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EBONY • 16th November 2024

Rest And Resistance: 10 Black-Owned Spaces Where We Can Find Self-Care Post-Election - *Travel*

For many Black Americans, the result of the 2024 presidential election came with a wave of emotions ranging from PTSD from Donald Trump's former presidential term to uncertainty about our human rights.

For some, the initial thought was to flee the country—or at least the moment.

As evident on social media, watch-party streams and conversations across the country, realizing what type of leadership would be entering the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, put people into an instant state of stress and...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 30th October 2024

Skip Marley Continues The Marley Legacy And Is 'Bringing The Vibes To A New Generation' With New Single - *Interview*

To no one’s surprise, Grammy-nominated artist Skip Marley knows how to make good music. As the grandson of reggae icon Bob Marley, he didn’t have to look far to find incredible influences, but at 28 years old, Marley is building his own legacy.  


In 2015, Marley released his first two singles, “Cry to Me” and “Life,” under the infamous Tuff Gong music label founded by his grandfather in 1970. Later that year, he joined his uncles Damian and Stephen Marley on their Catch a Fire tour. Throughou...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 16th October 2024

Ari Lennox Talks Natural Hair And New Music: 'I'm Embracing My More Unhinged, Rageful Side' - *Interview*

Since first appearing on the music scene, Ari Lennox has authentically represented Black womanhood and natural beauty, and her newest partnership holds true to that.


Earlier this month, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer partnered with KISS Colors & Care to spotlight its new Edge Fixer Extreme, formulated explicitly for 4C hair, and the versatile Edge Fixer Wax Stick. 


“It’s an honor because I’ve loved the company ever since I was young,” Lennox told Blavity in a recent interview. The “A/S/L...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 12th October 2024

Here's What To Know About 'Roller Jam' And What Jordin Sparks, Johnny Weir And Terrell Ferguson Say About The Max Series - *Interview*

Roller Jam, a fun, new competition series from Max and Magnolia Network, rolled onto screens this week. Hosted by singer and actor Jordin Sparks, the show features talented teams from across the country competing for the title of America’s best roller-dancing team.


In the six episodes, teams will be judged by a panel of judges, including two-time Olympian and national figure skating champion Johnny Weir and Terrell Ferguson, a professional dancer/choreographer and roller skater.






“I’m...

Essence • 8th October 2024

Award-Winning Chef Andrew Black Is Helping Travelers Experience Morocco Through Their Tastebuds | Essence - *Interview/Travel*

Born and bred in Jamaica, James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Black’s lifelong passion for cooking was inspired by the diverse flavors utilized by his Indian grandmother.


“I grew up in a Hindu family,” the Oklahoma City-based chef, known for eateries Grey Sweater, The Gilded Acorn, Black Walnut, and most recently, Perle Mesta, through his Culinary Edge hospitality group, says while recounting the dishes he learned to make at his paternal grandmother’s side. “Mullangi chutney, Takari, Dhal P...

Raleigh News & Observer • 24th September 2024

Cost-conscious travelers discover luxury at The Pierside Santa Monica in Southern California - *Travel*

Located on the sun-drenched shores of Santa Monica, California, The Pierside Santa Monica offers a mix of modern luxury and coastal charm. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a 16-story acrylic mega mural on the hotel’s exterior by American artist Shepard Fairey – famous for Barack Obama’s 2008 iconic “Hope” poster – capturing the vibe of downtown Santa Monica culture.

Check-in is easy, and the hotel’s valet parking adds to the convenience of the location. When entering the lobby, the airy an...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 18th September 2024

2 Chainz Backs This Initiative Awarding Over $350K In Scholarship Funds For HBCU STEM Students - *Interview*

2 Chainz‘s latest partnership is helping HBCU students looking to bring some flavor to the world of STEM.


Last month, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation announced they would invest $350,000 in financial support and provide additional resources to historically Black colleges and universities, particularly for students pursuing careers in culinary innovation, food science and technology. 2 Chainz is partnering with PepsiCo to spread the word about their new “Taste of Tomorrow” scholarship....

Blavity News & Entertainment • 18th September 2024

Flavor Flav On Swapping Out His Clock Necklace For The 'Pop Clock': 'It's Very Special' - *Interview*

Flavor Flav’s new partnership is one that has him giving a twist to his iconic clock.


Smartfood Popcorn’s lineup is all about the flavor, and the brand is teaming up with its very first “Flavor Genie,” legendary rapper Flavor Flav, to announce the new mouthwatering varieties.


“My name is Flavor, Flavor Flav! I don’t know anyone better to represent these flavors than myself, the ambassador of flavor,” the rapper recently told Blavity in an interview.


Smartfood’s Flavors You Can Feel Good...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 16th September 2024

Black Women In Entertainment For Kamala: The Initiative That's Seen Erika Alexander, Terri J. Vaughn And More Mobilize - *Interview*

Black Women in Entertainment for Kamala (BWIE4Kamala) is successfully utilizing Black Hollywood to mobilize support for Vice President Kamala Harris‘ campaign. When the vice president announced she would run for president, millions nationwide sprung into action. Overnight, several fundraisers, calls and organizations brought in millions of dollars to assist with funding her campaign.


On July 21, Evan Seymour participated in the historic Win with Black Women Zoom call, which raised over $1.5 m...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 8th September 2024

How Black-Owned Whiskey Brand Jackson McCrea Whiskey Puts Women First - *Interview*

Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea are changing the landscape of the traditionally white male-dominated world of whiskey.


What started as a simple dinner conversation has become a barrier-breaking business. Jackson McCrea Whiskey is the first Black women-owned whiskey brand in California, and since its inception in 2022, the brand has aimed to be more than just a smooth pour.


Both Jackson and McCrea have backgrounds in the wine and spirits industry and were aware of the strenuous pull it wo...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 20th August 2024

Kid 'N Play Bridge The Gap Between Old And New School On Their Podcast 'The Funhouse With Kid 'N Play' - *Interview*

With their infectious energy and boundless creativity, Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin, known as Kid ‘N Play, have dominated pop culture for over 30 years. The legendary hip-hop artists and movie stars continue to break new ground with their chart-topping podcast, The Funhouse with Kid ‘N Play. The star-studded interview-style show produced by Urban One Podcasts debuted within the top 25% of all music podcasts on Apple Podcasts in just five weeks.


The podcast’s listeners...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 12th August 2024

'SNL's Ego Nwodim On Starring Alongside Stephen Curry In Peacock's Scripted Comedy 'Mr. Throwback': 'I Am Actively Bad At Basketball' - *Interview*

Comedian and actor Ego Nwodim has been one of the leading cast members of Saturday Night Live since 2018, and now, she’s taking her talents to the basketball court with Stephen Curry in the new Peacock original comedy series Mr. Throwback.


Nwodim stars alongside Curry and Adam Pally in the mockumentary following Danny (Pally), a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer who looks for redemption by reuniting with his sixth-grade teammate, who happens to be a legendary NBA player now.


“The three o...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 30th July 2024

How 'The Lay Out' Is Consistently Making New York Summers Ones To Remember - *Travel*

Being “Black outside” is personified by The Lay Out.


In 2020, our worlds were turned upside down. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us into a level of isolation and uncertainty we had never faced before. Then, the senseless murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd made “just being” seem like a radical act for Black people.


For Emily Anadu, the confinement and racial tension became too much too bare and unfortunately didn’t escape her as she took her daily walks in New York’s Fort Greene Park...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 28th July 2024

Netflix's 'Simone Biles Rising' Director On Watching The Iconic Athlete Find Her Way Back - *Interview*

In the competitive sport of gymnastics, Simone Biles has far surpassed the term “the best ever.” The powerhouse has redefined the boundaries of the sport. With a total of 37 Olympic and world championship medals, she is the most decorated gymnast in history and is often mentioned as the greatest gymnast of all time. However, she is still human.


Netflix’s new documentary series, Simone Biles Rising, follows the journey of not only a world champion but also a woman who dares to find the best ve...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

EarthGang's Olu Is Getting Us Outside This Summer With Wellness Brand COMPXSS: 'We're Made Of Natural Substances' - *Interview*

Grammy-nominated artist Olu, also known as Johnny Venus from the eclectic hip-hop duo EarthGang, has always preached the value of inner peace and wellness. Since 2017, when he and his bandmate, WowGr8 (Doctur Dot), joined Dreamville Records, they have used their music and platform to explore relatable themes of society and self, the conflict between tradition and modernity, religion and enlightenment, and music and manhood. 


Outside of EarthGang, Olu has continued his mission to help the mass...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

Eva Longoria Is Back On The Small Screen With Santiago Cabrera Of 'The Cleaning Lady' In Apple TV+'s 'Land Of Women' *Interview*

Eva Longoria returns to television this week in her role on Land of Women on Apple TV+.


Longoria plays Gala, a well-to-do New York housewife whose world is turned upside down when her husband vanishes after getting their family tangled in his financial wrongdoings.


Learning that some gun-wielding hitmen are looking for her due to her husband’s unpaid debts, Gala flees the city with her mother, Julia (Carmen Maura), and teenage daughter, Kate (Victoria Bazúa). The trio escapes to La Muga, a...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

11 Museums And Monuments Across The Nation Keeping Black Music Alive, From Paisley Park To Motown *Travel*

Museums and monuments are vital in preserving and educating the masses about significant historical moments and cultural shifts, including music.


Throughout music history, Black artists and contributors have been responsible for creating, developing and evolving almost every musical genre. Genres such as jazz, blues, country, gospel, R&B, hip-hop and more were birthed by Black musicians. 


The music and influence of these artists helped shape history and provide the soundtrack to everything...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

Glynn Turman On His Role As Huey P. Newton's Father Walter In Apple TV+'s 'The Big Cigar': 'He Was An Activist In His Own Right' *Interview*

Apple TV+’s newest drama series about the late, revolutionary Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton, The Big Cigar, chronicles the undercover caper to smuggle the activist to Cuba disguised as a Hollywood production. 


The series uses a mix of historical references to tell the story, and one of the best resources is Emmy-nominated actor Glynn Turman. Turman brought his 65 years of acting experience to the series, portraying Walter Newton, the activist’s father. 


“He was a grounding fig...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

'Hotel Cocaine' Dives Into The Glamour And Grime Of Miami's 1970s Underworld *Interview*

MGM+’s newest crime drama, Hotel Cocaine, takes viewers inside the heartbeat of Miami‘s most tumultuous era. The Mutiny Hotel was the hub of Miami’s cocaine scene during the 1970s and ’80s.


Located in the luxurious Coconut Grove area of South Beach, the Mutiny was a safe space for the most prominent drug traffickers and the FBI agents on their tails. For the night, the groups would put down their guns and celebrate the spoils of their labor.


Hotel Cocaine follows the story of the Mutiny’s...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

'The Big Cigar' Cast On Huey P. Newton, Historical References And Women Of The Movement *Interview*

Apple TV+’s newest series, The Big Cigar, delivers a new perspective to the story of iconic revolutionist and Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton. 


The six-episode historical drama series is based on the Playboy article by journalist Joshuah Bearman. Newton was celebrated and condemned for his work with the Black Panthers in the 1960s. While his activist persona sometimes seemed larger than life, it was the perfect fit for the far-out world of Hollywood, who became an unlikely ally in...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 26th July 2024

Lil Jon Says 'There's No Wrong Way' To Meditate As He Drops New Guided Meditation Album *Interview*

Lil Jon‘s new music is here, but it’s not what anyone would expect. The Grammy winner dropped his new guided meditation album, Manifest Abundance: Affirmations For Personal Growth, to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month. 


Manifest Abudance is his second meditation album. Following Usher’s Super Bowl performance in early February, Lil Jon released Total Meditation, which he worked on with producer and best-selling author Kabir Sehgal.


Manifest Abundance features nine guided meditation...

Waymaker Journal • 22nd July 2024

Exploring Paris During the 2024 Olympics - Print Article *Travel*

Traveling with Detour By Martie BowserThere’s more than Olympic gold to be treasured in the host city of the 2024 GamesThe 2024 Summer Olympics will take over Paris from July 26-August 11 and draw a projected 325,000 visitors to the “City of Lights.” The hundreds of athletic events will be hosted in over 35 venues throughout the French capital and other metropolitan cities.While many will be there to spectate the abilities of the world’s best athletes, there is no denying that Paris holds the go...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 20th July 2024

'Abducted At An HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie' Star Naturi Naughton-Lewis Hopes Film Sparks Vigilance About Disappearances Of Black People - *Interview*

Following the success of 2023’s Black Girl Missing movie, Lifetime is releasing another entry in the gripping series. 


Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie will premiere on the network on Saturday. Naturi Naughton-Lewis stars as Ellen, a college counselor who seems to be the only person who notices or cares that one of her students, Shannon (Tanyell Quian), stops attending class.


“Ellen is someone who is fighting for this girl’s life, and she’s not her family, her blood relative...

Blavity News & Entertainment • 12th July 2024

Dia Nash On The Call She Had With Mom Niecy Nash Before Role In Lifetime's 'Sister Wife Murder': 'You Were Praying For This' - *Interview*

Dia Nash, daughter of Emmy winner Niecy Nash, is the star of Lifetime’s newest crime thriller, Sister Wife Murder.


Nash portrays Chloe, a young woman seeking purpose who finds it in the teachings of a young, handsome pastor. Chloe becomes enraptured by the pastor and enters a torturous marriage with only her other sister-wives for comfort. But then, one of the wives vanishes without a trace, and now Chloe has to ensure she’s not the next one missing.


“I’m a big PK [preacher’s kid]! My dad...