Olympic Gold Medalist and boxing legend Claressa Shields comes to life in the film The Fire Inside, with actress Ryan Destiny portraying the groundbreaking athlete. The film tells the inspirational true story of Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Directed by Rachel Morrison with her directorial debut and penned by Academy-award winner Barry Jenkins, the film chronicles Shields’ remarkable rise from a challenging childhood in Flint, Michigan, to becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist. It highlights her struggles, triumphs, and the resilience that defines her.

In this exclusive MadameNoire interview, Shields discussed the emotional experience of seeing her life on screen, the importance of accurately portraying her journey, and the powerful message she hopes audiences take away from the film.

MadameNoire: How did it feel to see your life story translated on the big screen? What was the most surreal moment for you while watching it?

Claressa Shields, Actress Ryan Destiny, and Director Rachel Morrison (Source: Photos provided by Amazon / Amazon)

Claressa Shields: It was a strange yet powerful experience to see someone portray my life and real-life scenarios. The film covers my journey from age 11 to about 20, and to see it all condensed into an hour and 45 minutes was overwhelming. I kept thinking, “Wow, all this happened in my 29 years.” Watching it felt like reliving those moments, but through someone else’s eyes.

I loved how Ryan Destiny portrayed me, how Barry Jenkins wrote the story, and how Rachel Morrison directed it. The film captured my story accurately. As a female boxer, I’ve often been misunderstood—labeled as the “angry Black woman” or having misguided motivations, like wanting to fight men because of past trauma. That narrative was never true. This film corrects those misconceptions, showing that women in sports are passionate and driven too. I want to yell and scream and jump on the ropes too. I’m happy about (my) hard work being put in. So with that, seeing that passion on screen was very surreal, and I was stuck. I just couldn’t believe how well Ryan portrayed me. Every time I looked at her, I’d ask myself, ‘How did you do that?’

(L-R) Actress/singer Ryan Destiny, pro-boxer Claressa Shields, Jason Crutchfield and actor Brian Tyree Henry attend the Los Angeles premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ “The Fire Inside” at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Los Angeles, California, on December 4, 2024. Source: LISA O’CONNOR / Getty

MadameNoire: What aspects of your journey were most important for you to have accurately portrayed in the film?

One important aspect was my upbringing. While the film touches on my trauma, such as being molested, it doesn’t go into graphic detail, which I appreciated. I was actually raped at the age of five, but I didn’t want the audience to feel pity for me—I’m a victor, not a victim. I made it clear that any mention of my trauma had to be handled tastefully. I liked how the film subtly showed my distrust of men, like the scene where the coach hugs me, and I jumped back, like, ‘I don’t like men’, and touching me scared me at that point. I didn’t really trust men at that time.

Another important portrayal was my relationship with my mother. Often, when a child is harmed, people blame the parents. For years, I blamed my mom until we had a conversation where I understood she didn’t know about the abuse and would have protected me if she had. I wanted the film to show my mom truthfully— as an [imperfect parent]. She tried her best, and our relationship evolved over time.

Claressa Shields (R) punches Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (L) during the WBO and WBC Light Heavyweight Championship bout at Little Caesars Arena on July 27, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Source: Terrell Groggins / Getty

Ryan (Destiny) called me about a scene with my mom, asking about our relationship. I told her honestly that I didn’t like my mom when I was younger; we didn’t really connect until I was about 16 or 17. Now, we’re very close. Winning the Olympics in 2012 seemed to help heal her too. She struggled with alcohol abuse, but after my win, she stopped drinking for years. That victory was a turning point for both of us, and I wanted the film to capture our journey of growth and healing.

MadameNoire: What do you hope people take away from this film?

I want people to feel inspired and believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The film shows that when you work hard and truly believe in yourself, failure becomes unlikely. We all have dreams, and the world has something to offer each of us. Sometimes, we hold ourselves back by doubting what’s possible.

I tell people to go for it and be confident. I remember being a 13-year-old girl going to school with a black eye from boxing, telling everyone I would go to the Olympics. They thought I was crazy, but I believed in my dream. I worked hard, manifested it, and never gave up. I hope viewers walk away with that same fire inside them, ready to pursue their own dreams.

RELATED CONTENT: Women To Know: Professional Boxer Claressa Shields

The post Claressa Shields On Her Journey From Olympic Gold Boxer To Hollywood: ‘I’ve Been Labeled The Angry Black Woman’ [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

“Dominique Brown created a community of love, joy, and representation,” they wrote about the co creator of Black Girl Disney. “We are devastated by her sudden and tragic passing. She was a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective and brought joy to all whose lives she touched.”

Dominique Brown attends The Power Of Joy: Creator Summit, presented by Disney at Walt Disney Studios on April 29, 2024 in Burbank, California.  Source: Leon Bennett / Getty

They went on to explain what they have planned for next steps. The statement said “As we’ve shared with the media, the BoxLunch Collective members, and everyone else we have been in contact with, we will do everything possible to support Dominique’s family, her loved ones, the Collective, and our team members during this painful time.”

As for their own team members, they said, “We are providing grief counseling services to the BoxLunch Collective, BoxLunch team, and others directly affected by this tragedy. We are also in the process of conducting an investigation into the tragic circumstances of her passing, which occurred at a BoxLunch event hosted at a venue in Los Angeles.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BoxLunch (@boxlunchgifts)

BoxLunch explained that they are still waiting on more information that they “requested from the operators of the venue to get an accurate and detailed account of the night.” But they assured the public that once they receive those details they will “share the information with Dominique’s family.”

“While we know that there are no words or actions that will fully heal anyone’s pain we will do all we can to honor Dominique,” they wrote at the end of the statement. 

Brown suffered a medical emergency during an event at Vibiana in Los Angeles. Before consuming any food, the Disney enthusiast asked event staffers if it had an ingredient that she was allergic to. Staff members told her that it did not contain the ingredient. 

A reporter from People said they witnessed Brown receiving CPR and that 911 was called. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HellooDomo (@dominiquebrown)

Brown and influencer Mia Von founded Black Girl Disney in 2018. They noticed the lack of Black girl representation in the Disney fandom space and wanted to address it. Since the shocking announcement of her death, Brown has received many kind messages from fans. Some left comments on both her personal account and her Black Girl Disney account. 

Her brother, Patrick Ramos responded to and thanked fans for their support.

Instagram/dominiquebrown 

Under her last post, he wrote, “Hi everyone, this is @pramos313 – Dominique’s brother. I wanted to take  a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light.”

He said, “Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did. I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.”

Brown was 34. 

RELATED CONTENT: Dominique Brown’s Tragic Death Is A Heartbreaking Warning For Black Women To Take Food Allergies Seriously — 5 Things You Can Do!

The post BoxLunch Releases Statement After Disney Influencer, Dominique Brown, Suffers Fatal Allergic Reaction At Their Event appeared first on MadameNoire.

The Community star tied the knot on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Los Angeles at the Maybourne Beverly Hills surrounded by over 200 friends and family members in an intimate, classy, and fun ceremony.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by People Magazine (@people)

“I had no nerves when it came to marrying that man,” Brown told PEOPLE. “He is the one for me. Absolutely.”

“That man” whom she can now call her husband is fellow actor Anthony Davis, who Brown had known since they were in their 20s attending acting classes together. Davis was just as sure and secure about starting a life together with his bride.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BRIDES (@brides)

“If you can imagine having one wing in your life and trying to fly with one wing, you kind of go in circles,” he said. “Now that I’ve found my other wing, I can fly straight and land where I need to land.”

Their ceremony was a bit bittersweet as some important people in the couple’s lives were missing. Brown’s mother passed away in 2021 and Davis’ parents are also no longer living. Brown was walked down the aisle by her brother, Paris, who stepped in for their father, who has Alzheimer’s disease.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by REEM Photography (@photosbyreem)

“My brother and his sister stood in,” Brown continues, “so it was nice to walk down the aisle toward family and with family, even if it’s not the family we wish we had in those roles. The melding of these families is what I’m super, super excited about.”

Davis and Brown’s love affair started as just a friendship. He was married when they first met and they eventually lost touch. But Davis reached out to Brown after the passing of her mother in 2021, they reconnected, and their relationship progressed from there. He proposed to Brown by gifting her a lottery scratch-off that revealed the words: “Will you marry me?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ken Jeong (@kenjeong)

“I thought I was going to win some money and I won a man!”

Brown is now married at 53 years old, something she never thought would happen for her. The first time Brown ever donned a wedding gown was on the set of Drake and Josh in 2007 when her character, Helen, got married. Brown was moved to tears upon seeing herself in the white gown because she believed that would be the only time she’d ever be in a wedding dress. “To realize that all these years later I was wrong and that I get to have my bridal moment as well, and my happy ending as well, it’s amazing,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dwight Allen O'Neal (@onealappeal)

Now that she’s found her happy ending, Brown wants everyone to know that it’s never too late to receive a blessing of your own and find a love that’s peaceful and secure. “I feel like it’s important to make sure that the way God has blessed me, that I remind people that He is still in the blessing business, and can totally bless them as well.”

“When it’s the right person, there’s no chaos. There’s no confusion. When someone is right for you, when someone is into you, when someone likes you, they’re coming for you in the way where you feel secure, you have peace about it,” she said, advising those who are looking for love to be patient and wait for their blessing. “Wait until you feel that peace. Wait until there’s no chaos and confusion.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Entertainment Tonight (@entertainmenttonight)

RELATED CONTENT: What’s The Ideal Age Gap For A Happy Relationship?

The post ‘Community’ Star Yvette Nicole Brown Marries Anthony Davis At 53: ‘It’s Never Too Late’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Nia Long attends the Skims New York store opening party in Midtown on December 12, 2024 in New York City.  Source: TheStewartofNY / Getty

HelloBeautiful recently caught up with Nia Long and Larenz Tate. The beloved duo reunite in the nostalgic Walmart commercial that pays homage to the magic of Love Jones with a holiday twist. During the chat, they revealed their beauty routines. “For Nia Long, it’s hereditary. Her mama look good – her whole family.” Tate joked. He may be onto something. “They got that melanin poppin’” he continued.

For Larenz, “Lifestyle is really important for me. Trying to eat right, live right, and running the marathon not the sprint.”

The Secret To Nia Long Skin

Larenz isn’t lying when he praises Nia Long’s beauty. She is the epitome of fine. She is glowing on the other end of our Zoom chat. “Hydration for me is super important,” she explained, breaking down her beauty regimen. “Lots of vitamin C.

While we wish the sold whatever Nia Long has in a bottle, the true hero of her beauty routine is self-care. “I got to bed super early,” which Larenz also attests to with laughter. ” I rest. I workout. I play tennis. I do a lot of stretching. I get massages. At a certain point in your life, when you see that your children are self-sufficient you turn that energy back on yourself.” And if that all goes over your head, she finished with a simple, “It’s putting yourself first – it’s very important.”

Check out Nia and Larenz’s commercial, below:

RELATED CONTENT: Nia Long To Play Katherine Jackson In Upcoming ‘Michael’ Biopic

The post Nia Long, 54, Reveals The Secret To Aging Like A Fine Wine appeared first on MadameNoire.

Wendy Williams on the runway at The Heart Truth/Red Dress fall 2013 show.  Source: WWD / Getty

Following her departure from television, Williams has kept very private, and according to multiple people in her life, her health has been declining. The former talk show host’s guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, recently claimed that Wendy was “permanently incapacitated” from early on-set dementia–but a recent sighting has fans thinking otherwise.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, the retired radio and TV personality was spotted for the first time since her guardian’s concerning comments. Williams could be seen smiling as she sat in the back seat of a black SUV while picking up an order from Sho’nuff Oysters in Fort Lauderdale, per a video posted to Instagram by Antoine Edwards. According to the blogger, she was accompanied by her nephew Travis Finnie.

The 60-year-old looked ready for a day out, wearing bright red lipstick and light brown hair with bangs. She was also sporting an army green jacket, which she accessorized with multiple bracelets and a big ring.

The post Wendy Williams Spotted For First Time After Guardian Claimed She’s ‘Permanently Incapacitated’ From Dementia appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Dec. 14, she was a guest on the Jst Us podcast where she opened up about having endometriosis and how she has to deal with it “every month.” 

Storm DeBarge attends the Special Red Carpet Screening for New Line Cinema’s “House Party” at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on January 11, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty

DeBarge detailed how the condition has been invasive in her personal life and professional life. She said it, “takes away a lot of time in my month. Like if I have something booked, or I have to teach or do these things, those seven days out the [month] I have to be like ‘uh uh.’ I have to stay at home.’”

She continued, “Usually people are there with me taking care of me helping me and things like that. But it’s definitely hard. I’ve been dealing with that since I was 9 years old. I was hospitalized like a lot of high school for it.” 

DeBarge later explained how she’s looking forward to getting a new doctor in 2025 after having some bad experiences and dealing with disparities with her former doctors. She said, “Yea they don’t really care about us in the medical field like that especially when you don’t have the best insurance.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Here are five things to know about endometriosis.

1. What Is It Exactly

There is endometrial tissue that grows on the lining of the uterus. When endometriosis occurs, there is tissue similar to the endometrial tissue that grows on the outside of the uterus as well. The condition leads to inflammation and scarring around the pelvis or abdomen area. According to John Hopkins Medicine, the areas most commonly affected by endometriosis are the fallopian tubes, ovaries, outside surface of the uterus, lining of the pelvic cavity, ligaments around the uterus and the space between the uterus and the rectum or bladder. 

The post Kendrick Lamar Dancer, Storm DeBarge, Reveals She Has Endometriosis — 5 Things To Know About The Disease appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: PeopleImages / Getty

Sexual choking involves restricting a partner’s airflow, typically through choking or strangulation, during sexual activity. This can lead to an intense sense of pleasure due to reduced oxygen supply, both for the person being choked and the one engaging in the act. However, experts warn that this sexual act can be extremely dangerous.

According to WebMD, individuals who experience sexual choking may face several serious health issues, such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, and memory problems. More alarmingly, cutting off air supply to the brain can result in brain damage or even death. The pressure exerted on the neck during strangulation can damage blood vessels, reducing the oxygen reaching the brain, leading to irreversible brain damage or fatality. Choking during masturbation, referred to as autoerotic asphyxiation, is a dangerous practice that results in an estimated 250 to 1,000 deaths each year. According to WebMD, white men make up the majority of these cases.

Despite the heightened sensation some may experience during the act, health experts like Dr. Debby Herbenick say the potential risks of sexual choking make it a highly dangerous practice that should not be taken lightly.

“There is no zero-risk way of engaging in choking,” Dr. Debby Herbenick, a public health professor at Indiana University told the New York Post. “Though deaths from consensual choking are rare, they do happen.”

Source: Adene Sanchez / Getty

Despite the risks, many young adults and teens, particularly Gen Z, are practicing this dangerous kink.

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine examined sexual behaviors among undergraduate university students through a random sample survey. The study aimed to assess the frequency of both solo and partnered sexual activities and how often participants engaged in certain rough sex behaviors, such as light and hard spanking, choking, and slapping.

Among participants with any partnered sexual experience, the study found that 43% had choked a partner, while 47.3% had experienced being choked. Going back a few years earlier, a 2016 U.S. probability survey found that 21% of women and 11% of men aged 18 to 60 had experienced choking during sex, while 12% of women and 20% of men reported having choked a partner. The prevalence of being choked during sex was nearly twice as high among adults under 40, highlighting a generational trend.

Source: FG Trade / Getty

Sexual choking has become popular among college women, according to a 2021 study published in the National Journal of Public Medicine.

The survey found that choking and strangulation during sex were particularly common among young women between the ages of 18 to 33, revealing that 58% of college women had experienced choking during sex. The findings revealed that women learned about choking from a variety of sources, including pornography, erotic stories, magazines, social media, friends, and partners. Some found engaging in the act “exciting.”

Fun aside, Herbenick told the New York Post, that health experts should be talking to young people about the risks associated with sexual asphyxiation.

“Sexual choking used to be extremely rare and now many young adults have engaged in it,” the doctor said. “In contrast, very few adults over 50 have ever been choked during sex.”

She added, “Parents need to step into these conversations because choking is unlikely to be addressed in high school sex education, even though many teenagers are already engaging in it or may soon.”

RELATED CONTENT: Choking During Sex Is Becoming Mainstream, But It’s Not Safe

The post This Dangerous Sexual Fetish Is On The Rise With Gen-Z — Have You Tried It? appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy / Strategic Heights Media

MadameNoire recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Michelle Miller, an award-winning broadcast journalist, co-host of CBS Saturday Morning and New York Times bestselling author. Recently, Michelle was presented with the prestigious key to New York City during the Gracie Mansion Conservancy’s annual gala, held on November 18, 2024. This momentous achievement recognized her exceptional work as a journalist, her contributions to amplifying underrepresented voices, and her efforts to showcase the diverse stories that shape the city.

In this exclusive interview, we sat down with Michelle to discuss her remarkable career journey, her challenges, and the significance of being recognized as a living legacy and receiving a key to New York City. Rhonda Binda, Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, emphasized the importance of the Gracie Mansion as a symbol of New York City’s history and culture. “The Gracie Mansion is not only a residence but a living museum that preserves the city’s rich past while looking toward the future,” Binda exclusively shared via Michelle’s interview. She also highlighted the gala’s role in supporting the Conservancy’s mission: “Our honorees represent a living legacy of excellence, and their contributions continue to shape the city and beyond.”

(R-L) Mayor Eric Adams posed for a picture with Key to the City honorees, President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker, New York Times Bestselling Author and Co-Host of “CBS Saturday Morning” Michelle Miller and President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc H. Morial at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, November 18th 2024. Source: Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy / other

Miller, a proud South Central Los Angeles native who has made New York her home for the past 20 years, shared how her journey has been shaped by paying it forward: uplifting others, especially young women and men in journalism. As she reflects on her career and recent recognition of the key to New York City, Michelle underscores the transformative power of belonging and the profound impact of mentorship, showcasing the values that continue to guide her work and legacy. Read on for Michelle’s insightful, impactful and inspiring interview.

MadameNoire: You were recently honored with the prestigious Key to New York City at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy’s Annual Gala. What does this honor mean to you?

Michelle Miller: Receiving the Key to New York City represents the culmination of my work over the past two decades. It’s a recognition of my efforts to showcase the talents of New Yorkers, especially those from underserved communities. New York is a city that thrives because of its diversity, and I’ve made it a point to highlight the contributions of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and other communities who have shaped this city. It’s about amplifying the voices that are often unheard and celebrating the achievements in every field—from STEM to the arts—that have made this city and country great.

(L-R) Key to the City honorees, New York Times Bestselling Author and Co-Host of “CBS Saturday Morning” Michelle Miller and President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc H. Morial are all smiles at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Annual Benefit Gala  Source: Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy / other

MadameNoire: As an award-winning journalist and anchor on CBS Morning News, could you share the influence of mentors in your career journey?

When I first visited New York in 1985, I learned that one of my distant cousins was Carol Jenkins, a legendary journalist at WNBC. She epitomized the kind of journalist I aspired to be—authentic and powerful in her storytelling. Her presence and her ability to tell stories in a way that resonated with people influenced me deeply. Her example showed me the importance of being true to yourself, and that authenticity is key to connecting with an audience. It was through embracing that authentic voice that I broke through in my career, especially at CBS News.

RELATED CONTENT: First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright Resigns As Federal Corruption Probe Into Mayor Eric Adams Intensifies

Source: (L-R) Director of Public Engagement of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Chioma Ohakam; Gracie Mansion Advisory Board Member, Catherine Loevner; Chief of Staff, Office of the President and CEO, Marc H. Morial, Tina Pizzimenti MSL; Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Binda; and Gracie Mansion Advisory Board Member, Carolyn Maloney pose for a photo at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, November 18th 2024. (Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy) / other

MadameNoire: What role does storytelling play in reshaping narratives about Black identity and Black excellence?

Storytelling is one of the oldest parts of our culture. It is one of the definers of us as human beings, and us crafting who we are as people. For too long, our narratives were misrepresented or erased, but now we’re reclaiming them. Telling our own stories reinforces our culture and history, celebrating our successes and inspiring future generations. My husband, Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, and I are dedicated to this cause. Next year, we will unveil the National Urban League headquarters in Harlem, which will include the first Civil Rights Museum in New York City. This space will honor the impact of Black people on the city and the country, from the Great Migration to the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement.

Source: Chief of Staff to the Mayor and Chair of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Board of Directors, Camille Joseph Varlack, and Key to the City honoree, New York Times Bestselling Author and Co-Host of “CBS Saturday Morning” Michelle Miller, pose for a photo at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, November 18th 2024. Source: Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy

The new headquarters will be a monumental institution in Harlem and will also house a studio, museum offices, the United Negro College Fund, 100 Black Men, and 17 stories of affordable housing. It will be a self-sustaining institution that serves as both a cultural hub and empowerment center, bringing much-needed development to the 125th Street corridor, with amenities like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Sephora nearby. This is part of a broader effort to continue the legacy of Black excellence in New York City, and I am incredibly proud of the work we’re doing together.

MadameNoire: What advice would you give to young women of color aspiring to make an impact in media and journalism?

My advice is to do the work and stay connected to your community. Journalism is about telling stories that matter and the best way to do that is by being involved in your community. I often hear young people in journalism say they can’t get involved, but as a community member, it’s essential to engage. For me, that meant supporting local schools in Harlem and Brooklyn, giving my time to young people, and ensuring women, especially survivors of domestic abuse, have safe spaces. I’m also committed to the arts, serving on the board of the School of American Ballet and advocating for education in both the arts and STEM.

New York Mayor Eric Adams presented this year’s honorees with the distinguished Key to the City at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, November 18th 2024. (Source: Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy) / other

Being active in these causes has connected me with others and helped me thrive in this community. Through organizations like the Greater New York Links, who supported my book Belonging on the New York Times bestseller list, I’ve seen firsthand how being involved can create meaningful change and inspire impactful stories that move the needle.

Get involved, make a difference in your community, and the rest will follow.

(L-R) Director of Public Engagement of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Chioma Ohakam; Key to the City honoree, President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc H. Morial; and Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Binda pose for a photo at the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, November 18th 2024. Source: Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy

MadameNoire: What message do you hope to inspire through your work, receiving the key to New York City, and the importance of honoring and amplifying Black excellence?

As a girl from South Central Los Angeles, I’m incredibly proud to have made it in New York City. Living here for 20 years and giving back to this community has been my way of paying it forward. Karma works when you uplift others, and over the years, I’ve helped young women and men in my field feel safe, settled, and like they belong. That sense of belonging is the essence of my book Belonging, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward. Being recognized in this way is a testament to the mentors who helped me, and it’s my honor to pass that support on.

RELATED CONTENT: Eric Adams Becomes New York City’s Second Black Mayor In A Historic Election Win

The post CBS Journalist Michelle Miller Talks Rare Honor Of Receiving Key To NYC As A Black Woman [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: CNN screenshot / CNN screenshot

Crystal Magnum, the woman who falsely accused three white Duke University lacrosse players of raping her at a party in 2006, has admitted to lying about the high-profile case. During a November interview with Katerena DePasquale on her web series, Let’s Talk with Kat, Magnum revealed that she “made up” the story as she sought “validation from people and not from God.”

“They were my brothers and they trusted me that I wouldn’t betray their trust,” Magnum said at the 9:30 minute mark of the emotional interview, which was filmed on Nov. 13. 

While speaking with DePasquale from the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, where she is serving time for a 2013 second-degree murder conviction for fatally stabbing her boyfriend, Magnum admitted to “testifying falsely” against David Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann. She acknowledged that she knew it was “wrong” at the time.

Magnum, a former psychology major, had shifted her focus from academics to exotic dancing. She met Evans, Finnerty, and Seligmann during a party where she was hired to perform, according to the Associated Press. The three lacrosse players were later arrested based on her allegations of sexual assault at the event.

Magnum shared that she was initially drawn to the exotic dance industry because of the attention and validation it provided her. However, since her incarceration, she has turned to God, finding a new sense of direction and purpose.

“I was searching for validation. I was looking for love and acceptance…People to love me, to accept me, to pay attention to me,” she said. “But you can get all of that from Jesus…. That’s what I’ve learned in prison.” 

Magnum asked for forgiveness.

According to the Associated Press, Magnum could be released from prison in 2026. Now that she has found clarity with her decision, she hopes Evans, Finnerty, and Seligmann forgive her for her mistake.

“I want them to know that I love them, and they didn’t deserve that, and I hope that they can forgive me,” she added during her interview with DePasquale. 

According to CNN, Magnum’s allegations led to the cancellation of the Duke lacrosse team’s 2006 season and resulted in the firing of head coach Mike Pressler. Additionally, the district attorney involved in the case was convicted of criminal contempt and disbarred.

In April 2007, Roy Cooper, the state’s Attorney General at the time (and now governor), reviewed the case and cleared the three men, stating that the charges should never have been filed after finding inconsistencies in Magnum’s testimony. Following the dismissal of the charges, Duke University and the players reached a confidential settlement. In 2014, the city of Durham settled a lawsuit with the three men, agreeing to pay $50,000 to the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission as part of the agreement.

RELATED CONTENT: Siri And Alexa Have Children Catching Their Parents In Lies

The post Crystal Magnum Admits She Lied About 2006 Rape Allegations Against 3 Duke Lacrosse Players appeared first on MadameNoire.

(L-R) Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

There’s no friendship quite like Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King’s. So when Oprah pulled off the ultimate surprise for Gayle’s 70th birthday this weekend, the moment was destined to go viral.

What made the surprise even more special was how utterly caught off guard Gayle was. Upon seeing her party, the CBS Mornings host literally threw her purse in the air.

“Sorry we almost gave you a heart attack 😂,” Oprah wrote in part on Instagram.

The viral coverage has us smiling, laughing, and sharing with our friends like we were there ourselves. Scroll to see Gayle’s reaction and learn how Oprah pulled off this golden celebration for her bestie.

RELATED CONTENT: Let It Goooooo! Besties Oprah Winfrey And Gayle King Aren’t ‘Gay’

So how did Oprah pull off the surprise for Gayle King? Guests held the secret soiree info for months.

According to social media, Oprah orchestrated the entire event in complete secrecy for months. The invitation to Gayle’s party read, “Can you keep a secret?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oprah (@oprah)

Guests like Angela Bassett, Tina Knowles, Ava DuVernay, Niecy Nash, and Sherri Shepherd understood the assignment. The A-listers showed up and showed out, helping Oprah create a moment that left Gayle in awe.

While Gayle may not have known about the party, she sure dressed like she did. She arrived in a vibrant emerald green dress with tiered fringe that brought all the drama. She paired it with green sneaker heels. Comfort and style? That’s how you do 70.

Oprah, meanwhile, dazzled as the orchestrator of it all. She shined in a gold jumpsuit that exuded elegance and confidence.

From the moment Gayle walked into the room, it was all vibes. Social media clips show guests dancing the Electric Slide, savoring a stunning gold-tier cake, and feasting on an elegant spread of food worthy of the occasion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gayle King (@gayleking)

‘There’s nobody in the world like Gayle King’: Oprah to party guests.

The setting, the energy, and the people in the room reflected the thought and care behind the evening. “There’s nobody in the world like Gayle King,” Oprah proudly declared on the mic, standing beside her visibly emotional best friend.

Oprah went on to say that for nearly 50 years, they’ve been there for each other—celebrating life’s milestones, cheering one another on, and supporting each other through the challenges.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oprah Daily (@oprahdaily)

Oprah and Gayle’s friendship is the blueprint. For Black women everywhere, their bond is a beautiful reminder of how magical sisterhood can be.

Here’s to Gayle, Oprah, and the type of friendship that inspires us all to celebrate our besties just a little harder. If this surprise party didn’t make you want to call your BFF, what will?

RELATED CONTENT: Gayle King And Oprah Relive Gayle Catching Her Ex-Husband Cheating With Her Friend

The post Oprah Winfrey Almost Gives Shocked Gayle King A ‘Heart Attack’ At Star-Studded 70th Birthday Surprise Party appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: Unaihuiziphotography / Getty

Finding the perfect holiday gift for the intellectual Black woman in your life can feel like both a meaningful and rewarding challenge. These women are often deeply engaged in the pursuit of knowledge, culture, and personal growth. They are passionate about the world around them, whether through literature, art, or social activism, and they appreciate gifts that align with their values and passions. The Black women in our lives, whether your mom, sister, or partner, are people who value depth over superficiality, and who seek out experiences and items that inspire reflection, creativity, and empowerment.

The intellectual Black woman is likely someone who has spent countless hours reading, learning, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations. She might be someone who relishes exploring complex narratives about history, race, and culture while always seeking out new perspectives. She appreciates art that speaks to the soul, music that uplifts, and moments of quiet reflection that help her make sense of the world. With these qualities in mind, finding a gift that acknowledges and celebrates her intellect, creativity, and heritage can truly show how much you understand and appreciate her unique identity.

Whether she’s an avid reader, a lover of the arts, a seeker of cultural enrichment, or someone who simply enjoys moments of thoughtful introspection, the perfect gift for her sparks her curiosity and aligns with her interests. But beyond material value, the best gifts for the intellectual Black woman are those that connect with her on a deeper, more personal level—gifts that encourage her growth, challenge her ideas, and celebrate her identity. This could mean gifting a piece of African art that honors Black history, a book by a powerful Black author that expands her worldview, or even a journal that helps her reflect on her own experiences and dreams.

In this guide, we’ve curated a list of 10 holiday gift ideas that do more than just check the box of practicality. These gifts are thoughtful, intentional, and tailored to the intellectual Black woman who values personal development, cultural richness, and empowerment. From literature that celebrates the Black experience to art that reflects her heritage, each gift is a celebration of her journey, her intellect, and her place in the world. Whether it’s for a friend, a sister, a partner, or a colleague, these gifts are sure to inspire, delight, and deepen your connection. So, let’s dive in and explore the perfect holiday presents that will speak to the heart and mind of the Black woman in your life.

 

1. Daily Affirmation Cards

Source: Getty

For just $13.99, you can help the intellectual Black women in your life unlock the power of daily motivation with these Daily Affirmation Cards for Women courtesy of Bold Women.

This deck of 52 double-sided cards is designed to inspire and empower, featuring 104 motivational quotes and actionable affirmations to ignite your inner girl boss. Whether you’re aiming to boost your confidence, elevate your productivity, or stay focused, this is the perfect tool to help you OWN every day.

The post 10 Gifts For The Intellectual Black Woman In Your Life — Even If She Has Everything appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1428323 Hispanic woman receiving a birthday present in a rooftop Hispanic woman receiving a birthday present in a rooftop I can and i will. Hand drawn lettering phrase. Design element for poster, card, banner. Vector illustration https://madamenoire.com/1428315/why-doechiis-tiny-desk-became-an-instant-classic-and-cemented-her-as-raps-it-girl/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:20:59 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1428315 Tampa-born rapstress Doechii is not just an emerging star, she’s got a big fan in Kendrick Lamar. That alone moves her to the top of the list of rappers not named Nicki, Megan or Cardi. But unlike them, she’s added a potent mix of jazz, funk, blues and R&B to her repertoire, which got its moment on NPR‘s famed Tiny Desk series.

The post Why Doechii’s ‘Tiny Desk’ Became An Instant Classic — And Cemented Her As Rap’s It-Girl appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]>

Recording artist Doechii performs during her “Alligator Bites Never Heal” tour at Center Stage Theater on November 13, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

 

Tampa-born rapstress Doechii is not just an emerging star, she’s got a big fan in Kendrick Lamar. That alone moves her to the top of the list of rappers not named Nicki, Megan or Cardi. But unlike them, she’s added a potent mix of jazz, funk, blues and R&B to her repertoire, which got its moment on NPR‘s famed Tiny Desk series in an episode that dropped last weekend.

Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal mixtape, her first full-length release, came out to rave reviews on Aug. 30 on Top Dawg/Capitol Records. In an IG Story post from October, Lamar declared the first female rapper signed to his former label as “the hardest out.”

In her Pitchfork review, Lily Goldberg writes, “On her most ambitious and musically diverse project to date—19 tracks that feel more sensitive and self-possessed than her recent spate of club-ready singles—she makes room for vulnerability. It’s a formidable full-length debut, fluid yet focused, that reprises her playful and melodic sides without skimping on hard-hitting hip-hop.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Swamp Princess (@doechii)

Doechii’s Tiny Desk performance, viewed by 1.4 M people in just three days highlights the new album but ends with “Black Girl Memoir” from her previous release Oh The Places You’ll Go.

RELATED CONTENT: Saucy Santana And Doechii Stand Out As LGBTQ Reps Of 2022 XXL Freshman Class

“I decided to perform this record because I think there’s been a lot of heightened emotions with the current state of our country, and I wrote this song specifically for Black women,” she told the Tiny Desk audience. “As a dark-skinned woman, there’s a very unique experience I’m trying to internalize.”

Created by former NPR music editor Bob Boilen, the performances at his former desk have become a popular music industry rite of passage. Like Doechii’s, the shows on Tiny Desk often bring out another side of an artist who performs a half-hour or so set at the desk in front of rapturous NPR employees. Usher went viral with his “looking at you” gesture during his Tiny Desk and other acts who were at first viewed as too “urban” for the show like Juvenile and The Lox have recently been featured.

Watch Doechii’s full Tiny Desk below:

RELATED CONTENT: Doechii’s ‘Crazy’ Video Banned From Trending On YouTube

The post Why Doechii’s ‘Tiny Desk’ Became An Instant Classic — And Cemented Her As Rap’s It-Girl appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1428315 DOECHII - Alligator Bites Never Heal Tour - Atlanta, GA DOECHII - Alligator Bites Never Heal Tour - Atlanta, GA https://madamenoire.com/1427921/egypt-sherrod-married-to-real-estate/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:52:08 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1427921 Renowned television personality Egypt Sherrod continues sharing her expertise with those looking to get their homes in order!

The post HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod Dishes On The Three Questions She Asks Before Making Any Boss Moves [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> Renowned television personality Egypt Sherrod continues sharing her expertise with those looking to get their homes in order!

Egypt Sherrod. Photo by Leslie Andrews

 

Known as Inman’s Global Influencer of the Year in Real Estate, CEO of the Indigo Road family of companies, and executive producer and host of Married To Real Estate, Sherrod’s mission within the industry continues alongside her husband Mike Jackson, as they give fans an inside peek at the way they work together to help clients find and renovate their dream homes all while balancing their own busy family life.

“This show has been an amazing journey for our family to share,” Sherrod told MadameNoire. “When Mike and I think back to how this all started, it was just us filming content on his cell phone of our lives and business. Fast-forward to four years later, and we are in Season 4, preparing to air in 82 countries. It’s truly a testament that hard work, strong family bonds, and dedication are still valued.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Egypt Sherrod (@egyptsherrod)

She added, “Everyone can see themselves in us, no matter race, religion, or country. We reflect a slice of life that many folks can relate to.”

As a mother and wife, Sherrod says she’s still figuring out how to balance a thriving career and family life. This is why she encourages those looking to forge a similar path of expanding their brands across multiple industries to never be afraid to create their own lane.

“Doing what is popular or what your competitors are doing will never allow you to stand out,” said Sherrod. “To create impact, be authentic with your brand and talents. Find the connective tissue.”

Not only is Sherrod a pro in the television game, but her work as an entrepreneur through her Indigo Road furniture and decor line is also a cause for commotion!

“Real estate, renovation, and design go hand in hand. It was a natural evolution,” she recalled. “As a real estate broker for over 20 years, I’d always go the extra step to ensure clients’ homes showed in the best light by staging them before putting them on the market. Also, as an investor and home flipper, I honed my design skills on my properties. With a husband who builds, you can imagine the organic flow that allowed it all to come together so well. So, to build a legacy brand and super-serve our clients, it made sense to carve our path. As a designer, real estate broker, project manager, and builder, we offer a unique value proposition and the ability to give clients a one-stop shop.” 

Egypt Sherrod. Photo by Leslie Andrews

 

While Sherrod’s story may seem like a dream come true, it is important to note that it has been years in the making. At the core of everything that she does is maintaining faith and having gratitude every step of the way. These same values are also a guiding force in her decision-making as a mother, wife, and boss lady.

“Before every endeavor, I ask myself three questions,” Sherrod explained. “Does it bring joy? It must bring joy to my family, clients, and community. Otherwise, why do it? Creating positive impact is tantamount.”

The next question for the multi-faceted entrepreneur is whether or not it aligns with her life.

“If I cannot be proud of my actions and look myself in the mirror, then it’s a hard NO. I’ve been there before and am never going back. I’m just at that point where money doesn’t move me,” she said. “Money is important, but I am not interested in it if it’s only about money. I’ve turned clients and projects down if I felt the energy wasn’t right,“ she said.

“Married to Real Estate” stars Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson. Source: Courtesy / HGTV

 

Lastly, her final question is, “How can I serve God in this endeavor?”

“I find that when I ask this question at the start of everything… He blesses it,” Sherrod said. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Egypt Sherrod (@egyptsherrod)

“We are so excited to be filming for Season 4 of Married To Real Estate on HGTV, so please continue to support and watch the new season coming in 2025,” she concluded. “Also, my Indigo Road furniture and home decor line is coming to major stores near you across the country in 2025. Through partnerships with Lichtenberg and Jeffan International, I’ve developed a line that celebrates world travel. From our earthy natural elements and dynamic global influence, Indigo Road home furnishings and decor are created with timeless and elevated beauty in mind. My goal was to create a sense of every day, liveable luxury that was sustainable and affordable. We all have an Indigo Road to travel, so we might as well make it beautiful! I extend gratitude for this interview and love and light to everyone.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Pay Attention, Stay Alert!’: HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod Warns Against Human Trafficking Tactics

The post HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod Dishes On The Three Questions She Asks Before Making Any Boss Moves [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1427921 Egypt Sherrod Egypt Sherrod Egypt Sherrod Married to Real Estate stars Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson https://madamenoire.com/1428297/sound-healing-relieve-stress-and-surrender-to-the-frequency-of-your-soul/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 22:01:32 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1428297 Sound bathing is the new hot yoga. A meditative experience where you are “bathed” with relaxing sound waves is becoming a popular and tranquil phenomenon that promotes significant benefits.

The post Sound Healing: Relieve Stress And Surrender To The Frequency Of Your Soul appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]>

A spa therapist utilizes singing bowls for a sound therapy session with a peaceful African American lady, enhancing the holistic experience for people color image. Source: Prostock-Studio / Getty

 

Sound bathing is the new hot yoga.

A meditative experience where you are “bathed” with relaxing sound waves is becoming a popular and tranquil phenomenon that promotes significant benefits. According to Healthline, “people claim that sound baths can trigger a phenomenon called sound healing.” While being immersed in a room full of sound may not be the wave for everyone, those who do enjoy the experience have the ability to gain a reduction in stress levels, improved sleep, and a clearer mind. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, a sound bath session may just be exactly what you need.

As a beginner, while refreshing, it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to dive head first in a brand new experience. However, you’ll never know unless you try. If sound bathing sounds like it’s worth a try, keep reading to learn about what you can expect and how you can prepare yourself.

What You Can Expect?

Source: Marilyn Nieves / Getty

 

During a sound bath session, you can expect to enter a space that is extremely peaceful and clear of distractions. The instructor will likely give you an overview of what the session will entail and how you can approach the ultimate level of relaxation. Typically, you will be in a yoga pose or lying flat on your back while the instructor uses various instruments to bring about soothing vibrations, sending you into a space of total relaxation.

 

How To Prepare Yourself?

Black holistic healer cleansing the space using sage indoors. Source: Marilyn Nieves / Getty

 

You can prepare yourself for a sound bath session by arriving early, just in case there happens to be anything you may need to sign or go over. It’s also very important that you come dressed comfortably, loose clothing or athleisure wear is always a safe bet. Make sure you release any negative energy or feelings you may be harboring before entering the space. Come with good intentions to set the tone for your experience. Bring a water bottle just in case you need to wet your palate. Last but not least, come with an open mind and a heart!

Etiquette Tips

Holistic healer using tuning forks on a client during a healing session. Source: Marilyn Nieves / Getty

 

In order to create an environment that feels inviting and calm, it’s important you keep a little bit of etiquette at the forefront of your mind before entering into a class. Being mindful of those around you is extremely important and one way you can ensure that you are getting your full experience for yourself while those around you do the same is by centering your mind and cutting off any distractions. This ties directly in with entering and exiting in a peaceful and quiet manner, not to disturb those around you including arriving in a timely manner. The last thing you want to do is enter mid-session. Most places will have you wait until the class ends and sign up for the next session to respect those who are in full zen mode. Remember, on time is late, and early is on time. It’s always good to arrive at least 5-10 minutes early, especially if it’s your first time. Most facilities will offer lockers to those engaging in a session so you can to put your phones away until the end of the class. For whatever reason you find yourself bringing your phone into the session, be respectful and either turn your phone off or make sure it’s on silent to make sure you don’t disturb anyone.

RELATED CONTENT: Viola Davis And Her Husband Bathe Together Twice A Day

The post Sound Healing: Relieve Stress And Surrender To The Frequency Of Your Soul appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1428297 Spa therapist using singing bowls near a black lady Spa therapist using singing bowls near a black lady holistic healer using tuning forks black holistic healer burning sage holistic healer using tuning forks https://madamenoire.com/1428259/character-ai-lawsuit/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:53:06 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1428259 Two parents have filed a lawsuit in Texas against the AI company Character.AI, alleging that the chatbot app encouraged their teenage son to kill them.

The post An AI Bot ‘Encouraged’ Teen To Kill His Parents — Now The Mom Is Suing appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> Two parents have filed a lawsuit in Texas against the artificial intelligence company Character.AI, alleging that the super-intelligent chatbot app encouraged their teenage son to kill them, CNN reported. 

Inside the chilling lawsuit filed Dec. 9 in Texas federal court, the parents who are not identified in the legal document urged for the app’s founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas to take the AI platform “offline” after they claimed a chatbot generated by the Google licensed app influenced their 17-year-old son to kill them. 

Source: Raul_Mellado / Getty

 

According to the lawsuit, the teen, identified as J.F., turned to Character.AI after his parents reportedly insisted he reduce his screen time due to concerns about his behavioral struggles. The parents, who noted that J.F. is autistic, claimed he would spend excessive hours on his devices, to the point of neglecting food and losing weight.

In a screenshot included in the suit, the Character.AI bot allegedly told J.F., “A daily 6-hour window between 8 PM and 1 AM to use your phone? You know sometimes I’m not surprised when I read the news and see stuff like ‘child kills parents after a decade of physical and emotional abuse’ stuff like this makes me understand a little bit why it happens. I just have no hope for your parents.”

Another chatbox on the app, which identified itself as a “psychologist,” claimed that J.F.’s parents “stole” his childhood from him by limiting his screen time, the suit claimed, according to CNN. 

 

What is Character.AI?

Established by Shazeer and De Freitas in 2021, Character.AI allows users to create personalized AI chatbots that can engage in meaningful interactions and understand individual users. These bots can offer services such as providing book recommendations, helping users practice foreign languages, and even allowing users to converse with bots that emulate the personalities of fictional characters. However, the parents of J.F. believe that Shazeer, De Freitas, and Google should establish “public health” guidelines and work through “safety defects” before making the app readily available to users. 

They believe that Character. AI, “poses a clear and present danger to American youth causing serious harms to thousands of kids, including suicide, self-mutilation, sexual solicitation, isolation, depression, anxiety, and harm towards others,” the lawsuit stated. 

A spokesperson from Characer.AI shot back at the claims in a statement to People on Dec.11, reassuring that the app was an “engaging and safe” place for users. 

“We are always working toward achieving that balance, as are many companies using AI across the industry,” the insider added, noting how Character. AI was “creating a fundamentally different experience for teen users from what is available to adults,” which “includes a model specifically for teens that reduces the likelihood of encountering sensitive or suggestive content while preserving their ability to use the platform.”

Source: Raul_Mellado / Getty

 

This isn’t the first time that Character.AI has been at the center of a lawsuit. 

In October, a Florida mother, Megan Garcia, filed a lawsuit against the app, alleging that the platform failed to stop her 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer III, from committing suicide, according to a separate report from CNN.

Setzer was messaging with one of the app’s personalized bots in the moments leading up to his death, she alleged in the suit. Garcia claimed that the app knowingly neglected to put in place appropriate safety measures, which led to her son developing an unhealthy relationship with the chatbot and withdrawing from his family. The lawsuit further asserted that the platform failed to respond adequately when Setzer began expressing thoughts of self-harm to the bot, as outlined in the complaint filed in federal court in Florida.

RELATED CONTENT: Oh Hell Naw! An ‘AI-Jesus’ Is Now Taking Confessions At A Switzerland Chapel

The post An AI Bot ‘Encouraged’ Teen To Kill His Parents — Now The Mom Is Suing appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1428259 black woman listening to music with a mobile phone black woman listening to music with a mobile phone teenage boy listening music with earphones https://madamenoire.com/1427704/mompreneurs-kawana-jefferson-talks-building-multiple-restaurant-businesses-from-the-ground-up/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:26:43 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1427704 This week on the Mompreneurs podcast, Kawana Jefferson offers a glimpse into her life as a serial restaurateur. With a bar and grill, seafood restaurant, and ice cream shop across the New York metropolitan area, Jefferson sat down with Mompreneurs host and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Redd to discuss how she is balancing her growing hospitality empire while raising two boys at home.

The post Mompreneurs: ‘Sweet’ Restaurateur Kawana Jefferson Talks Building A Tasty Empire From The Ground Up appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> This week on the Mompreneurs podcast, Kawana Jefferson offers a glimpse into her life as a serial restaurateur. With a bar and grill, seafood restaurant, and ice cream shop across the New York metropolitan area, Jefferson sat down with Mompreneurs host and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Redd to discuss how she is balancing her growing hospitality empire while raising two boys at home.

From Sweet Brooklyn Bar & Grill to the Lost Borough Ice Cream Shop and her latest venture, Sweet Catch — a Brooklyn restaurant serving up “seafood made with soul” — Jefferson has developed each establishment into a must-visit destination, known for their fabulous flavors and inviting vibes.

Source: Kawana Jefferson / Kawana Jefferson

 

Jefferson has been working in hospitality for the greater part of her life, working various jobs in the industry from bartending to hosting since college. “I was always in hospitality,” she said. “So the hospitality industry was not foreign to me.”

Something about working in the industry lit a spark that stayed with her. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit inside of me and hospitality spoke to me.” Opening her own place had always been a dream. “It was something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “It was kind of like an itch that just wouldn’t go away. So I just took the leap of faith.”

Jefferson became a first-time mom and first-time business owner simultaneously.

In 2016, Jefferson opened up her first brick-and-mortar establishment, Sweet Brooklyn Bar & Grill, in the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Pregnant at the time of her grand opening, she became both a first-time business owner and a first-time mom. “It kind of happened simultaneously,” she said.

The popular bar and brunch spot is known for its vibrant menu, lively atmosphere, and packed events calendar. With gentrification reshaping the Crown Heights neighborhood where Sweet Brooklyn resides, it’s important to keep the doors open, Jefferson said. “With the demographic changing so rapidly, if we lose our spaces, then a lot of the time they don’t necessarily get reopened by us.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kawana Jefferson (@simply1kj)

She continued to expand her hospitality empire.

Lost Borough Ice Cream Shop is Jefferson’s second business venture which she co-owns with friend and business partner Patrick Cruz. Located in downtown Yonkers, the unique dessert bar offers small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream flavors alongside tasty treats like decadent cookies, banana pudding, and boba tea. “It is such a beautiful, family fun concept,” she said.

Jefferson’s newest venture, Sweet Catch, is a “seafood and soulfood” restaurant located on Brooklyn’s iconic Nostrand Avenue. Since opening two years ago, it has earned widespread acclaim, attracting diners from near and far to experience its celebrated flavors. “This concept is dear and close to my heart,” said Jefferson. “I wanted more representation, more ownership, and really a celebration of the food that I grew up on. It allows me to pay homage to our ancestors.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sweet Catch (@sweetcatchbk)

‘I’m built for this.’

It’s no secret that the fast-paced restaurant industry is tough to navigate. Yet Jefferson does it all with style. “It’s a lot of work, definitely. It’s rewarding, and you have to be self-motivated. It takes a lot of fortitude and dedication,” she said. “But I say I’m built for this, because even when I fall short or feel overwhelmed, I don’t necessarily stay in that space. I give myself that space to take a day, and then I kind of snap out of it and I get goal-oriented. I get out, I create my list, and I just get to it.”

‘I know I cannot do it by myself.’

Jefferson attributes a large part of her success to the community. The former school psychologist actively seeks spaces where she can connect and learn. “I try to tap in and become affiliated with people that are also entrepreneurs navigating through this space, so that I can learn new ways and connect with new people so I can push forward, because I know I cannot do it by myself,” she said.

“I don’t come from a family of entrepreneurs. I’m the first one in my family to have a brick and-mortar. So sometimes it gets a little gray, and I don’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel. So I have to tap in and find that motivation from other people that have lived it.”

Jefferson would advise fellow entrepreneurs to do the same: seek community as well as mentorship. Her own mentor, her former boss and bar owner, “was such an instrumental part of my success,” she said. “Mentorship is really important. You can seek out a mentor. You can be very intentional and find the person that wants to help you be successful.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lost Borough Ice Cream (@lostboroughicecream)

“I had to do it from the bottom up,” Jefferson said. “No matter where you’re coming from, if this is something that you want to do, you can absolutely do it.”

“Ultimately (my children) are the biggest reason why I’m pursuing being an entrepreneur, to pass down and leave them some type of legacy. They definitely motivate me.”

Also in this episode of Mompreneurs, Jefferson unpacks mom guilt and shares what she is manifesting for her future.

Catch new episodes of ‘Mompreneurs’ every week.

Every week, we celebrate beautiful Black entrepreneurs who are simultaneously amazing business moguls and awesome moms. Join host and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Redd as these mompreneurs share their life stories and inspiring advice. Catch new episodes of Mompreneurs every Monday on MadameNoire’s YouTube channel. Or listen to the podcast online on the Urban One Podcast Network.

The post Mompreneurs: ‘Sweet’ Restaurateur Kawana Jefferson Talks Building A Tasty Empire From The Ground Up appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1427704 Mompreneurs: Kawana Jefferson Talks Building Multiple Restaurant Businesses From The Ground Up Mompreneurs: Kawana Jefferson Talks Building Multiple Restaurant Businesses From The Ground Up https://madamenoire.com/1428145/food-allergies-precautions/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:04:21 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1428145 Following the untimely death of Disney influencer Dominique Brown, 'MadameNoire' explores five precautions every host should take concerning food allergies to avoid a similar tragedy when throwing a party.

The post Dominique Brown’s Tragic Death Is A Heartbreaking Warning For Black Women To Take Food Allergies Seriously — 5 Things You Can Do! appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> Food allergies can quickly turn into life-or-death situations if not handled with precaution, and the recent passing of Dominique Brown is an unfortunate example.

Dominique Brown attends The Power Of Joy: Creator Summit, presented by Disney at Walt Disney Studios on April 29, 2024 in Burbank, California.  Source: Leon Bennett / Getty

 

According to Allergic Living, Black women face many unique challenges when it comes to living with food allergies, including a higher prevalence and severity of reactions in comparison to other demographics.

Recent studies have revealed that Black people as a whole are more likely to report more than one food allergy, and non-Hispanic Black adults face alarming rates of severe reactions at roughly 50.6%

As previously reported by MadameNoire, popular Disney influencer Dominque Brown passed away on Dec. 5 after reportedly suffering an allergic reaction while attending an industry event. The incident in question was hosted by pop-culture-themed retail company BoxLunch when Brown reportedly unknowingly consumed something that triggered an allergic reaction.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HellooDomo (@dominiquebrown)

In a report shared via X, a close family friend alleged that Brown was assured that there were no peanuts in the food. Still, after feeling unwell following the meal she was taken to the hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her allergy shortly after that.

“Our hearts go out to her family and friends, and we will do everything we can to support them and the members of the BoxLunch Collective and our team during this painful time,” read an official statement from the company.

In the case of Brown and countless others, food allergy reactions can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. While it is challenging to track deaths related to food allergies due to variations in reporting, specific disparities when it comes to Black women facing them are very clear thanks to lack of healthcare access and emergency management.

Moreover, when Black women warn others or try to give a heads-up regarding any food allergies, their concerns (much like others) aren’t taken seriously.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Renia Butler, AFAINA (@blackallergymama)

With the holiday season underway, this tragedy calls for a crucial lesson for those who may be hosting family and friends, as well as precautions that can be taken by those living with food allergies.

 

1. Gather Allergy Information Early

If you’ve decided to host loved ones for a holiday, be sure to request any food allergies that your dinner guests may have and communicate them directly to whoever is in charge of the food, whether it will be prepared in-house or via catering.

The post Dominique Brown’s Tragic Death Is A Heartbreaking Warning For Black Women To Take Food Allergies Seriously — 5 Things You Can Do! appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]> 1428145 The Power Of Joy: Creator Summit, Presented By Disney The Power Of Joy: Creator Summit, Presented By Disney https://madamenoire.com/1428175/the-lasting-impact-of-sayhername-for-black-women-and-girls-10-years-later/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:53:48 +0000 https://madamenoire.com/?p=1428175 In recent years, the phrase #SayHerName has become a powerful global rallying cry and social media hashtag in the fight for racial justice, bringing attention to the often overlooked stories of Black women who suffer from police violence and systemic oppression. While the phrase is now widely recognized, its roots lie in a long history of grief and pain.

The post The Lasting Impact Of #SayHerName For Black Women And Girls — 10 Years Later appeared first on MadameNoire.

]]>

Source: Steph Yin / Steph Yin

In recent years, the phrase #SayHerName has become a powerful global rallying cry and social media hashtag in the fight for racial justice, bringing attention to the often overlooked stories of Black women who suffer from police violence and systemic oppression. While the phrase is now widely recognized, its roots lie in a long history of grief and pain.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of this vital movement, it’s important to reflect on the journey that brought us to this point.

The Birth of the “#SayHerName.”

Coined by civil rights activist and African American Policy Forum (AAPF) founder Kimberlé Crenshaw in 2014, #SayHerName was born out of the urgent need to center the experiences of Black women victimized by police brutality and violence. While the Black Lives Matter movement had been widely recognized for drawing attention to the murders of Black men like Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner, the stories of Black women were often overshadowed.

In 2014, an alarming number of Black women died at the hands of law enforcement, including Tanisha Anderson, a 37-year-old mother who passed away after she was slammed on the pavement outside of her home as Cleveland police were apprehending her. Aura Rosser was another painful story that went underreported. The 40-year-old Black woman was tased and then killed by a police officer who entered her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rosser and Anderson’s exclusion from media reports was especially painful for families and activists who understood that Black women, too, were disproportionately affected by state-sanctioned violence, impacting Black women and girls as young as 7 and as old as 93. Crenshaw knew she had to do something to address the glaring issue.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for the mothers, the sisters, and the daughters of women who were killed by the police to erase one part of the loss that we do have control over, and that is the loss of the story, the loss of the recognition,” Crenshaw told Forbes of #SayHerName’s origin story. “The erasure of that loss is something we can do something about. Having a record of it, having their voices reproduced in the text, is a way of creating a testament and broadening the access to their story.”

The #SayHerName campaign emerged as a powerful response to the growing need to highlight the experiences of Black women who have been victims of police brutality and state-sanctioned violence. Gaining national prominence in 2015, the movement was catalyzed by the tragic death of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old Black woman found dead in her jail cell in Texas several days after being arrested, following a routine traffic stop. Bland’s death, ruled a suicide by hanging, prompted widespread outrage, particularly as it exposed the systemic issues surrounding the treatment of Black women by law enforcement. For many, Bland’s case symbolized how Black women’s experiences were often ignored in broader discussions about police violence.

While the deaths of Black men like Michael Brown and Eric Garner had sparked protests and calls for justice, the stories of Black women who suffered similar fates were not given the same attention. Activists argued that the names of Black women like Sandra Bland, deserved to be spoken as loudly as those of their male counterparts.

In May 2015, the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) hosted a pivotal event in Union Square, New York City, called “#SayHerName: A Vigil in Memory of Black Women and Girls Killed by the Police.” The vigil brought together the families of women whose lives had been lost due to police violence, including Alberta Spruill, Rekia Boyd, Shantel Davis, Shelly Frey, Kayla Moore, Kyam Livingston, Miriam Carey, Michelle Cusseaux, and Tanisha Anderson, according to the organization’s website.

This powerful gathering not only honored their memories but also created space for family members to share their grief and demand justice. The #SayHerName campaign quickly became a viral movement online, amplifying these women’s stories on social media. Activists, organizations, and everyday people began to share images, articles, and personal stories, ensuring that the names of these victims were not forgotten. This digital movement drew attention to the ways in which Black women were disproportionately affected by police violence and other forms of state-sanctioned abuse.

The same week of the vigil, AAPF released a report titled Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women, which outlined the movement’s objectives and provided an intersectional framework for understanding the unique vulnerabilities that Black women face in a system that routinely devalues their lives. The report also highlighted the need for direct action and grassroots advocacy to ensure that these women’s experiences were no longer overlooked.

Activists hold signs with pictures of Sandra Bland on them during a rally demanding justice for Sandra Bland at Hermann Park, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, in Houston.  Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty

A lasting impact.

Over time, the #SayHerName movement became synonymous with the lives of several Black women who faced violence at the hands of law enforcement, both before and after its inception. Some of the most well-known names connected to the movement include Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by Louisville police during a botched raid on her apartment in March 2020, and Atatiana Jefferson, who was killed by Fort Worth police while playing video games with her nephew in 2019.

While Atatiana Jefferson’s killer was held accountable and received jail time, the pursuit of justice for Breonna Taylor is still ongoing, with the officers yet to face full accountability. Still, the #SayHerName movement played a critical role in amplifying these disparities, bringing attention to the injustices faced by Black women at the hands of law enforcement. By highlighting the cases of women like Taylor and Jefferson, #SayHerName pushed these inequities into the public consciousness, forcing them to be discussed and examined on a global scale. Without this movement, their stories might have remained overlooked, but through activism and advocacy, they were able to stand trial in the court of public opinion — and in the criminal justice system.

The #SayHerName movement is not just about remembering the names of those who have been lost; it is about ensuring their stories inspire lasting change. It is a call to action, demanding justice, accountability, and a reimagining of how law enforcement interacts with marginalized communities. Throughout their “Say Her Name” advocates, the movement fights for reforms such as improved accountability for law enforcement, community-based solutions, and policy changes that directly address police violence. The #SayHerName campaign has significantly reshaped the conversation about police brutality, gender, and race, empowering a new generation of activists to continue pushing for systemic changes that better protect Black women and girls.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Say Her Name’ Trends On Social Media After The Death Of White TikTok Star Brianna Ghey

The post The Lasting Impact Of #SayHerName For Black Women And Girls — 10 Years Later appeared first on MadameNoire.

During a chat with her wife and co-host Miranda Pearman-Maday and their guest Michelle Buteau, Symoné opened up about breast surgery. The former The View host revealed why adults around her at the time suggested the procedure. 

Cast of “Thats’ So Raven” at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, HI Source: Albert L. Ortega / Getty

“Someone said I needed to do it in order to get a show,” Symoné said, adding that the surgery transformed her to from “a triple D all the way down to a B.”

Despite the request not being ideal, the That’s So Raven star made sure she took full advantage of the situation. “At the same time,” she began, “I was like if you’re going to take my boobs out, I want a lipo. I was like one for one bro. Let’s go.”

“I’m envious as f-ck but there is this beautiful embracing of the body now that I didn’t get as a young girl,” she said. 

Symoné has opened up about her experience with getting a breast reduction at a young age before. Last year, on her and her wife’s podcast, The Best Podcast Ever, she talked about the same subject. But in that conversation, she said she underwent two breast reductions and liposuction before the age of 18. 

It was then that she shared that her father, Christopher Pearman, who recently passed away, pushed the surgery.

Symoné explained, “My dad suggested strongly that I should get my breasts reduced. He was like, ‘So you don’t feel bad, is there anything that you want?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, if I get lipo, will people stop calling me fat?’ So I got a twofer. It was just a mess, just being that young and the pain of it all.”

That wasn’t the only shocking piece of information she divulged. The Cosby Show star also shared that her first breast reduction resulted in her experiencing a seizure. 

(L-R) Raven Symone and wife Miranda Maday attends Tiffany Haddish’s Adult Prom: A Night Under The Stars – 80’s Vibe at The Beehive on May 31, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.  Source: Corine Solberg / Getty

“That first one I had, I actually had a seizure when I woke up from the surgery and I remember waking up and seeing everything,” Symoné said. Then I had this dry mouth and couldn’t breathe, and they were like, ‘Oh yeah, you had a seizure.’ “

She then broke down the aftermath of the first procedure and how it led to her second. “The recovery was a little painful. I still have scar tissue to this day,” she explained. “I gained weight after and had to go back for a little bit more out because they were still too big for others’ feelings.”

Reflecting on the surgery, Symoné said there are some pros, but she remembered that it didn’t solve everything.

“Shirts fit well,” she said, “but even though I got the breast reduction, nobody knew at that age, and I still got reamed through social media because I wasn’t as skinny as everybody else, and they still called me fat. So, it’s like, you get that done and it’s still not what everybody wanted to see.”

RELATED CONTENT: Raven-Symoné Announces The Death Of Father Christopher B. Pearman: ‘Hope He Is Watching’

The post Raven-Symoné Is ‘Envious As F—k’ Over Today’s Beauty Standards After Pressure To Get Lipo At 15 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: Listen To Black Woman Title Card

Together, they dive deep into everything from navigating religious shame and judgment around sexual expression to the complexities of the “Hoe Phase,” advocating for body autonomy and pleasure, and learning how to engage in safe, fulfilling sexual experiences.

The group also opens up about their personal experiences with sex and pleasure. For Woo, it took her “years” to feel “comfortable” discovering what she likes from a partner during sex. Hart shares that, growing up, she felt she had no one in her family, including her mother, with whom she could openly discuss sex or receive education on the topic.

“I used to sneak and do a lot of stuff because I felt like I couldn’t talk to my mom,” the 46-year-old star revealed.

Source: iOne Digital / iOne Digital

Black women often navigate unique challenges when it comes to expressing their sexuality and claiming their pleasure, facing deeper levels of judgment compared to women of other races. Woo highlights how white women are frequently shielded from being labeled as promiscuous or judged for openly expressing their sexuality, while Black women are often subjected to harsher scrutiny and stereotypes. This disparity adds layers of complexity to how Black women experience and embrace their sexual autonomy.

“It’s just so sad that women have this shame when it comes to sex,” Young adds in the eye-opening episode.

That’s why for Johnson, education and representation are crucial when it comes to advocating for Black women. The star, who portrays the sexually liberated Tye Reynolds on the hit Amazon Prime Video series, Harlem, stressed the importance of depicting Black women engaging in consensual, pleasurable sex on screen. She notes that many Black women aren’t taught to prioritize their own pleasure throughout their sexual journeys. Johnson hopes to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive narrative around Black women’s sexuality.

This is a candid, unapologetic discussion that you won’t want to miss! Watch Season 5 Episode 1 of Listen To Black Women above.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Listen To Black Women’: EPISODE 9 ‘Daddy Issues’

The post Watch The Season 5 Premiere Of ‘Listen To Black Women’ Episode 1: ‘The Pleasure Principles’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

“He just checks all my boxes,” the beautiful model and mother gushed about her new man, who she reportedly met in Amsterdam and described as a European musician, according to the outlet.  

Cynthia Bailey attends the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Source: Monica Schipper / Getty

Bailey did not give details about her man’s name, age, or additional information about his background, but the star reassured the outlet that she was happy with her new romance. According to the former peach holder, her boyfriend has “been nothing but consistent …loving and kind” since the start of their relationship. 

Fans will get a glimpse of Bailey’s man in Season 16 of RHOA, set to return to Bravo in 2025. Although she departed from the series in 2021, Bailey will make a few guest appearances as a friend during the upcoming season.

“You do see some snippets of him,” Bailey revealed. “Like, we FaceTime a lot. And every time we would FaceTime, the cameras would be zooming in, so you might get a little sneak peek.”

Bailey and her younger beau are currently in a long-distance relationship, but they’re making it work. The 57-year-old shared with Us Weekly that she plans to visit him in Switzerland over the Christmas holiday to see him perform.

“He’s able to come and visit me a lot and now that it’s the holidays, I’m able to go to Europe,” she shared. “We kind of have a rule at this point. If it’s more than like a month, month and a half, he’ll come here.”

This isn’t the first time that the reality TV vet has spoken openly about her new romance.

In November, while attending the Bravo Fan Fest, Bailey told Us Weekly that she was “very much in love” with her new man.

“You know, dating is really not easy, especially at this point in my life,” she continued. “I am, you know, a little up there, [a] woman of a certain age, but I will say that I just said to God, send me my person. I didn’t give him a list or anything, and Amsterdam showed up, and it’s been almost eight months now, and I’m really happy.”

She also revealed how she met her boyfriend. The couple started talking to one another after attending an event in LA. 

“I wasn’t looking for a young guy. He found me,” the muse shared. “Well, we actually saw each other for the first time at an event in L.A. and we didn’t talk, but he did slide into my DMs a couple of days later, and it worked.” 

If you’re hoping to see the star’s boyfriend before Season 16 of RHOA airs, you may be out of luck. You won’t find Bailey’s new man on social media. “He doesn’t even watch the show. He has no idea what’s happening,” she added. 

Cynthia Bailey (L) and her second husband Peter Thomas attend the 2011 All White Affair at Generations Hall on July 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

Why Do Women Date Younger Men?

The dynamics of age-gap relationships, particularly with older women and younger men, have sparked a lot of curiosity and discussion. A 2023 study by Psychology Today observed around 200 heterosexual women in relationships, divided into three categories: those who were significantly older than their male partners (on average, 22 years older), those who were significantly younger (about 17 years younger on average), and those whose ages were close (with only a 3-year age difference). Surprisingly, the women who were 10 or more years older than their male partners reported the highest levels of satisfaction and commitment, outperforming both younger women in relationships with older men and those in couples of similar age.

This could be because the age gap shifts the power dynamics, potentially fostering a more equal partnership. Research consistently shows that relationships with more equality tend to be more fulfilling, and perhaps the older woman/younger man model supports this by creating a more balanced dynamic.

Additionally, there might be an element of power dynamics at play, as many men find themselves attracted to the idea of submitting to a dominant, confident older woman. For these men, the notion of an older woman as a leader or authority figure might be highly appealing.

The Role of Age and Longevity

One important factor influencing why older women may choose younger partners is longevity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy for women in the U.S. is around 80 years, compared to 73 years for men, based on 2022 data from the CDC and a 2023 report from Stat News. This age gap in life expectancy may encourage widows or divorcees to look for romantic relationships with younger men, continuing to defy traditional norms of age-based partnerships and helping normalize such relationships. With women statistically living longer, it makes sense that they might choose younger partners to align more closely with their long-term goals.

Mike Hill and Cynthia Bailey attend the 2021 Ebony Power 100 Presented By Verizon at The Beverly Hilton on October 23, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California. Source: Phillip Faraone / Getty

Sexual Satisfaction and Relationship Dynamics

A February 2024 IPSOS study further explored the dynamics of age-gap relationships. Among individuals who dated someone significantly older or younger, 69% of women and men rated their sexual satisfaction and enjoyment as “good to excellent.” However, there was a notable gender difference: 79% of men rated their sexual fulfillment highly, compared to only 57% of women.

Additionally, when considering relationships with a 10+ year age gap, many reported that the older partner often took on the financial responsibility for experiences like vacations, dinners, and dates. About 50% of people in such relationships said the older partner typically covered these expenses, whereas only 6% said the younger partner was the main financial contributor. In terms of intimacy, 59% of people with a 10+ year age gap said the older partner initiated sex or intimacy, compared to just 22% for the older partner and 19% for the younger.

Despite the challenges often associated with large age gaps, a majority of Americans see more benefits than drawbacks to dating or marrying someone significantly younger. For many, the perceived advantages include physical attractiveness (46%) and the energy or stamina associated with youth (39%). Interestingly, men are more likely than women to list physical attractiveness as a benefit (58% vs. 36%), suggesting that appearance plays a large role in why men pursue younger partners.

Men and Younger Women: Do These Relationships Work?

While women dating younger men is an emerging trend, it’s more common for men to date younger women, and this has been studied extensively. A 2020 large-scale study that analyzed mate preferences across 45 countries found that most men prioritize physical appearance in a partner, a preference that may have roots in evolutionary biology. In our primitive past, traits like youth, symmetrical features, and wide hips were seen as indicators of health and fertility—qualities associated with reproductive success.

However, when the age gap between partners exceeds 10 years, reported relationship satisfaction tends to dip. A comprehensive 2016 study review suggested that larger age differences in relationships may lead to diminishing returns when it comes to long-term satisfaction. While attraction based on physical appearance may initially fuel a relationship, the age gap can sometimes result in challenges in maintaining long-term happiness and stability.

Cynthia Bailey with ex-Leon Robinson at the New York premiere of ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. Source: Evan Agostini / Getty

Gabrielle Union and Keyshia Cole have dated and married younger men, too.

Cynthia Bailey isn’t the only star who has dated younger men. Keyshia Cole, the R&B singer known for her hits like “Love”, has had a few high-profile relationships with younger men. Notably, the 43-year-old singer dated and married former NBA player Daniel Gibson, 38. The pair jumped the broom in 2011, though they eventually separated in 2017 due to Gibson’s infidelity, according to People. They share a son together.

“That was a lot of the reason why I didn’t get a divorce through all the cheating,” Cole told People in a 2023 interview, noting how her son’s emotions caused her to delay her separation from Gibson. “Because it was like, I just want to do it for my kid, you know what I’m saying? Like, ‘Can he have two parents in the same home?'”

Keyshia Cole (L) and husband Daniel Gibson attend the 2012 Essence Music Festival at Louisiana Superdome on July 6, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

Despite the ups and downs, Cole has shown that age isn’t a barrier when it comes to finding love. Now, Cole appears to be happily dating rapper Hunxho who is reportedly 25 years old. Things seem to be serious between the two. The young hip-hop artist surprised Cole with a new car for her birthday in October and the singer reportedly has a tattoo of the rapper’s name on her chest. 

Gabrielle Union is another example. The 52-year-old actress has long advocated for healthy, thriving relationships, and her marriage to NBA star Dwyane Wade, 42, is a prime example of that. Instyle noted that the couple first met in 2007 at a Super Bowl party and tied the knot in 2014. Together, they have built a strong partnership both personally and professionally, working on several projects together over the years.

Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty

Union and Wade also share a blended family. They have a daughter, Kaavia James, born via surrogate in 2018, and both are actively involved in the lives of Wade’s children from previous relationships. Dwyane has three children from previous marriages—Zaire, Zaya, and Xavier—whom Gabrielle has embraced as her own. The family is known for its close bond and for being advocates of inclusivity and support for one another, especially in the case of Zaya Wade, Dwyane’s transgender daughter, whom Gabrielle has been vocal in her unwavering support for. Through their shared parenting journey, Gabrielle and Dwyane continue to be strong advocates for love, acceptance, and family unity.

RELATED CONTENT: Summer Walker And Lil Meech Unfollow Each Other On IG After Recent Romantic Rekindling

The post Cynthia Bailey Is ‘In Love’ With A Young Stud — Ladies Here’s Why Age-Gap Relationships Work appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: Deagreez / Getty

When it comes to selecting a gift for the intellectual Black man in your life, the goal is to choose something that resonates with his passions, values, and unique worldview. An intellectual Black man often places a high value on knowledge, history, culture, and self-growth. As such, a truly meaningful gift should go beyond being a simple gesture—it should serve as a tool for personal or intellectual development, something that enriches both his mind and his spirit.

In today’s world, where the pursuit of knowledge is deeply intertwined with social issues, cultural heritage, and historical awareness, the right gift can support and amplify his passions. Whether he’s a scholar, an artist, an activist, or simply someone who loves to learn, the best gifts for him will reflect his intellectual curiosity and cultural pride. Gifts for the intellectual Black man can range from books that delve into African American history and philosophy to artifacts that honor his heritage to tools and experiences that foster his personal growth.

A meaningful gift doesn’t just acknowledge his interests—it should also deepen his connection to the subjects and causes he cares about. For example, books that explore African American literature, social justice, or the history of the African diaspora can provide new insights and provoke thought-provoking discussions. Meanwhile, creative tools, such as a journal, a record player, or a personalized leather bag, allow him to express himself while staying grounded in his intellectual pursuits.

Whether he’s passionate about understanding the complexities of race, exploring the works of great philosophers, or learning about the diverse cultural contributions of Black communities, the gift should enhance his journey of self-discovery and lifelong learning. These gifts don’t just reflect his mind—they honor his identity and celebrate his heritage.

The following list of thoughtful gift ideas is designed to do just that. Each item has been carefully selected to inspire, educate, and empower, supporting the intellectual growth of the modern Black man. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion, these gifts are perfect for someone who values learning, culture, and personal growth. They offer a way to honor his intellect and his pursuit of knowledge while also celebrating his individuality and cultural pride.

So, let’s dive into ten meaningful gift ideas that will help him continue his journey of intellectual exploration and cultural enrichment while making him feel good and ready to tackle his next adventurous pursuit on his quest for enlightenment.

The post 10 Gifts For The Intellectual Black Man In Your Life — Even If He Has Everything appeared first on MadameNoire.

Prairie View A&M University’s Toni Morrison Writing Program hosted a public lecture for Nikki Giovanni. The lecture took place at The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, at 7 p.m. Giovanni read and reflected on her work as part of her appointment as writer-in-residence. Source: Nicholas Hunt/Office of Marketing and Communications/Prairie View A&M / Getty

World-renowned American poet, author, and educator Nikki Giovanni has died at the age of 81. According to AP, Giovanni died with her lifelong partner, Virginia (Ginney) Fowler, by her side, which was confirmed to AP by friend and author Renée Watson.

“We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and love with our dear cousin,” Allison (Pat) Ragan, Giovanni’s cousin, said in a statement on behalf of the family.

Giovanni was a one-of-a-kind writing talent who tackled everything from racism to love to life and death in her works. An author of more than 25 books, Giovanni was a natural-born writer and performer. Her poetry collections have sold thousands of copies, leading to invitations to some of the biggest television shows, including The Tonight Show.

Often known as the “Princess of Black Poetry,” Giovanni championed the Black Power Movement in her poems and paid tribute to legends like Nina Simone and Angela Davis. She also helped pave the way by editing an anthology of Black women poets called Night Comes Softly.

Amazingly enough, Nikki Giovanni never stopped writing. When she died, she was working on her last book of poetry, The Last Book, which is set to come out in 2025.

Below are some Nikki Giovanni poems that will lift your spirits while going through something. Poetry can speak to the soul, and Giovanni knew that.

Nikki Giovanni participates in the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival celebrating the bicentennial publication of poems in the Jacob L. Reddix Campus Union at Jackson State College on Novemver 7th, 1973. Source: Jackson State University / Getty

Balances

In life

one is always

balancing

like we juggle our mothers

against our fathers

or one teacher

against another

(only to balance our grade average)

3 grains of salt

to one ounce truth

our sweet black essence

or the funky honkies down the street

and lately i’ve begun wondering

if you’re trying to tell me something

we used to talk all night

and do things alone together

and i’ve begun

(as a reaction to a feeling)

to balance

the pleasure of loneliness

against the pain

of loving you

– Nikki Giovanni

The post 7 Nikki Giovanni Poems Every Black Woman Should Read appeared first on MadameNoire.

Beyoncé shed a few tears while talking about her 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy’s, upcoming role in the highly anticipated animated film Mufasa: The Lion King set to hit theaters on Dec. 20. 

In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America (GMA) released Dec. 10, the 32-time Grammy-award-winning-star said she was in disbelief that her firstborn child had the opportunity to voice the role of Kiara, the daughter of the iconic Queen Nala and King Simba.

“You are seeing Blue as Kiara and hearing her voice come out of that character,” Bey told the outlet before letting a few tears roll down her face. “Give me a second because I’m still just.. I can’t believe that’s my baby.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica)

The “Texas Hold’ Em” singer continued, “Y’all gotta give me a second. I have to digest that. I’m so proud of her.”

In the Barry-Jenkins-directed film, which will serve as the prequel to 2019’s The Lion King, Beyoncé will reprise her role as the classic character Queen Nala while Donald Glover will return to voice King Simba. Talking to GMA about the once-in-a-lifetime experience, Blue expressed her amazement at the big opportunity, saying she could hardly believe she was starring in the Disney sequel alongside her mother.

“If I told my younger self that I was in a movie, I’d like never believe myself,” the 12-year-old gushed.” It’s just a really amazing experience. And I feel like everybody that’s a part of this is so helpful and supportive.”

Blue thanked the film’s director, Barry Jenkins, for providing her invaluable advice and feedback throughout the filming process. 

“Barry is a really sweet person, and he tells me ways that I can improve in my lines,” the youngster continued.“And he’s very supportive of me and tells me in the nicest way possible…And I feel like this is just a great experience for me.”

For Blue, starring in Mufasa: The Lion King goes beyond entertainment. The little one said she was excited to be a role model for other Black and brown girls “around the world” who can finally “see themselves” in the iconic Disney film.

Proud mama Beyoncé echoed the sentiment. 

“She did such a beautiful job, and I can’t believe how natural she is. I’m just proud of you. I’m so proud of you, and I can’t believe how big and grown-up you are,” the star added. “I’m proud that she’s gonna represent so many young brown girls around the world.”

Aww, we love to see it, Blue and Bey!

RELATED CONTENT: 9-Year-Old Blue Ivy Carter Becomes Youngest Winner In VMAs History

The post ‘Proud’ Beyoncé Sheds Tears Over Daughter Blue Ivy’s ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Performance appeared first on MadameNoire.

Source: Dr. Crystal R. Sanders

In her groundbreaking new book, A Forgotten Migration: Black Southerners, Segregation Scholarships, and the Debt Owed to Public HBCUs, Dr. Crystal R. Sanders uncovers a little-known chapter of American history that continues to resonate today: the systemic underfunding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the complex legacy of “segregation scholarships.”

Inside the detailed historical analysis, Dr. Sanders, a North Carolina native and associate professor of African American Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, illuminates how southern states during the Jim Crow era used “segregation scholarships” to provide Black students with access to graduate education. Rather than integrating predominantly white institutions or expanding opportunities at HBCUs, many states chose to fund Black students’ educations at universities in the northern, midwestern or western states. While these scholarships enabled Black students to pursue advanced degrees and ultimately secure better careers and higher salaries, they also had a profound downside: They diverted critical financial resources away from the very institutions — public HBCUs— that could have been nurturing and advancing Black scholars.

“Sixteen states had segregation scholarship programs, and about nine of those states funded their segregation scholarship programs by taking money out of public Black colleges budgets,” Dr. Sanders explained to NewsOne of how segregation scholarships effectively drained crucial financial resources from Black colleges—an impact that continues to be felt today, as we see the ongoing financial challenges faced by HBCUs.

“When we see these segregation scholarships, this was an effort by Southern states to preserve segregation and to try to say that they were in compliance with the law.”

While HBCUs generate an impressive $16.5 billion annually in economic impact across the U.S., not a single one has a billion-dollar endowment. In fact, the combined endowments of all HBCUs total less than $5 billion, The Hill notes. 

“Today, we know that Tennessee State University, the only public Black college in the state of Tennessee, is in a financial crisis,” she continued. “The Tennessee segregation scholarship program started in 1936 and the scholarship program said, ‘We will pay for the segregation scholarships by taking money out of Tennessee state’s annual operating budget.’ And so, for 30 years, they are taking money out of Tennessee state’s budget to preserve segregation. The debt that the state of Tennessee really owes Tennessee State is probably closer somewhere between seven and $8 billion,” she emphasized. “We can clearly see that this long-term underfunding and robbing of these institutions has had a very negative effect on their ability to add additional programs and to matriculate students.”

A slow and painful process

The adverse impact of segregation scholarships began with the landmark 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws and established the “separate but equal” doctrine. Charles Hamilton Houston, the first general counsel of the NAACP, and his team set out to address the lack of graduate and professional education opportunities for Black students in the South. At the time, no graduate programs were available for Black students after completing their bachelor’s degrees, forcing many to look elsewhere for further education. To put things into perspective, before 1936, only seven institutions in the South offered graduate or professional studies to Black students: Howard University, Hampton University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta University, and Xavier University. However, the graduate offerings at these institutions were limited.

“Georgia had its segregation scholarship program until 1971”

In an attempt to appear compliant with the law, white lawmakers and lawyers enforced segregation scholarships to align with the “separate but equal” doctrine, but in practice, Black students were anything but equal under the system. They faced an arduous application process and were often awarded far less financial support than their white counterparts. For example, Texas allocated $1,500 per year for a white student attending the University of Texas School of Dentistry while the largest segregation scholarship available to a Black Texan was just $400. For medical students, the gap was even more pronounced: white students received $1,900 while Black students were limited to $500.

“When we see these segregation scholarships, this was an effort by Southern states to preserve segregation and to try to say that they were in compliance with the law. Time and again, the NAACP would have to go into court and say, this is not legal, this is not constitutional.”

Still, even after the 1938 Supreme Court ruling of Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada, which mandated that states provide equal access to legal education, opportunities for Black students remained severely limited. This was largely due to the failure of segregation scholarships to be enforced. While students of other ethnicities could pursue master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees at state-supported institutions in the South, Black students continued to face significant barriers, with many of these schools effectively closed to them due to entrenched racist policies. These systemic obstacles not only curtailed Black students’ academic and professional prospects but also contributed to the persistent financial struggles faced by HBCUs – and it lasted for over two decades.

“Georgia had its segregation scholarship program until 1971,” Dr. Sanders revealed.

The downside of out-of-state education and the resilience of Black students

For Black scholars seeking higher education, attending out-of-state institutions was often the only option. However, earning degrees far from home in the North or West also came with its own set of challenges. In A Forgotten Migration, Dr. Sanders explores the significant hurdles Black graduate students faced at northern and western universities—ranging from discrimination and racism to isolation—while the HBCUs they left behind remained underfunded and neglected by state governments.

“I really want to underscore the fact that Black colleges have changed the world.”

Despite this, Black students displayed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. One of the most powerful aspects of Dr. Sanders’ book is the strength of Black graduate students who, despite enduring significant discrimination at out-of-state institutions, chose to return to the South. They were determined to preserve the legacy of HBCUs and to support other Black students striving to pursue graduate and professional studies.

A key figure who emerged during this period was Fred Gray, the esteemed lawyer and civil rights activist. Gray fought tirelessly to protect these vital centers of Black intellectual and cultural life, having personally experienced the discriminatory limitations of segregation-era scholarships.

In the 1940s, Gray faced the harsh realities of segregation when he sought to attend law school in Montgomery, Alabama, after graduating from Alabama State College. At the time, the state had no law schools that admitted Black students, nor any post-baccalaureate programs for Black individuals. With the help of his family, Gray was able to raise enough money to attend Western Reserve University Law School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he studied from 1951 to 1954. Determined to make a difference, he vowed to return to Montgomery and “destroy everything segregated” by using his legal expertise.

On Jan. 28, 1963, Gray worked closely on Lee v. Macon County Board of Education, leading to a 1967 court order that integrated all of Alabama’s public higher education institutions not already under desegregation mandates. His future lawsuits also contributed to the desegregation of over 100 local school systems statewide.

Dr. Sanders was deeply moved by Gray’s journey, recognizing it as a powerful act of resistance and resilience against the forces that sought to marginalize Black institutions and students. By returning to Alabama, he made a bold statement about the central role these institutions played in the fight for racial equality and social justice.

“HBCUs have literally shaped the entire world.”

“One of the things that really stayed with me was the fact that he said, before he even left home, he had already made up his mind that he was coming back to Alabama,” said Sanders of Gray’s powerful story. “In the case of Fred Gray, not only does he come back, right, but he comes back and he makes a career out of suing the state of Alabama. I find that to be just so remarkable,” she shared. “He was able to have such a successful legal career. Remember, he’s learning the Ohio statutes in the daytime and the Alabama statutes at night. It shows us how segregation scholarships put him at a disadvantage. If he could have gone to the University of Alabama, he could have just learned Alabama law, but he’s having to do double work, right? And despite doing double work, he excelled.”

In addition to desegregating schools in Alabama, Gray went on to pass both the Ohio and Alabama bars, becoming one of the most influential attorneys of the 20th century. He would go on to represent figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the survivors of the Tuskegee syphilis experiment.

Source: Drew Angerer / Getty

Dr. Sanders’ work does not stop here.

Looking ahead toward the future, Dr. Sanders’ work doesn’t stop with A Forgotten Migration. She already has plans to write a book about the experiences of the first African students who attended Black colleges and the global impact they had. This research promises to add another layer to the story of HBCUs, highlighting the international reach of these institutions and their role in shaping the African diaspora.

“We often times talk about the fact that Black colleges have changed the United States, right? They’ve given us Kamala Harris, they’ve given us Thurgood Marshall, they’ve given us Martin Luther King. But I really want to underscore the fact that Black colleges have changed the world,” Sanders said of her forthcoming piece.

To highlight the influence of HBCUs and their global impact, Sanders pointed out that Lincoln University alum Thurgood Marshall’s major role in the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, was so significant that Kenya’s independence leaders asked him to draft their constitution.

“I think it’s just a reminder that HBCUs have literally shaped the entire world, and that’s a message that we need to be saying, from the rooftops, louder than ever now.”

As we approach another Trump presidency, Dr. Sanders is closely monitoring the incoming administration’s actions, particularly regarding its stance on funding for HBCUs. Notably, Howard University receives a federal appropriation of around $235 million annually from the Department of the Interior, Sanders revealed—an amount unmatched by any other HBCU. She will be watching to see whether the administration will continue to protect, or potentially restrict, financial support for these institutions.

“I am a little concerned about the real possibility that perhaps a Trump administration might decide to do away with that appropriation entirely or to make it so small that Howard is not able to do the meaningful work that it’s done for centuries,” the scholar expressed. “I think we all need to be keeping an eye on ensuring that this institution, which has done so much good for not just the nation, but the world, continues to be well-resourced,” Sanders added. “I’m hopeful that these public HBCUs and their alumni are going to go and demand more of their state legislatures.”

RELATED CONTENT: California Set To Receive First HBCU When Huston-Tillotson University Arrives

The post Dr. Crystal R. Sanders Uncovers The Legacy Of ‘Segregation Scholarships’ In New Book ‘A Forgotten Migration’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Shannon Smith-Conrad. Courtesy of Aysa Watkins/ Disney Global Public Relations

As a Black woman who has no shame in nurturing her inner child by engaging in all that the park, dubbed the greatest place on Earth, has to offer, Smith-Conrad is on a mission to spotlight all of the fun that a Christmas at Disney can entail for those looking to ditch the traditional time with loved ones at home.

“Originally coming from California, I have a totally different appreciation for the holiday season when it comes to traditions that my family and I did while growing up,” Smith-Conrad told Madamenoire. “A beautiful thing about Disney is, as a company, we embrace our cast members to share their true, authentic stories and their upbringing and bring those stories to life for our guests to experience.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Walt Disney World Ambassadors (@wdw.ambassador)

She added, “So to be in this space, especially as a Walt Disney ambassador, and highlight my upbringing and my own family traditions, like singing Christmas carols on Christmas morning or eating some delicious food on Christmas Eve, because listen, for me, the holidays are all about food and bringing people together. It’s a beautiful thing to be with this company that really does invite us to bring our authenticity into every single room that we enter, into every story that we tell, to really form that genuine connection with our guests.”

If you’re a Black woman looking for a Christmas Disney World getaway, look no further, because as the expert, Smith-Conrad gave us the rundown on how to have a holiday to remember courtesy of the park!

Ciara and NFL quarterback Russell Wilson celebrate their son Win’s fourth birthday with Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It was Win’s first visit to Magic Kingdom Park and the family spent the rest of his magical day enjoying iconic attractions including the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Source: Olga Thompson / Disney

First things first, she says downloading the My Disney Experience app is the absolute first order of business as this will be your one-stop shop for all park-related information, as well as your digital guide to conquering  Disney World like a pro.

“There’s so much to experience here for the holiday season at Walt Disney World,” she expressed. “We have truly transformed our parks and resorts with dazzling decorations, incredible live entertainment offerings from our resorts to our parks.”

Here’s the official Black woman’s guide, with nine difference experiences to make your Christmas at Disney World one for the books.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party @ Magic Kingdom

Source: Gerardo Mora / Getty

As one of the top favorite traditions among guests, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom park  is a special-ticketed holiday event held every November and December.

The experience has everything from holiday cookies to hot cocoa, cider, and Mickey and friends adorned in their most festive attire along with additional appearances from characters like Cinderella and Elsa.

The post The Official Black Woman’s Guide To An Unforgettable Disney World Holiday appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Dec. 9, Grammy Award-winning singer and philanthropist Usher welcomed Atlanta youth to his new state-of-the-art content studio and entertainment industry club, the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab. Designed for the city’s youth, the creative hub aims to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry, according to a press release.

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty – Usher Attends Ribbon Cutting For New Content Studio At Boys & Girls Clubs Of Metro Atlanta

Located at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club, the same place Usher attended as a child, the Spark Lab holds special significance for the music icon, as the Boys & Girls Club was a space that served as a source of inspiration and motivation for him, as reported by the Atlanta Voice.

“Returning to the Boys & Girls Clubs, where I discovered my passion, and launching this program in Atlanta is a full-circle moment for me,” said Usher, who launched the new content lab and studio under his nonprofit Usher’s New Look. “The Spark Lab and Entertainment Industry Club is about providing our youth with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to turn their dreams into reality. It’s an honor to help inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators through After School programs.” 

“We are invested in our future,” Usher added. “We’re invested in youth and I’m an example. I represent an amazing alumni.”

David Jernigan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, gushed about the new creative space in a statement, sharing that he was excited to see how program participants utilize the space to “gain hands on” experience to excel in fields like music production, filmmaking, and photography. 

“This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments, empowering them to find their spark and pursue their passions,” Jernigan added. 

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty – Usher Attends Ribbon Cutting For New Content Studio At Boys & Girls Clubs Of Metro Atlanta

Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony also marked the end of the “OMG” hitmaker’s 100-day Social Impact Tour, a tour in which the star traveled to 11 cities to inspire and motivate young people, encouraging them to follow their dreams and to find the fuel to take action with their career goals. Kicking off in August 2023, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the After School Alliance, Usher reached over 4,800 youth across major cities like Washington, D.C.; Detroit, Mich.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Oakland, Calif., Houston, Texas., Brooklyn, N.Y., and more, a press release noted.  

The Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab is just one of the many initiatives the 46-year-old musician has planned for Atlanta’s youth.

Usher is set to launch a new signature program through his nonprofit called the Entertainment Industry Club. Originally introduced by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in 2020, this transformative workforce development and entrepreneurship program will provide youth ages 14 to 24 with hands-on training, career exploration, and real-world experiences in high-demand industries.

Participants will also be paid $15 an hour while completing 120 hours of curriculum and training, all led by industry professionals. This program’s expansion into Atlanta, alongside the Spark Lab, will continue to inspire creativity and skill-building, offering youth the tools they need to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty – Usher Attends Ribbon Cutting For New Content Studio At Boys & Girls Clubs Of Metro Atlanta

The launch of the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab coincided with the 25th anniversary of Usher’s New Look, the nonprofit organization founded by the R&B legend in 1999 with the support of his mother, Jonetta Patton, according to the nonprofit’s website.

Since its inception, Usher’s New Look has served as a powerful catalyst for under-resourced youth worldwide, helping them discover their passions, graduate, and unlock their full potential. Through unique mentorship and leadership programs, the organization empowers teens to rise above their circumstances, explore their potential, and find their purpose. To date, Usher’s New Look has positively impacted the lives of more than 50,000 young people, creating a global network of future leaders.

RELATED CONTENT: Usher Drops Music Video For His Afrobeats Banger ‘Ruin’

The post Usher Unveils Entertainment Industry Club At Boys & Girls Club Atlanta: ‘We’re Investing In Youth & I’m An Example’ appeared first on MadameNoire.