Recently, Daily Show host Trevor Noah expressed his admiration for black women and their undying strength, especially during tough times. In response to the recent Women’s Marches that took place worldwide, Noah says that leadership is a prominent characteristic of black women.
Source: Brad Barket / Getty
The Huffington Post reports that Trevor Noah explained that during his South African upbringing he was surrounded by black women activists who wouldn’t hesitate to get their hands dirty and get involved in various serious issues.
In a behind-the-scenes clip from his Comedy Central show, he told the live studio audience, “Because so many of the struggle leaders in South Africa were either imprisoned or exiled, the movement in South Africa was held together in large part by women in the country,” Noah said.
He further stressed his point about black women being leaders when he continued with, “I grew up in a world that was very matriarchal and where women were the most dangerous freedom fighters that existed. Nelson Mandela was an icon, but the police in the country were afraid of Winnie Mandela.”
Noah’s comments come at a time when some black women were questioning his loyalty and appreciation after he appeared to be developing a friendship with Alt-Right talking head Tomi Lahren, who was a guest on his show late last year.
Little Rudy Huxtable is all grown up! That’s right, The Cosby Show actress Keshia Knight-Pulliam has given birth to a baby girl and is now officially part of the Mommy Club. Keshia even gave her new daughter a name that is truly befitting of a princess.
As reported by E! News, Keshia Knight-Pulliam gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Ella Grace. Despite having a very tumultuous pregnancy, due to the breakdown and ultimate end of her marriage to former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Ed Hartwell last year, Keshia continued to soldier on and shared her pregnancy journey on social media for her fans to follow.
After initially announcing her pregnancy in July 2016, Ed Hartwell filed for divorce only a few days later. What followed was a nasty bout of the former NFL player bashing her and demanding a DNA test. Nevertheless, all of that drama appears to be over now and Keshia has a healthy baby girl that will no doubt take up most of her time and attention.
She posted the first pic of baby Ella Grace on Instagram that shows her holding the newborn. You can check out the picture BELOW:
The anticipation for BET’s epic 3-night New Edition biopic has reached a fever pitch and luckily the wait is almost over! Before it airs tomorrow night and you tune out everyone and everything to give the R&B group’s saga your full attention, we wanted to know what is your absolute favorite New Edition song of all-time? Is it early New Edition (e.g. “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,”) New Jack Swing New Edition (“Can You Stand The Rain,” “If It Isn’t Love”) or Late New Edition (“Hit Me Off,” “Hot 2Nite?”) Take our poll below and be sure to check back for the results. Have fun!
It seems that we are seeing a resurgence of the musical biopic. Films like Straight Outta Compton, the Miche’le biopic on Lifetime and the upcoming 3-part New Edition biopic on BET are just some examples proving that movies about musical figures, specifically black musical figures, are successful and in-demand these days. One of the most-anticipated and long-awaited is the biopic on the iconic hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur, which is finally set to hit the big screen.
After a number of false starts involving director, script and casting changes, All Eyez on Me, the biopic about the life and untimely death of Tupac Shakur, was finally finished last year and will release this June. However, it’s not just any release date, as Variety is reporting that the film will hit theaters on June 16, 2017, which would have been the slain rapper’s 46th birthday.
With anticipation for the film being so high coupled with his birthday as a release date, All Eyez on Me already has the potential to be a bonafide summer hit. When the trailer for the film dropped last fall many fans were vocal about what they saw and the consensus was overall positive.
In case you forgot, here are the details surrounding the plot, cast and director of All Eyez on Me, per Variety:
“All Eyez on Me” stars Demetrius Shipp, Jr., in his first movie role. The cast of the Morgan Creek movie, filmed last year in Atlanta, includes Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, Annie Ilonzeh, Dominic L. Santana, Jamal Woolard, Keith Robinson, and Cory Hardrict.
It chronicles the life and legacy of the late Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip-hop artist and actor, his imprisonment, and his time at Death Row Records.
“All Eyez on Me” is directed by Benny Boom from a script by Ed Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft. The film’s title is taken from Shakur’s fourth studio album, which was released in early 1996 and sold 10 million of the 75 million in total sales of Shakur’s albums.
Taraji P. Henson is riding on a wave of success and it just continues to get better. After her scene-stealing turn on the FOX hit series Empire, now in its third season, winning a Golden Globe last year for her role as Cookie Lyon on the show and starring in the current number one film in the country Hidden Figures, she has a lot to be happy about these days. The latest bit of news surrounding Henson involves a role that takes her out of her comfort zone and turns her into an official badass.
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty
As first reported by Variety, Taraji P. Henson has been announced as the star of the in-development film Proud Mary. The action-thriller sees Henson taking on the role of a no-holds-barred hit woman, which is a noticeable departure from any of her previous roles in film and television.
The general synopsis of Proud Mary is described as “a hit woman whose life is upturned when she meets a young boy who awakens the maternal instinct she never knew she had.” The film is still in the stages of securing a director, but Screen Gems (the studio behind the film) is hopeful that production will start sometime in April.
In the meantime, it was recently announced at the TCA panel that Taraji’s show Empire was just renewed for a fourth season by FOX. The second half of Empire season 3 will return to FOX on Wednesday, March, 22 at 9pm EST.
Celebrities struggle with weight loss issues just like us regular folks and arguably no celebrity has struggled as much or been as open about it as Oprah Winfrey. Throughout the course of her 30+ year career Oprah has seen her weight fluctuate quite often, but regardless of how big or small she was, she always shared her journey with her fans. Now, the Queen of All Media is looking better than ever and she is showing off her newly svelte figure on the cover of PEOPLE magazine.
After many years of openly battling her weight, Oprah Winfrey proclaims in the latest issue of PEOPLEmagazine that she is “finally at peace with food.” Losing 42 pounds has given Winfrey a new, positive outlook on life, as well as a new relationship with food. She also gives a bulk of the credit of her weight loss to Weight Watchers, which she bought 10 % of back in 2015.
“This has been the easiest process that I’ve ever experienced. At no time during meals do I deprive myself,” says Winfrey, who’s down to a size 12. She opens up even further, telling PEOPLE exclusively that she felt constant shame and ridicule about her weight being in the public eye and how Weight Watchers has allowed her to make better food choices without giving up foods that she loves.
With the support of BFF Gayle King (who is also on the Weight Watchers program) and long-time boyfriend Stedman Graham, Winfrey reveals that she feels better than she has in years. There is also an upcoming cookbook on the horizon that fans can look forward to, which will likely feature her favorite meals with a healthy twist.
You can check out the latest issue of PEOPLE when it hits newsstands this Friday.
The fallout from Kim Burrell’s homophobic rant continues and it’s not pretty. In case you need a refresher, a video of gospel singer Kim Burrell spewing very harsh and negative comments about the gay community went viral and the backlash was severe and immediate. Several celebrities such as Janelle Monae and Yolanda Adams denounced Burrell’s remarks and Pharrell Williams, who was supposed to perform his duet with Burrell from the Hidden Figures soundtrack this week, spoke out against her homophobic comments.
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Williams and Burrell were both supposed to appear on Ellen to perform their song together, but when the talk show host got wind of the comments, she informed the public that Burrell would no longer be a guest. Now another professional engagement for Burrell has been cancelled, as the Huffington Post is reporting that her radio show distributed through Texas Southern University is a thing of the past.
Via Huffington Post:
Gospel singer Kim Burrell felt the full consequence of homophobia this week when her radio program was cancelled following an anti-gay rant.
Texas Southern University announced Wednesday evening that Burrell’s radio show “Bridging The Gap” would no longer broadcast on the KTSU airwaves, the station that carried the program. The show first began airing through KTSU seven months ago.
“The Kim Burrell show is no longer airing as part of KTSU Radio programming,” a representative of KTSU confirmed to The Huffington Post.
It appears that Kim Burrell’s comments have produced a snowball effect, with the possibility of more artists, companies and brands voicing their displeasure with her comments and maybe even refusing to work with her. The situation is developing, but so far things don’t look too good.
Throughout the last year, hip-hop couple T.I. and wife Tiny have been plagued with rumors of cheating, breakups and having an open marriage. And while they both were always quick to shoot down any talk of trouble within their marriage, it appears that things were definitely not in a happy place. Sadly, it’s being reported that Tiny has officially filed for divorce from her husband T.I. after six years of marriage.
TMZ was the first to report the news, having obtained the official court documents of Tiny’s filing. Apparently, Tiny filed earlier this month, however no specific date has been released at press time.
The couple had been going through a difficult time recently, stemming from Tiny taking a picture at Mariah Carey’s Halloween party with Floyd Mayweather, whom T.I. has had beef with in the past. Both T.I. and Tiny voiced their opinions on the photo on social media and all was thought to be fine, but we now know that it was not.
This story is developing, so expect more information to come out about the split in the coming days.
In a word, 2016 can probably be best described as tumultuous. The endless celebrity deaths, social unrest and injustice and the presidential election, have made this a year that many would like to soon forget. However if there was one bright spot this year, it was courtesy of the overabundance of melanin that dominated our TV screens.
Black people absolutely put their stamp on television in 2016, from comedies and dramas to action and musicals. We were everywhere this year with a variety of representations that highlighted the black experience. So to commemorate just how lit the year in TV was for “us,” check out this list of the best TV shows that made their debut in 2016!
1. Atlanta (FX): Created, written and starring the wonderfully funny Donald Glover (or Childish Gambino if you prefer), this series is simultaneously funny, poignant and socially conscious. Glover (starring as slacker Earn Marks) helms the project from his experiences growing up in Atlanta, making everything feel personal and realistic. The subtle nuances of Atlanta — such as the timing of a joke, the look one character gives another or the deadpan responses to a situation — are just a few of the instances why sharp and clever writing is important to the show’s success.
Glover operates the show with a bravery not often seen on TV where black people are the focus, especially as it relates to the social commentary often weaved into the storylines. Atlanta was promptly renewed for season 2 amid critical and ratings success and ended the year with a handful of Golden Globe and NAACP Image Award nominations.
2. Insecure (HBO): For those who know that a lot of the best talent lives on the Internet, Issa Rae isn’t some overnight success story. Her die-hard fans (myself included) fell in love with her five years ago when she blessed us with the wonderful Awkward Black Girl, the hit YouTube series that acts as the basis for her current runaway hit Insecure on HBO. If you want a show that tackles the struggles of millennials, bonds between girlfriends, frankness about sex, relationship role reversal and absolutely hilarious writing, then Insecure is definitely the show for you. Aside from the #BlackGirlMagic on display in front of and behind the camera (Rae is the star, creator and executive producer), it’s one of the best shows of the year — and certainly one of the funniest. This explains the Golden Globe and NAACP Image Award nominations it received, along with a second season renewal.
3. Queen Sugar (OWN): From creator and executive producer Ava DuVernay, Queen Sugar was one of the most anticipated new shows of the year and it definitely did not disappoint when it finally hit television screens to collective praise. Once you get past just how beautiful the show looks in terms of cinematography, you begin to appreciate that the dynamics of the Bordelon family at the show’s core are relatable to many. Queen Sugar does an excellent job of showcasing the various layers that make up a family unit. The performances all-around are top-notch and inspiring, the entire cast gives it their all and you see just how committed they are to their performances all throughout the season. Certain scenes are extremely powerful without a word even being said, while others are full of dialogue that you can’t help but remember. While the Golden Globes may have been asleep this year in terms of not nominating the show, it still managed to garner some of the highest ratings in the history of OWN network and a guaranteed second season.
4. The Get Down (Netflix): The Get Down has the distinction of being the most expensive Netflix original series ever (a whopping $10 million per episode) and once you get a glimpse of the first episode you can certainly see why. Created by Baz Luhrmann and executive-produced by hip hop legend Nas, this musical drama series traces the origins of the hip-hop scene in South Bronx in 1977. The cast is made up of mostly talented newcomers, including a remarkable Justice Smith and Shameik Moore, while Jaden Smith turns in a memorable performance as the artistic, free-spirit Dizee. The first season of The Get Down is divided into two parts, the first section was released in August 2016 and the second half is set for spring 2017. The music, set design, cinematography, costumes and (most importantly) the acting is some of the best that a Netflix series has produced thus far. Here’s hoping that the ballooning production costs don’t hinder the show from having a second season.
5. Greenleaf (OWN): If you live for a juicy melodrama about a rich and powerful family steeped in the church, you couldn’t ask for a better TV representation than Greenleaf. Executive-produced by Oprah Winfrey and bringing her back to television for the first time in almost 20 years as an actress, the show is also created by Craig Wright and centers on the powerful Greenleaf family and their mega-church empire. The secrets and skeletons spill out in abundance almost every episode and it’s more than enough to keep viewers salivating for more. Lies, murder, extortion, sexual assault, cheating and closeted homosexuality are just a handful of the issues that Greenleaf tackled in its first season. Season two has already been announced largely due to the massive ratings the show received, so expect to see more of Lynn Whitfield and the rest of the Greenleafs in 2017.
6. Underground (WGN): When it was initially announced that there would be a series centered on slaves navigating the Underground Railroad, many were hesitant to embrace a show that featured black people as slaves…again. However, all that changed after the first episode of WGN’s Underground Instead of the somber, downtrodden image of slavery that audiences are used to seeing onscreen, this show gives the slavery subject matter humor, adventure, bravery and heart. Jurnee Smollett-Bell is a force to be reckoned with in her role as Rosalee, a member of the Macon 7. Since John Legend acts as an executive producer, the modern music selection of the series may throw some people off at first, but ends up making sense and gives the show its own identity. The second season is currently filming and is set to debut in March of 2017.
7. Luke Cage (Netflix): It’s no secret that when it comes to superheroes, black people are definitely under-represented. This is exactly why Netflix’s Luke Cage was met with such enthusiasm, it didn’t hurt that the show was also one of the best TV shows of the year. Based on the Marvel Comics character, Luke Cage is about an ex-con who discovers he has super powers and uses them to fight crime. The amount of melanin on display in this show is simply fantastic, including Mike Colter in the title role and also Alfre Woodard, Rosario Dawson and Mahershala Ali. Audiences quickly praised the acting, writing, setting and music in the show and it was given the green light for a second season in December 2016. For everyone who had visions of the perfect black superhero, Luke Cage delivered in every way.
8. Saints & Sinners (Bounce TV): Debuting at the beginning of 2016, Bounce TV’s Saints & Sinners was the first show this year about a wealthy and powerful black family set inside a mega-church, with Greenleaf following months later. While both shows offer up basically the same plot, setting and themes, only one had the ultimate promo machine of Oprah Winfrey behind it. However that is why Saints & Sinners should be applauded, the show had massive ratings despite being on a much smaller network with a lot less promotion. Not only was it the highest rated show in the history of Bounce TV, it also features a very talented cast that includes Vanessa Bell Calloway,Clifton Powell,Christian Keyes and Keith Robinson. The show was quickly renewed for a second season, which is currently filming and set for an early 2017 release date.
9. Chewing Gum (Netflix): This charming British import was the underdog of 2016 TV season. Originally airing on British television in fall 2015, Netflix bought the rights to air the comedy series on its streaming platform in fall 2016 to rave reviews. Created, written and starring Michaela Coel, Chewing Gum is irreverent, bold, vulgar and ridiculously funny. Coel is an absolute delight as sheltered 24-year-old virgin Tracey Gordon, who is determined to lose her virginity at any cost and shed her deeply religious upbringing in the process. Chewing Gum was such a hit overseas that it garnered a 2016 BAFTA Award nomination for Best Scripted Comedy. It has already been renewed for season two in the UK’s E4 network and it will likely air on Netflix here in the States sometime after.
What was your favorite new show of 2016? Let us know!
It has only been a week since the world lost beloved TV icon Alan Thicke to an unexpected heart attack. Friends, family and fans alike were shocked and saddened by his untimely passing, as tributes to the actor have poured in from those who worked with him and knew him well. One person who had a very close relationship with Thicke was his former daughter-in-law Paula Patton, who shared a very moving and heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram.
Paula Patton and Alan Thicke’s son, singer Robin Thicke, were married for almost nine years and together as a couple for over 20 years, so it’s safe to say that she developed a very strong bond with the Growing Pains star throughout the years, meeting him when she was just a teenager.
Alan Thicke’s funeral service was held earlier this week and featured a host of A-list celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, the cast of Growing Pains, Bill Maher and Kris Jenner. Like Robin Thicke, who posted his words of admiration for his father following his death, Paula also took to Instagram to share what he meant to her and more. She is also the mother of Alan Thicke’s grandson Julian, who she shares custody of with Robin Thicke.
On any given day, there are many sad stories about young black men receiving prison sentences that they didn’t deserve and the horrifying conditions of the prisons where they are relegated to serve out their sentences. The saddest instance of this issue in recent memory, centers on the case of Bronx, New York teenager Kalief Browder.
Although an extremely painful and sad case, hopefully the upcoming documentary series on what happened to then-16-year-old Kalief Browder, who was accused of stealing a simple backpack, will shed much-needed light on the prison system, prison conditions and solitary confinement. Hip-hop superstar Jay-Z is producing the 6-part documentary TV series about Browder that is set to premiere on the Spike TV network. Industry insider Shadow and Act has further details about the documentary series that is sure to evoke tons of emotion with viewers.
Via Shadow and Act:
Jay Z set to produce the docu-series titled “TIME: The Kalief Browder Story,” which will center on the story of Kalief Browder. At only 16-years-old, Browder was arrested in 2010 for second-degree robbery and imprisoned for three years with no conviction – two of which he spent in solitary confinement. His family could not afford the $3,000 bail.
During his imprisonment, Browder maintained his innocence and refused a plea deal. Eventually, he was released in 2013 after his case was dismissed due to so many trial postponements, and his accuser left the country. In January 2015, President Barack Obama wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post urging there be an end to what he called an “overuse” of solitary confinement as prison punishment, which was influenced by the conditions in which Browder lived while at Rikers. Six months later, Browder hanged himself.
[While discussing the documentary] Jay-Z said, “Kalief Browder is a modern-day prophet; his story a failure of the judicial process. His tragedy has brought atrocities to light and now we must confront the issues and events that occurred so other young men can have a chance at justice.”
After making its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2017, TIME: The Kalief Browder Story, will make its television debut on Spike TV on March 1st at 10pm EST. You can check out the just-released trailer for the documentary BELOW:
All good things must come to an end and that also pertains to the viral challenges that spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Leading up to Thanksgiving, the hottest Internet challenge was the #UNameItChallenge that featured the music and sermon of Shirley Caesar. Everyone who participated had fun with it and even Caesar herself said that she was flattered that she had been turned into a viral sensation. Well apparently feelings change because she has just filed a lawsuit to stop the challenge in its tracks once and for all.
If you’re a fan of the #UNameItChallenge you better watch your favorite videos as much as you can because Shirley Caesar has just filed a lawsuit that could erase the original source of the challenge forever. In a motion that demands that her name stop being violated without her consent or proper licensing, Shirley Caesar’s lawsuit officially puts an end to the #UNameItChallenge. The Grio has further details regarding the lawsuit, including who Caesar is suing specifically.
Via The Grio:
Shirley Caesar is suing DJ Suede in the wake of the #UNameItChallenge. Caesar claims that one of Suede’s videos is “violat[ing] the brand, image and name of a Christian pastor” because of its images of alcohol and other images used. Caesar’s lead attorney, James Walker, claims that Judge Glenda Hatchett agrees with Caesar’s claims that the song has cost her up to $5 million and that it jeopardized a deal that she was going into with Snoop Dogg, with the proceeds from such a project going to help the hungry.
“DJ Suede and his management were in conversations with her lawyer. They didn’t reach an agreement and they put it out anyway,” Hatchett said. While initially, the remix video was a hit with Caesar, the second video made by Suede had been put out without their knowledge, Walker claimed. “Unknown to us, he made the second video,” Walker said.
The injunction had been filed against DJ Suede, Jullian Boothe and Empire Distribution as Caeser tries to stop the video, which is being sold on iTunes. On the other hand, the video Snoop posted at the height of the craze was clean and had no lewd elements, and Caesar appreciated that version.
Well it was fun while it lasted. Many times artists have no knowledge of their work or likeness being used in viral memes or videos, so when you create one you have to be prepared that a warning and/or lawsuit could follow if the artist doesn’t agree with how their art or likeness is portrayed.
Vanessa Williams is no stranger to gracing magazines covers with her stunning beauty, after all she has been in the business for over 30 years and still looks as beautiful as she did when she won Miss America back in 1983. However her latest magazine cover courtesy of Essence magazine is likely a little bit more special because she is featured alongside her daughter Jillian Hervey or as fans may know her, one-half of the duo Lion Babe.
After tearing up the stage with her elegant performance at VH1’s recent Divas Holiday special, Vanessa Williams is gearing up for a brand new series also on VH1 titled Daytime Divas, which centers on a daytime talk show and all of the behind-the-scenes drama that comes with it. To promote the show and showcase some mother-daughter love, Williams and Hervey grace the cover with a trio of poses, one together and two separately. In the accompanying Essenceinterview, Williams talks about what fans can expect next from her and more.
Via Essence:
Vanessa Williams and her daughter, ‘Lion Babe’ vocalist Jillian Hervey inspire New Year hair goals on January 2017 issue. Singer-actress Vanessa Williams jumps from stage to screen with such ease, it’s no surprise that her second oldest daughter, Jillian Hervey, followed in her stiletto footsteps. The flawless mother and daughter talk about their journey in and out of the spotlight in ESSENCE’s January 2017 issue, kicking off New Year hair and beauty goals along the way.
ESSENCE sat with Williams on her Atlanta set, where she served up plenty of insta-wisdom.
On surviving a setback: “You have to go through the fire. Avoiding the pain is why most people never resolve it. You have to dig deep, sit in it and ugly-cry. Pretending it’s not there and keeping busy are a way of avoiding it.”
On finding love again: “[Marrying Jim Skrip] it was one of those easy, easy things. It was fantastic.” But being a nurturing mother has been one of Williams’ top priorities too.
You can check out Vanessa Williams on Daytime Divas when it premieres next spring and Jillian Hervey is currently touring to promote Lion Babe’s latest album.
With her recently announced return to the show that made her famous, Basketball Wives and a guest-hosting stint on daytime talk show The Real, Evelyn Lozada is making her return to the spotlight in a pretty big way. On day three of her guest co-host spot on The Real, Lozada opened up about her relationship with Chad Johnson, which as you may recall ended due to domestic violence.
While discussing her former relationship with ex-football star Chad “Ochcinco” Johnson, Evelyn Lozada got very candid and emotional about the lasting effects of domestic abuse she endured while with Johnson. The conversation was already a very sensitive topic, and understandably so, but it was so emotional for the reality star that she began to tear up as she delved deeper in the discussion of domestic violence. Love B. Scott has further details about Lozada’s emotional remarks.
Via Love B. Scott:
Evelyn Lozada is continuing her guest co-hosting duties on ‘The Real’ and has a message to everyone telling her to ‘get over’ her domestic abuse.
While tearfully discussing domestic violence with the co-hosts, Evelyn tells the audience, “Please don’t tweet me telling me, ‘This happened FOUR years ago — get over it!’ It’s something that stays with you forever, okay?”
Evelyn also had some words for women who are going through domestic abuse issues of their own. “If it happens once we know it’s gonna happen again,” says Ev.
You can watch Evelyn’s tearful admission about how her domestic violence past has continued to stick with her despite the time that has passed in the clip BELOW:
We here at HB continue to wish Evelyn and her family the best and are grateful that she was able to come out of her experience a stronger and wiser person.
