Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN NASA’s “Hidden Figures Receiving Congressional Gold Medals The exceptional history-making black women who were highlighted in the film “Hidden Figures” are getting their just due. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson will be honored with Congressional Gold medals. Vaughan and Jackson will receive their honor posthumously while Johnson, 101, could possibly accept in person. The news comes from ABC who reports that Trump signed into law H.R. 1396, the “Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act” for the women who made history at NASA and were vital in preparing astronaut John Glenn’s orbital mission. Johnson, a mathematician, was previously awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom and NASA honored her with The Katherine Jonson Computational Research Facility in Hampton, Virginia. A limited-edition Barbie Doll was also recently created in Katherine Johnson’s honor. Congratulations to these forever trailblazers!
Source: Entertainment One / CR8 Agency Syleena Johnson Releasing 10th Album “Woman” GRAMMY-nominated songstress/daytime TV host Syleena Johnson is preparing to release a new project. The “Sister Circle” star is announcing that her WOMAN album is available for pre-order on all streaming platforms and she couldn’t be more excited. The news comes after an announcement that she recently signed to Entertainment One Nashville. Syleena’s new WOMAN album empowers and calls all women to stand up for themselves and to be bold, brave and fearless, so much so, that Syleena’s declaring 2019 as the “Year of the Woman.” “I am so excited that the ‘Woman’ album has found a new home with Entertainment One. Thank you to Gina Miller for believing in me and Entertainment One for helping me bring this project to life. Galatians 6:9 says, ‘Do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season you shall reap what you sow, if you faint not.’ I thank God for this season. The season of the Woman.” This will not only be Syleena’s 10th album, this is her first album since 2014 and she’s hopeful that it will “empower and inspire.” “My last chapter album came out in 2014, Chapter 6: Couples Therapy. Today, I announce I’m dropping the chapters. This album is simply called, WOMAN,” wrote Syleena on Instagram. “It speaks to the woman’s heart but invites the man in to listen. […] With what woman have to endure in this world, I believe this record will empower and inspire and hopefully change a few perspectives. We ARE in the ERA of the WOMAN, BRACE YOURSELVES AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS ” View this post on Instagram My last chapter album came out in 2014, Chapter 6: Couples Therapy. Today, I announce I’m dropping the chapters. This album is simply called, WOMAN. It speaks to the woman’s heart but invites the man in to listen. The preorder is up today! Link in bio…I thank you for your support over the years….. As an artist, my super power is to be able to use my artistry to evoke emotion and change. With what woman have to endure in this world, I believe this record will empower and inspire and hopefully change a few perspectives. We ARE in the ERA of the WOMAN, BRACE YOURSELVES AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS @eonenashville @dygmanagement @audioonerecords @producertoxic @cayexillah #NewMusic #Soulmusic #Woman #RandBmusic #popmusic #love #hate #joy #mygodvsmyenemies A post shared by Syleena (@syleenajohnson) on Nov 1, 2019 at 5:37am PDT Syleena also previously dropped a music video for the album’s title track “Woman.” Congrats Syleena!
Source: Han Myung-Gu / Getty Rihanna Declined Super Bowl Performance To Support Colin Kaepernick Rihanna is confirming what’s been suspected, she turned down the Super Bowl halftime performance as an act of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. Our favorite Bad Gal is on the current cover of VOGUE and inside she’s speaking on a number of topics including Deranged Dorito and her plans to release a reggae album. View this post on Instagram @badgalriri is our November issue cover star! She talks to @abbyaguirre about @fenty, that album you’re waiting for, being happy in love, and, oh yes, she has a few choice words for the president. Tap the link in our bio for the full profile. Photographed by @ethanjamesgreen, styled by @tonnegood, written by @abbyaguirre, Vogue, November 2019. A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on Oct 9, 2019 at 6:37am PDT Things got especially interesting however when RiRi was asked about the Super Bowl. Rumors previously swirled that she turned down an opportunity to perform during halftime and Rih told VOGUE it’s “absolutely true” because she didn’t want to be a “sellout” and go against Colin Kaepernick. WELP–sorry, Hov ! “I couldn’t dare do that,” Rihanna said of the halftime show. “For what? Who gains from that? Not my people. I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler. There’s things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way.” OOOOP! That’s not the only part of the interview that’s interesting, however, people are pointing out that the interviewer Abby Aguire blatantly confessed that she “didn’t have time to prepare questions” for Rih—-SERIOUSlY?! “Normally I bring a list of questions, but I didn’t have time to prepare one, which I make a split-second decision to confess. “I’m winging it, so you have to help me,” I say nervously. Rihanna flashes a grin that is somehow both reassuring and mischievous. “Aren’t we all?” she says.” Uhhh….now if a blac…. View this post on Instagram Our November cover star @badgalriri has left her mark on music, design, beauty, lingerie—and now she’s upending fashion at the highest levels. Tap the link in our bio to read her full cover story. Photographed by @ethanjamesgreen, styled by @tonnegood, written by @abbyaguirre, Vogue, November 2019. A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on Oct 9, 2019 at 10:20am PDT NVM. Hit the flip to see what else Rih had to say in VOGUE.
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Images / Getty Best BET Hip Hop Awards Photos Atlanta was the popping place to be this weekend, between the grand opening of Tyler Perry’s new studios and The BET Hip Hop Awards – celebrities were EVERYWHERE. We assembled some of our favorite photos from the night. Source: Aaron J. Thornton / WireImage / Getty Da Baby showed out in a logo monogrammed getup and of course he brought his favorite lady to the red carpet. Source: Aaron J. Thornton / WireImage / Getty Chance The Rapper brought his beautiful wife Kristen. Source: Aaron J. Thornton / WireImage / Getty Lil Kim got Dapper and matched her custom Gucci getup with rose gold finger waves Hit the flip for more
Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Tyler Perry Studios Opening Gala Black excellence was abound Saturday for the grand opening of Tyler Perry’s $250 million movie studio. ALL the A-listers you could think of were in attendance including Oprah, Beyonce, Taraji P. Henson, Maxine Waters, Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Cicely Tyson, and Halle Berry. Source: Paras Griffin/Getty Images / Getty Beyonce was also on hand, and while she skipped the carpet she took pics inside with several celebs. View this post on Instagram #Beyonce last night at the opening of #TylerPerry’s studio w/ a few famous faces A post shared by the Jasmine BRAND (@thejasminebrand_) on Oct 6, 2019 at 7:08am PDT Tyler’s 330-acre studio that once served as a Confederate army base and has sound stages named after black actors, Will Smith was on hand for the reveal of his. Oprah walked the carpet with Stedman… Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com and beamed with pride while bragging about her close friend. “He didn’t wait for other people to validate or to say you should go this way or that way. He said I’m going to create my own way and as we can see here, become a force for himself,” Winfrey told The Associated Press. “I remember when he was thinking about buying this place and I said ‘You’d be crazy not to take it.’” she added. Other stars spotted on the carpet included Kelly Rowland, LaLa and Michelle… Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Monica…. Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Colin Kaepernick and Nessa… Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Jeannie and Jeezy… Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com Source: Freddy O / FreddyO.com and TONS more. Inside guests dined on lump crab salad and had a choice of spiced beef tenderloin or pepino and orange crusted sea bass. Looks like good times were had by all—including the Clintons who didn’t walk the carpet but were in attendance. View this post on Instagram The Clintons attend the Grand Opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta! Pictured with singer Morgan James A post shared by The A-Scene (@theascene11) on Oct 6, 2019 at 7:16am PDT Now, this was a star-studded affair; more pics on the flip.
Source: Fayesvision / WENN / WENN Solange Talks To Trina For L’Officiel Magazine Source: Rafael Rios / Courtesy L'Officiel Magazine Congratulations are in order for Solange Knowles! The Houston beauty is September’s cover star for L’Officiel Magazine . She was interviewed by none other than the Diamond Princess herself – Trina for the cover story! Check out excerpts below: Solange on creating: “I feel my most sure and beautiful when I am creating the work. When I am thick in the midst of my own guidance…when I am creating I am using and speaking from other parts of myself. My gut, my legs, my heart, my fingers, my throat. That feels like the best me.” Solange on her album, When I Get Home: “I wanted to create a bit more of a world with When I Get Home. A mecca that spoke to an environment and an expression. A place that you could go sonically and visually and digitally and feel immersed in as a project about what exactly the process of home is and the feelings behind it…This album was purely about feeling.” Solange on collaborating: “I find out things about myself that I can’t necessarily speak to when I am collaborating. There are so many facets of who I am, and that articulation just feels so much wider and more expansive when someone helps bring something out of you that you wouldn’t normally express…it can be the most rewarding feeling ever. More importantly, I learn so damn much.” View this post on Instagram Solange is redefining popular culture, one performance at a time. Her latest project? Creative directing her own cover shoot for our Fall 2019 issue. Read the interview with Solange by rapper @trinarockstarr at link in bio. * On the cover, #Solange wears @tiffanyandco, @versace, and @christopher_esber * Creative Direction: @saintrecords Photography: @rafaelrios__ Styling: @solangefranklin Hair: @kendalldorsey1 (@factorydowntown) Makeup: @mmiiggss Manicure: @pipbuzzz Set Designer: @laurennikrooz (@themagnetagency) Production: @jenyrose Photo Assistant: JP Herrera Fashion Assistants: @douglasmrwright and Caroline Frias Production Assistant: Steven Sanchez Catering: @redhookcatering * L’Officiel USA A post shared by L'Officiel USA (@lofficielusa) on Sep 30, 2019 at 6:05am PDT The L’Officiel September 2019 issue directed by and featuring Solange Knowles in conversation with rap legend Trina is available on Lofficielusa.com HERE What did you think of the interview?
Source: Albert L. Ortega / Getty Netflix Official Teaser For Breaking Bad Movie ‘El Camino’ It’s almost that time. Netflix is preparing to drop the Breaking Bad movie event that fans have long clamored for, El Camino . Today, we get the official teaser for El Camino starring Aaron Paul. There have been VERY limited details released about this film. Will Bryan Cranston appear? Will other Breaking Bad cast members appear? What the hell will happen to Jesse Pinkman??? Press play down bottom to watch the sneak peek… Sounds like Jesse isn’t quite scot-free.
Source: Jeff Kravitz / Getty Now, THIS was some excellence… Jharrel Jerome Wins Emmy A “When They See Us” actor was thoroughly seen during last night’s Emmys. Jharrel Jerome won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Television at the 2019 Emmys for his role as Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay’s “When They See Us.” The actor accepted his award and gave a shoutout to his Afro-Latino heritage. Jerome is the first Afro-Latino to win for acting, he is also the youngest winner for Lead Actor in a Limited Series in Emmy history. “It’s an honor. It’s a blessing, and I hope this is a step forward for Dominicans, for Latinos, for Afro-Latinos. It’s about time we are here. I feel like I should just be in the Bronx right now, just chilling, waiting for my mom’s cooking. But I am here in front of my inspirations,” he told reporters backstage. He also acknowledged the Exonerated Five; Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise who tearfully watched in the audience and raised their fists in solidarity. “This is for Raymond, Yusef, Antron, Kevin, and King Korey Wise. Thank you.” Jharrel Jerome thanks “The Exonerated 5” in his acceptance speech for #WhenTheySeeUs #Emmys #Emmys2019 pic.twitter.com/1T94C5RHTl — The A.V. Club (@TheAVClub) September 23, 2019 Congrats Jharrel! Congratulations to our very own @JharrelJerome ! Felt sooooo good to see you up there representing for all 179 actors and 312 crew members. But most of all for #Exonerated5 and our King, @koreykingwise ! You deserve this moment! Onward! #Emmy2019 https://t.co/guFmY0wVjO — Ava DuVernay (@ava) September 23, 2019
Source: Leon Bennett / Getty Toni Braxton Shares Full Body Photo Toni Braxton is putting 20-year-olds to shame with her recent full baaaaawdy photo. The 51-year-old set the internet ablaze this weekend when she dropped a selfie showing off her fit frame that she says is due in part to Orange Theory fitness. She also pointed out the scars on her stomach from her hysterectomy. View this post on Instagram Embracing my WHOLE body…hysterectomy scars and all…@orangetheory making me feel 29 again! love me some me! A post shared by Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) on Sep 14, 2019 at 10:25am PDT SHEEEESH! In case you didn’t know Orange Theory is a one-hour fitness class that uses heart rate-based interval training to burn extra calories post-workout. Toni is not a paid spokesperson for the fitness program but in January she gushed that she goes to Orange Theory to blow off steam. “How to de-stress, that’s the magic question,” said Toni to Organic Spa Magazine . “I work out almost every day. I do Orange theory, which is everything. I don’t have an endorsement for them. I just love that class. It’s incredible. I have a heart monitor on, so I know how far I can go. Sometimes when you’re working out you overwork your body, but this keeps me right there.” She also started an OT fitness challenge back in July. View this post on Instagram Day 1 of my Orange Theory Fitness Challenge, gotta get this body right! A post shared by Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) on Jul 23, 2019 at 12:58pm PDT Maybe WE should try Orange Theory—-Toni looks amazing! What do YOU think about 51-year-old Toni Braxton’s thirst trap???
Source: Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage / Getty Tracee Ellis Ross Announces “Girlfriends” Reunion Tracee Ellis Ross made a huge announcement that’s got fans of her 2000s feel-good black girl sitcom in a tizzy. The actress announced that ALL the ladies of “Girlfriends” will appear alongside her on an episode of “Black-ish.” The ladies; Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, and Persia White also starred with Tracee in the announcement video looking EXACTLY THE SAME. “So we have an extra special episode of ‘Black-ish,’ and it’s a feminist episode, and I brought in some backup from some of my girlfriends,” said Tracee in the video. View this post on Instagram GIRLFRIENDS X BLACKISH ~ @therealgolden47 @misspersiawhite @itsmejillmarie @blackishabc my giiiiirlfriends are guest starring on #blackish tuesday, october 8! we haven’t all been together on camera since 2006. these are women i grew up with and love deeply and it was easy tap back into the magic of our chemistry and how much we love each other. it was giggles on top of giggles on top of giggles. girlfriends ran for 8 years and was important to so many people. being able to merge the worlds of @blackishabc and girlfriends was surreal for me and so much fun. A post shared by Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross) on Sep 12, 2019 at 9:02am PDT Entertainment Weekly got the exclusive on the episode titled “Feminisn’t” that airs October 8. The premise is as follows; “When Bow [Ross] learns that Diane [Marsai Martin] and Ruby [Jenifer Lewis] don’t believe in feminism, she brings Diane to meet the women in her feminist group. Bow’s friend Abby [guest stare Nadia Quinn] thinks the group needs to be more inclusive, so Bow invites three of her girlfriends to join. Meanwhile, Junior [Marcus Scribner] and Jack [Miles Brown] help Dre [Anthony Anderson] after he realizes he is out of touch with modern day feminism.” “Girlfriends” aired from 2000 to 2008. Will YOU be watching their “Black-ish” reunion???
