Alexa, play ’Brown Skin’ by India Arie #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/HwkU2qxmNV — G. (@ReginaSMarshall) March 31, 2019 The Absolute BEST 2019 Image Awards Tweets The 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards were a star-studded celebration of beautifully melaniny Black excellence that attracted the biggest names in (Black) Hollywood (headlined by Beyonce & Jay Z) for a glamorous night filled with amazing energy, well-moisturized situations and dazzling lewks that captivated Black Twitter. Your favorite peacock could never. #imageawards50 pic.twitter.com/7dB2FA7sBA — Sylvia (@SylviaObell) March 31, 2019 Peep all the best (and Blackity Blackest) tweets from the 2019 NAACP Image Awards on the flip.
Source: The Washington Post / Getty Chicago To Elect First Black Female Mayor This Week Something historical is about to happen in the City of Chicago and for once it has nothing to do with stats about violence and death. Tuesday, the city will elect the very first Black female mayor of the city as both candidates, Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle, are Black women. Despite the sistahood invovled in this historical campaign, things did get VERY contentious with questions of racial authenticity, negative campaign ads, and public name-calling according to USAToday . The heated race has lead leaders like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to call for the two sides to agree to a “unity pledge” press conference on Wednesday morning after the election. “The race was competitive and often divisive,” Jackson said. “The race ends Tuesday. The healing must begin Wednesday morning.” Based on the polls, it looks like Lightfoot has a HUGE lead on Preckwinkle at 53% to 17% and the former recently compared the latter to the most disgusting of creatures… “It’s like cockroaches – there’s a light that’s shined on them,” Lightfoot said at an event where she signed an ethics pledge and took her shot at Preckwinkle and the other candidates. “They scramble.” Lightfoot, who is also part of the LGBTQ community, might have residual vitriol that stems from rhetoric far more incendiary than political name-calling… Lightfoot, who is a lesbian and would be the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor, questioned whether Preckwinkle “was blowing some kind of dog whistle” to conservative voters after the county board president brought up her sexual orientation at a debate. (Should Lightfoot win, Chicago will become the largest city to be led by an LGBTQ person.) We’re glad to see that there are two Black women who are passionately chasing the highest office in The Windy City. Hopefully, that healing that Rev. Al and Jesse are calling for can be achieved.
Source: David Crotty / Getty Sunday March 31st, the African-American community lost another black king to senseless gun violence. Nipsey Hussle was only 33 years old when he was shot and killed in front of his LA clothing store. Now we morn the lost of another young black man, who was a positive influence in his community. Time after time our King’s are taken from us way before their time, leaving many of our young people void of hope and confused to why our leaders are always taken from us. RELATED: Nipsey Hussle Killed Outside Of His Marathon Store In Los Angeles It’s frustrating being black sometimes. You don’t know whether to look up to some of your leaders, or be fearful they might be killed. You also hesitate to be a leader yourself because you don’t know if someone will one day take your life. I’m writing this because I feel those same pains as well. Why would I want to be Martin Luther King when he suffered such a horrible fate? Why would I want to emulate Tupac Shakoor when his murder still hasn’t been solved? The stories of our black leaders being killed is something that is ingrained into our history. Our post traumatic stress from seeing some of our greatest hero’s, bloody filled with bullet holes, runs deeper than most cultures can even fathom. But I’m here to tell you to stay strong. Don’t be afraid black man, because that’s what they want you to be. Still be a shining pillar in your community, because that’s what King wanted you to be. Continue to shed your lights on the truth because that’s what Nipsey wanted you to do. Yes, sometimes it feels like we are the most targeted people on the planet, but know that someone who looks just like you will pick up the mantle when you’re gone and one day we will be free of this feeling of fear in just wanting better for our people. Don’t be afraid to be a king black man, because we need you now more than ever. R.I.P Nipsey Source: David Crotty / Getty
Source: Lester Cohen/AMA2011 / Getty Will.i.am Goes To Bat For Michael Jackson During Sexual Abuse Allegations Will.i.am is the latest celebrity to come out in support of Michael Jackson. In the last couple weeks following HBO airing Leaving Neverland — a two-part documentary that details Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse on minors–it seems like half the world is calling for a boycott of Michael’s music while the other half is vehemently defending him. Most recently, fellow musician Will.i.am weighed in on the controversy and people calling for a boycott, claiming it’s hypocritical for some very strange reasons. The Black Eyed Peas alum addressed those who have chosen to stop playing MJ’s music with a reference to the Holocaust. He explained why this latest scandal presents a double standard, saying that some are accountable for their crimes of the past, while others aren’t–specifically mentioning German firm Bayer, which he said made chemicals to “to kill all the Jews.” “We live in a very, very, very, very hypocritical, double-standard, fake society,” the artist said, according to the Evening Standard . “I can name a thousand other products that we still buy, still use, that are owned by folks that have done the most horrendous things to people, millions of them, and we don’t take their products from the market.” He continued, saying: “Bayer is really responsible for chemicals that killed millions of people but they’re headache medicine now. Are you going to ridicule them for their past? Imagine every country that ever had slaves, people said never travel to those countries because of what they’ve done in the past. Are you not supposed to do anything with anyone who ever did anything ill in the past? England, Spain, Portugal. That’s not that long ago. Are there reparations for everyone who’s done something ill? I could name a thousand more ills that are worse but we’re going to pull songs?” Even though Will.i.am is clearly in defense of Michael and continuing to play his music, the artist doesn’t exactly seem sure that he’s actually innocent. He went on to say, “I’m torn, because that’s not the Michael Jackson I loved and will always love. It is a smear campaign, there’s been a number of smear campaigns in the past. If he did it, it’s sad and inhumane. If he didn’t, what’s happening is sad, and inhumane.” Comparing a brand that makes medication with Michael Jackson and his lone choices and actions is a very odd choice, but it looks like Will.i.am is sticking to it.
Source: MediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images / Getty College Student Murdered After Getting Into Wrong Car Samantha Josephson, a South Carolina college senior who disappeared Friday night after getting into the wrong car, was murdered, Columbia Police confirmed on Saturday night. According to police, Josephson got into the wrong car after hailing an Uber. An Uber did arrive but could not find her, and the student ended up never returning home or answering any of the repeated calls from her friends, who ended up calling police. Josephson’s body was discovered by hunters on Saturday morning. The police have charged 25-year-old Nathaniel Rowland after tracking down the black Chevy Impala that Josephson was shown entering in surveillance footage. He was driving the car only two blocks from where Josephson was last seen the night prior and police said the car had blood in the passenger seat and the trunk. Police also ended up finding bleach and other cleaning supplies in the car, which they believe he was going to use to scour the vehicle. The car also had automatic child safety locks which prevented its passengers from opening the car doors from the inside. “I will miss and love my baby girl for the rest of life,” Samantha’s father, Seymour Josephson, wrote on his Facebook page following the horrific news. Josephson’s death was the third in less than a week across the University of South Carolina system. On Monday, a student committed suicide and on Friday, baseball player Parker Neff passed away after he collapsed on the field during a game. “The loss of a student is never easy but this has been a particularly painful few days as we have experienced loss on several of our campuses,” USC president Harris Pastides said in a statement. “As a family, let’s continue to pray for all the families experiencing heartache and grief this week.”
Every now and then, on a random Tuesday when most people are minding their own business and have too much going on in their lives to worry about anyone else, some man will take it upon himself to offer his unsolicited opinion on women’s attire. It could be anything from the weave in her hair to the color on her lip to the length of her dress, somewhere, some man is going to find an issue with one of those things and feel compelled to let the world know. And while the resounding response from women will be to ignore said man and not give a damn. One thing that shouldn’t be ignored are the male microagressions that prompt this sort of behavior and what we can do about them. MUST READ: Take This Week’s Listen To Black Women Poll On Stealthing, Spring Cleaning Your Life, & Prioritizing Sex That’s what we’re talking about in this week’s episode of Listen to Black Women. Watch the conversation with our co-hosts in the video above and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below. About Listen To Black Women Listen To Black Women is a new show from HelloBeautiful and MadameNoire that discusses the issues that affect us most while incorporating the voices of our audience and experts. Each week, the show will gather insights from of our readers by asking them a series of questions related to the show topic. We’ll also be sharing thoughts from social media and the Internet at large as hosts Shamika Sanders, Africa Miranda, Keyaira Kelly weigh in with their opinions. This show doesn’t work without you so be sure to take our weekly polls, share the videos with your network, and leave feedback everywhere you can. We’re listening to you. RELATED STORIES: Listen To Black Women | If A Man Cheats, Does That Mean He Doesn’t Love You? Listen To Black Women| Is Abuse From Men In Power Inevitable?
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty It looks like Salt-N-Pepa will finally be getting the biopic they deserve! Lifetime plans on making a miniseries about the iconic rap group, which will be executive produced by none other than fellow femcee Queen Latifah . According to Entertainment Weekly , Salt-N-Pepa will follow the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton as they navigate the hip-hop landscape following their first recording experience with a friend’s school project. It’s also being reported that the miniseries will incorporate some of the group’s biggest hits such as “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “What a Man” and our personal favorite“Shoop.” Not many details have been released about the film and no one has been cast quite yet, Variety noted . But in addition to Queen, James, Denton, Jesse Collins and Shakim Compere are also executive producers. And folks here clearly here for this news: I’m here for this. Watch party at my crib. https://t.co/UYZS3EyJvc — KelleyLCarter (@KelleyLCarter) March 29, 2019 Black Queen Producing Content on our Black Queens in Hip-Hop. I can't wait to see!! Scripted Miniseries On 'Salt-N-Pepa' Coming To Lifetime, Exec Produced By Queen Latifah https://t.co/aEBUZtohxP #shadowAndAct — Samaria Phillips (@SamPhill21) March 28, 2019 Well it's about damn time!! If ANY 80's rap group deserves a biopic SnP would be one of my first choices! Lifetime announces miniseries about Salt-N-Pepa https://t.co/QvYvdt1QbA — Smokkee G Singleton (@MrGBIZ) March 28, 2019 This isn’t Queen Latifah’s only musical biopic headed to Lifetime. Earlier this week, it was also announced that she will along with Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are exec producers behind the upcoming The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel. Variety reports that this will be the story of five sisters and a trailblazing mother from Detroit who helped bring gospel music into the mainstream. Listen…we are here for ALL the stories about Black women! Lifetime, keep them coming! RELATED NEWS: #SurvivingRKelly: Five Emotions You’ll Experience Watching The New Lifetime Docuseries Watch Toni Braxton Flex Her Acting Chops In Lifetime’s ‘Faith Under Fire’ Trailer REVIEW: How Lifetime’s ‘FLINT’; Puts A National Class & Race Crisis Back Into Conversation [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”2886155″ overlay=”true”]
Source: grahambedingfield / Getty We can now add being a lawyer to the list of things that get you arrested while Black. Maryland attorney, Rashad James , says he was mistaken for a suspect and briefly detained by a sheriff’s deputy during a court proceeding earlier this month. Maryland Legal Aid attorney Rashad James says he was detained by a courtroom cop who thought he was a suspect wanted on an outstanding warrant. https://t.co/Oi6aPkWLQT — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) March 28, 2019 James told the Baltimore Sun that during his court appearance in Harford County District Court on March 6, deputies mistook him for his client, who is also Black and did not attend the hearing. He continued: “This is actually the first time this has occurred to me, and I do not know of any colleagues who have had a similar experience. In the moment, it was sort of surreal in the sense that I guess it was just one of those unexpected things that I just did not anticipate.” Rashad says he was the only Black attorney in the room, and police began asking him race based questions immediately. After checking the validity of his license multiple times, deputies finally let James go, 10 minutes later. Maryland Legal Aid says they’re “troubled by the deeply disturbing incident. There is no plausible explanation other than racial bias.” James has filed a complaint with Harford County Sheriff’s office, and says he plans to carry business cards with him wherever he goes. SMH.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty One of our favorite couples, Monica Brown and Shannon Brown , are calling it quits. Monica reportedly filed for divorce from the former NBA player. It’s being speculated the couple split in October of 2018. The Love All Over Me singer filed divorce papers earlier this month, TMZ reports . Monica appeared on T.I. & Tiny’s: Friends & Family Hustle, with no appearance by Shannon Brown, though she remained stern they were still together. Photos of Monica without her wedding ring popped up on social media, leading fans to believe there’s been long time trouble in paradise. Shannon Brown allegedly had an affair during their eight-year marriage. They have a 5-year-old daughter Laiyah together. Monica has two children from previous relationships. View this post on Instagram The Reason….. @romelohill @laiyahbrown & @rockohill Each of you have been a significant part of molding me!! I may fumble but because of you I never fold !! Tune in to Family & Friends Hustle April 15th on @vh1 I’ve made some difficult decisions & dealt with a lot while facing the obstacles of being an independent artist ! But one things for sure , NOTHING comes before them !! A post shared by Monica (@monicabrown) on Mar 25, 2019 at 11:33am PDT The couple have been mum about the whole thing. Shannon did post this message on Instagram: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shannon Brown (@__shannon__brown__) on Mar 26, 2019 at 9:30am PDT RELATED STORIES: HAUTE OR NAUGHT: Are You REDy For Monica Brown’s New Hair Color? [POLL] Stand By Your Man: Monica Writes Emotional Ode To Husband Shannon Brown #CouplesWeLove: Monica & Shannon Brown Are The Epitome Of Love & Basketball [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”2962483″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Alexander Tamargo / Getty Mariah Carey has been in the game for over 30 years now and some folks still don’t know that the Queen had a gangster side. “IDC what the anyone says.. MARIAH CAREY IS that hood chick. Rich af, but still hood. I love it”. -@Gallyo To most people’s surprise, the pop diva didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in her her mouth. Back in 2018 MC, whose mother is Irish and father is Black and Afro-Venezuelan, opened up to Pitchfork about her early struggles growing up as an impoverished biracial kid and how it was difficult to fit in. “Somebody once said in the hallway to me at school, ‘Oh, she got three shirts in rotation.’ It was mortifying. But that’s because my mom chose to live in predominantly white neighborhoods, where people had more money than us, and I didn’t fit in there. Or in an all black neighborhood when my parents were together; as a mixed couple, they had problems there. So there was not one safe place.”- Mariah Carey One thing about Mariah is that no matter how Hollywood she got, she always managed to keep it a lil hood. “She invented pop artists collabing with rappers lol fantasy ft ODB. She’s the queen of that. Known, unknown, gangsta rap, commercial.. she don’t care lol.”- @RihJLaw If you don’t acknowledge Mariah as the lovely, gangsta, diva angel that she is, it just means you’re slacking on your MiMi knowledge. If you watch very closely, you’ll see when the Hollywood Diva goes from Mariah to Mimi who doesn’t take crap from anyone and knows how to have a simple, good time. Like the time she went to the hood to drink wine and hang out with Dame Dash and Noreaga. Classic: Or when she and Lee Daniels put Wendy Williams in her place: Hit the flip to see more times Mariah Carey’s inner (confident, unapologetic, laid back, tell-it-like-it-is) hood goddess came out and shut ish down.
