August is National Breastfeeding Month, established nationally in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee as a time dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, promoting support for breastfeeding families, and highlighting the myriad factors that can challenge the ability to breastfeed, in some cases making it impossible.

For many Black women, breastfeeding is about much more than simply feeding our babies. It is a deeply personal journey that connects us to our children, culture, and the generations of women who came before us. At the same time, breastfeeding can come with unique challenges, including limited access to lactation consultants and breastfeeding support services, shorter maternity leave periods, historical trauma, and social stigma, in addition to persistent racial bias and inequities in healthcare, resulting in lower breastfeeding rates among Black mothers compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

As a first-time mother of a soon-to-be 15-month-old toddler, I breastfed my daughter for nearly nine months, so I know firsthand the rollercoaster that is the breastfeeding journey. The oxytocin-filled highs from an intimacy unlike anything else in this world. The pride and gratification of leaving the doctor’s office and being told your baby has reached their weight gain goal. The indescribable joy you feel from the touch of your baby’s hand against your bosom as you pridefully provide them with nature’s most priceless “liquid gold.”

And then, there are also the lows, which are bountiful, unlike your milk supply. For example, even though you only went to sleep an hour ago, or in many cases, you are still up! Waking up at 4 a.m. to pump because, as the pediatrician informed you, your levels of prolactin, the hormone that helps your body produce milk, are highest at this time. The involuntary and intense irritation that possesses your entire being every time your spouse asks, “How much did you pump?” because after an hour of your nipples being tugged at more than a Stretch Armstrong doll, you only produced four ounces of milk, which your daughter quickly devoured before you’ve even reattached the flap of your oh-so-sexy nursing bra.

In short, breastfeeding is not for the faint of heart. Whether it comes easily for you or requires patience and persistence, every mother’s experience is valid and exclusively her choice to make. Therefore, understanding the advantages, obstacles, and available resources can help Black women make informed decisions that are right for themselves and their babies.

Here are six important points every woman needs to know about breastfeeding.  

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Geriatric’ Or Not, I’m A Muva — Pregnancy Over Age 40 Is On The Rise & Has Never Looked Better [Op-Ed]

National Breastfeeding Month! From Rihanna To Cardi B — 20 Celebrity Moms Who Proudly Shared Their Breastfeeding Journeys

The post Black Women Were Once Forced To Nurse Other People’s Babies. Now We’re Reclaiming Breastfeeding On Our Own Terms: 6 Things To Know appeared first on MadameNoire.

We are hearing it more and more: life does not end at 30. And for many women, that is when things are just getting good.

We are rewriting the rules, changing the timelines, and deciding for ourselves what comes next in our lives. We are changing careers, having children when we want, getting married when we want, and going after any and all opportunities that may not have been available to women before us.

Now, we can add winning Miss USA to the list. Meet Justus Kelley.

The 31-year-old made history last night, August 27, snatching the title of Miss USA 2026. Representing Virginia, she is the first married woman, first mother, and first woman over 30 to win the national title.

Don’t you love seeing Black women change the game?

RELATED CONTENT: Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019 And ‘Extra’ Correspondent, Dies At 30

The post Justus Kelley Made Miss USA History By Becoming The Queen Black Women Have Always Been: Unapologetically Herself appeared first on MadameNoire.

Dolly Parton’s legacy goes far beyond country music. The legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist died at 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, following a brief and private battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. Fans will forever remember Parton for timeless hits like “Jolene,” “9 To 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” But her impact stretched far beyond the recording studio. Parton was a white woman from Nashville who not only fought for Black people but also stood up for our civil rights unabashedly. 

Throughout her career, Parton used her platform, money and influence to support communities and causes close to her heart, never afraid to speak publicly about racial inequality or show her support when doing so may have put her career in jeopardy. 

Dolly’s Whitney Houston connection became a gift to Nashville.

One of the most memorable examples of Parton putting her money where her mouth was came through Whitney Houston’s iconic version of “I Will Always Love You.”

During a 2021 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Dolly Parton revealed that she used royalties from Houston’s recording to purchase an office complex in a predominantly Black Nashville neighborhood, in order to honor the legendary singer. The legendary song made around $10 million in royalties for Parton, according to Forbes.

“It was mostly just Black families and people that lived around there,” Parton said. “It was a whole strip mall. And I thought, ‘This is the perfect place for me to be, considering it was Whitney.’ ”

Parton set up a recording studio in the complex in 1997. At the time, major artists and record labels rarely brought their business or production jobs to that specific part of town. Her presence brought immediate jobs and industry attention to the neighborhood, WKRN News 2 noted. Rather than pocketing the money or investing it in elite areas of town, Parton intentionally placed millions of dollars directly into the local economy of “Whitney’s people,” ensuring the neighborhood had financial backing from one of music’s biggest stars.

“I just thought, ‘This was great. I’m going to be down here with her people, who are my people as well,’” Parton added during her interview with Cohen in 2021. “And so I just love the fact that I spent that money on a complex. And I think, ‘This is the house that Whitney built.’ ”

It was a powerful full-circle moment. Houston turned Parton’s song into one of the biggest recordings in music history, and Parton used the financial success of that song to invest in a community in Houston’s own hometown.

She wasn’t quiet about Black Lives Matter.

Parton also made her position clear during the nationwide racial justice protests that followed the 2020 killing of George Floyd.

In an interview with Billboard that year, Parton pushed back against the idea that supporting Black lives somehow diminished the importance of anyone else.

“I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen. And of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter? No!” Parton said.

For a country music superstar with generations of fans, it was an especially blunt and unapologetic statement.

That willingness to speak up, rather than simply remain on the sidelines, became another part of the affection many fans had for Parton.

And she certainly wasn’t the only white celebrity who has supported Black people, Black artists and civil rights. Over the years, several white women in entertainment have used their platforms, money and careers to stand alongside Black communities.

Here are several famous white women who have fought for Black people over the years. 

1. Jane Fonda

Fonda became heavily involved in racial and social justice activism during the 1960s and 1970s. According to Time, she formed alliances with members of the Black Panther Party and supported community initiatives connected to the organization, including programs designed to provide food and other resources to underserved communities. 

Her activism extended well beyond simply making public statements. Fonda participated in protests, raised money for political causes and developed relationships with prominent activists, including Angela Davis, whom she visited in prison in 1971. Her willingness to put her celebrity behind controversial movements made her one of Hollywood’s most outspoken political figures of her generation.

While Fonda’s activism has remained controversial in some circles, there is little question that she used her visibility to bring attention to racial inequality and other forms of systemic oppression at a time when doing so could come with significant professional consequences.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘So Much Of What We Love Comes From Black Culture’ — Sophia Bush & 6 Other White Celebrity Allies Invited To The Cookout

The post White Women Black Folks Don’t Play About: Diana, Dolly, Anne, Sophia & More appeared first on MadameNoire.

UPDATE — Friday, August 28, 2026, 2:17 p.m. EST:

Black women in professional sports aren’t just playing the game, but they’re redefining it. From locker rooms to boardrooms, from negotiating history-making contracts to coaching championship teams, these women are breaking barriers and setting new standards. New Padres owner Kwanza Jones knows this all too well. Check out 26 Black women running the sports business and culture right now.

When it comes to power, influence, and shifting culture in sports, Black women are at the center of the conversation. They are no longer on the sidelines; they are breaking barriers as agents, executives, coaches, investors, and world-class athletes. From negotiating billion-dollar deals to shaping the future of leagues, these women are proof that Black women are redefining what leadership in sports looks like.

According to 10 News, Jones and her husband  Jose E. Feliciano were introduced as the San Diego Padres’ new owners in an hour-long news conference at Petco Park. For Jones, this is an exceptional feat as she just became the first Black woman majority owner of an MLB team with their $3.9 billion San Diego Padres deal according to Yahoo Sports.

Take Nicole Lynn, for example. The NFL powerhouse agent made headlines after negotiating Jalen Hurts’ historic $255 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, making him the highest-paid player in the league at the time. Then there’s Swin Cash, a three-time WNBA champion turned New Orleans Pelicans executive, whose impact in basketball operations proves that championship grit translates off the court.

Several successful Black women are making a significant impact in the sports world. On the coaching side, Dawn Staley, head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, has become a legend not only for her championship wins but also for speaking out on equity in pay and opportunities for women in coaching.

Players are also using their voices and platforms to extend beyond the game. Serena Williams has transitioned into an investor and entrepreneur, utilizing Serena Ventures to support women- and minority-owned businesses. Meanwhile, her sister Venus Williams has championed equal pay and continues to lead conversations about equity in tennis and beyond.

These women in professional sports prove that Black excellence in sports isn’t limited to the field or court. Instead, it’s in the contracts, the boardrooms, and the culture.

Check out our list of the 25 women running the sports business below:

The post 26 Black Women Running The Sports Business appeared first on MadameNoire.

Welcome to HelloBridal, a column dedicated to spotlighting every part of the Black wedding experience. We want to celebrate the fullness of your fairytale, from the meet-cutes to the cute bachelorette outfits. Ready to talk honeymoons, hair styles and how to pick vendors? We’re here for you. HB is exploring trends, offering expert tips and reframing stories about how two come together as one.  Join us at the altar sis!

Jordyn Woods is launching a bridal collection in the wake of her epic wedding to Karl Anthony Towns. The fashion entrepreneur gave fans a preview of her Woods By Jordyn bridal attire and accessories on her Instagram page. 

She instructed shoppers to save the date with a lace-covered invitation worthy of a celebrity shindig on Instagram. “Save the date: 8.28 — WOODS Bridal is yours,” she wrote in the caption. A new overlay has been added to the Woods by Jordan website. It features an image of Woods in bridalwear on the back of a large motorcycle. She holds an oversized ivory clutch with hands accessorized by fingerless lace gloves in the shot. She rests a white platform flip-flop on the bike’s foot shifter. 

Woods included a carousel of herself in various wedding-themed looks from the collection in the post. She sported her signature soft glam in the photos. Her pinkish nails complemented her massive engagement ring. 

Cuffing season is on the way, making it perfect timing for the launch. According to The Knot, “47% of couples get engaged between November and February.” 

The looks featured romantic elements like sweet lace, pretty bows, and dainty feathers. Subtle animal prints helped keep the traditional color palette fresh. They worked for a number of bridal occasions. It looked like the perfect balance between old-school and new energy. 

RELATED CONTENT: Jordyn Woods Is Officially A Mrs.! Inside Her Ultra-Glam Malibu Wedding To Karl-Anthony Towns

The post Fresh Off Her Fairytale Wedding, Jordyn Woods Debuts Bridal Collection Inspired By Her Own Love Story appeared first on MadameNoire.

Lilyana Rose Wagner, 16, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with the 2024 killing of her mother, Rachel Suzanne Wagner, 51, according to an Aug. 25 press release posted to Facebook by Patrick Warren, district attorney for the Tifton Judicial Circuit. Wagner admitted to shooting her mother in the back of the head while she was lying in bed inside the family’s home on East 18th Street in Tifton, Georgia, according to WALB News 10.

Lilyana Rose Wagner Trial: What happened to Rachel Suzanne Wagner?

The case began on Nov. 19, 2024, when Tifton Police were notified by law enforcement in Crawford County, Georgia, that Wagner, then 14, had been involved in a vehicle crash and was the only person inside the vehicle.

Wagner told officers that she lived alone with her mother. Tifton police then went to the family’s East 18th Street home to conduct a welfare check after Rachel failed to show up for work and could not be reached by phone.

Inside the home, officers found Rachel deceased in her bed. Investigators determined that she had suffered a single gunshot wound to the back of her head.

Read more about the Lilyana Rose Wagner trial after the flip.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Literally A Monster’ — Pregnant Teen Shot Dead After Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Lured Her Outside With Flowers

The post ‘I Was Going To Commit A School Shooting’ — 14-Year-Old Teen Who Murdered Her Mother Gets Life After Chilling Confession appeared first on MadameNoire.

It’s the last Fine AF list of the month and of course we brought you the goods.

Love Island star Yamen Sanders keeps bringing us back to the 90s with his type of fine. He’s the one you never really want to scroll away from. Dy’mond Charleston made her debut on the list. Mama was looking nice and curvy in her bikini.

Lance Gross is feeling himself this week after making a HUGE change to his look. Also, Megan Thee Stallion’s hairstylist and close friend, Kellon Deryck, is back. But this week, he is more than a stylist; he is the birthday boy, as he is celebrating another year of life. One thing about Deryck, he got a nice “Body” just like his friend.

You’ll see below.

RELATED CONTENT: Fine AF Fridays! Vol. 40 — Romeo Miller Is Giving ‘Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy’ Energy

1. Nique, 27

Nique popped out in this beautiful and classy dress with her legs glistening like a glazed donut.

The post Fine AF Fridays! Kellon Deryck, Lucien Laviscount & More Hotties Show Off Their Rippling Pectorals, Vol. 41 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Caribbean carnival season is now in full swing, with Toronto’s Caribana and Grenada’s Spicemas having recently wrapped up. Now, Notting Hill Carnival and Brooklyn’s Labor Day Parade are right around the corner, so what better time and reason to represent your roots than by rocking a bag created by a Caribbean brand?

Bajan beauty Rihanna always shows love to her heritage and homeland, perfectly exemplifying the paradox of Caribbean culture. While we play hard, we work even harder. One day the billionaire businesswoman is decked out in full feathers and Grand Kadooment regalia at Barbados’ Crop Over Carnival. The next, she’s rocking casual swimwear while enjoying a tour of the island with her three adorable children. Always one to keep it real, RiRi skipped the chauffeur service and instead travelled with her family on a traditional yellow minibus, stopping along the way at a local street vendor for some fresh coconuts.

So, when the bad gyal sang, “work, work, work, work, work,” those weren’t just lyrics, they were words she lives by—whether she’s in Mommy or mogul mode. They are words all Caribbean people live by, whether you were born in the islands or a descendant of someone who was.

The hard work, entrepreneurship, and creativity of Caribbean people are highlighted by a slew of bag brands founded, owned, and designed by people throughout the diaspora. From French Toast’s feel-good and functional weekend totes, which are infused with Jamaican-inspired playful patterns, to the history of Haitian oral tradition interwoven in the hand-beaded clutches by Bien Abye, with these Caribbean-owned brands you’re not just wearing a bag, you’re carrying and curating culture.

Here are 22 Caribbean bag brands to complete your closet and feed your conscience.

RELATED CONTENT: The Rise And Reign Of The Curves Tote: A Story Of Black Women’s Fashion Influence

The post The Diaspora Is Dripping! 22 Caribbean Bag Brands Bringing Culture & Craftsmanship To Your Closet appeared first on MadameNoire.

Did Kenya Moore get a facelift? That’s the question fans are asking after the former Real Housewives of Atlanta stunner showed off what some say is a twirled and tweaked transformation.

Moore, 55, took to Instagram on Aug. 26, sharing a glamorous photo carousel in which she posed on a set of steps emblazoned with the words, “She’s iconic.” Dressed in a curve-hugging polka-dot ALAÏA dress, Moore kept her caption short and confident: 

“My legacy will always be Iconic.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘You Will Never Destroy A Queen,’ Kenya Moore Responds To ‘RHOA’ Drama

The post Kenya No-Moore? ‘RHOA’ Icon Sparks Facelift Frenzy After Showing Off ‘Unrecognizable’ New Look appeared first on MadameNoire.

Liris Crosse can sell almost anything on a runway. She’s one of the most recognizable models in the industry; she can be found on your favorite sitcoms, and the DMV native is an entrepreneur, author, and influencer.

But even one of fashion’s fiercest could not save the pile of spray-painted cords that Season 22 Project Runway designer Bryan Barrientos sent her out in. If you haven’t heard what happened, let’s get you caught up on the show’s recent tea.  

(Attention: Spoilers ahead.)

RELATED CONTENT: Fatphobia Or Fashion Critique? Liris Crosse Slams ‘Project Runway’ Judge Law Roach For ‘Nigerian Auntie’ Diss — ‘My Titties Are Fine!’

The post ‘I Could Not Stop Crying’ — Liris Crosse Slams ‘Project Runway’ Designer For Putting Her In A 50-Pound Disaster Dress That Failed Her Curves appeared first on MadameNoire.

Serayah just did something a lot of women in the public eye know all too well: she sat down and wrote a full statement explaining why her engagement to Joey Bada$$ is over, then noted she’d only be addressing it this one time. Not because she owes anyone an explanation. Because apparently, that’s still the unspoken toll for being a woman whose life is public.

She closed it with a line already living in everybody’s Notes app screenshots: “This chapter didn’t end the way I prayed it would. But endings can also be beginnings.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Don’t Make Yourself Smaller’ — Serayah Ends Engagement To Joey Bada$$ After Revealing His ‘Repeated Infidelity’

The post Serayah’s Joey Bada$$ Breakup Exposes The Exhausting Double Standard Black Women Are Still Forced To Carry [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

A new three-part documentary, titled Clap If You Care: The Wendy Williams Show, detailing the cultural impact and meteoric rise of The Wendy Williams Show, is coming to Peacock in 2027, but a source close to Wendy Williams claims the media personality was allegedly “blindsided” by the project and had no involvement in it.

Here’s what we know.

The post Not Doin’ Well — Wendy Williams Reportedly ‘Blindsided’ By ‘Disgusting’ New Peacock Documentary ‘Clap If You Care’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Keshia Golden, a Chicago woman who was charged with murder in connection with the 2022 death of her partner, Calvin Sydney, accepted a plea deal on Aug. 24 that allowed her to avoid a bench trial and return home to her daughter, according to reports from ABC 7 Chicago and Fox 32 Chicago. The agreement, however, leaves Golden with a felony conviction that her supporters say could have lasting consequences. Attorneys for the Chicago mother say she was acting in self-defense when she fatally stabbed Sydney in 2022 following a domestic violence dispute.

Golden pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 24 months of probation. Outside the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, domestic violence advocates and supporters gathered to stand behind Golden, who had originally faced a first-degree murder charge.

Keshia Golden says she accepted the plea deal to avoid trial and protect her daughter.

Golden said she accepted the plea because she did not want her young daughter to endure the emotional toll of a trial.

“I feel like I did the right thing for my child instead of putting this all on the trial and putting it all on social media, and I do not want to hurt my child no more. All she have is me,” Golden told ABC 7 Chicago, Fox 32 Chicago, and several other reporters outside the courtroom Monday.

“My child will not have a father, and I’m the only person that’s going to take care of her. So, I feel like I did the right thing for my child.”

Golden’s mother, Tarsha Ellis, told the outlet that she was grateful her daughter would be able to remain with the family and care for her child.

“It’s a blessing to have my daughter here to raise her daughter. You know, and I’m grateful for that. So she took the plea. She’s not guilty, but she took it to stay home with her daughter, and she got to take care of me,” Ellis said.

Read more about the Keshia Golden trial after the flip.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Postpartum Psychosis Is A Real Issue’ — Chicago Mom, 25, Allegedly Fatally Stabbed 1-Month-Old Baby Before Jumping Out 2nd Floor Window

The post ‘I Did The Right Thing’ — Keshia Golden Avoids Murder Trial After Accepting Plea Deal In Fatal Stabbing Of Boyfriend She Said Abused Her appeared first on MadameNoire.

There is something fascinating and slightly uncomfortable about the viral sensation Pop The Balloon Or Find Love. It is a wildly entertaining digital show that makes attraction brutally visible. But the show’s appeal also exposes something bigger about modern dating: We increasingly expect chemistry to be immediate, visual, and legible before we’ve learned anything meaningful about the person standing in front of us.

The show has turned attraction or lack thereof, into a spectator sport…a comedy show and Black women are the butt of the joke. “Pop The Balloon” highlights the message Black women have been getting for years when it comes to dating: adjust. And that’s saying it in a nice way. Underneath that is: you’re not enough. 

We have turned the most vulnerable part of dating (wanting to be chosen) into a game show that exposes colorism in the flesh.

“Pop The Balloon” is a Black show, through and through. It was created by Black people, BM Matundu and Arlette Amuli, and consistently casts all Black contestants. The show’s premise is simple. Meet a stranger, ask a few questions, assess the vibe and decide: to pop or not to pop. 

Aesthetics are not a proxy for compatibility. Aka love is absolutely not blind. And lust…it’s got astigmatism. 

RELATED CONTENT: Yvonne Orji’s Hosted ‘Pop The Balloon’ Bursts Into Controversy Over Johnny Bananas’ Racist Remarks

The post ‘Pop The Balloon’ Is Selling Black Women’s Rejection As Prime-Time Entertainment [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

On this episode of the Mompreneurs podcast, branding expert Rakia Reynolds sat down with host Nancy Redd for an enlightening conversation about her journey as the founder of Skai Blue Media—which is now Actum, after the company was acquired last year. The award-winning creative is known for breathing life into the storytelling and strategy behind big names like Uber, Airbnb, IBM, and Serena Williams. Reynolds reflected on her inspiring journey—sharing her thoughts on AI, working with her husband, and selling her company.

“I was told I talked too much in class, I was disruptive.”

Reynolds talked about what it was like growing up with ADHD. “When you are an ADHD child—you’re maybe hyper-focused on something or you’re called extra energetic—you have to be your own advocate and you have to be your own voice.”

Back then, she wasn’t the typical “model student.” “I’m not saying that I was a bad kid, but I got in trouble a lot,” she recalled. “I was told I talked too much in class, I was disruptive.” But her dad encouraged Reynolds to pay no mind to the naysayers and to be proud of who she was. “That always rang through for me whenever I’m at a moment where I feel like my back is against the wall.”

Ultimately, this was where she began to develop her superpower—the art of storytelling. “As a kid, I was always telling the teacher a story,” she said. “I was perfecting stories because I wanted to keep myself out of trouble.” 

RELATED CONTENT: Black Women Built It. Now Let’s Buy It — 5 Businesses To Support This Black Business Month

The post Mompreneurs S05E04: ‘I Was Told I Talked Too Much’ — How Branding Powerhouse Rakia Reynolds Turned ADHD Into A Million-Dollar Superpower appeared first on MadameNoire.

Cierra Bellamy, a mom from North Carolina, recently went to the hospital believing she had a kidney stone, but while traveling to the emergency room, the 33-year-old was taken by surprise when her water broke — she had no clue she was pregnant. Hours later, she safely delivered her daughter Ariah.

“I was in the car, on my way to the hospital. I thought I was having a kidney stone. I was in lots of pain, and I told my friend I needed to go to the hospital,” she explained to WWAY during an interview published Aug. 20. “So, she took me, and on the way, my water broke.” 

Cierra Bellamy’s surprise delivery: The new mom said she and her partner were “scared” after their baby daughter Ariah’s arrival because it was unexpected.

Bellamy said she and her partner, Daniel Ross, were immediately worried about their baby girl, Ariah, following the emergency delivery. The new parents recalled feeling “scared” and anxious about whether their daughter was okay, while also admitting they felt completely unprepared for her arrival.

“I was scared cause I didn’t know about her,” Bellamy told the outlet. “I didn’t have any prenatal care. I was very scared.”

Ross, who could be seen holding a happy and healthy Ariah during the interview, agreed, adding:

“She was in shock. I just couldn’t believe it,” he said.

Find out more about Cierra Bellamy’s unexpected pregnancy after the flip.

RELATED CONTENT: Too Cute To Handle — 4 Famous Moms Celebrating Their First Mother’s Day From Jasmin Lawrence To Lauren Speed-Hamilton

The post Wait… What?! Woman Rushed To The Hospital For What She Thought Were Kidney Stones — Then Found Out She Was Having A Baby appeared first on MadameNoire.

Former child actress Raquel Lee, now known as Raquel Lee Bolleau, has filed a negligence lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, alleging that she was sexually abused and assaulted by an unidentified “middle-aged, male employee who was involved in the filming of” the 2001 Disney Channel original movie The Poof Point. Bolleau was 14 years old when the alleged abuse occurred, according to the lawsuit obtained by The Hollywood Reporter (THR) and People.  Notably, THR reported that it had independently learned Bolleau, who played Marie Ballard, in the movie, reached a confidential settlement with actor Mark Curry in 2015. Here’s what we knew about the Raquel Lee Bolleau Disney lawsuit.

Raquel Lee Bolleau Disney lawsuit: What happened with Mark Curry, according to the suit?

It’s unclear, but Mark Curry portrayed Bolleau’s father in The Poof Point. Attorney Gloria Allred, who has represented numerous people in high-profile sexual misconduct cases, represented Bolleau in that private matter. Lee and Curry have not responded to requests for comment regarding the settlement, while Allred declined to comment. Disney has also previously declined to comment on Bolleau’s litigation against the company.

According to People, Bolleau, 39, filed the civil negligence complaint against Disney in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Aug. 21. In the filing, she alleges that an unnamed middle-aged male Disney employee repeatedly sexually assaulted her while she was working on The Poof Point at age 14.

Bolleau claims the employee provided her with alcohol before assaulting her multiple times while the production was in Salt Lake City. She also alleges that an assault occurred during a flight from Utah back to California.

Learn more about the Raquel Lee Bolleau Disney lawsuit after the flip.

The post Disney Faces Lawsuit After Former Child Star Raquel Lee Bolleau Alleges She Was Sexually Assaulted At 14 On ‘The Poof Point’ Set appeared first on MadameNoire.

National Breastfeeding Month takes place every August and highlights the beauty and challenges of breastfeeding. Since it was declared in 2011, women all over the country have taken steps to educate, advocate and celebrate this unique bonding moment between a mother and her child.

Breastfeeding benefits both the mother and the baby. Not only will the baby receive antibodies to grow their immune system, but it can also reduce the chance of the baby developing short or long term illnesses. According to the CDC, breastfeeding can reduce a woman’s risk of breast or ovarian cancer as well as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

But breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy. In fact, it’s common for women to face some sort of challenge. Common issues can be sore nipples, plugged ducts, low milk supply, engorgement, and more.

Here are some of our favorite celebrity mothers who embraced breastfeeding and used their strength to get over the hurdles.

RELATED CONTENT: Breaking the Negative Stigma of Black Breastfeeding: The Historic Trauma

1. Tia Mowry, 48

In 2020, Tia Mowry posted a photo of her breastfeeding her daughter Cairo. In that post, she candidly shared how she had a difficult time breastfeeding her eldest child, Cree. Additionally, she experienced mastitis in the first few months of her breastfeeding Cairo years later. But she stressed the importance of not giving up and trying again. From the photo, it appears they eventually got it down.

The post National Breastfeeding Month! From Rihanna To Cardi B — 20 Celebrity Moms Who Proudly Shared Their Breastfeeding Journeys appeared first on MadameNoire.

Looking for love, a summer fling or just a memorable night out? According to one New York City matchmaker, where you grab a drink could make all the difference. New York City has long been considered one of the best places to date, thanks to its endless nightlife, buzzing social scene and millions of singles. But if you’re hoping to leave the bar with more than just a tab, one viral matchmaking expert claims certain spots give you better odds than others, keyword: Bars to get laid.

Enter @MurrayHillGuy, the self-proclaimed Midtown matchmaker behind the trending “Best Bars to Get Laid at in NYC by Neighborhood” list that’s been making the rounds on social media. Dubbed the “summer edition,” the cheeky guide offers both locals and tourists a playful roadmap to some of the city’s hottest nightlife destinations to get laid.

Hit the flip to see which bars made the cut.

RELATED CONTENT: Nail That First Date: Tips To Keep It Fun, Flirty And Far From Cringe

The post Looking For Love Or Lust? NYC’s Hottest Singles Are Flocking To The ‘Best Bars To Get Laid’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Could Janet Jackson be making her own biopic soon? While The Velvet Rope singer has yet to announce official plans, fans grew excited after the singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson hinted that she might be making a story of her incredible life and music legacy.

Here’s what Jaafar Jackson said.

While speaking to GQ Middle East about his buzzworthy acting debut in the Michael Jackson biopic this year, Jaafar, 30, weighed in on why Janet, 60, “kindly” opted out of the film. 

“I don’t want to speak too early, but Janet has ideas of maybe doing her own film,” said the actor during his interview published Aug. 20, insisting that there was no bad blood about the decision. 

“So having someone portrayed in this and then choosing a different actor for her own is just…” Jaafar Jackson added with a strong pause, hinting that it wouldn’t make sense to cast one actor to play Janet in Michael and then choose a different actor for her standalone film.

While we wait for Janet Jackson to finally green light and announce plans for an official biopic, the suspense has us doing a little fan casting of our own. Whoever gets the chance to play the Rhythm Nation queen will have some seriously iconic shoes to fill. From her childhood in the Jackson family spotlight to her evolution into one of the biggest performers in the world, the role would require someone who can act, dance, command a stage and capture Janet’s more private, vulnerable side.

Here are five actresses that we would LOVE to see take on the role. 

1. Teyana Taylor. 

Teyana Taylor feels like a natural choice. She has the dance skills, musical background and undeniable stage presence needed to portray Janet. She’s an Oscar-nominated star, too, giving her even more Hollywood cred to take on the role. Teyana also knows how to tell a story through movement, which would be essential when recreating Janet’s legendary performances and choreography. After seeing her acting work in films such as One Battle After Another and Straw, we also know she has the dramatic chops to tackle the more emotional chapters of Janet’s life.

Taylor is a huge fan of the singer, too. As previously reported, in June, Taylor burst into tears as she accepted the ‘Icon Of The Year’ honor at the 2026 BET Awards from Janet Jackson, who praised her for being an innovator and trend setter. The two powerhouses shared a sweet hug before Taylor shouted, “Oh my God. B*tch, I’m gagging,” in disbelief.

Read more after the flip!

RELATED CONTENT: Teyana Taylor Recreates Janet’s Iconic ’90s ‘If’ Look — And Miss Jackson’s Reaction Is Everything

The post A Janet Jackson Biopic May Be Coming — These 5 Actresses Could Channel The Queen Of Rhythm Nation appeared first on MadameNoire.

It’s that time of year again. As WNBA teams secure their spots in the playoffs, conversations around which players should be chosen to receive end-of-season awards are heating up. 

Defensive player of the year, rookie of the year, sixth player of the year, most improved player, and most valuable player. All those titles and more will be handed out before the postseason wraps. Out of all of them, there is perhaps no category that creates more annual debate than who should be crowned MVP of the WNBA. 

Ultimately, as all the couch potato sports fans continue to weigh in on who they think is this season’s most valuable player in the WNBA, it will be up to a panel of around seventy sportswriters who are tasked with determining which player has earned the honor this year. 

When it comes to MVP picks, fans weigh different parts of a player’s game depending on what they value most. Some fans stay loyal to their favorite player on their favorite team no matter what the numbers say. Some gravitate toward the players whose highlight reels are the most electric, convinced that that player must be the best. Others go by stats alone, believing the numbers should have the final say. 

RELATED CONTENT: A’ja Wilson’s Nike A’Ones ‘Redefine The Limits Of Greatness’ — Signature Shoe Pays Tribute To Black Girl Style

The post A’ja Wilson Is The Only Choice For 2026 WNBA MVP — She Built A Dynasty, Caitlin Clark Built A Distraction [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Serayah has been commanding our attention since she stepped onto our screens as Tiana Brown on Empire, but nearly a decade later, the actress and singer has proven there are plenty more layers to uncover, especially when it comes to her style.

The multi-hyphenate broke through as the ambitious R&B singer on the hit Fox series, a role that let her flex both her acting and musical chops. Since then, she’s continued building an impressive résumé with appearances in projects including BMF, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Kingdom Business, and Ruth & Boaz.

But somewhere between the scripts, studio sessions, performances, and red carpets, Serayah has also consistently made a statement in fashion.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Don’t Make Yourself Smaller’ — Serayah Ends Engagement To Joey Bada$$ After Revealing His ‘Repeated Infidelity’

The post Single Never Looked So Good — 6 Fashion Moments That Prove Serayah Is The Real Prize appeared first on MadameNoire.

Dolly Parton died Tuesday at 80 years old, and country music lost one of its grandmothers. The Associated Press confirmed her death and reflected on the seven-decade career she left behind.

But Black people lost something too.

Not because Dolly was Black. Not because proximity to Black celebrities automatically grants somebody honorary membership in our community. And certainly not because every beloved white celebrity needs to be posthumously transformed into a civil rights activist.

We lost someone who understood something about power that many people never learn:

When life gives you a lot of room, you don’t have to occupy all of it yourself.

Sometimes the assignment is to make room for somebody else.

And Dolly Parton had an extraordinary amount of room.

RELATED CONTENT: Dolly Parton Used Royalties From Whitney Houston To Invest In Nashville’s Black Community

The post Why Black America Will Always Love Dolly Parton — Her ‘Coat Of Many Colors’ Had Room For Us [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Rapsody has covered significant ground in the last two decades, emerging first as a talented upstart to garnering well-deserved attention from the industry overall. Rapsody’s latest body of work, God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops, is not only a culmination of her years of focused evolution, but also a vivid reminder that being Black is and should be seen as a celebratory act.

Rapsody, affectionately called Rap by both her peers and fans alike, won her first Grammy Award last year for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her track, “3:AM” featuring Erykah Badu. Rap’s last album, Please Don’t Cry, on which “3:AM” appears, was her first without mentor and Jamla honcho 9th Wonder’s production touch.

RELATED CONTENT: Rapsody On Being A Single Woman: “My Purpose Is Bigger Than My Need To Have Kids Or Be Married”

For those who experienced that project, Rap allowed listeners to learn the inner workings of the artist born Marlanna Evans, doing so with a vulnerability rare for an artist of her ability.

Before that album, Rap had become the female avatar of “Real Hip-Hop,” a weighty yet empty descriptor that divides rather than unites. Resisting the urge to cater to one segment, Rap may have lost some fans who were seemingly taken aback by her desire to promote the all sides of the culture and different production while centering herself on Please Don’t Cry, sidestepping the Hip-Hop savior mantle many tried to bestow her with.

The post ‘God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops’ — Rapsody’s Love Letter To Blackness Is The Album Black Women Deserve appeared first on MadameNoire.

National Breastfeeding Month is observed every August as an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, encourage support for breastfeeding families and bring attention to the barriers that can make breastfeeding difficult. Established nationally in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee, the month highlights the importance of maternal and infant health and pays tribute to the different cultural communities and advocates working to improve breastfeeding outcomes. For Black mothers, National Breastfeeding Month is especially important because significant disparities in breastfeeding continue to exist in the United States. 

While breastfeeding can provide important health benefits for both mothers and babies, Black women face a number of systemic, historical and economic barriers that can make it more difficult to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Understanding those barriers is an important part of understanding the breastfeeding gap. Here’s what we know. 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Geriatric’ Or Not, I’m A Muva — Pregnancy Over Age 40 Is On The Rise & Has Never Looked Better [Op-Ed]

The post Black Women Have Always Fed The World — So Why Are Black Mothers Still Fighting To Breastfeed Their Own Babies? appeared first on MadameNoire.

Reginae Carter wants everyone to know she’s a grown woman who doesn’t need permission from her father to have fun. The 27-year-old “Heir Time” podcast host shared a video documenting her return to pole dancing, and when fans threatened to tell her dad, Lil Wayne, about it, she wasted no time setting the record straight.

According to TheJasmineBrand, the clip showed Reginae simply enjoying a pole dancing class recreationally, but that didn’t stop a portion of her audience from suggesting Lil Wayne would disapprove. Reginae didn’t hold back in her response, writing, “Wayne can’t stop nothing!” She followed that up by reminding her followers she’s “about to be 30 years old” and pointing out that she was fully clothed throughout the video, making clear there was nothing scandalous about the moment fans were reacting to.

RELATED CONTENT: Reginae Carter’s Pole Routine Counts As Her ‘First Workout’ Of The Year

The post ‘Wayne Can’t Stop Nothing!’ — Reginae Carter Claps Back After Critics Threaten To Tell Dad Lil Wayne About Her Pole Dancing appeared first on MadameNoire.

Serayah and Joey Bada$$ have ended their engagement, which comes just over a year after they welcomed their first child together.

The actress and singer took to Instagram on Monday, August 24, to announce the end of her relationship with Joey Bada$$, whom she’d been publicly dating since 2023.

She announced the breakup in a lengthy statement, revealing that the rapper had been unfaithful to her multiple times throughout their relationship. The pair were engaged and welcomed a child together in 2025.

“There comes a point in a woman’s life when choosing herself is no longer an option, it becomes necessary,” Serayah began in her statement. “After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to end my engagement and relationship with the father of my child, Joey. I loved deeply, believed wholeheartedly in the life we were building, and wanted nothing more than to protect our family.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘He’s Going To HELL’ — Megan Thee Stallion Savagely Outs ‘Cheating’ Klay Thompson & The Internet Goes Off!

The post ‘Don’t Make Yourself Smaller’ — Serayah Ends Engagement To Joey Bada$$ After Revealing His ‘Repeated Infidelity’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Aug. 22, family and loved ones gathered to lay former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant LaToya Malcolm to rest during an emotional funeral service in Kingston, Jamaica, according to People and the Jamaica Observer. The 35-year-old, who was also the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International titleholder, died suddenly on July 17. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been publicly disclosed.

LaToya Malcolm’s funeral was held on Saturday. A scholarship was created in her honor for high school students.

Malcolm’s funeral service was held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Central Assemblies of God church in Kingston, according to People.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure,” read the funeral flyer, the outlet noted.

During the service, a scholarship honoring Malcolm’s legacy was also announced by Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, according to the Jamaica Observer.

The LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience will award $100,000 each to two high school students to support their educational development.

Read more about her story after the flip.

RELATED CONTENT: How Vybe Vault RnB Founder Elaine Landy, 60, Tackled Her ‘Back Fat’ To Become The Oldest Miss Universe Jamaica Contestant [Exclusive]

The post Miss Universe Jamaica Finalist LaToya Malcolm Laid To Rest After Sudden Death At 35 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Family and community members are mourning the tragic loss of 31-year-old Kenya Glasgow and her 2-year-old twin daughter, Kennedi, who were struck by lightning while running for shelter during a storm in Florida on Sunday, Aug. 23, according to reports from CBS News and NBC Miami. Authorities in Margate, Florida, are currently investigating the tragic lightning strike.

Margate lightning strike: What happened to Kenya Glasgow and her daughter Kennedi?

The mother and daughter were struck around 2:30 p.m. near the 7900 block of Northwest 1st Street in Margate, Florida, according to CBS News. Officials from the Margate Police Department and Margate Fire Rescue said Kenya and Kennedi were found lying on the sidewalk following the heartbreaking incident.

Bystander Prince Moody said he had just rushed his own family inside when he heard a loud crack of thunder and noticed an orange glow outside. Moments later, his son alerted him that someone had been struck by lightning.

“My son, now, said to me, ‘Hey, Dad. I think somebody got hit. There’s a lady on the floor,'” Prince Moody told CBS News in an interview published Aug. 24. “And I’m like, ‘What? No way. Stop, man.’ And he said, ‘No, look.’ And I looked out my window, and I saw a lady on the floor.”

Moody said he immediately ran across the street to help.

“As I get closer, there’s also a toddler lying a couple of feet from the mother,” Moody said. “Charred. It’s a scene that I never want to see again.”

In a separate interview with NBC Miami, Moody said he could see “smoke” coming from Kenya’s body.

Hit the flip to read more about this tragic story.

The post Mom And 2-Year-Old Twin Daughter Die After Being Struck By Lightning While Seeking Shelter From Storm appeared first on MadameNoire.

The Washington Post has been ordered to rehire Black woman opinion columnist  Karen Attiah, whom the outlet fired last September for, well, essentially telling the truth about Charlie Kirk.

According to the New York Times, Sarah Miller Espinosa, the arbitrator who oversaw Attiah’s legal challenge against the Post, said the outlet “did not have good and sufficient cause” and that it “violated” her labor agreement.

“The Washington Post failed to establish the grievant engaged in gross misconduct,” she wrote in her ruling.

RELATED CONTENT: Washington Post Fires Karen Attiah, Their ‘Last Black Opinion Columnist,’ After She Criticizes Charlie Kirk

The post Karen Attiah Vindicated — Washington Post Ordered To Rehire Black Journalist After Explosive Charlie Kirk Backlash appeared first on MadameNoire.