Category: African-American

Essence Magazine:

Actress Samantha Ware said she called out her Glee co-star Lea Michele earlier this month to highlight abuses of power in Hollywood, pointing out that while the visibility of Black actors is slowly increasing their voices are still stifled on sets. 

“You can put color in the room, but if you don’t let them talk or speak or share their side, we’re not getting anywhere,” the actress, who’s known for her roles in Glee, What/If and God Friended Me, told Variety. “There are such imbalances of power and structures that have been fully embedded for years that just need to crumble at this point. Everyone needs to feel heard and be validated.”

Ware made headlines last week when she replied to Michele’s tweet that read, “George Floyd did not deserve this. This was not an isolated incident and it must end. #BlackLivesMatter.”

In response, Ware wrote in all caps in part: “Remember when you made my first television gig a living hell?!?! Cause I’ll never forget. I believe you told everything that if you had the opportunity you would ‘shit in my wig!’ amongst other traumatic microaggressions that made me question a career in Hollywood.”

LMAO REMEMBER WHEN YOU MADE MY FIRST TELEVISON GIG A LIVING HELL?!?! CAUSE ILL NEVER FORGET. I BELIEVE YOU TOLD EVERYONE THAT IF TOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY YOU WOULD “SHIT IN MY WIG!” AMONGST OTHER TRAUMATIC MICROAGRESSIONS THAT MADE ME QUESTION A CAREER IN HOLLYWOOD… https://t.co/RkcaMBmtDA

— SAMEYAAAAAA (@Sammie_Ware) June 2, 2020

Despite saying she doesn’t remember any of the specific incidents Ware mentioned, Michele apologized in an Instagram statement for her aggressive behavior towards the Black starlet.

“When I tweeted the other day, it was meant to be a show of support for our friends and neighbors and communities of color during this really difficult time,” Michele said in part. “But the responses I received to what I posted have made me also focus specifically on how my own behavior towards fellow cast members was perceived by them.”

“Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult, I apologize for my behavior and for any pain which I have caused,” she added. 

Glee co-star Amber Riley recently revealed that she and Michele didn’t speak for two years prior to Ware’s tweet going viral. Still, she refuses to label Michele a racist.

“I am not going to say that Lea Michele’s racist. That’s not what I’m saying. That was the assumption because of what’s going on right now in the world and it happened toward a Black person. I’m not going to say that she’s racist,” said Riley during an interview on Real Quick with Danielle Young.

Regardless, Michele has had to face consequences for her past actions against Ware and other cast members who spoke out. She lost an endorsement deal with HelloFresh.

“It shouldn’t have to take my tweet. When you tweet, ‘Black lives matter,” that would mean you have an understanding of what that hashtag means, but it’s clear that it doesn’t,” Ware said. “Does Lea even know what a microaggression is? I don’t know. All that her apology did was affirm that she hasn’t learned anything. Am I calling Lea a racist? No. Does Lea have racist tendencies? I think Lea suffers from a symptom of living in this world in an industry that is tailored to White people.”

The post Samantha Ware Explains Why She Called Out Lea Michele Over Black Lives Matter Tweet appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

LISTEN to Richelle Parham’s segment after Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche’s episode of ESSENCE Podcast Network’s Unbossed Podcast here:

What do you do when you’ve successfully built your legacy in one arena? Do you stay put, reveling in your success? Or do you walk away to realize (or conjure up) a new dream?

Richelle Parham, Managing Director of WestRiver Group—a venture capital firm—is well-known for her extensive experience and legacy as a marketing guru. In high school, while others her age were trying to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives, Parham knew marketing was her future.

“I always wanted to be a marketer. In high school, I knew that what I saw on TV and what I saw in magazines, I knew that that’s what I wanted to do. At the time I didn’t quite know that was marketing, but I knew that’s what I wanted,” Parham told UnBossed host, Marquita Harris.

Parham strategically strung together a legacy in marketing spanning over 15 years with her last post being Chief Marketing Officer at eBay. When she left eBay in 2015, she knew there was something deeper for her to do; she wanted to be of service to companies and CEOs. And Parham says her influential career and desire to be of service is due, in large part to the people who’ve advocated for her.

“Mentors speak with you, sponsors speak about you. And for the majority of my career, I had sponsors. I had people who advocated for me, who saw my work, saw my work ethic and helped me to move forward in my career. And I was blessed with that because often women don’t have sponsors.”

Parham, who is now also the Executive Chairman of SHYN, a Black-owned direct-to-consumer oral care company, recalls a conversation that left a lasting impression on how she wanted to show up in her career and life. A conversation that deepened her understanding of what it means to build a proud legacy.

“When I got to eBay… my first week I was talking to other executives. And in one of these meetings one of the executives, a woman, sat down in front of me, looked me in my face and she said, “So our last CMO was here for seven weeks. How long are you going to be here?” And I realized that’s that CMO’s legacy. Their legacy is seven weeks. And from that moment on, I realized the importance of building your legacy every day.”

Her advice for those experiencing major changes in their career? You don’t have to have all the answers.

“Frankly, a lot of my rise came later. And I had to be brave enough to step out there and be willing to take a new step in my career and it’s paid off. It’s scary, absolutely, but it usually works out. You just have to figure out what’s the right way. And often what I tell people is you don’t have to know the path. You just have to have an idea of where you’re trying to get to.”

Listen to Richelle Parham’s UnBosssed Podcast “Bonus Boss” Segment right after The Budgetnista on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

The post Richelle Parham On How To Build A Legacy In Business appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

Social media dragged Terrence J by his well-manicured beard after an Instagram Live “argument” about nepotism with Marlon Wayans went viral. It turns out, the clip was a parody called “What Haters” would say written by Wayans

“Take Shawn’s nipple out of your mouth. Get off Keenen Ivory Wayans’ lap for just two seconds,” Terrence yelled into camera. “Bro some of us have to make it on our own, that’s all I’m saying. Some of us have to make it on our own. We can’t have our family fucking lift us up all the time. Bro, some of us gotta make it on our own! Self-made millionaire, bro. It’s called A&T! North Carolina A&T!”

Terrence J sound stupid and like a hater . A solid family BUILDS TOGETHER Keenen Wayans did exactly he was pose to do for the culture and his family and his family STOOD ON THEIR OWN TALENT period.Shit wasnt handed to any of them they put in work ! Terrence and his barking wack pic.twitter.com/1ldNmdr4bL

— Devil Dick Connoisseur (@__GeorgiePorgie) June 11, 2020

Wayans remained cool the entire time and refused to let the former 106 & Park host disrespect his “tribe,” saying: “We taught other muthafuckas how to do it.” 

Still, Terrence had appeared to spiral out of control, especially when he began barking (because he’s a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity) and pulled an unsuspecting grey dog onscreen. 

Stans of the famous family proceeded to erase Terrence from existence, until the Wayans drove to his “best friend’s” house (despite having a swollen mouth due to oral surgery) to clear the air. 

The Sextuplets star appreciated how hard people rode for his clan. “I feel like I got my roses today. People, y’all love me and I love y’all too.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Jun 11, 2020 at 1:35pm PDT

What fans didn’t know was that Wayans and Terrence’s bond, which spans more than a decade, includes vacationing and protesting together. And their relationship is strong enough to handle a lil’ faux verbal combat.

“I don’t know what the brothers are gonna do to you,” Wayans joked, holding a bag of ice to his mouth. “Them niggas are gonna jump you. Keenen wears a size 13, 14, so when he gets you, when he stomps you, that shit is gonna hurt.”

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When bad jokes go bad… damn @terrencej had a terrible morning

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Jun 11, 2020 at 12:21pm PDT

“Love all day to the Wayans, especially Marlon who’s the funniest. You like that?” Terrence said in his “apology video.” Then, the NC A&T alum revealed the youngest Wayans brother holding a shotgun and pretending to be upset with him.

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A sincere apology from @terrencej

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Jun 11, 2020 at 2:58pm PDT

We’re glad it’s all love between these two friends.

The post Marlon Wayans Said ‘I Got My Roses Today’ After Twitter Threatened to Cancel Terrence J appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

Black women have a unique set of hair care needs that aren’t easily understood—which is why the companies who create products specially formulated for our kinky, curly and coily tresses hold a special place in our hearts.

At the helm of these beloved brands are Black business owners who’ve made it their mission from the beginning to address the gaps in effective hair care options for people of color.

They’ve made it their mission to create safe products that work on our varied hair textures while simultaneously generating millions of dollars for the Black community—both equally critical tasks most industry giants fail to accomplish.

In the wake of the recent nationwide call for increased long-term support of Black-owned businesses, there’s no better time than now to recognize the men and women behind these brands created for us and by us.

Here are 40 of the founders behind our favorite Black-owned hair care brands that need our continued support now more than ever.

Editor’s Note: There are several Black-owned hair care brands and we regret that we could not include them all, and their founders, in this list. ESSENCE will continue to promote Black-owned brands and entrepreneurs creating quality products year-round.

The post 40 Founders Of Black-Owned Hair Care Brands You Should Know About appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

The legacy of Black Americans is often overlooked by the country at large, which is why July 4th — otherwise known as Independence Day — does not mark “our” freedom.

So every year we celebrate our own Independence Day, known as “Juneteenth,” to commemorate the day Union Officer General Gordon Granger issued an order to slave masters in Galveston, Texas to free enslaved Africans. Juneteenth marks the day in Texas in 1865 when 250,000 enslaved people were liberated, letting freedom finally ring. It became a motivating and stabilizing commemoration for Black Texans (and Black Americans everywhere) experiencing uncertainties associated with their newfound freedom and full integration into American society.

The significance of Juneteenth is relevant now more than ever, because our “freedom” is represented in our influence on many communities across the nation — from architecture, music, art and food. Today, 46 states and the District of Columbia officially recognize and commemorate Juneteenth, though celebrations this year will look a lot different.Despite our new normal, take some time to celebrate joy amidst the storm. From iconic Black history museums to historic monuments to delicious soul food, here are a few places you can celebrate Juneteenth and learn about Black heritage in the U.S.

The post Celebrate Juneteenth This Year At One Of These Destinations appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

From the Release The Pressure Heart Health Squad

More so than ever, it is time for us to take care of our heart and overall health. You’ve seen the headlines and heard the stories. Black people are dying at alarming rates across the country due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)  and continue to be subjected to unjust verbal and physical violence across the country.

Many of us already know that we, as Black people, are more likely to have high blood pressure compared to other racial groups. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. These underlying conditions combined with our lived experiences of less access to health care, lower wealth, high density in some of our neighborhoods, plus working courageously in frontline jobs as health care workers, in transportation, at grocery stores, and as retail workers may increase our risk for COVID-19 and having more severe complications. All these factors contribute to chronic stress and “weathering” that have made Black communities more vulnerable to illnesses such as high blood pressure and COVID-19.

This does not mean that we are to blame for contracting COVID-19 nor does it mean that being Black is a risk factor for COVID-19. Dr. Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, Immediate Past President of the American Medical Association (AMA), says the devastating impact of COVID-19 and recent media coverage of ongoing violence against Black people have put a national spotlight on the state of health and inequities in America. As organizations like the AMA and others continue to work at the national and local levels to help improve the health and well-being of our communities, she also notes there are many things we can do together and individually to help ourselves.

“As a community and individually, we have the power to rally our squads and change this story,” said Dr. Harris. “We as Black women are all too familiar with heart disease and its impact on our health and the health and well-being of our families and communities. I want our people to know that being Black is not a risk factor for poor health, and we have an opportunity to seize this moment. It’s in all of us—the power to improve our heart health.”

Here are five ways Dr. Harris suggests you and your squad get started:

Set a Blood Pressure (BP) Goal.

Connect with your health care professional to schedule an appointment – whether in-person or virtually. Learn where you stand: Know your numbers.

Track your BP Numbers

Once you know your BP numbers, it’s important to keep track at home. Check out these resources to ensure you know how to properly take your BP and keep a daily log.

Engage Your Squad

Create a wellness plan to stay healthy with family and friends. Set goals and take free virtual fitness classes together. Use apps to stay connected and share heart healthy recipes. These resources can help!

Stick with It

Stay connected and motivated by checking in every day. Call, Facetime or text. Do whatever works for you and your squad to achieve your goals and stick with your heart wellness plans.

Take the Release the Pressure Pledge

Let’s do this together! Join our movement to improve the health and well-being of our communities all across America.

The post Why Heart Health in the Black Community Is More Important Than Ever appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

The last few months for designer Anifa Mvuemba have been rewarding to say the least. Mvuemba announced yesterday that her luxury label Hanifa has now signed to The Hinton Group – a Black-owned Public Relations firm led by powerhouse Nate Hinton. Hinton Group has been a key factor in the rise of Kerby Jean-Raymond’s brand Pyer Moss while also representing other high-end Black-owned labels like Sergio Hudson, Aliétte, and Sukeina.

“Anifa emailed me last September for a meeting in the midst of fashion week. I asked her to reschedule, but we never did,” Hinton tells ESSENCE. “After I saw the 3D show on IG, I said to myself “I have to work with her” because she delivered what I had been envisioning for fashion shows in today’s climate,” says Hinton.

Mvuemba quickly adapted to the Covid-19 regulations early March by testing out 3D models to showcase pieces from her brand. Shortly after, the designer held a digital fashion show on Instagram Live that blew away the industry and gained rave reviews from Teen Vogue, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, and ESSENCE.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with The Hinton Group. It was important to me to work with a Black PR firm,” says Mvuemba. “I’ve always admired THG’s work and the intentionality behind every brand they represent. I look forward to seeing what Hanifa can accomplish with them,” the designer concluded.

Just last week, Black women rallied around Mvuemba as a Forbes writer credited the start-up company Bigthinx for hosting the “first” 3D fashion show. With the help from a call-out at ESSENCE along with unsatisfied supporters on Twitter, the article was later taken down. “I am looking forward to stopping at nothing to see Hanifa become even more successful,” exclaimed Hinton.

The post Luxury Label Hanifa Signs With The Hinton Group appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

Bachelor Nation, the day has come ― we’ve got ourselves a Black Bachelor y’all!! *cues “Lift Every Voice And Sing”*

Matt James is the first Black man to be cast as the star of ABC’s popular dating show The Bachelor in its 18-year history. James is a 28-year-old real estate broker and former professional football player. He is also friends with former Bachelor contestant Tyler Cameron, who appeared on the 2019 season of The Bachelorette with Hannah Brown.

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It’s official…your next Bachelor is @mattjames919!

A post shared by The Bachelorette (@bacheloretteabc) on Jun 12, 2020 at 5:22am PDT

Earlier in the month, Rachel Lindsay, the first Black woman to star on The Bachelorette, stated that she would sever ties with the franchise if it continued to be dominated by white faces. “In 40 seasons of [The Bachelor and The Bachelorette], you’ve had one black lead,” Lindsay said on AfterBuzz TV. “We are on 45 presidents. And in 45 presidents there’s been one Black president. You are almost on par to say you’re more likely to become the president of the United States than you are a Black lead in this franchise. That’s insane. That’s ridiculous.”

Soon after a petition started circling the internet titled “A Campaign for Anti-Racism in the Bachelor Franchise.” It garnered over 85,000 signatures before the announcement hit this morning.

The first season of The Bachelor premiered on ABC in March 2002. Since then, there have been 24 seasons and not one season has had a Black bachelor despite pleas from fans of the show. Well the time has come!

While we of course have been and still are rooting for Mike Johnson to one day be cast on The Bachelor, we will take this win! Nothing like a little melanin to being added to the silver season!

Season 25 of The Bachelor starring James is set to air in early 2021. Needless to say, we will all be waiting with bated breath.

The post ABC Names Its First Black Bachelor, Matt James appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

LISTEN to The Budgetnista’s episode of ESSENCE Podcast Network’s UnBossed Podcast here:

(No) thanks to social media accessibility, there are plenty of people asserting themselves to be experts on a range of topics with absolutely no receipts. But don’t worry, that’s not even how The Budgetnista rolls. For more than a decade, the New Jersey native, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche has been teaching financial literacy with a lesson plan spliced together from her own life.

From getting scammed out of $35,000 to losing her first home to foreclosure to almost being pushed to the background of the business she created, Aliche’s life is module after module on how to triumph in the face of defeat.

She has built a series of businesses to guide women on their journey toward financial freedom (and confidence), one of which, the Live Richer Academyboasts 40,000 students and garners eight figures annually! Yes, EIGHT figures.

With such a massive following and

The post Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche Teaches Us How To ‘Vote With Our Money’ appeared first on Essence.