1. Megan Thee Stallion: Normalizing Mental Health Conversations

Megan isn’t just the queen of Hot Girl Summer—she’s a mental health advocate. After experiencing personal losses and hardships, she’s been vocal about the importance of therapy. Through her initiative Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too, she offers mental health resources specifically geared toward Black women, showing us that even the strongest need support.

2. Issa Rae: The Multi-Hyphenate Mogul

Issa Rae went from YouTube series creator to a Hollywood powerhouse. With hit shows like Insecure and a production deal with WarnerMedia, Issa is not just building her empire—she’s bringing others along for the ride. She also founded Raedio, a music label that helps underrepresented artists get noticed, proving that Black women can excel across industries.

3. Zendaya: Redefining Fashion and Representation

Zendaya doesn’t just serve on-screen excellence—she’s also a red carpet darling and an advocate for diversity in fashion. She’s known for her collaborations with designers to create inclusive campaigns, making sure marginalized voices are seen and celebrated. And every time she steps out, it’s a moment. Period.

4. Serena Williams: Championing Business and Equity

Serena’s retirement from tennis hasn’t slowed her down. She launched Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm focusing on startups led by women and people of color. Through her work, she’s proving that athletes can succeed far beyond their sport—and that the real win is financial empowerment.

5. Keke Palmer: The Ultimate Multi-Talent

Keke Palmer is the epitome of “booked and busy.” From acting to singing to becoming a new mom, she does it all with grace and humor. Her candid conversations about colorism and Black maternal health remind us why she’s a national treasure—and her latest projects keep us excited for what’s next.

These celebrities show us that being in the spotlight isn’t just about glitz and glam—it’s also about purpose. Whether it’s advocating for mental health or building wealth, they’re making moves we should all be talking about.

The post 5 Celebrities Who Are Doing the Absolute Most—in the Best Way Possible appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where split-second decisions can make or break a game, Chanelle S. Reynolds is calling an audible (see what I did there?). 

It’s not the kind you’d hear echoing across the field at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField), home of the Washington Commanders. Instead, it’s a play that’s reshaping the very DNA of one of America’s most beloved—and historically homogeneous—institutions. As the first-ever Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Programs Lead for the Commanders, Reynolds isn’t just breaking the glass ceiling; she’s shattering outdated playbooks and drafting a new game plan for inclusivity in professional sports.

More than a decade ago, Chanelle Reynolds walked across the stage at Delaware State University, diploma in hand and a world of possibilities ahead. Her journey in the sports industry began in 2016 when she joined the NBA G League as an account executive for the Delaware 87ers (now the Delaware Blue Coats). In July 2019, Reynolds made her move to the NFL, joining the Washington Commanders (then known as the Washington Football Team) as Director of Group Sales. Little did she know that in just two years, she would be stepping into a role that would allow her to influence the very culture of the organization.

Reynolds’ transition from sales to diversity champion came in July 2021, when she assumed the groundbreaking role of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Programs Lead. This evolution wasn’t just a career pivot—it’s a testament to the seismic changes rippling through the sports world, and a beacon for every young person who’s ever dreamed of making a difference in an industry that often resists change.

“If you asked me years ago if this pivot was even possible, I would’ve said no,” Reynolds confesses. “I was like, I’m a revenue girly. Cash rules everything around me.”…

Read the full article here

The post The NFL’s New Playmaker: How Chanelle Reynolds Became The Washington Commanders’ Champion For Change – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

When you think of a game-changer in the WNBA, one name stands out: Nneka Ogwumike. 

As I logged into our Zoom call, I couldn’t help but feel excitement building. Chatting with someone who has not only dominated the game I’ve admired for years but also shattered glass ceilings off the court? Let’s just say it was well worth the long day of back to back meetings I’d already had.

From the moment she appeared on screen, radiating confidence and warmth, it was clear why she’s become a pillar in the league. Ogwumike, who signed with the Seattle Storm for the 2024 season earlier this year, has been a cornerstone of the league since being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Her move to Seattle marks a new chapter in her illustrious career, but her impact extends far beyond any single team—she’s a leader, advocate, and voice for change in professional sports.

From her very first season, Ogwumike established herself as more than just an athlete—she was a leader in every sense of the word. Her accomplishments are impressive: seven All-Star appearances, a WNBA Championship in 2016 with the Sparks, and the league MVP title that same year. 

Yet, as accomplished as she is on the court, it’s what she’s done off it that truly sets her apart.

Reflecting on her role as President of the WNBPA, Ogwumike shared her approach to ensuring players’ voices are heard, “I think that the best way I know how to ensure players’ voices are heard is to just be opening space for those players to speak up. I don’t think it’s really overcomplicated.”

This philosophy has guided her leadership style, one focused on empowering her fellow players to advocate for themselves and understand their value within the league. Ogwumike has played a pivotal role in leading the union through important negotiations,…

Read the full article here

The post The Legacy Play: WNBA Star Nneka Ogwumike On Sports, Sisterhood, And Shaping The Future of Women’s Basketball – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

In The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, Sanaa Lathan takes on the role of Barbara Jean, one of the three lifelong friends at the heart of this drama. Barbara Jean, along with her friends, navigates the ups and downs of life, love, and loss. Lathan’s portrayal of Barbara Jean blends humor, resilience, and heartfelt emotion as the character confronts personal struggles while remaining loyal to her friends. In this ensemble piece, Lathan shines as she captures the pain in Barbara Jean’s past, while remaining optimistic for the future.

Read the full article here

The post See Sanaa Lathan’s Best On-Screen Performances – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

Happy Friday, folks. With summer officially coming to an end, let’s enjoy its final few days with some great music from some of the most talented artists in the entertainment industry.

Today, GloRilla drops “Hollon,” the first single from her highly anticipated debut album Glorious. Monaleo and Kaliii come together for the new track “Flush Em,” the iconic MC Lyte returns after a decade with the album 1 Of 1, and TDE’s ScHoolboy Q unveils the video for “THANK GOD 4 ME” off of Blue Lips. Our roundup also includes music from Lecrae, Future, Rich Homie Quan, and more.

Take a look at today’s list of new releases below.

GloRilla – “Hollon”

Her new single is the first from GloRilla’s heavily anticipated debut album Glorious, which she announced today. Listen to it HERE.

Kaliii – “Hot Girl Maybach”

The multitalented Kaliii drops “Hot Girl Maybach” today. Stream the new record HERE.

Lecrae – “Die For The Party”

Lecrae releases his response to Kendrick Lamar’s “Let The Party Die.” Hear the song HEREhere

The post Best New Music This Week: GloRilla, Monaleo, Shenseea And More – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]> https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/meet-real-estate-mastermind-tricia-lee-the-breakout-star-of-netflixs-owning-manhattan-essence/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:04:37 +0000 https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/meet-real-estate-mastermind-tricia-lee-the-breakout-star-of-netflixs-owning-manhattan-essence/ Tricia Lee has been that girl. Long before she wowed Netflix audiences with her enviable style, likable personality and keen business savvy on the hit show Owning Manhattan, which was just renewed for a second season, she was giving her grade school classmates makeovers in the bathroom. As she was growing, so was her entrepreneurial […]

The post Meet Real Estate Mastermind Tricia Lee: The Breakout Star of Netflix’s ‘Owning Manhattan’ – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]>

Tricia Lee has been that girl. Long before she wowed Netflix audiences with her enviable style, likable personality and keen business savvy on the hit show Owning Manhattan, which was just renewed for a second season, she was giving her grade school classmates makeovers in the bathroom. As she was growing, so was her entrepreneurial spirit. “In college I did makeup for other students before parties,” Lee recalls with a chuckle. She continues, “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur.” 

Lee, who is of Jamaican ancestry, was born in Brooklyn, raised in Arizona and after college, returned to The Big Apple, where she’s resided for the past 23 years. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lee aspired to work in the beauty and fashion fields—and she did. After climbing her way up at beauty giant Estée Lauder, Lee joined cult makeup fave MAC Cosmetics in the early days of the brand’s existence and quickly rose up the ranks there as well. Then in 2005, Lee opened The Polish Bar in the heart of Brooklyn. Her chic nail salon also offered its hip clients waxing, makeup and eyelash services. By 2015, Lee was anxious to try her hand in a new field: real estate. The petite powerhouse closed her beauty business to pursue real estate full-time and focus on learning her new craft. Her drive paid off. Eight years later she is winning the hearts of people across the globe on Netflix’s Owning Manhattan. 

We managed to sneak in a chat with the astute businesswoman about her bold career moves, the realities of working with her fiancé—it ain’t always easy—and the surprising ways buying property is more attainable than most of us realize.    

ESSENCE: Congratulations on the success of Owning Manhattan! The show was ranked in the top 10 in over 40 countries worldwide. What has the feedback been since the show’s debut?
TRICIA LEE:…

Read the full article here

The post Meet Real Estate Mastermind Tricia Lee: The Breakout Star of Netflix’s ‘Owning Manhattan’ – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]> https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/star-gazing-revolt-world-2024-rihanna-usher-halle-berry-and-more-essence/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:40:40 +0000 https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/star-gazing-revolt-world-2024-rihanna-usher-halle-berry-and-more-essence/ NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 16: Halle Berry attends Lionsgate’s “Never Let Go” world premiere at Regal Times Square on September 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images) During the first weekend of fall, stars from both screen and stage were spotted in style from coast […]

The post Star Gazing: Revolt World 2024, Rihanna, Usher, Halle Berry And More – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]>

During the first weekend of fall, stars from both screen and stage were spotted in style from coast to coast. In Atlanta, the 2-day Revolt World conference took place, and it featured appearances from some of your favorite celebs, including Method Man, Ari Fletcher, and Lady London, among several others.

On the west coast, the Black Music Action Coalition hosted their 4th annual BMAC Gala, honoring Usher, LL Cool J,  Ivy McGregor and more, for their accomplishments in uplifting racial equity and social justice. Hosted by Kenny Burns, the evening was attended by notable figures such as Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Hamilton, Mona Scott Young, and many of the honorees’ close friends. Rihanna celebrated the launch of Fenty Hair in London, marking an exciting week both in the states as well as abroad.

Take a look and the stars spotted around the world.

Stars of the film ‘Never Let Go.’

Read the full article here

The post Star Gazing: Revolt World 2024, Rihanna, Usher, Halle Berry And More – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]> https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/victoria-monet-and-john-gaines-confirm-breakup/ Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:02:07 +0000 https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/victoria-monet-and-john-gaines-confirm-breakup/ Getty We’re sad to report that Grammy-award-winning singer Victoria Monét and her former partner and father of her child, Hazel Monét Gaines, have broken up. Although the internet has speculated their split for quite some time, Victoria Monet and John Gaines haven’t confirmed the end of their relationship until now. In a joint statement shared […]

The post Victoria Monét And John Gaines Confirm Breakup appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]>

We’re sad to report that Grammy-award-winning singer Victoria Monét and her former partner and father of her child, Hazel Monét Gaines, have broken up.

Although the internet has speculated their split for quite some time, Victoria Monet and John Gaines haven’t confirmed the end of their relationship until now. In a joint statement shared via social media, they both confirmed that they broke up ten months ago and have been trying to focus on co-parenting their 2-year-old daughter, Hazel. 

The statement shared on X (Twitter) reads, “We spent the last ten months trying to respectfully and privately navigate the fact that we are no longer in a relationship. Though we still completely adore and respect each other, we are not a couple anymore.”

The pair noted that no drama or toxic behavior contributed to their split; they grew apart and would like to focus on their growing journeys. “We still think the world of each other and operate with love in every interaction for our family. We have an incredible daughter to raise for life and that is undoubtedly our number 1 priority forever. No relationship status can remove or replace that fact. We are committed to doing the inner work and trust that God will place us both where we belong in due time,” the statement continues.

Even though they aren’t married, they are proud parents to their only child, Hazel Monét Gaines, born in 2021. In a September 2021 interview with ESSENCE, Monét shared that marrying Gaines is “the plan, for sure.” She continued, We’re completely in love and enjoying our new chapter … [Hazel has] really got him wrapped around her finger, and I’ve seen him change in ways that I know he didn’t expect. She’s growing us up.”

We wish them the best as they continue navigating their separate lives and co-parenting.

Read the full article here

The post Victoria Monét And John Gaines Confirm Breakup appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]> https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/21-art-exhibitions-you-must-see-this-fall-essence/ Sun, 06 Oct 2024 20:28:14 +0000 https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/21-art-exhibitions-you-must-see-this-fall-essence/ This fall, art lovers have a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse and dynamic world of Black art through a series of compelling exhibitions across the globe. From the heart of New York City to the vibrant streets of South Florida, these exhibitions celebrate Black creativity and its profound impact on the art world. […]

The post 21 Art Exhibitions You Must See This Fall – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]>

This fall, art lovers have a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse and dynamic world of Black art through a series of compelling exhibitions across the globe. From the heart of New York City to the vibrant streets of South Florida, these exhibitions celebrate Black creativity and its profound impact on the art world.

At the Whitney Museum, Edges of Ailey delves into Alvin Ailey‘s revolutionary legacy with a multimedia experience that spans visual art, live performances, and archival treasures. The Brooklyn Museum‘s Toward Joy and its reimagined American Art galleries offer a fresh perspective on Black feminist and Indigenous art, while The Art Show at Park Avenue Armory presents a range of works from leading galleries.

As winter approaches, Art Basel Miami Beach showcases emerging and established Black artists in an international art fair setting, and LACMA’s Imagining Black Diasporas explores the  artistic practices of the BIPOC community. Additionally, retrospectives and solo exhibitions like those of Noah Davis, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, and Lauren Halsey provide deeper insights into the rich tapestry of Black art. These exhibitions not only highlight individual talent but also reflect on broader themes of identity, history, and social change.

Let’s take a look at the art exhibitions, gallery shows and fairs that you have to see in the coming months.

This large retrospective showcases around 60 works by the late artist Noah Davis, offering a comprehensive view of his practice from 2007 to his untimely death in 2015. Known for his figurative paintings exploring Black life, Davis drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including photography, personal archives, and art history. The exhibition will travel to the Barbican in…

Read the full article here

The post 21 Art Exhibitions You Must See This Fall – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]> https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/black-ish-celebrates-10-years-see-the-cast-then-and-now-essence/ Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:52:29 +0000 https://theboldmaven.com/celebrity/black-ish-celebrates-10-years-see-the-cast-then-and-now-essence/ Ten years ago today, the iconic sitcom Black-ish premiered on ABC, forever changing the landscape of television. The series brought a refreshing blend of humor, culture, and social commentary, becoming a staple in households and sparking vital conversations about race, identity, and class. Created by Kenya Barris, the series followed the Johnsons, an upper-middle-class Black […]

The post ‘Black-ish’ Celebrates 10 Years: See The Cast Then And Now – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]>

Ten years ago today, the iconic sitcom Black-ish premiered on ABC, forever changing the landscape of television. The series brought a refreshing blend of humor, culture, and social commentary, becoming a staple in households and sparking vital conversations about race, identity, and class.

Created by Kenya Barris, the series followed the Johnsons, an upper-middle-class Black family navigating their suburban life while staying connected to their roots. From Anthony Anderson’s portrayal of the relatable yet complex Dre Johnson to Tracee Ellis Ross’ vibrant depiction of Bow, the series set new standards for sitcoms, earning numerous accolades, including multiple NAACP Image Awards.

Alongside Anderson and Johnson, the show also starred Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Jenifer Lewis, Deon Cole, and Laurence Fishburne.

As we mark this milestone, let’s take a look at the cast of Black-ish then and now.

Andre “Dre” Johnson Sr.

The lead character in Black-ish, Dre, was a successful advertising executive determined to keep his family grounded in their Black heritage while navigating a largely white corporate world. His obsession with fashion, particularly sneakers, and his occasionally misguided but heartfelt parenting made him a fan favorite.

Anthony Anderson

Anderson has continued to dominate in both comedic and dramatic roles. Since Black-ish, he reprised his…

Read the full article here

The post ‘Black-ish’ Celebrates 10 Years: See The Cast Then And Now – Essence appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

]]>