Thank you @people and #davequinn @ninedaves the writer who I felt safe with sharing the intimate details of my wedding day. Thank you for all the wonderful people that made my dreams come true 💃🏽 @pallascouture For my stunning gown 💍 @davediamondz 📸 #albertahenryphotography And all the amazing people of St. Lucia who respected our privacy and sent us many well wishes and secrets to a happy marriage. God bless you all and our sacred union. #ThatsMrsToYou 👰🏾 #kenyamoore #wife #fairytale #weddingdress #wedding #bride #truelove #godisgood

A post shared by Kenya Moore (@thekenyamoore) on Jun 22, 2017 at 12:43pm PDT

We’ve already reported on the scant details from Kenya Moore’s wedding. But knowing her personality, there was bound to be more in the pipeline. And true to form, Kenya recently spoke to People about the ceremony and the entire day at a private resort in St. Lucia.

She began stating that “It was just so perfect.”

As we’ve mentioned Kenya said that she and her husband Marc Daly met a year ago and began dating in December before exchanging vows in the sand.

She explains, “We wanted something simple and not overly complicated.” She said that Daly is“extremely romantic” and heavily influenced their day. “He didn’t want something for show. He didn’t want it to be left up to other people’s interpretation of love. He just wanted it to be what he sees it: him looking into my eyes and us being together. It was just two people in love who wanted to get married.”

Overall, Kenya said she was happy with the way things turned out.

Marc, you are the best man I have ever known. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. My #rideordie #bonnieandclyde thank you @pallascouture for my amazing wedding dress #fairytale

A post shared by Kenya Moore (@thekenyamoore) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:15pm PDT

“I would not have done it any other way — it was amazing,” Moore added. “My sign is an Aquarius, so I really love the water and the ocean and always wanted that as my backdrop. And we were all there on the white sand beach and you could hear the waves in the background. It was so romantic.”

Kenya shared that her best friend and frequent face on RHOA Brandon DeShazer walked her down the aisle in her father’s absence. He was celebrating his birthday in Jamaica at the time.

“It was so last-minute, he couldn’t make it. But Brandon was there, which was super special to me.”

Kenya’s aunts were in attendance, including her Aunt Lisa who was Moore’s matron of honor and her best friend from high school Shonda.

“I was raised by my grandmother, so even though she’s my aunt, we grew up as sisters. It meant so much to have her there.”

As far as Kenya’s beloved pets, her Yorkies King and Twirl, they were unable to attend.

“We would have had to start that paperwork 60 days in advance to get them out of the country, and we didn’t pull it off in time,” Moore said. “But it would have been fun to have them there!”

While Kenya loved her ceremony, she plans on doing the whole thing over again next June with more of her friends and family in attendance.

As for her dress, Moore wore a mermaid cut gown with sheer panels and a plunging neckline. It was decorated with sequence and beading flower appliqués.

“The dress was perfect when I saw it. I’m a woman of a certain age, but my husband wanted me to look sexy. And it was a beach wedding, so I didn’t want anything too formal. I knew this was exactly what I wanted when I saw it.”

Walking down the aisle in it, Moore said she felt beautiful, sexy, powerful and feminine at the same time.

“[Marc] really didn’t even want me to wear makeup because he said I look more beautiful when I don’t wear makeup,” Moore said. “And I think that’s why I really appreciate him. He sees me for who I am and not as reality TV sees me or the world sees me. He really knows my heart.”

When it came down to reciting her vows, Moore said, “I cried the whole time writing them so I ended up just saying what I felt from my heart. I was so emotional, I just couldn’t get through without this really big ugly cry.”

The post “It Was Just So Perfect” Kenya Moore Shares More Details From Her Wedding Day appeared first on MadameNoire.

Credit: Guillermo Proano/WENN.com

If you proclaim Black Lives Matter but don’t do anything to prove they do, Halle Berry has a bone to pick with you. The actress recently spoke about the movement during the Cannes Lions Girls’ Lounge and she had some rather strong words about making sure people are putting action behind their vocal activism:

“In my world, I get so tired of people complaining about, ‘Oh black lives matter,’ and they pontificate and pontificate about it, and I say, ‘Well, what are you doing about that? It may not seem significant to you, but that’s how we start. Have you called your local politicians, have you written a letter?’

“When they say they’ve done nothing, I say, ‘Well, don’t talk to me … because you are part of the problem, because you are sitting here spewing negativity and complaining. I don’t have time for people who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.”

Naturally, that begs the question, what is Halle doing? But since last year, the actress has been urging citizens to get involved in their local government. In the wake of Philando Castille and Alton Sterling’s deaths she vowed to take action and encouraged others to do so as well with this post on Instagram, writing:

“I promise to find ways to get involved and help. Please do the same. You can start by reaching out to your local politicians, legislators & government officials NOW. Let us be heard. God bless all the victims and families of these senseless CRIMES.”

Sounds like Halle is talking the talk and walking the walk; she just needs a little help.

The post Halle Berry: “Stop Sitting Here Spewing Negativity And Complaining” #BlackLivesMatter If You’re Doing Nothing appeared first on MadameNoire.

I just received an e-mail from a manager that I am now convinced doesn’t know how to make a proper schedule. Forget key elements like a chart or calendar of dates and time slots for who will be working when and where, he can’t even seem to grasp the simple communication skills of discussing with his team who is available or the ability to assign tasks accordingly.  This is a man who has a whole Master’s degree but I suspect has risen in the ranks based off his smile and women getting caught in the windshield wipers of his eyelashes when he asks them to do his managerial tasks while still getting paid a fraction of his salary. I learned how to make a schedule when I was a junior in high school managing an ice cream shop. Because when I was a teenager I spent my summers working and not perfecting my manipulation skills along with my make-up.

Maybe I’m risking sounding like Aunt Pearl here who speaks fondly of the fifties when families ate dinner at the table and went to Sunday morning service, but as I grow in my career I found myself more and more surrounded by people who lack basic critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Not to mention that they have no concept of work-ethic like if you’re going to be late you call and let someone know out of consideration or if you know that organization’s annual fundraiser happens the first day of summer EVERY year, maybe not continue to plan your two-week cruise around that same time. I’m not saying anyone should be a slave to their job title, but at least make an attempt to be a team player.

You may have heard me question a few weeks ago where the work-ethic is among my fellow millennials. A recent Washington Post article reveals that the work-ethic may be missing because teens are no longer working to develop it. In fact, the number of teenagers who have some sort of job while in school has apparently dropped from nearly 40 percent in 1991 to less than 20 percent today, an all-time low since the United States started keeping track in 1948. Author Jeffrey J. Selingo cites that one main reason is that the job market just isn’t there for today’s teens like it used to be. After the recession of 2008, many adults found themselves underemployed in positions that typically went to teens like grocery store cashiers, fast food workers and retail associates. When faced with an adult candidate with a flexible schedule and no need to adhere to child labor laws and a teen who could only work certain hours doing certain tasks, many employers opted for the adult. Ron Lieber, author of The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money, states that to most employers, even the most unqualified adult will almost always be more attractive to employ than a minor who can only work certain evening hours and may need to take breaks for school:

“What employer wants an employee who can only work during the day for a few weeks a year?”

Lieber also says we may be seeing a new generation of parents who have over scheduled their children with academic and extra-curricular activities, and earning income as a teen seems to be an afterthought. But Selingo says that the negative outcomes of teen employment are tied less to being employed and more to how often and how long. Typically anything under 20 hours doesn’t tend to have a huge impact on a student’s studies.

I’ve worked since I was 14-years-old and I can say with confidence that serving Blizzards upside down at Dairy Queen and restocking cucumber melon candles on the shelves of a Bath and Body Works provided me with more transferable skills than any academic program ever did. I learned about communication and compromise by simply sitting down with my little ice cream parlor staff and figuring out a schedule that worked well for all of us. I must say it’s the reason I’ve avoided a lot of miscommunication in my career because I’m able to approach people in tense situations without being confrontational or hiding behind an e-mail signature. There was a time I worked three jobs and traveled between three different counties and gained the skills of time management and a better sense of direction as I navigated Bucks County, Philadelphia and everywhere in between. I learned how to interact with people in different neighborhoods from different backgrounds and most importantly I learned how to balance my pride as an employee with the humility to not burn bridges with certain employers even in the worst of situations. According to Selingo, skills like these are the very things that set apart certain candidates when it comes to interviewing for more professional positions later in their careers. He spoke with Sarah Brubacher, former head of Ebay’s university program who said most employers usually can tell right way whether a recent college grad had work experience in the past or not:

“First-timers come to the job with a little too much self-confidence, asking what you can do for them.”

Brubacher ain’t never lied. I’ve witnessed grads who are only a few weeks past their graduation send e-mails to prospective employers to tell them they would no longer like to be considered for the position because the employer took longer than two weeks to get back to them about a second interview. I’m a big supporter of the idea that people should seek formal education not just for the purpose of job-seeking (although I get it we all want to be able to afford name brand paper towels) but just to be cultured, well-informed individuals. I also stan for the fact that being educated isn’t necessarily equivalent to having a degree. When I graduated I knew that my degree might get me in the building to pursue certain careers, but I never thought my degree entitled me to special treatment and I knew I’d need some experience and willingness to get my “Drake” on and start from the bottom to build character and competency. But then again, these were lessons I learned from slinging soft serve and peddling body wash and not from sitting in someone’s classroom being told I was a “special snowflake”.

I don’t want the first time my child learns about work ethic is when she’s fresh out of college applying for her first entry level position. Granted, the skills that I learned to do my job came from the books, but the ways I learned how to keep a job came from witnessing two parents who got up and went to work every day even when they didn’t want to or held their tongues in the face of a subpar supervisor and waited until they got home to list all of their grievances. It also came from doing a few no calls no shows as a teen because I wanted to visit my boyfriend’s dorm 2 hours away despite being scheduled for work and returning to employers who were disappointed but believed in me enough to not fire me. It came from an employer who allowed me to sell soft-serve in the middle of January because he knew I needed money for college despite the fact that he hadn’t turned a profit in months.

So now that I’m a parent, I get it. I don’t want my daughter slaving away her youth picking up bras from the junior department floor and being distracted from her studies.  I also get that those jobs may not be as plentiful because a whole generation has been forced to settle for less because they’re still paying off student loans for career prospects that universities promised that never came to fruition. But I also understand that work ethic can come from something as simple as showing up to cut your neighbor’s grass every other Sunday. Summer breaks are great and I want my daughter to enjoy as many of them as she can before her adult years shut them down, but professionalism isn’t something that’s seasonal and if what she learns washing cars for the summer gets her a company car down the line, I’m all for it.

Toya Sharee is a Health Resource Specialist who has a  passion for helping young women build their self-esteem and make well-informed choices about their sexual health. She also advocates for women’s reproductive rights and blogs about  everything from beauty to love and relationships. Follow her on Twitter @TheTrueTSharee or visit her blog, Bullets and Blessings.

The post Summer Break My Behind: Why Your Teen Needs To Be Working For The Summer appeared first on MadameNoire.

Young Thug has been credited as a “fashion icon” in the past few years bringing a colorful voice to hip-hop rocking everything from fingernail polish to cheetah-print dresses. While the CoverGirl brand might be able to appreciate his beauty choices, they can’t get behind his most recent message, particularly because it borrows a slogan they’ve featured for decades.

In April, Young Thug announced an upcoming project entitled Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Thugger Girls but when the album was released on June 16^th, the title was shortened to Beautiful Thugger Girls. VIBE reports that fans suspected a legal issue was behind the name change. Recently a CoverGirl representative confirmed in a statement that the album’s message was in direct conflict with their brand and that the rapper didn’t have permission to use the slogan or anything like it:

“CoverGirl was not contacted by Young Thug or any parties regarding his original album title. The album is not aligned with our values at CoverGirl. Violence and abuse are unacceptable behaviors. We do not support the use or association of our iconic slogan, ‘Easy, Breezy, Beautiful, CoverGirl ‘ with Young Thug’s video, album or promotional materials.”

The unacceptable behaviors the brand referred to are a part of a promotional video for the album that was posted. The video shows a group of women in black ski masks with the initials “E.B.B.T.G.” stitched into the forehead violently beating up another woman as a part of a gang initiation into the beautiful thugger girls clan. After beating the young woman up, the group takes her into a room covered in creepy baby dolls that have been scribbled on with a Sharpie marker and missing arms and legs. The group proceeds to light candles in what appears to be some kind of ritual and covers the woman’s battered and bruised face with duct tape that they then label with the words “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Thugger Girls.”

Despite the controversy and confusion the promo caused some fans, SPIN recently reported that Beautiful, Thugger Girls is a pretty solid album:

“The results are something to behold. In its sonic specificity and imaginativeness, Beautiful Thugger Girls makes for Thug’s most unified project since Barter 6, mixing a more direct aim at crossover hits with the same inspired flights of stylistic fancy that have characterized his patchy but always-imaginative releases over the past two years.”

“The album feels unprecedented within his catalog because it strikes a balance Thug has never quite pulled off on a single project: mixing a unified, album-wide sound with moments of aggressive experimentation and nagging hooks.”

Looks like even if CoverGirl can’t get behind the message, the music is at least good. You can check out the promo video that’s causing all of the hoopla below:

E.B.B.T.G pic.twitter.com/jnzBsWd7YP

— Young Thug ひ (@youngthug) June 13, 2017

The post CoverGirl Not Here For Young Thug’s Take On “Easy, Breezy…” Slogan appeared first on MadameNoire.

You may recall actress Angelina Jolie opening up about her preventative double mastectomy procedure back in 2013 after doctors discovered she carried the “‘faulty’ gene” BRCA1 and had roughly an 87 percent risk of contracting breast cancer. In an op-ed published in the New York Times, Jolie hoped her experience would serve as support for women who struggled with maintaining feelings of femininity when facing the procedure:

“I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer. It is reassuring that they see nothing that makes them uncomfortable. They can see my small scars and that’s it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was. And they know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can. On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.”

The star revealed that after her surgery, her risk for developing breast cancer dropped down to 5%.

However, the New York Post is reporting a Harlem woman may be feeling more confused than relieved after undergoing the same kind of surgery. Eduvigis Rodriguez says a procedure in which her left breast was removed and other surgeries followed to correct complications left her weary, especially after learning that she didn’t even have cancer in the first place.

“I didn’t know whether to smile and thank God I didn’t have cancer or cry because I’ve been through so much,” the 51-year-old expressed to the publication.

The whole ordeal began when Rodriguez discovered a lump in her breast before undergoing a biopsy procedure at Mount Sinai Bethel Israel Hospital. A malpractice suit filed in a Manhattan supreme court reveals Rodriguez had benign growth in the tissue of her left breast that was believed to be cancerous, however it was later revealed that Dr. Jean-Marc Cohen misdiagnosed Rodriguez.

She was then sent to Lenox Hill hospital where according to a policy put in place in 2012, all pathology reports done at other hospitals must first be verified by Lenox Hill practitioners before any major surgery. This verification never took place despite a form signed by surgeon Dr. Magdi Bebawi stating one was.

Dr. Bebawi then performed the surgery and afterwards when the tissue was being tested to confirm its cancerous nature it was found to be benign. According to court documents, Cohen also performed his own test and came to the same conclusion. The doctor says he immediately called Rodriguez to apologize for the grave mistake:

“After the surgery, when I was told that the review of the biopsy showed no cancer, I immediately called her and made her aware that I am very sorry and I feel very bad that we did this procedure for no cancer.”

Rodriguez shares that apology won’t be quite enough and is now working to make sure justice is served and this same carelessness won’t happen with anyone else:

“I want explanations. I do not want to see this happen to anyone else. I had confidence in the surgeon and the hospitals, but I cannot believe all the mistakes that were made.”

Rodriguez will never get back her time, the days of worry and fear she must have experienced, and even the way her body once appeared but we hope she gets justice and honestly a whole lot of money for her ordeal.

The post Woman Undergoes Mastectomy Before Learning She Never Had Breast Cancer appeared first on MadameNoire.

If you love ice cream and wine, rosé in particular, then you’re in for a treat this summer.

If you hadn’t already guessed, rosé ice cream now exists all thanks to Smitten Ice Cream. The shop, which is located in California, is widely known for serving some of the freshest and most delectable ice cream on Earth. Seriously, there’s Blueberry Lavender, Brown Sugar with Cinnamon Shortbread, Honey Thyme, Cookie Dough with Pretzels and Chocolate Chips, and many more to drool over. And of course, their newest flavor, Sonoma Rosé.

This flavor in particular mixes it’s creamy base with Scribe Winery’s canned rosé,  Una Lou Rosé. For those up on their wine game, the canned wine is made from pinot noir grass and features notes of grapefruit and strawberries. Yum!

Congrats to the @petitmarlowesf team on their opening! We’re so excited to be a part of your menu! Head on over for their delicious bites and get their Chef’s Pink dessert–a Smitten collaboration of Rosé ice cream made with @unalourose wine from @scribewinery! Also available at our SF Mission shop and tomorrow at the Ferry Building Farmers Market! Tag a friend who needs a little more Rosé in their life 😋

A post shared by Smitten Ice Cream (@smittenicecream) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:43pm PDT

Although Smitten’s sweet treats can only be purchased on site at their California brick-and-mortar or Smorgasbord in Los Angeles, they offer national shipping via Goldbely, a site that dutifully ships food from local shops nationwide. But do be forewarned, you have to order five pints of ice cream at a time, which will roughly set you back about $109.

There’s no doubt this is a pricey purchase, but if you’re an ice cream and wine fiend, why not give it a try on a special occasion?

The post Apparently, There Is Now Such A Thing As Rosé Ice Cream… appeared first on MadameNoire.

JULY 6… the “SO STONED” collection is dropping! My hands down favorite collaboration with @manoloblahnikhq Pictured above: “Poison Ivy”

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jun 21, 2017 at 12:32pm PDT

Because there’s never enough clothing, shoes, and accessories to obsess over, we thought we’d remind you that Rihanna’s third and final Manolo Blahnik collection has arrived.

Just last year, Rihanna and the brand adored by none other than Carrie Bradshaw surprised with a denim-driven line that received much praise and even crashed the Manolo site upon its arrival. If anyone remembers, the “9 to 5” belted denim thigh high boots  were a standout of the collaboration with everyone from Taraji P. Henson to Jennifer Lopez rocking them to perfection.

#SoSTONED @manoloblahnikhq Pictured above: “Bajan Princess”

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jun 21, 2017 at 7:01pm PDT

Dubbed ‘So Stoned,’ Rihanna’s new limited-edition line boasts for four new styles that are super stylish, of course, and a pretty penny ($1,265 to $2,325) to call yours. This time around, PVC, perspex heels, and beautiful jeweled stones are the focus with silhouettes ranging in height and style. There’s everything from a mid-calf gladiator sandal to an ankle strap sandal and a mule.

#RihannaXManolo The #SoSTONED collection….JULY 6. @manoloblahnikhq Pictured above: “Spice”

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jun 21, 2017 at 5:33pm PDT

Last May, Blahnik shared with Footwear News that it has been quite an experience working with Rihanna, saying, “I appreciate that she has her own style and is not afraid to wear what she likes.”

We can definitely second that statement, as Rihanna has glow-up throughout the years, blossoming into a true fashion icon. The final collection, ‘So Stoned,’will be available for purchase in select Manolo Blahnik stores and online on July 6.

The post Rihanna’s Final Manolo Blahnik Collection Is To Die For appeared first on MadameNoire.

About last night… 2017 USA Nationals with baby #2 at 5months pregnant. I have some pretty awesome maternity photos from both pregnancies #Wonderwoman #ShesAllOFUS #beyourjourney

A post shared by Alysia Montaño (@alysiamontano) on Jun 23, 2017 at 12:33pm PDT

If Wonderwoman is a fictional character from DC Comics, Alysia Montaño is the real-life version.

The Olympian, multi medalist, 7 time USA champion runner recently showed up to the 2017 USATF Outdoor Championships on Friday (June 23) with baby bump and her running shoes in tow, as reported by The Washington Post. Don’t get it twisted, although five-months pregnant, the 800-meter runner not only came to run, she came to win, and prove that a growing belly wouldn’t stop her continuing to do what brings her joy.

“I wanted Wonder Woman to represent me… when I found out (star Gal Gadot) filmed half the movie five months pregnant, I said, ‘I for sure am signing up for USA nationals,” she said, wearing a customized Wonderwoman top.

You own it. You define it. It’s no one else’s but yours. Be your journey. #FlyingFlower pic.twitter.com/wmOmGsDPEn

— Alysia Montaño (@AlysiaMontano) June 22, 2017

This isn’t a first for Montaño though, who also competed at the USATF Outdoor Championship in 2014 at a whopping eight months pregnant. However, instead of flaunting her soon-to-be-born, she wore a pink shirt over her bulging stomach.

Nevertheless Montaño  went on to express her reasoning behind still running while pregnant, saying, “This isn’t to pressure women to run during pregnancy. That’s not the point at all. We’re all different and that’s the point.”

The post Olympian Runner Alysia Montaño Competes While Pregnant For The Second Time appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Saturday (June 24), R&B chanteuse Keke Wyatt revealed that one of her eight children is battling cancer. Posting an intimate video on Instagram, she shared that she would be going live on Instagram to shave her head bald to support her child who is also bald.

“Plz pray for my family… Haven’t really said to [sic] much about my personal life, But my child has been fighting cancer and lost all of their hair that they loved. It hurts me so bad. So to show Mommy’s support I’m going to get @keever_west to shave me bald today,” she began.

Plz pray for my family… Haven’t really said to much about my personal life, But my child has been fighting cancer and lost all of their hair that they loved. It hurts me so bad. So to show Mommy’s support I’m going to get @keever_west to shave me bald today I need a complete healing for my baby… ‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️If u want to donate plz go to www.choa.org Prayers work best for Us!!!

A post shared by Keke Wyatt (@keke_wyatt) on Jun 24, 2017 at 10:30am PDT

Wyatt continued, saying, “I need a complete healing for my baby…” She also urged her fans and followers alike to  donate to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, ending the caption with, “Prayers work best for Us!!!”

Definitely a tough moment to share, we stand with the R&B Divas: Atlanta star, who has discussed her passion for hair before. “I love doing hair. I’m a hair freak,” she said to ESSENCE. “I just love how it feels on my fingertips.”

Sending prayers to Keke and her family.

The post Keke Wyatt Reveals One Of Her Children Is Battling Cancer appeared first on MadameNoire.

Forever 💍

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@lori_harvey_) on Jun 25, 2017 at 5:47am PDT

Ladies, he put a ring on it – Memphis Depay, that is.

If you haven’t got a clue as to who he is, we’re sure you’ve seen Steve Harvey’s stepdaughter Lori on the arm of the 21-year-old Dutch soccer player, who signed a reported $40 million, four-year contract with Manchester United in 2015. t’s unclear as to exactly how long the couple have been dating, but they shared photos of themselves in Paris celebrating Lori’s birthday last year when she turned 19. Since then, the two have been pretty much inseparable.

I’m so blessed, I get to marry my bestfriend 😍😍😍 I SAID YES!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@lori_harvey_) on Jun 24, 2017 at 2:39pm PDT

Yesterday (June 24), Harvey took to Instagram, sharing two photos of their new union. Visibly surprised in one of the photos, Harvey has her hands covered over her mouth while Day is down on one knee ready to pop the question. Harvey exactly captioned it, I’m so blessed, I get to marry my best friend. I SAID YES!!!!!!!!”

Congratulations are certainly in order for this couple’s engagement.

The post Lori Harvey, Steve Harvey’s Stepdaughter, Is Now Engaged appeared first on MadameNoire.

When you have a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for your role as an anesthesiologist on the highly-rated show black-ish, rub elbows with artists like Kanye West on the regular and have Diana Ross for a mother, you might think actress Tracee Ellis Ross has lived a pretty pain free life. Recently the actress opened up to Redbook magazine about her struggles with body image and the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards. Now she’s sharing her thoughts with Ebony magazine about the secret weapon she’s used to stay motivated and push towards success: Pain.

The actress has partnered up with Motrin and it’s #WomenInProgress campaign to get down to the nitty, gritty of exactly what pain looks like and how women can use it to their advantage. Ross maintains that the only problem with pain is our mindset about it and once we look at pain differently, it can actually be helpful:

“Pain is not a stopping point, but an opportunity for growth.”

“The immediate response is [to] get smaller [and say], ‘What I did was wrong; I shouldn’t have done that’ instead of, ‘This is really good information for me. This is either information about something that I do or don’t want, or information about how I want to be.’ Then make space for there not to be shame involved in the experience of what is a normal part of life: pain, disappointment and fear and those negative feelings.”

She also opened up about how although she enjoys social media, she doesn’t think it tells the whole story. She reveals that although winning an Emmy was a phenomenal moment that we all applauded from behind our computer screens, it wasn’t necessarily a defining moment for her:

“I know so many of the great things I’m experiencing . . . you know—this year 44, first time at the Emmys, I won a Golden Globe—things like that, are very exciting but those were not the breakthrough moments. The breakthrough moments were actually the hard moments. The breakthrough moments are the moments that actually gave me the courage to stand there on that stage winning a Golden Globe and actually be in the experience of it.”

It’s been said that money can’t buy happiness, but how painful can a life of fortune and fame really be? I mean her mom WAS Mahogany. But Ross says “the three A’s” have helped stay grounded and focused:

“Just like anybody else, I’ve experienced the pain of disappointment, of things not going the way I want on certain things or the way I wish that they had or being at a certain place in my life and thinking why has that not happened.”

“I have learned that the fastest way to where I want to be is where I am. May the space between where I am and where I want to be inspire me. I often get snagged when I know that I’m experiencing pain, whatever it is taking me down—depression, bad day, disappointment, I made a mistake and I’m beating myself up about it—whatever those things are and I see where I want to be, like, I shouldn’t be upset about this—say it’s that gap.”

“There’s the three A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Action. Jumping from awareness right to action skips right over the acceptance space, and what is in the acceptance space is actually you being able to feel what the right action is.”

The Girlfriends star also shared a funny story about pain and prepping for an opening dance number as a host for Black Girls Rock! in a HuffPost interview:

“I’m not a dancer, I have bad knees, I do not have the hinge at the back of my hips that Rihanna has nor do I on a regular basis do what Beyoncé does, so I knew it was going to be a challenge for me, I was afraid to make a fool of myself.”

“It was a challenge and at the same time, it was really hard on my body. I threw my back out, my knees were incredibly swollen. I could have used all of those as as a reason to stop and not do it.”

“What I left with was this incredible experience that I never would have tried if I had let the idea of the being in pain or being afraid stop me.”

Ross is definitely giving out some gems about taking life one day at a time and appreciating each moment for what it is and the important part pain plays in each woman’s journey. You can read more about how she copes with loss and her reaction to last year’s presidential election here. You can also watch her share her thoughts on the stigma associated with pain below:

The post “The Fastest Way To Where I Want To Be Is Where I Am” Tracee Ellis Ross Talks Using Pain To Grow appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Friday (June 23), Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis celebrated 14 years of marriage with her husband, Julius Tennon. And of course, in today’s social media age, Davis sent out a heartfelt tweet in honor of their wedding anniversary.

“My life got sweeter, richer the day I met you. I love you like a big ole dog!!! Happy 14 years my love, my heart,” she captioned the photo of the couple from when they renewed their vocals in 2016,  garnering tons of likes and best wishes.

Tennon and Davis wed in 2003 and added an addition to their family in October 2011 by adopting their beautiful daughter Genesis. Back in 2013, How To Get Away With Murder star shared with Page Six that  Tennon was the answer to her prayers for love to finally come into her life.

My life got sweeter, richer the day I met you. I love you like a big ole dog!!! Happy 14 years my love, my heart.
📷: @CarellAugustus pic.twitter.com/XwGPCRGGX0

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) June 23, 2017

“I was the loneliest woman in the world, and someone said, ‘You should just pray for a husband,” Davis said. “I said I wanted a big black man from the South who looked like a football player, who already had children, who maybe had been married before Three and a half weeks later, I met my husband.”

The post Viola Davis Celebrates Wedding Anniversary With Sweet Message To Husband appeared first on MadameNoire.

Lipstick lovers, listen up!

MAC Cosmetics has the coolest promotion going on that we’re currently obsessing over. While we’re a tad bit late to the party (today, June 25 is sadly the last day), we still champion a good deal and had to share the deets.

If you’ve ever gone ham in one of MAC’s brick-and-mortar stores, don’t feel too bad because we’ve all been there. But the popular beauty and cosmetics brand is easing the shopping regret with a deal that will have you feeling guilt-free for once.

So, according to MAC’s site, you can get a free full-size tube of lipstick with a purchase of any two lip products. That means if you cop lip pencils, prep and prime for lips, and even lipglass, you’re qualified to grab one of their highly coveted lip shades at no additional cost. Sounds like a deal to us.

But hurry, because the promotion, which is in-store and online ends today.

The post Here’s How You Can Score Free Lipstick From MAC appeared first on MadameNoire.

Back in April, TLC shared the release date for their highly-anticipated kickstarted-funded album, TLC, and as June 30 inches closer and closer,  Chilli and T-Boz are beginning to flood the internet and radio waves with new jams.

After premiering their first single, “Way Back,” which features Snoop Dogg, and “Haters,” the ladies are back with an emotional tune titled, “American Gold.”

The Kayo-produced track manifests a message of standing strong in the face of adversity.

“I think none of us are safe,” sings T-Boz. “We’ve been in and out the race / Cries, they echo into space / Tragedies we have to face.” The song continues, “I lost some friends, some friends that I didn’t want to / I lost some stars, my heart bleeds red, white, and blue / I’ve been in and out of the fire battling for you / Bleeding on American soil.”

Take a listen to “American Gold” below.

The post Listen To TLC’s New Song “American Gold” appeared first on MadameNoire.

Happy birthday my baby Girl Solange Knowles Fergurson❤️ now you are 31 and we are going to pick you up again when we see you ! Because in Mariah’s voice “you will always be my baby” in this this case OUR baby❤️

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Jun 24, 2017 at 7:03am PDT

On Saturday (June 24), Solange Knowles celebrated 31 years of life. So, of course, as a proud mother would, Tina Lawson took to Instagram to honor her youngest with a sweet and empowering message detailing the A Seat at the Table singer’s unwavering courage.

“Happy Birthday my beautiful baby girl. 31 years ago today you entered this world (when YOU got good and damned ready to come)! 10 days late! We were all in love!!!” she wrote.

“You’ve been walking to the beat of your own drum every since!!” the caption continued. “I don’t know anyone who is as headstrong and determined to do it their way , no matter the consequences. I admire your courage , Boldness, intelligence , beauty , refusal to conform to others definition of (traditional beauty , your kindness, loyalty, love of family , great mom skills, fashion sense , work ethic , activism. I could go on.”

Happy Birthday my beautiful baby girl❤️31 years ago today you entered this world (when YOU got good and damned ready to come) !10 days late! We were all in love!!! You’ve been walking to the beat of your own drum every since!! I don’t know anyone who is as headstrong and determined to do it thier way , no matter the consequences. I admire your courage , Boldness, intelligence , beauty , refusal to conform to others definition of (traditional beauty , your kindness, loyalty, love of family , great mom skills, fashion sense , work ethic , activism. I could go on. Its one story i will tell . The Asst. principle called me when you were in the 6 th grade and said you started a petition to discipline a teacher because she continuously allowed a student to harass and disrupt the class and keep the other kids from learning! She said you were disruptive and too grown , at which i said “go Solange” i was as proud as i could be! I told her so. You were always lite years ahead of your time . We are always here and got your back !! I love you with all my heart!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️💐💐💐🎍🎍💥🔥🎂

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Jun 24, 2017 at 6:15am PDT

Tina went on to share a heartwarming story of how Solange has always been one to speak up and have her voice heard, even as a child.

“The Asst. principle called me when you were in the 6th grade and said you started a petition to discipline a teacher because she continuously allowed a student to harass and disrupt the class and keep the other kids from learning!” Tina said. “She said you were disruptive and too grown,  at which i said ‘go Solange’ I was as proud as I could be! I told her so. You were always lite years ahead of your time. We are always here and got your back !! I love you with all my heart!!!”

The post Mama Tina Gushes Over Solange’s Courage And Refusal To Conform In Heartfelt Birthday Message appeared first on MadameNoire.

It’s no secret that Rihanna doesn’t play when it comes to her money, her men and making a difference in the world. In between setting the music charts on fire with “Wild Thoughts”, alongside Bryson Tiller on their recent contribution to DJ Khaled’s Grateful album, the singer also makes time to do things like call out world leaders and encourage them to play their part in affordable education.

The singer has actually been an advocate for education and human rights for some time. In between making it rains hits with her ANTI, Loud and Unapologetic albums, back in 2012 “Rih Rih” founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (named after her grandmother and grandfather) which aims to support education and healthcare. In 2016 the organization partnered with Global Citizen and the Global Partnership for Education with Rih acting as its first-ever Global Ambassador. Rihanna had this to say about the partnership:

“I feel strongly that all children everywhere should be afforded the opportunity of a quality education. Therefore I’m proud to announce Clara Lionel Foundation’s partnership with education advocacy leaders like the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen. Working together, I know we can amplify our efforts and ensure that millions of children gain access to education globally.”

Recently, Rihanna took to Twitter to gather her Navy and urge global leaders to publicly commit to funding education:

https://twitter.com/rihanna/status/878272030021373952

https://twitter.com/rihanna/status/878366661224550400

🇨🇦 @JustinTrudeau I know you had our backs during the #GlobalCitizen Festival, will you recommit Canada to #FundEducation?

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 23, 2017

🇫🇷 bonjour @EmmanuelMacron, will France commit to #FundEducation?

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 23, 2017

https://twitter.com/rihanna/status/878379809239220224

Rih’s Navy of just over 74 million followers didn’t disappoint in their duties. Her initial tweet to Macri currently has 23,000 retweets, over 50,000 likes, and almost 3,000 replies, while the other tweets follow closely behind. Unfortunately, the only leaders to respond to Rih’s call to action has been the powers that be over in Germany:

Hi @Rihanna, education is a key area of German development policy. We have nearly doubled spending since 2013.Thanks for spreading the word! https://t.co/ff4QX1rb0s

— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) June 24, 2017

We love that Rih uses her social media for more than selfies and album teasers, but don’t get it twisted. The music icon isn’t just tweeting her little heart away on a tour bus. Rihanna can easily go from the studio to the classroom as featured recently in a video released from the Clara Lionel Foundation of the singer’s trip to Malawi, a country also known as “the Warm Heart of Africa.” While visiting she used her gift of song to teach students some math skills and to learn the best way she and the organization can help students stay in school and overcome poverty. She praises the students on their unique approach to learning:

“I love that they learn in melody. They adopt melody really, really quickly. And so, if you can use that as a learning tool, I think that’s the most brilliant, brilliant thing.”

Rih created a $3.1 billion goal to gift over 870 million children globally with quality education. Harvard University didn’t name her the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year for nothing. Watch some students have the best day ever when Rihanna plays substitute below:

The post Rihanna Is Throwing Shade On Twitter Again, But This Time It’s For A Good Cause appeared first on MadameNoire.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY! @allwomanproject @nikenyc #forceisfemale #allwomanproject Photo by @jaclynadams

A post shared by Saada (@saada___) on Mar 8, 2017 at 1:10pm PST

Unless you’ve been unplugged from the internet for the past five years or hiding under a rock, then you should be well acquainted with Everyday People, a monthly brunch party and gathering in downtown New York City started by Saada Ahmed, DJ Moma & Chef Roble.

Basically, it’s a host of beautiful brown people, good food, and even better music. And everyone has been spotted there from Kelis to Solange. Now, five years in, Everyday People has spread its wings past the metropolis, bringing their good vibes to many more by hosting parties across America.

#FBF My lazy eye and I had fun in Miami @babygirlcomeover Shout out to @ltenght & @spinsertracy for having me dance alllll night

A post shared by Saada (@saada___) on Apr 7, 2017 at 7:04pm PDT

Recently, Essence chatted with Saada, who also models, about a slew of things from prized possessions to fashion faves. But what caught our attention most was her minimal beauty must-haves.

If you browse through Saada’s Instagram, you’ll instantly be inundated with photos that flaunt her natural beauty – glowing, radiant complexion included.  So, if you’re wondering how she looks so put together with minimal effort, here you go.

“My must-haves are coconut oil, an Anastasia eyebrow pencil and Glossier Boy Brow groomer,” she revealed.

While it may seem skimp to some, with summertime in full effect, it’s better to let your skin breathe with less makeup. So, slather on some coconut oil as a good moisturizer (it gives you that perfect dewy look, too) and groom your brows to perfection. While Saada didn’t add a lip color to her must-haves, if you want to up the amp of your look, definitely opt for a pigmented hue to turn heads.

Read the full article here and find out more about Everyday People’s Saada Ahmed.

The post Everyday People Brunch’s Saada Ahmed Shares Her Beauty Must-Haves appeared first on MadameNoire.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! 💋🎂💋

A post shared by LaLa (@lala) on Jun 25, 2017 at 9:09am PDT

2017 has been a tough year for La La Anthony after reportedly separating from her husband, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. But while the details of their relationship is still in limbo, the television personality, New York Times best-selling author, business woman, producer and actress, has been keeping quite busy.

Not only does the highly-anticapted fourth season Power, the STARZ original series where she plays the character of  LaKeisha, premiere today, but La La celebrates 38 years of life. Recently, the mother of one has been slaying the scene every time she steps foot outside – scroll through her Instagram account for further prove.

And to kick off her new chapter of life, La La posted a series of super sexy photos to celebrate. Rocking a black latex swimsuit featuring a deep v-neck, La La strikes several poses in a shower, captioning it, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!”

That right, La La. Happy birthday and we wish you many, many more!

The post La La Celebrates Birthday With Super Sexy Photo Shoot appeared first on MadameNoire.

Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty

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Goapele

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Lil Mama

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Garcelle Beauvais

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LeToya Luckett

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Justine Skye

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Sevyn Streeter

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Demetria McKinney

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Yvette Nicole Brown

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Dascha Polanco

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Kat Graham

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Logan Browning

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Blac Chyna

Lena Waithe

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Remy Ma

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Issa Rae

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La La

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Margaret Avery

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Yara Shahidi

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Eva Marcille

Karrueche

The post Shout Out To All The Ladies Who Killed The Carpet At The BET Awards appeared first on MadameNoire.

In her autobiography, Taraji P. Henson, makes a point to let us know that it wasn’t her Oscar nomination that got her top billing as an actress. (As an aside, she didn’t get what deserved on the project.) Instead, it was Tyler Perry casting her as the lead actress in I Can Do Bad All By Myself, that made her pockets fatter.

So it only makes sense that she might feel a sense of loyalty to the man. Perhaps that’s why she’s partnering with him for a second film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is called Tyler Perry’s She’s Living My Life. In the drama, Henson plays a faithful wife who grows weary of remaining loyal to a no-good man. And once it’s become painfully clear that she’s been betrayed, that’s when things get rollin’.

I won’t say too much but I hope Tyler Perry takes his time with this one. Either way, I’ll be out to support Taraji.

What do you think? Does it sound interesting to you?

The post Taraji P. Henson And Tyler Perry Team Up For A New Film Project appeared first on MadameNoire.