[caption id="attachment_782643" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ZOESALDANA.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ZOESALDANA.jpg" width="1068" height="600" class="wp-image-782643 size-full" /></a> Photo Credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com[/caption]
With President Obama's final days in the White House slowly dwindling down and the Internet buzzing about Trump's inauguration celebration, Zoe Saldana has decided to speak out and share her thoughts on the president-elect in an <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/zoe-saldana-hollywood-bullied-trump-035518571.html" target="_blank">AFP</a> interview. And to be quite honest, we weren't expecting this from Saldana.
“We got cocky and became arrogant and we also became bullies,” she said in regards to the relentless critiques of the Republican throughout the election. “We were trying to single out a man for all these things he was doing wrong… and that created empathy in a big group of people in America that felt bad for him and that are believing in his promises.”
While Saldana said that she's not a Trump supporter, her sentiments are more so that Americans should band together to fight for equality across the spectrum of human life. According to the <em>Live by Night actress, </em>then existence in “Trumpland” will not be bleak.
“I’m learning from (Trump’s victory) with a lot of humility,” she continued. “If we have people continue to be strong and educate ourselves and stand by equal rights and treat everyone with respect, we won’t go back to those times."
What are your thoughts? See what folks had to say on social media below.
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Apparently Zoe Saldana and Steve Harvey are both officially canceled.</p>
— Moe' (@XIBASH) <a href="https://twitter.com/XIBASH/status/820252752454553600">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Zoe Saldana keep your head up queen. Watch the same racists who "cancelled" you today, claim you again after your next victory.</p>
— MKAOS THE GREAT (@REALMIAMIKAOS1) <a href="https://twitter.com/REALMIAMIKAOS1/status/820251439939325952">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">i loved zoe saldana, a strong & badass woc playing an equally strong & badass warrior assassin. men could Never. but now? I Don't Know Her.</p>
— alex (@sunsetsebs) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunsetsebs/status/820252500146212865">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Afro Latina Zoe Saldana is Black when the check is Right &is willing to play Black Face to portray Nina Simone not surprised what she said <a href="https://t.co/tpA6tr0SHw">https://t.co/tpA6tr0SHw</a></p>
— Camilla Kay (@RandomlyShe) <a href="https://twitter.com/RandomlyShe/status/820249856467931137">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Zoe Saldana "Hollywood bullied Trump." No Zoe. You guys normalized his behavior by laughing at his actions instead of calling his ass out.</p>
— Sam Abueldoleh (@Sammar_23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sammar_23/status/820245726596919300">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Zoe Saldana Said Some Controversial Things About Donald Trump That Has The Internet Talking
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Jennifer Holliday Pulls Out Of Trump Inauguration Concert After Backlash
[caption id="attachment_782646" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jenniferholliday-1.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jenniferholliday-1.jpg" width="1068" height="600" class="wp-image-782646 size-full" /></a> Photo Credit: C.Smith/ WENN.com[/caption]
On Friday (Jan. 13) , Grammy-and Tony-winning singer Jennifer Holliday confirmed via <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7655262/jennifer-holliday-donald-trump-inauguration-performance-interview"><em>Billboard</em></a> that she would indeed be performing at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration celebration.
"I'm not singing for Donald Trump; I'm singing to welcome the people of America," she said. "He cannot be the only face that's gonna represent us. And just to have all white people up there singing is not going to be a fair representation either. So you're just saying don't go? Really? I'm just very disheartened by it that it would be so much hate."
Holliday went on to offer optimism regarding her choice, offering: "Hopefully, maybe, this will work out in the end. And, if not, I will not be killing myself. I will not be committing suicide over this. If everyone's trying to say that's the end of my career, then I guess that will have to be, but I'm going to believe that that won't be and that maybe other people will try to also see what we can do to unite the country on what little hope of togetherness we have left."
However, 48 hours later, it looks as if she has had a change of heart. On Saturday (Jan. 14) afternoon, Holliday pulled out of the celebration, announcing her decision in a letter on <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/jennifer-holliday-trump-inauguration-lgbt/">TheWrap</a> that was addressed to the “beloved LGBT community."
“I was honestly just thinking that I wanted my voice to be a healing and unifying force for hope through music to help our deeply polarized country,” she wrote. “Regretfully, I did not take into consideration that my performing for the concert would actually instead be taken as a political act against my own personal beliefs and be mistaken for support of Donald Trump and Mike Pence.”
According to the letter, her mind changed after reading <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/13/jennifer-holliday-will-perform-at-trump-s-inauguration-which-is-heartbreaking-to-gay-fans.html">a Daily Beast article</a> titled “Jennifer Holliday Will Perform at Trump’s Inauguration, Which Is Heartbreaking to Gay Fans.” “My only choice must now be to stand with the LGBT Community and to state unequivocally that I WILL NOT PERFORM FOR THE WELCOME CONCERT OR FOR ANY OF THE INAUGURATION FESTIVITIES!” she wrote.
“I sincerely apologize for my lapse of judgment,” she continued, “for being uneducated on the issues that affect every American at this crucial time in history and for causing such dismay and heartbreak to my fans. Please know that I HEAR YOU and I feel your pain. The LGBT Community was mostly responsible for birthing my career and I am deeply indebted to you.”
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Bishop Eddie Long Dies At 63
[caption id="attachment_782649" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/eddie-long.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/eddie-long.jpg" width="1068" height="600" class="wp-image-782649 size-full" /></a> Photo Credit: YouTube[/caption]
Back in September, Bishop Eddie Long of <a href="http://www.newbirth.org/" target="_blank">New Birth Missionary Baptist Church</a> announced in an official statement that has was recovering from a "health challenge" that he trusted "God to deliver" him from. With little details of the "challenge" revealed, although his dramatic weight loss had many thinking of a grave illness, things apparently did not improve moving into the new year.
Today (Jan. 15), the well-known metro Atlanta pastor has died at 63, according to a press <span class="vm-hook-outer vm-hook-default"><span class="vm-hook">release</span></span> from his church. It was also revealed that the challenge he was battling an aggressive form of cancer.
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bishop Eddie Eddie Long of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewBirthChurch?src=hash">#NewBirthChurch</a> responds to rumors he's batlting serious illness. <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX5Atlanta">@FOX5Atlanta</a> <a href="https://t.co/IcpK0JgZMG">pic.twitter.com/IcpK0JgZMG</a></p>
— Portia Bruner (@PortiaFOX5) <a href="https://twitter.com/PortiaFOX5/status/773230733158715392">September 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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As reported by Atlanta's local <a href="http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/229266996-story">Fox 5 News</a>, during Bishop's final sermon, which was on News Year's Eve, he told the church that "God was already working in our favor and what we have been praying for was already manifested, the release said.
Long is survived by his wife, Vanessa Long, four children, Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor, and three grandchildren.
New <span class="vm-hook-outer vm-hook-default"><span class="vm-hook">Birth</span></span> Missionary Baptist Church released the following statement on Long's passing:
"<em>New Birth Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the life and legacy of Bishop Eddie L. Long who is now spiritually healed and <span class="vm-hook-outer vm-hook-default"><span class="vm-hook">home</span></span> with the Lord. Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth, transitioned from this life early Sunday morning after a gallant private fight with an aggressive form of cancer. As a man of God with unyielding faith, Bishop Long maintained his commitment to our Heavenly Father as he proclaimed that cancer would not kill his faith nor his spirit. First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years offered the following. </em>“<em>I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace</em>.”
<em>Deeply committed to his church, even in his last days, Bishop Long delivered his final message to New Birth as we ushered in 2017. He told the church that God was already working in our favor and what we have been praying for was already manifested. In his departure, we receive that and as faithful members of New Birth, we praise God for the life of Bishop Long. Bishop Long was known as one of the most influential faith leaders in the world. He stood strong as a Kingdom Builder, pioneering leader, and revolutionary mind changer. Long was a <span class="vm-hook-outer vm-hook-default"><span class="vm-hook">family</span></span> man and spiritual leader who was well respected and loved for his passion to unapologetically and courageously preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Long inspired thousands of believers around the world through his global ministry that literally changed lives. Through his earthly battle, Bishop Long believed that God was once again using him to help others see the power of the Holy Spirit through the love New Birth displayed to him and the countless prayers sent up by others from every corner of the earth.Bishop Eddie L. Long was 63 years old. He is survived by his beautiful wife, First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, 4 children Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor and 3 grandchildren. The Long family thanks you for your prayers, condolences and messages of love. The family appreciates your support and respect of their privacy, as they prepare along with New Birth, for the homegoing service to honor Bishop Long. The date and other details will be announced in the near future."</em>
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Nike’s New Sock Dart SE “Hot Punch” Has Us Dreaming Of Spring
[caption id="attachment_782652" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-1.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-1.jpg" width="1068" height="600" class="wp-image-782652 size-full" /></a> Photo Courtesy of Nike[/caption]
With wintertime is plaguing us all, it's safe to say we've all been dreaming of the blossoming of spring days.
And while March is still double-digits days away, Nike has gifted us with a vibrantly colored <a href="http://hypebae.com/2016/10/nike-sock-dart-se-premium-night-maroon-heathered-mesh" target="_blank">Sock Dart SE</a> in a “Hot Punch” colorway to take the winter woes away. Featuring a hot pink midfoot strap, which is adjustable for the perfect personalized fit, the sneaker also boasts of tones of green on the inner lining, as well as a multi-colored knit upper.
[caption id="attachment_782653" align="aligncenter" width="660"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-4.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-4-660x440.jpg" width="660" height="440" class="wp-image-782653 size-large" /></a> Photo Courtesy of Nike[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_782654" align="aligncenter" width="660"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-3.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-3-660x440.jpg" width="660" height="440" class="wp-image-782654 size-large" /></a> Photo Courtesy of Nike[/caption]
For the gal that loves fly kicks and cherishes comfort, the Sock Dart SE is shoe-in thanks to its lightweight foam midsole for cushioning and flex grooves throughout the outsole for natural movement.
[caption id="attachment_782655" align="aligncenter" width="660"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-2.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/nike-sock-dart-se-hot-punch-2-660x440.jpg" width="660" height="440" class="wp-image-782655 size-large" /></a> Photo Courtesy of Nike[/caption]
The new women’s exclusive Nike Sock Dart SE “Hot Punch” is now available for $140 at select stockists like <a href="http://sneakerpolitics.com/collections/new/products/wmns-nike-sock-dart-se-ghost-green-black-hot-punch" target="_blank">Sneaker Politics</a>.
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Do 24K Gold Facial Masks Really Work Magic On Your Skin?
[caption id="attachment_782659" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/GOLD-FACE-MASK.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/GOLD-FACE-MASK.jpg" width="1068" height="600" class="wp-image-782659 size-full" /></a> Photo Credit: Instagram/@farahdhukai[/caption]
For anyone slightly interested in beauty and skincare, then more than likely you've heard of 24K gold face masks. The product has been popping up on some of our favorite celebrity faces over social media, and it's had us wondering what those pricey gilded sheets do. Sure, their name alone makes you feel luxurious and rich, but the jury on whether or not your face will actually reap the benefits is another thing.
Recently, beauty vlogger Farah Dhukai decided to answer the one question many have in regards to the face masks. But instead of cashing out on a single sheet mask (Dhukai estimates the retail price of one mask to be around $75-100, with similar spa procedures going as high as $770), she decided to go the DIY route. And of course, we're here for it!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7">
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPB3bZ8j9va/" target="_blank">✨DIY 24K GOLD MASK for $6 per use✨ A lot of you ask me to DIY and test expensive skincare and treatments that youve seen on instagram/celebs/tv.. so heres my 1st DIY of 2017! COST TO GET EVERYTHING FROM AMAZON: 24K GOLD SHEETS: $10.99 ROSEHIP SEED OIL: $7.48 (u can use any oil, this is just my fav) TOTAL COST TO DIY: $18.47 for 3 TIME USE which = ~$6 per use COST TO BUY THIS MASK FROM A BRAND: $75 -$300 for 1-2 time use COST AT A SPA: $380-770 per treatment ✌I tested this mask TWICE to see if its worth spending $ on, if it REALLY does anything, or if it just looks cool and lets you be cleopatra for a day, and if its easy to apply…. Instagram VS Real Life = big difference 1️⃣TEST #1 GOLD LEAF + OIL SERUM Apply oil to face Apply gold to face with the paper its on. DONT touch it otherwise its a waste/fail Leave on 30 mins - gently rub in with oil (without using oil it jus balls up and flakes off) 2️⃣TEST #2 GOLD LEAF ON CLEAN SKIN - NO OIL -it doesnt stick as well onto a clean face -it does NOT rub into your skin without the help of an oil or moisturizer. -it looks great as a real 24k gold POPPIN highlight on top of makeup but if youre using it for skincare, you have the RUB TF out of ur face to get it off and that just defeats the purpose, cuz rubbing = sagging/aging skin RESULTS: the Oil/Serum is what gives you a glow/hydrated skin. The gold looks cool ASF but its VERY hard to work with and you have to have cat like reflexes in order to not ruin the gold leaf and make it go to waste. I literally had to hold my breath at times so the leaf wouldnt fold and fly away. TBH It looks cool on the gram but cool is as good as it gets cuz the gold leaf is not very effective on its own cuz of how hard it is to apply If you REALLY want to try the gold leaf facial, do yourself a favour and save a TON of money and just buy the gold leaf off amazon. *Make sure its edible gold leaf and its 23k gold or higher* ps. dont eat it, its edible but it tastes like what it is: METAL. ❤️LIKE dis vid 2 see more like this and leave suggestions below on what you'd like to see DIY'd next!</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Farah D (@farahdhukai) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2017-01-09T03:50:44+00:00">Jan 8, 2017 at 7:50pm PST</time></p>
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While her version cost about $6 per use, featuring 24K gold sheets and her favorite rosehip oil.
“The oil/serum is what gives you a glow/hydrated skin,” Dhukai wrote in her caption about her gilded experience. “It looks cool on the ‘gram, but cool is as good as it gets.” We’re still holding out a sliver of hope that the real thing has magical skin-transforming properties, but you know what they say: Not all that glitters is gold.
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All The Reasons Having A Goal Weight Is Foolish
[caption id="attachment_726876" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Woman-eating.jpg" alt="" width="1068" height="601" class="size-full wp-image-726876" /> Shutterstock.com/Woman eating[/caption]
“I’m trying to get to my goal weight by next month,” “I’m not going on vacation until I reach my goal weight,” “I’m not allowed to eat carbs again until I reach my goal weight.” You’ve probably heard all of these sentences and others from your friends trying to lose weight. Maybe you’re the one who uttered these words. Goals are wonderful things to have in life. They give you a sense of purpose, give you something to work toward, and give you a chance to challenge yourself. But weight and fitness goals should sound more like, “I will work out four days a week, even if it’s just a little” or “I won’t buy foods with lots of chemicals that make me feel icky.” The words “goal” and “weight,” however, don’t really fit together and here is why.
[caption id="attachment_693983" align="aligncenter" width="420"]<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Scale.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="420" class="size-full wp-image-693983" /> Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]
<h2><strong>It will just move again</strong></h2>
You’ll see or maybe you already have seen that the second you reach that goal weight, you develop a new goal weight and so on and so on. You’re chasing a finish line that keeps moving.
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Get It Right And Tight With Help From These Dope Black Women Health Vloggers
2017 is already BLOWING away with January ending in a few weeks. What fitness/overall health goals do YOU have in mind, even if #motivation is slowly dwindling? One thing that has proven extremely helpful on the road to better healtg is to have a mental database full of recipes and inspiring mentors. Here are several dope and fierce black women health vloggers who add a dose of spice and flare to help you lead a healthy lifestyle.
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Sadia Sisay Launches Line Of Lingerie Just For Women Of Color, being U
[caption id="attachment_782436" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/group-shot-1-1.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/group-shot-1-1.jpg" alt="" class="size-full wp-image-782436" height="600" width="1068" /></a> (photo: beingU)[/caption]
It's been a long journey for Sadia Sisay to start her own business -- a journey filled with many bumps in the road -- but Sisay persevered, and in the process created a line of lingerie women of color have long been looking for.
The Sierra Leonean-born British entrepreneur founded <a href="http://www.beingu.me/" target="_blank">beingU</a>, a lingerie line that not only offers nude-colored lingerie for women of all shades but also fits all shapes. The briefs are designed specifically to fit a fuller bottom and the line has five styles of bras ranging in size from a 28 to a 44 up to an H cup.
Being a lingerie brand owner was initially Sisay's dream. She moved to the UK from Sierra Leone when she was 16 to attend school and later trained as a cancer nurse. She worked in the pharmaceutical industry until 2008 when she decided she wanted to work for herself. That's when she came up with the concept of beingU. Sisay was in the beginning stages of developing her business when in 2011 a series of personal issues caused her to put her dreams aside. On top of this, her husband died unexpectedly in 2014, leaving her heartbroken, and six years ago Sisay also became the main caregiver for her mother who suffered a stroke.
Despite these trials, Sisay never abandoned her business idea, and with the encouragement of her 21-year-old daughter, she decided to push ahead with beingU, which will finally launch in February 2017. Sisay talked to us about what it's like being a Black female entrepreneur in London, startup challenges, and making the transition from employee to employer.
<strong>MadameNoire (MN): How did your life <span class="il">change</span> when you left Sierra Leone?</strong>
<strong>Sadia Sisay (SS):</strong> The biggest change was as a 16-year-old I was getting the best grades, which, boy, I liked, but this became unimportant, as for the first time in my life I was the Black one…Never underestimate what it feels like to grow up in an environment where your teachers, doctors, dentists, etc. are like you. Life was harder in the UK than I had ever known. What is portrayed here about Africa makes people think that Anyone who comes to the West from there is poor, needy and in awe. I hated it. I had left my family…my dad had died when I was 8 but my mother was still there in Sierra Leone. I had been sent to the UK for further education and I was lonely.
<strong>MN: You initially trained as a cancer nurse, then worked in the pharmaceutical industry until 2008. Why did you decide to start your own business?</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> I left nursing about two years after having my daughter. I had eclampsia with her and ended up having a stroke and was blind seven days after her birth. My sight returned but it took me all that time to recover and get back to work as I had residual sight issues.
I resigned as a nurse three months after going back to work. I needed to make a change after my life-changing experience with my illness. I had seen an advert for nurses in the pharmaceutical industry and got the job in seven days. I had never even thought it through. As I went through every stage [of the interview process] I thought it would not happen so when I was offered the job I was stunned! I worked in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry and my boss in my final job was promoted. Someone who had less marketing experience, in fact, nil marketing experience, was brought in to take his place. On our first meeting I said I wanted to discuss my future, he said we would when he came back from holiday. When he did, we sat down again and he asked me ‘What was this meeting about again?' I looked at him and said ‘Nothing, just a catch up’. I resigned the next day as I had realized I was invisible in that environment and there was nowhere, as a Black woman, I would go that would make me feel visible but my own business. I am not saying that is all of our truths but it was mine then.
<strong>MN: How did you find the entrepreneurial process in comparison to the medical field?</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> Scary. I knew stability and a salary in the medical field. I woke up calmer! If I stripped back all of the personal issues that have affected my entrepreneurial journey I could say to you I am happier than I was in the medical field…actually, let’s add them back in and I will say the same!
<strong>MN: You had to abandon your business dream due to personal challenges, but what made you want to keep going?</strong>
<strong>SS</strong>: I hope people will not get fed up of the mention of my daughter Yazmin…but she [keeps me going]. When my mum got ill, she had to see what I knew we did for our parents in Sierra Leone, care for them to complete the cycle of life. Then her dad went to work one day and never came home. He died playing basketball with his workmates suddenly, five weeks after she started university. What could I do? If I had folded and stopped she would have lost another parent because, believe me, every morning I woke up and wanted to just pull the cover over me and die. But I had work to do, to continue the journey of making that cute baby we had into the confident, Black young woman we had planned she would be, so that even when others made her feel invisible she did not care and just marched on.
<strong>MN: Tell me why you launched beingU.</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> Yazmin again!! At 14 her lingerie drawer was becoming like mine…all black! That was not going to continue. I had to do something, right?
<strong>MN: What were some startup challenges and how did you overcome them?</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> It is hard to say this to others as when you are broke and the bills are piling up and you dread hearing the post (mail), how can you say to someone, persevere? But persevering is the answer. No one is giving you money, when we first started it seemed a bit of a crazy idea to some. The scariest [thing I heard] is Black women will not buy the product as they do not have the money. So we now don’t wear bras? Having good people around you who believe in you matters. I would be lying if I said that there were days and are still days I question my choices. My choice to do this. You never overcome the problems of a start-up. It is about how you deal with issues, as they will always be there. I hope that I have a no blame culture but those who work with me might feel different, but blame wastes time. We have a problem, we fix it and we review how we don’t make that mistake again.
<strong>MN: How do you market the brand?</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> With joy and pleasure! We have a great plan going forward. The greatest thing about marketing this brand is everyone who works on it, no matter what race or gender, love it and have absolute belief in it. I want it to be a brand that hears and sees those who buy it. We will listen hard to consumer feedback. I know we cannot cover all tones, all sizes but we will work on growing the offering. We want women from all walks of life to be involved in us, with us to make this grow. I want a beingU movement!
<strong>MN: When can consumers purchase the brand?</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> Starting February 6th, 2017! From mid-January, we will take preorders on our site with a 20 percent discount.
<strong>MN: Are the products available in the U.S.</strong>
<strong>SS:</strong> They are, with free shipping too! By the way the same in the UK.
<strong>MN: What would you say are your goals for 2017?</strong>
SS: To give all who buy beingU lingerie the best we can give them in products and customer service. I'm excited to let people see what we have as in store for them in the second half of 2017! I know already and cannot contain my excitement!
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Effortless Smoothie Recipes For The Woman On The Go
Smoothies are one of the easiest meal replacements simply because they are filling, easy to make, and versatile. Smoothies come in a variety of flavors, and depending on what's included, can be used for different purposes. For instance, a green smoothie may be used to detox and cleanse the liver and body of toxins and processed foods. Because smoothies are high in fiber, they help to remove waste and the effects are highly rewarding. We're talking clearer skin, better mood, decreased appetite, and more energy.
<iframe class="giphy-embed" src="//giphy.com/embed/1kMBl3iwHj8Iw" width="480" height="671" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
You can also flavor your smoothie any way imaginable! Smoothie recipes that include bananas as a base will add creaminess and texture to an otherwise loosely dense mix. Boosters like chia seeds, ground flax seeds, and aloe vera juice provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and nutrients that will add even more nutrition. Although there are a few ingredients to avoid, like highly sweetened yogurts or juices, smoothies can be a great meal option in the morning (or evening) for the woman on the go. Here are several smoothie recipes to make your day a lot smoother!
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This Woman Says As Long As She Stays Black, She’ll Never Forget What Jeff Sessions Did To Her Family
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evelyn-turner-and-jeff-sessions-feat.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-782589" width="860" height="493" />
If you’ve been on the internet within the past month, you’ve likely stumbled across the name Jeff Sessions. If you’re like me and like to avoid words, things and people that have to do with Donald Trump, you might not know why he’s significant.
Well, Sessions is a Republican senator from Alabama who President-elect Donald Trump has picked as his candidate for Attorney General. Of all the people Trump has suggested putting into positions of power, it’s Sessions’ name that has caused the most outrage. Mostly because, in addition to his anti-immigration stance, he has a reputation for being racist. In fact, according to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/18/10-things-to-know-about-sen-jeff-sessions-donald-trumps-pick-for-attorney-general/?utm_term=.cf8888d97018"><em>The Washington Post</em></a>, in 1986, he was denied a federal judgeship because former colleagues testified that Sessions used the n-word and joked about the Klan, saying he thought they were “okay” until he learned that they smoked marijuana. That same year when he was attempting to become a judge <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/01/10/read-the-letter-coretta-scott-king-wrote-opposing-sessionss-1986-federal-nomination/?utm_term=.9332675c9db8">Coretta Scott King wrote a 9-page-letter</a> to Congress asking that he not be nominated because he used his office to suppress the Black vote in his state.
Scary stuff.
And while a lot of the accusations against Sessions have been swept under the rug over the years, one woman who believes she was the victim racism, is not over it. Not even after 33 years.
When Evelyn Turner, sat down with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptODG97RnNk">CBS Evening News</a>, to discuss her feelings toward Jeff Sessions, her reaction was visceral.
“Oh my God! Do I have to? I just despise the guy.”
Turner, who is eighty-years-old now, has such strong feelings because of what Sessions did to her and her family. Turner and her late husband, Albert, were Civil Rights activists who worked to help get people registered to vote. In 1984, the Turners and another man were accused of altering ballots. They were dubbed "The Marion 3." A grand jury indicted them and the case was prosecuted by the US Attorney’s office for Southern Alabama, led by Jeff Sessions.
The couple was eventually acquitted; but during the three-month trial, Turner lost her job and the Turners had to sell the family farm.
When CBS asked Turner what she thought the charges were an attempt to do, she said, very plainly, that its goal was to “stop Black people from voting.”
Then the interviewer asked Turner if she thought it possible that 33 years could have possibly softened Sessions’ heart.
“Have you ever seen a leopard change his spots?”
Despite the strength of her feelings, Turner’s son Albert Jr. believes that Sessions was merely doing his job at the time, that there is a balance to his record on race.
He told CBS, “I know that Jeff Sessions prosecuted a White Klu Klux Klansman and sought the death penalty and got it for the killing of an African American in Mobile, Alabama. And I’ve never seen an indication that he had a racist attitude or dislike or disdainment for African American people or other minorities.”
The family agrees to disagree on the matter.
As for Evelyn, she says, “In order for me to go to heaven, Ima have to forgive him. But I will never ever forget, as long as I stay Black. And I don’t see no chance of me turning White.”
You can listen to her story, in her own words in the video below.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptODG97RnNk[/embed]
<em>Image via CBS Evening News Video</em>
<span class="im"><i>Veronica Wells is the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. She is also the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bettah-Days-Veronica-R-Wells/dp/1535549866" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/Bettah-Days-Veronica-R-Wells/dp/1535549866&source=gmail&ust=1484412670333000&usg=AFQjCNEeCgfKTpxVVw0gm0DNC-2xp58LZQ">“Bettah Days.”</a> You can follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veronicarwells" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/veronicarwells&source=gmail&ust=1484412670333000&usg=AFQjCNFw7gWakOASjudmHx0SWDiXplEI-Q">Facebook</a> and Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/VDubShrug" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/VDubShrug&source=gmail&ust=1484412670333000&usg=AFQjCNGwDfqkuafIL5eGGu9WWcLXuBj1kA"> @VDubShrug.</a></i> </span>
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Finally! “Little Women Atlanta’s” Minnie Admits She Was Never Pregnant
I don’t know why I never checked out any of the “Little Women” franchises before this past weekend. If I had, I would have been as engrossed as I am in the Atlanta spin-off, a long time ago.
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/minnie-feat.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-782596" width="875" height="497" />
In catching up on the past two seasons, I was fascinated to see the stories the characters create or go along with on the show, particularly Minnie’s fake relationship and not one but two fake pregnancies with rapper Pastor Troy. Yes, you read that correctly, Minnie, one of the characters on the show lied saying not only that she was dating Pastor Troy but that she was carrying his child. Eventually, she had to admit that it wasn’t true. She was not pregnant and the two were not dating.
And then in the very next season, she told her friends and the rest of the world for a second time that she was pregnant. As you know, lies about pregnancy don’t often work out all that well. Mostly because when there isn’t a baby in nine months, people tend to figure it out.
What made this second lie so much worse than the first was that, after some sincere doubts initially, her cast mates believed her. And even worse was the fact that as she was lying about miscarrying Emily was in the NICU with her son, fighting for his life. Sadly, it was a fight they lost. And another one of her cast members was pregnant also. Another one of her cast mates was pregnant as well, wondering if she would be able to carry her baby to term.
Basically, lying about a child is just not cool…at all.
And after hanging on to the lie for far too long, in the second episode of the third season, Minnie reveals that she wasn’t pregnant.
Check out the moment she told Miss Juicy Baby, the Queen of Atlanta, in the video clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWLVVXhrg7w
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Most Americans Have Less Than $500 In Their Savings Accounts
[caption id="attachment_467321" align="aligncenter" width="378"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/shutterstock_1532089851.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/shutterstock_1532089851.jpg" alt="" class="size-full wp-image-467321" height="414" width="378" /></a> Shutterstock[/caption]
How much money do you have in your savings account? It’s not a trick question, but if you are like most Americans that answer is less than $500.
A new study by Bankrate found a staggering 6 out of 10 Americans have a savings as little as $500. As a result, most are not prepared to handle a financial emergency. “The report further states only 41 percent of American adults studied would be able to pay off an unexpected expense at a moment’s notice. A little over 20 percent of Americans would be able to use a credit card to fund an unexpected expense and pay it off later. Another 20 percent of Americans admitted they would have to cut into their existing budgets. The remaining 11 percent said they’d need to lean on family members and close friends for financial help,” reported<a href="http://elitedaily.com/news/americans-have-less-than-500-in-savings-accounts/1752155/" target="_blank"> Elite Daily</a>.
This puts many of us in a precarious situation. "Five-hundred dollars is enough money that it could be catastrophic if you’re really living on the edge and don’t have enough money," Bankrate senior investing analyst Sheyna Steiner told <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2016/01/06/63-of-americans-dont-have-enough-savings-to-cover-a-500-emergency/#4460422d6dde" target="_blank"><em>Forbes</em></a> in regard to the same study. In fact, that 63% who is living on the edge said they would either cut back on spending in other areas (23%), charge a credit card (15%) or borrow money from friends and family (15%) to pay for an unexpected event.
“It was striking that so few people would just immediately put it on their credit card,” Steiner told Forbes. “But if you’ve got a little wiggle room, maybe [a $500 unplanned expense] is just low enough that you could maybe lower your spending.” That shows Americans want to be financially responsible, it's just that most of us are living with limitations that prohibit us from always making the best financial choices.
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How The Woman In This Controversial Holiday Photo Turned Lemons Into Lemonade
A couple of weeks ago, LaNaadrian Easterling, Psy.D was enjoying an annual Christmas trip to Big Bear with her close friends and family. Days after the trip, an annual group photo that includes Easterling, actor Lance Gross, his wife Rebecca and three other couples, went <a href="http://madamenoire.com/744586/lance-gross-christmas-photo-colorism/">viral</a>.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOdD8_kD6DC/
In addition to the silly <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOkKNTQAp3g/">memes</a>, the image garnered many discussions, at times heated, about colorism.
We caught up with Easterling to discuss the contentious photo and how she's using her unplanned push into the spotlight to put that spotlight on something positive.
<strong>MadameNoire: <em>Can you briefly explain the annual trip? </em></strong>
LaNaadrian Easterling, Psy.D: Even though the trip has been an annual tradition for more than 10 years, I started attending about six years ago. With the exception of Lance and Rebecca, most of the people who came on the trip were single. Over time, most of my friends have gotten married and had children, so the trip has evolved from a group of friends, to a family vacation.
Years ago, the actual picture started out with a bunch of single people and evolved into a couple’s photo when people started bringing their significant others. The first year I noticed this, I jokingly told my friends, “Y’all aren’t going to leave me out of the photo just because I didn’t bring a date this year!” So I joined the picture and hugged myself. Every year, we continued to take this silly picture, and I tried to outdo myself from the year before by making a really awkward face or hugging myself. It was all in good fun.
<strong>MN: <em>What did you think when you first saw the comments on your friend’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOdD8_kD6DC/">Instagram page</a>? </em></strong>
Easterling: I thought they were completely ridiculous, disrespectful and hurtful, but I didn’t take it personally because they were strangers. I couldn’t believe how fast this photo spread. Frankly, it was embarrassing. Whatever insecurity or negative thought people had about single, brown-skinned women was bubbling to the surface and spilling all over the Internet. I was fascinated by the idea that people, who have no idea about who I am, who my friends are, or why we were on the trip, had drawn very specific conclusions about the intention of the photo. I knew that I needed to respond, but it needed to be in a thoughtful and intentional way.
<strong>MN:</strong><em><strong> You mentioned that you do have a boyfriend. To clarify, why wasn't he present for the trip?</strong></em>
Easterling: Yes, I have a boyfriend, and he is an amazing, intelligent and successful Black man. However, at the time of the trip, we had only been dating for about six months, and he had not met my daughter yet. As her mother, I am extremely protective, and I do not introduce her to men that I am dating until the relationship has progressed to a point where I feel like it is appropriate for that introduction to take place. The Big Bear holiday trip was not the time nor place for that initial meeting to occur.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOjQNk4gR8B/?taken-by=shemadelemonade
<strong>MN: <em>Why do you think that some people looked at the photo in a negative way? Were you disappointed by such a perception? If so, why?</em></strong>
Easterling: I think it rubbed salt in a very sensitive, deep-rooted, painful and complex wound in our community, especially for Black women. I noticed several recurring themes in the responses: Questions about my relationship status and questions about why I would choose to attend a couple’s trip if I was single; Thoughts about why the “dark girl” was single and why the “light-skinned girls” had a man; Debates about whether or not the other women in the photo were Black or Black enough; Suggestions that my friends and I staged this photo on purpose, with the intention of emphasizing that I was single because I have a darker complexion than the other women.
I want to make it very clear that I 100 percent understand colorism, and many other issues that we face in the Black community. I know that self-hatred, or what I refer to as negative self-identity development, is a serious problem in the Black community that has plagued our families for centuries. The assumption that my complexion is the reason why I may be single and unhappy is an unfair mischaracterization and further perpetuates the colorism that many were upset about themselves. Colorism impacts all people of color on both ends of the spectrum. Many of the women in the photo have been told their entire lives that they aren’t “Black enough” and have been rejected from people in our own community, sometimes facing this issue within their own families. Furthermore, it really bothers me that in 2017, people are still angry with who Black men choose to date. Black men and women have the right to date or marry whoever they want to marry, and to love whoever they want to love. As a Black woman, I couldn’t care less who my brothers choose to marry, whether that be a light-skinned Black woman, a White woman, an Asian woman, a Latina woman, or a man! Who they date or marry doesn’t make me any less beautiful, attractive, or desirable.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOjQg6sglCM/?taken-by=shemadelemonade
<strong>MN: <em>What truly inspired you to create <a href="http://www.shemadelemonade.com/" target="_blank">She Made Lemonade</a>? </em></strong>
Easterling: I needed to create a forum for people to express their feelings and perspectives about this controversial topic [colorism] since this is a deep issue in our community that needed to be addressed in a thoughtful, intentional and respectful way.
Like most of the Black women I know, I was very inspired and impacted by Beyoncé’s recent album <em>Lemonade</em>. So when I was submitting proposals to speak about my research at a conference this past December, I affectionately titled it, <em>Okay Ladies, Now Let’s Get in Formation: Enhancing Ethnic Identity Development in African-American Adolescent Girls</em>. The irony in this situation is that three weeks before this photo was taken, I was literally presenting my research and professional work with Black girls at a national conference for educators at independent schools about the exact topic that I became the center of in that photo controversy. Recently, I was asked to present at other schools and to provide social media or online training about this very topic.
<em><strong>MN: What do you hope to accomplish with this platform?</strong></em>
One of the most significant moments that I’ve had since I created <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shemadelemonade/" target="_blank">@shemadelemonade</a> was an exchange that I had with a mother who commented under a photo on Lance’s page. She wrote that she had a 12-year-old daughter who saw this photo and started crying because of what people were saying about “the dark-skinned girl.” This mother shared that her daughter had dark skin and wondered if she would face the same humiliation that the woman in the photo was facing. I explained to her that I work every day to make sure that girls like her daughter never grow up feeling this way. As we continued our dialogue, we were able to break down what seemed like a huge barrier. I was so encouraged when she told me that I have her support, and most importantly, that some of the images I’ve posted on my page have also encouraged her daughter.
Additionally, I created a website, <a href="http://shemadelemonade.com/">SheMadeLemonade.com</a>, to provide a larger outlet for Black women to share their stories of trials and success to inspire the next generation of Black girls who are watching us. I want to highlight Black girls and women who are making moves and doing positive things in their communities.
<em>Follow LaNaadrian Easterling, Psy.D on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shemadelemonade/">@shemadelemonade</a> and check out <a href="http://shemadelemonade.com/">SheMadeLemonade.com</a> for updates.</em>
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Celeb Trainer Gunnar Peterson On Slimming Down Without Losing Curves And Hard Work Over Quick Fixes
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Gunnar-PEterson.jpg" alt="Gunnar PEterson" width="1068" height="599" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-782599" />
While some people enjoy going for runs or doing workouts in silence in the hopes of collecting their thoughts, most of us (who aren't weird...) need our music. <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-one-thing-you-need-to-keep-your-fitness-resolution-music-300386496.html?tc=eml_cleartime" target="_blank">A recent survey of thousands who work out at least once a week</a>, which was done by electronic company LG, found that 91 percent of those people feel music is vital to their workout regimen. Many said they need it more to exercise than they do to make their daily commute (71 percent), enjoy a shower (32 percent) or during sex (24 percent). Around 87 percent said it helps them work out longer, while that same percentage also said it gives them more energy and helps them achieve a better workout overall.
In a new campaign to promote LG's Tone Active+ and LG FORCE headphones, which help you play that music to stay motivated (all while leaving your hands free), they teamed up with celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson to create the LG TONE-Up Workout. We tried the workout, which is quick, but still intense enough to make you feel the burn. But we also had the chance to chat with Peterson, known for his work with Ciara, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and countless other stars and professional athletes.
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Gunnar-Peterson-clients-PF.jpg" alt="Gunnar Peterson clients" width="1068" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-782601" />
He said he created the moves in the LG TONE-Up Workout to help you sweat and do so without needing equipment. But the moves are also tailored for the LG headphones, which are not bothered by how soaked you get while exercising.
"I wanted something that would showcase the <a href="http://www.lg.com/us/bluetooth-headsets-headphones/lg-HBS-A100-Black-Gray-tone-active-plus" target="_blank">LG TONE Active+</a> and <a href="http://www.lg.com/us/bluetooth-headsets-headphones/lg-HBS-S80-Black-Gray-force" target="_blank">LG FORCE</a>, because I know how important music is for motivation," Peterson said. "These headsets are ideal because they won’t get in the way of an intense workout, plus they’re water and sweat resistant. Second, you don’t need equipment to do this workout, and you can do it anytime, anywhere – so there really are no excuses which is important as people get further into the new year and they’re trying to stick to the goals they’ve set for themselves."
And while many women are working it out at the gym right now in the hopes of sticking to their resolutions, some are wondering if it's possible to slim down without losing so much of your curves. Considering he's worked with J.Lo, Peterson has the right idea on how to get fit while staying stacked.
"You have to train your glutes with weights and with intensity," he said. "Make sure you are getting enough calories. Don’t undereat! Insufficient calories equals insufficient glutes. And get plenty of sleep so that your body and booty can recover.
And as for the new moms who are also in the gym but don't want to go too hard too soon, Peterson says that you should walk before you run. Literally.
"Get a new workout outfit – shoes included," Peterson said. "Put together a new playlist and pump up your LG Tone Active+ and get after it with a nice 30-minute brisk walk, assuming your doctor says it’s ok. That’s your jump-off. Add a 10-minute full-body stretch and come back tomorrow. After a week of that, assuming you feel as great as I know you will, add some weights."
And for those who aren't in the gym or changing up their diets but are relying <em>solely</em> on detox teas and waist trainers, the star trainer says he isn't against what people want to do for themselves, but if you don't seriously put in the work, you won't see serious results.
"Use your head when it comes to new products," Peterson said. "Try what you need to try, but in your heart of hearts, you have to know that there is no substitute for hard work."
So now that you know how to go about getting fit in the new year, you can start setting up your workout playlist for when you're ready to try the TONE-Up Workout, which you can see below. We asked Peterson what his go-to song is for guaranteed turn-up energy and he said it's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE32yCxy87I" target="_blank">"Mr. President" by LL Cool J</a>. We didn't expect that one, but if it works Gunnar, it works for us. Now, get to work!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRegZ3JbouM&list=PL3brvKIaasOCyvl1NwdAU_GT49pw5fEEz&index=1&t=2s
<em>Images via WENN and LG </em>
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The Mental Stages Of Discovering You Have HPV
[caption id="attachment_728582" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/female-doctor.jpg" alt="" width="1068" height="601" class="size-full wp-image-728582" /> Shutterstock.com/Female doctor[/caption]
Here’s a common yet scary scenario that happens to a lot of women; you go in for your routine pap smear. You go home and forget about it because those things have always gone perfectly fine and your doctor has never called about anything. You give yourself a gold star and some gelato for keeping up your annual appointments. Then fast forward a few weeks and you’re confused to see your gynecologist calling. She’s calling to tell you that your pap smear came back “Irregular.” The word “irregular” has never sounded so terrifying. <em>How does your gyno sound so calm?! </em>You run over the events of the past year in your head; every sexual partner and weird bus seat you ever sat on. Nothing odd comes up—how could this have happened!? <em>Relax, </em>says your gyno—<em>it’s just HPV. </em>You’re not sure if it’s “just” HPV, but you look it up and discover that, in fact, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm">nearly 80 million Americans</a> currently live with it. Here are the awkwardly true stages of finding out you have HPV and accepting it.
[caption id="attachment_710067" align="alignleft" width="420"]<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Condoms.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="420" class="size-full wp-image-710067" /> Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]
<h2><strong>But I used condoms!</strong></h2>
Why did I spend all of that money on condoms over the years if I was just going to catch something anyways! Oh—right. Pregnancy and incurable STDs and things like that. Okay—it’s good I used condoms.
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Reader Submission: Why Steve Harvey Won’t Effect Any Real Change With Trump
[dotstudio id="587e67c699f8151e7e681c9c"]
[caption id="attachment_782717" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]<a href="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/steve-harvey.jpg"><img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/steve-harvey.jpg" alt="" width="1068" height="601" class="size-full wp-image-782717" /></a> Steve Harvey during an appearance on NBC's 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' Steve Harvey hosts a special Tonight Show edition of Family Feud with Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig and Jimmy of the 20th Century Women family facing off against Questlove, Tariq and James of The Roots family.<br />Featuring: Steve Harvey<br />Where: United States<br />When: 06 Dec 2016<br />Credit: Supplied by WENN.com<br />**WENN does not claim any ownership including but not limited to Copyright, License in attached material. Fees charged by WENN are for WENN's services only, do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright, License in material. By publishing this material you expressly agree to indemnify, to hold WENN, its directors, shareholders, employees harmless from any loss, claims, damages, demands, expenses (including legal fees), any causes of action, allegation against WENN arising out of, connected in any way with publication of the material.**[/caption]
<em>By Jasmyne A. Cannick</em>
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Steve Harvey is just another man in a long line of largely irrelevant Negros being used to represent Blacks in America to white folks. Yes, you read that right. Last week's announcement of Harvey working with Donald Trump caused a collective laughter in Black households from one end of the country to the other—and that’s not a good thing.
I’m not sure what kind of sway president-elect Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson were led to believe that comedian, game show host and radio personality Steve Harvey has with Black people but someone should have told him, it’s not much. And no, that’s not a slight to Harvey. Harvey knows--or at least should know—that his popularity lies mostly with women, mostly in the South, and mostly with my parent’s and grandparent’s generation. The reality is that Steve Harvey has about as much influence as Trump and Carson with the folks out in the streets engaging in the type of violence that saw Chicago’s homicide rate soar in 2016—none whatsoever.
Still, Trump’s decision to tap Harvey to help "bring about some positive change in the inner cities" is a bit of a conundrum. As someone who campaigned on not being or following the status quo, Trump’s selection of Harvey to assist him in this mission is, quite frankly, exactly that. It follows a time-honored tradition in this country that has deemed only African-American males, usually over 60, oftentimes a Reverend or some other member of Christian clergy, and presumed heterosexual can lead Black people. I guess in a way I expected more of the president-to-be.
The problem with Trump’s latest pick is that people don’t need to laugh at or about the violence facing inner city communities. Trump’s choice of Harvey is like dispatching Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson—they’re irrelevant to the group of folks Trump wants to influence. The selection of Harvey shows African-Americans, again, just how out of touch our next president is when it comes to our community. Actually, it’s eerily reminiscent of the same strategy Democrats use when trying to engage Blacks–and lately that hasn’t been working too well for them either.
It’s no secret that the problem for Trump is that leaders from my generation and younger who would be influential with Trump’s targeted group of Blacks aren’t that easily controlled, impressed or used for political causes and tend to be more, let’s say “radical” for sake of conversation, than some of these folks deemed more respectable like a Steve Harvey, Rev. Al or Rev. Jackson. In a way, today’s non-traditional leaders mirror some of the same qualities that catapulted Trump into the presidency in that they move to the beat of their own drum. They’re not interested in singing Kumbaya and they don’t believe that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks are the only two Black people in American history worth celebrating or learning about. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t just as concerned about or willing to work toward finding a solution to curb violence in their communities.
If Trump is serious about addressing the problems facing urban neighborhoods, he needs to identify real leaders who can do just that. They may not be the traditional aging heterosexual Black male pastor or comedian. They may be millennial rap artists, they may be lesbians—they may even be Democrats. Each generation has its own leaders. If the majority of the people out in the streets engaging in back and forth violence plaguing inner cities from coast to coast were Baby Boomers then I’d say Steve Harvey might be a good pick, but they aren’t and therefore he's not.
Our president-elect can do better. If it’s one thing Donald Trump can do, it’s think outside of the box. We’ve seen that with almost every single one of his Cabinet picks. I don’t think anyone will disagree that we have a problem with violence—in particular gun violence—in the inner cities. But the messenger matters just as much as the message. And when it comes to the topic of inner city violence, Trump should pick a new messenger.
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<i><strong>Jasmyne A. Cannick</strong> is nationally known television and radio commentator on political, race, and LGBT issues who works in politics as a communications strategist. Follow her on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jasmyne" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.twitter.com/jasmyne&source=gmail&ust=1484750099443000&usg=AFQjCNEd3XMk0h-xoNEcgFL6s0RAKwBLkA">@Jasmyne</a> and on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jasmynecannick" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.facebook.com/jasmynecannick&source=gmail&ust=1484750099443000&usg=AFQjCNEiubm3AekeOovMA7aRgjbfdCL6mA">@JasmyneCannick</a>. Her website is <a href="http://www.jasmyneonline.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.jasmyneonline.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484750099443000&usg=AFQjCNGcis20Yr4qcAgim0Kqg4P5wM6yjQ">www.jasmyneonline.com</a>.</i>
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ICYMI: Anita Baker Says She’s Done Making Music, Announces Retirement
[dotstudio id="587e7c7a9fcf70776daac128"]
Anita Baker is, by far, one of my top five favorite singers of all time. Not only is her voice unique and strong, but her songs have also been the soundtrack to our love lives: "Sweet Love," "Good Love," "Same Ole Love" -- whatever love you like, she's sung about it in an epic way. And while I wasn't waiting by my streaming service with fingers crossed for new music from the Toledo, Ohio native, the idea that fresh sounds may not be coming at all is a bit sad.
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Anita-Baker-PF.jpg" alt="Anita Baker " width="1068" height="601" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-782727" />
While spending her time soaking up the sun at the beach, Baker addressed alleged rumors that she might be putting out new music. According to <em><a href="http://singersroom.com/content/2017-01-16/aw-man-anita-baker-hangs-up-the-mic-confirms-retirement-on-twitter/" target="_blank">Singersroom</a></em>, Baker hasn't released anything since 2012's <a href="http://madamenoire.com/204145/who-did-it-better-anita-baker-remakes-lately/">cover of Tyrese's "Lately"</a> and a track called "Sweetest Dreams." Both were supposed to be featured on an album called <em>Only Forever </em>that never came to be. In response to questions about future projects, Baker pretty much told fans not to hold their breath in several Twitter posts:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lotta rumours out there. No Tour. No CD. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Retired?src=hash">#Retired</a>🎁 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeachBum?src=hash">#BeachBum</a>❤ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankUJesus?src=hash">#ThankUJesus</a>😆 <a href="https://t.co/Lkmz5rXiPd">pic.twitter.com/Lkmz5rXiPd</a></p>
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAMANITABAKER/status/819616995335229440">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jan 26th will celebrate my 59th BDay (lord willing) retirement was 1 of many goals/dreams <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuchaBlessing?src=hash">#SuchaBlessing</a>🎁 <a href="https://t.co/7m1HTfy6gR">pic.twitter.com/7m1HTfy6gR</a></p>
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAMANITABAKER/status/819621926649745408">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I still love 2 write & record music... its part of my DNA😊But, im on a different road. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeachBum?src=hash">#BeachBum</a>😆</p>
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAMANITABAKER/status/819622922172043264">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Oddly enough, Baker told <em><a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/480401/anita-baker-is-back-with-a-hit-and-a-plan-for-covers-album" target="_blank">Billboard</a></em> back in 2012 that she did the cover of "Lately" in an attempt to actually motivate Tyrese to get back to making music.
"He was off doing movies and stuff, and he was between movies and was like, 'Man, I really need to be doing something," Baker said. "I'm like, 'What are you talking about?! You're a singer, man! You need to sing!'"
And here she is, now set on the idea of hanging up the mic. But can you blame her? There is nothing more alluring than some sun and sand after years of working and working hard (she's been making music since the late '70s by the way). At least we'll always have the classics...
<em>Image via WENN </em>
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“I’m Not A Liar Nor A Hypocrite” Jennifer Holliday Explains Lapse In Judgment Agreeing To Perform For Trump
Jennifer Holliday has had a whirlwind couple of days in the news cycle. First, she announced that she would be performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwjIrPbj7snRAhVr0oMKHTtoCOgQFggiMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmadamenoire.com%2F782645%2Fjennifer-holliday-pulls-trump-inauguration%2F&usg=AFQjCNFZ1nrarZvkH5ZM6oJHjOs7d6ArGg&sig2=NNRJmY-TfX7VYIRfmuCdpQ">And then, a few days later she pulled out</a>, apologizing to the LGBT community, specifically, as she did so. And while many would say the situation has been handled, fixed and is over, that wasn’t the response from the public. People were still quite hurt that she would even entertain such a request.
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jennifer-holliday-feat.jpg" alt="" width="772" height="434" class="aligncenter wp-image-782737" />
Today, Holliday appeared on “The View” to talk about the reason why she’s not attending Trump’s inauguration and shed tears as she spoke about the response from some of her fans.
<blockquote>“I got the call on Wednesday night. So we began to talk about everything, about doing it. I was trying to think about if I wanted to do it. Then Friday morning I woke up and there was this whole thing of terrible tweets and things on my Instagram. And I was like, ‘Oh Lord, what did I do?’ And they were like you’re singing at the White House…and I was like, ‘I am? What happened?’ Because we hadn’t really finalized everything yet. And I was like, ‘Oh my goodness’ because I didn’t know they were going to announce it and stuff. And my publicist said, ‘People want to talk to you.’ You know, I’ve lead a pretty reclusive life. I pretty much stay to myself. And you’re not on the radio and then you wake up one morning and everybody hates you. And I’m like, ‘What could I have possibly done to have these kinds of things thrown at me?’</blockquote>
Sunny asked the million dollar question. “Why did you initially consider performing at the inauguration?”
<blockquote>Holliday said, “Because I’m an artist and I love America. It just didn’t dawn on me. I had performed for four other presidents. It started with Ronald Regan, Daddy Bush, Bush, The Clintons during their eight-year time…And so I didn’t think anything of it. I was like, ‘Oh they want me to sing! I can see myself on the mall like Marian Anderson, I’m saying America and I’m trying to think about what I’m going to wear. It didn’t dawn on me that this was really a bad thing and that we weren’t doing America right now. ‘Oh okay, we’re doing something totally different.’ It was really my honest desire that my voice could be used as an instrument of healing and unity. And I thought that we had instructions from the Obamas and the Clintons that it was a go-ahead. We were going to do a ceasefire for one day. And I just thought it was okay. And the Bush daughters sent the Obama daughters something and I thought, ‘We’re on our way here.’ And we’re not on our way.”</blockquote>
Then Joy asked her why she called her initial decision to perform a lapse of judgment.
<blockquote>“Well, the lapse of judgment was that I didn’t realize that people weren’t really over the election. Things started back up again. You start remembering things and the fire start burning. And although the Obamas said move on and Oprah said move on, the people have not finished with this. They want to get it all out. They want closure, like a bad relationship. I missed all of that. And one reporter asked me, ‘Well, where have you been for the last twenty months?’ I said I been working. I’m singer. That’s what I do. I sang.”</blockquote>
Joy also asked what was the response when she decided she wasn’t going to perform.
<blockquote>“I just sent an email and just said that it had gotten out of hand. And I was even receiving death threats at this point. And I was receiving death threats from Black people. The N word from Black people, who were saying they were going to kill me. At first, I said, ‘Are these White people messing with me?’ And I would push the button to see who was calling me because your face is there. And I said, ‘Oh my God these are Black people calling me this.’ And they were saying I should kill myself or someone should kill me. All over singing a song! I said, ‘I just wanted to sang!’ I don’t really understand. So it did take people to point out to me why they felt it was the wrong decision. And everybody kept saying, ‘Why didn’t you choose to support the gays that made you influential?’ Because the gay community, since Dreamgirls, for 35 years has been faithfully there for me. And then also the article in <em>The Daily Beast</em>, they threw my own words back to me. And I’m not a liar or a hypocrite and I had to look at my words and they were hurting. And I probably would have done the same thing if they had painted the issues to me. But everybody was just hurling insults at me and calling me all kind of names. I don’t see how you see through that. I didn’t know what the identifiable pain was. But the gay community, through <em>The Daily Beast</em>, was able to say ‘Look it’s not just we want to be married. There are other things going on, you’re not aware of.’</blockquote>
Jedediah Bila asked her if she went back on her decision because of the internet bullying. And Holliday reiterated her comments for the people in the cheap seats.
<blockquote>“I felt exactly like I said. The Daily Beast letter used my words to me, things that I had said to the community. So they said to me, if your words are true and you’re not a liar all of these years, otherwise everything you have said or you have done is a lie. And I’m not a liar nor a hypocrite and I haven’t done anything to be called names. We’ve come to this.”</blockquote>
Sara Haines said that the people issuing death threats are just as bad as Trump.
And Whoopi concluded the conversation like this, “This is why I say, it has to come from the top. As long as he continues to do this, this is what he’s leading…”
You can watch this portion of Holliday’s interview in the video below.
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Because I'm an artist and I love America!" <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyJHOLLIDAY">@LadyJHOLLIDAY</a> says of why she originally planned to perform at a Trump inauguration event. <a href="https://t.co/AxDOAvsLl8">pic.twitter.com/AxDOAvsLl8</a></p>
— The View (@TheView) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheView/status/821411417681108992">January 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
What do you think about Holliday's comments?
<em>Image via ABC</em>
<i>Veronica Wells is the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. She is also the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bettah-Days-Veronica-R-Wells/dp/1535549866" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/Bettah-Days-Veronica-R-Wells/dp/1535549866&source=gmail&ust=1484766332853000&usg=AFQjCNG1zP2a-xv2Rd2iPDkRr1yC3zw6lA">“Bettah Days.”</a> You can follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veronicarwells" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/veronicarwells&source=gmail&ust=1484766332853000&usg=AFQjCNEbG-v8Bani4RjvQCVFSzH1Y2Cxhg">Facebook</a> and Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/VDubShrug" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/VDubShrug&source=gmail&ust=1484766332853000&usg=AFQjCNHZM5e-uH4ArJdccCJF9sOYGPbWDg"> @VDubShrug.</a></i>
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This Is What It Looks Like #WhenBffIsBae
There will never come a day we'll grow tired of witnessing Black love, especially when it comes to Hollywood couples where we all know such images are hard to come by.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPWTElEgHSU/?taken-by=gabunion
Yesterday, Gabrielle Union posted the cutest pics of her and hubby Dwyane Wade enjoying a "typical Monday," as she called it, and her use of the hashtag #whenbffisbae inspired us to think about all of the other Black couples who are truly best friends at heart -- or at least appear to be.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPWTWOjAFdo/?taken-by=gabunion
So, thanks to Gabby and Dwyane, here's a glimpse at a few more famous couples who are the epitome of #whenbffisbae.
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Issa Rae And Jussie Smollett Produce New YouTube Series Giants
If you thought Issa Rae’s hit HBO series and recent Golden Globe nomination meant that she was going to stop creating new and original content, you thought wrong. In fact, she and “Empire” star Jussie Smollett have partnered together to help produce content from other Black storytellers.
<img src="http://madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/giants-feat.jpg" alt="" width="1068" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-782744" />
Actor, writer and filmmaker James Bland, wrote, directs and stars in a new YouTube series called <i>Giants. </i>The show is about three characters dealing with the giants in their lives. “Three millennials determined to live life on their own terms, no matter the cost, quickly learn that when life starts to kick your ass, you either lie down, or fight back.”
In addition to Bland, the show also stars William Catlett and Vanessa Baden, who you may recognize from “My Brother and Me.”
In the trailer, we watch as the three characters struggle in various ways. Journee is suffering from manic depression so strong that she is often unable to go to work in the morning. Malachi is struggling pay rent and turns to prostitution. And Ade is dealing with ostracization from his father who is disappointed that he decided to pursue a career in dance rather than engineering.
Take a look at the trailer below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=131&v=1YgjugzXscg
<i>Giants </i>premieres on Wednesday, January 25 on Issa Rae’s YouTube channel and will include six 20 minute episodes.
<i>Veronica Wells is the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. She is also the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bettah-Days-Veronica-R-Wells/dp/1535549866" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/Bettah-Days-Veronica-R-Wells/dp/1535549866&source=gmail&ust=1484766332853000&usg=AFQjCNG1zP2a-xv2Rd2iPDkRr1yC3zw6lA">“Bettah Days.”</a> You can follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veronicarwells" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/veronicarwells&source=gmail&ust=1484766332853000&usg=AFQjCNEbG-v8Bani4RjvQCVFSzH1Y2Cxhg">Facebook</a> and Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/VDubShrug" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/VDubShrug&source=gmail&ust=1484766332853000&usg=AFQjCNHZM5e-uH4ArJdccCJF9sOYGPbWDg"> @VDubShrug.</a></i>
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