Nivea is in remission from leukemia. “I’m very grateful,” she told Tamron Hall this week. The R&B icon tearfully shared the news while appearing on Tamron’s daytime show on October 7.

The moment was touching, joyous and the type of celebrity update fans of the singer were waiting for.

MadameNoire first reported on Nivea’s health update in July, after she shared it during an interview with Cadillac Chronicles. While on the social media show, Nivea revealed her diagnosis while answering a question about what she was most thankful for. Her answer turned into a candid conversation about life, the time we have and the lessons she is carrying with her.

RELATED CONTENT: I’m A Motherf–king Survivor!’ — Nivea Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis, Finding Strength In Her Music And Motherhood

The post ‘I’m Very Grateful’ — Nivea Tearfully Reveals She’s In Remission From Leukemia And Ready For A New Chapter appeared first on MadameNoire.

Women have no shortage of people telling them they are powerful, capable, worthy, chosen or destined for more. Scroll long enough and the language of empowerment is almost impossible to avoid, especially for women navigating careers, motherhood, money, leadership and the pressure to somehow hold all of it together.

However, global leadership advocate, entrepreneur and faith leader Lesley Osei is less interested in the language of empowerment than she is in what that empowerment actually produces. In a conversation with MadameNoire, the founder of the Ark of Women Leadership Institute made one point repeatedly clear. Inspiration has its place, but inspiration without structure, discipline and access will only take a person so far.

Through the Ark of Women Leadership Institute, Osei says her work has reached more than 50,000 women across more than 80 countries through leadership development, mentorship, conferences and global learning experiences. Her broader ecosystem includes Global Youth Mechanics, which introduces young people to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and future-ready careers; Think Pink, which serves thousands of women annually; Mom’s Algorithm, created to support mothers pursuing family and purpose; and Boame Helping Hands, which provides humanitarian resources to underserved communities. The initiatives vary in audience and focus, but Osei’s underlying philosophy remains consistent. Women and young people need more than encouragement. We need systems, opportunities, access and the tools to translate possibility into something tangible.

“Sometimes you don’t need another inspirational moment,” Osei told MadameNoire. “You need to stay consistent. You need a system that survives even when you’re not feeling like doing whatever it is that you have to do.” For Osei, inspiration can ignite an idea and help a person see what might be possible, but she does not believe it can carry the full weight of transformation. “Inspiration can give you a level of vision, but there’s nothing like discipline,” she said. “Inspiration is a spark. But discipline, consistency, that’s where the invitation really is.”

That distinction sits at the center of how Osei talks about women’s empowerment. The cultural marketplace is crowded with motivational messages, but motivation alone does not increase a woman’s income, help her access a new industry or make an overloaded household easier to manage. It cannot substitute for a strategy. Osei’s work instead pushes women to ask what happens after we are inspired and whether the message we received actually moved us toward change.

RELATED CONTENT: TED Talk Speaker Aisha Nyandoro Schools Us On Radically Reimagining The Definition Of Wealth

The post Global Leadership Expert Lesley Osei Says Black Women Need Systems Not Inspiration To Build Wealth, Careers And Peace [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Tenaya Stanford’s family and supporters are calling for accountability after she says a confrontation with a white motorcyclist on Sept. 30 escalated into a physical attack near Preston Highway and Grade Lane in Louisville, according to reports from WLKY and WDRB + Wave.

Tenaya Stanford roadside dispute incident near Preston Highway: What happened?

Stanford, 20, said she was driving with her 1-year-old daughter when she noticed a white male motorcyclist following her. She said the encounter continued for several miles before the man got off his motorcycle and confronted her outside her vehicle.

Stanford’s family and friends gathered outside Louisville Metro Police Department headquarters on Oct. 3, urging police to take action against the man involved. The motorcyclist has been identified by police, but LMPD has not filed criminal charges against him.

LMPD released body-camera footage of the incident on Oct. 5, along with an interview with Stanford conducted after the confrontation. In the interview, Stanford alleged that the motorcyclist “spit” on her vehicle, which she said sparked the confrontation. She also alleged that he “slammed” her foot into her car door and smashed her window during the altercation, according to WLKY.

“I did nothing to him. I don’t know him. He was being hateful towards me,” Stanford said, filled with tears, during an Oct. 2 press conference. “And of course I have to defend myself at the end of the day.”

Read more about the case after the flip.

The post Black Mom Says White Motorcyclist Pulled Her By The Hair And Beat Her As Her 1-Year-Old Sat In The Car — Family Calls For Arrest appeared first on MadameNoire.

If you grew up watching holiday movies with a little church, a lot of gospel and some serious star power, then you already know The Preacher’s Wife is a classic. Here’s where the cast of The Preacher’s Wife is today. 

Released in 1996, the Penny Marshall-directed film brought Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance together for a story about faith, family, and finding your way back to what matters. IMDB shows the full cast and crew of the film, with even Houston’s mom, Cissy, joining and the hilariously talented Jennifer Lewis. 

Nearly 30 years later, the cast has taken some very different paths. Scroll below for where some of the beloved stars are now.

RELATED CONTENT: The Ultimate Black Christmas Movie List: 21 Films That You Can’t Miss

The post Then & Now — Here’s Where ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ Cast Is Nearly 30 Years Later appeared first on MadameNoire.

Not too much on “Living Single.”

There’s nothing more annoying than a group of Black men sitting around attacking Black women about their looks. Yet that is exactly what happened during a recent podcast conversation that has gone viral across Black social media.

“No one watched ‘Living Single’ and said they were attractive,” one of the men said. Another tried to soften the statement, saying they weren’t calling the cast ugly. The women simply weren’t “Girlfriends.”

Excuse us?

The segment – if you can even really call it that – started loud and wrong as a debate about studs, lesbians and tomboys. The group went back and forth about the terms, what each group supposedly wore and how people identified them. Queen Latifah eventually came up, first as Cleo in “Set It Off” and later as Khadijah James on “Living Single.”

Somehow, the conversation turned into rating the attractiveness of the women on the beloved 1990s sitcom.

RELATED CONTENT: Why Can’t Black Women Just Love Their Girlfriends Without Being Called Lesbians? [Op-Ed]

The post Black Podcasters Bashed The Women Of ‘Living Single’ As ‘Unattractive’ — The Backlash Was Immediate: ‘People Can See Y’All’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Ice Spice looks to have had a ball during her recent trip to Iceland.

The New York rapper has been laying low and getting to the bag. Most recently, her “Big Guy” record landed on the Spongebob soundtrack. Taking a timeout from the music, Ice decided to take a trip to Iceland.

Posting a thread of photos by the water, she has the internet in a chokehold once again. Cleverly misspelling Iceland and calling it “Spiceland” in the caption.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Her A– Stupid Fat’ — Ice Spice Debuts Sexy ‘Saint’ & ‘Sinner’ Tattoos Right Below Her Booty And Fans Can’t Stop Looking

Besides dropping jaws and landing placements on movie soundtracks, the Munch rapper also launched her own perfume line back in September called “In Ha Mood.” The fragrance was released exclusively at Ulta Beauty.

Outside of “Big Guy,” Ice Spice’s most recent musical release was “Out My Face” with Lil Yachty. Fans haven’t gotten a full-length project from Spice since 2024, when she dropped Y2K.

In the meantime, she may not be giving fans a new album just yet, but she’s giving them another reason to keep all eyes on her. Check out the reactions to Ice Spice’s Iceland thirst-trap photos below.

The post ‘Good God Almighty!’ — Ice Spice Turns Up The Iceland Heat In A Stunning Silver Bikini — And The Fellas Have Words appeared first on MadameNoire.

Personal branding for Black women can add more to your career than a traditional resume, which may not even pass an AI algorithm. With most employers researching job candidates online, an established brand on your LinkedIn and personal websites can help you stand out in this search. A clear imprint of your experiences and personal values, from thought leadership articles to online interactions with others, can put you in line for warm leads that convert to business relationships.

According to PR Daily, brand messages shared by employees on social media receive 56% more reach than the same ones shared by the brand’s official social media profiles. It shows that common individuals can have more impact than a larger enterprise, as more people prefer authenticity over obvious marketing polish.

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

The post Personal Branding Is Becoming A Bigger Career Asset As Online Visibility Shapes Opportunity appeared first on MadameNoire.

True crime superfans turned out for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop Up Tour in Washington, D.C., packing the room for a deep dive into the genre that keeps us up at night. TV One was on the scene, hosting a conversation about Black true crime and why authentic storytelling matters.

Allison McGevna, iOne Digital VP of Content, moderated the panel — “TRUE CRIME OBSESSED: Why We Can’t Stop Watching Black Stories” — featuring Allison Simmons, True Crime executive producer at TV One; Vince Velazquez, retired detective and host of ATL Homicide; and MaRah and Taz of the Sistas Who Kill podcast.

The conversation explored how Black true crime has evolved, the importance of telling these stories with cultural care and context, and why representation matters on both sides of the camera.

The post Why We Can’t Stop Watching — TV One Brings True Crime To The American Black Film Festival’s D.C. Pop Up appeared first on MadameNoire.

Meghan Markle gave fans a closer look at the inspiration behind her “entrepreneurial” journey ahead of the unveiling for As Ever’s 2026 holiday collection — and the new glimpse comes with a rare moment featuring her daughter, Lilibet.

Ahead of the lifestyle brand’s first holiday collection drop on Oct. 6, the Duchess of Sussex shared a series of throwback photos and never-before-seen images highlighting the evolution of As Ever and her longtime passion for entrepreneurship.

Meghan Markle gave fans a look at the As Ever Holiday drop and Princess Lilibet’s precious voice.

The Instagram post features snapshots from Markle’s childhood, behind-the-scenes moments connected to the brand and clips from her life at home. Among them is a video of Markle baking cookies with her family, as well as another clip showing her wearing a beekeeper’s suit while surrounded by bees.

One particularly rare moment features Markle’s 5-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, whom she shares with Prince Harry. In the clip, the mother and daughter appear to be preparing one of Markle’s signature products: fruit spreads.

As Markle stirs a pot on the stove, Lilibet sits nearby with her own bowl and spoon.

“What do you think, Lili?” Meghan asks.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Lilibet replies, offering a rare listen to her voice.

RELATED CONTENT: Meghan Markle Celebrates 8-Year Wedding Anniversary By Sharing Intimate Never-Before-Seen Photos

The post Meghan Markle Shares Rare Video Of Princess Lilibet — And Her Sweet Little Voice Is Melting Hearts appeared first on MadameNoire.

What’s hotter than one Women Crush? How about 50!

These days the timeline is inundated with gender wars, toxic masculinity, arguments across the diaspora, but what keeps us sane over here at Madamenoire is the fact that we have Wednesdays to look forward to. A time to search the timeline for the beautiful queer queens who continue to top the list that we have been curating for almost a year.

Not only will you find our usual suspects like Janelle Monáe, Willow Smith, and the bisexual baddie, Keke Palmer in the weekly round-ups, but this is also for the lawyers, WNBA players, teachers, creatives, you name it, who continue to take up space by simply existing.

Once upon a time, they were overlooked, or glossed over, but Women Crush Wednesday is all about giving credit where credit is absolutely due. So while the timeline continues to sort out and pick apart the things that they claim not to care about, we’re leaning all the way into the ones who don’t have to do a single thing, but be the beautiful queer queens that they are to make our weekly list.

Check out 50 of the hottest queer queens occupying time and space in our hearts this week and beyond!

RELATED CONTENT: WCW: Fall Is Here — And We’re Falling For These 50 Gorgeous Queer Queens This Women Crush Wednesday, Vol. 41

1. Janelle Monáe

The post WCW — 50 Queer Queens Too Fine To Scroll Past This Women Crush Wednesday, Vol. 42 appeared first on MadameNoire.

ASU senior Eryn Bonner has been criminally charged in connection with a violent arrest on Mill Avenue in Tempe on July 19, according to reports from ABC15 and Cleveland.

A Tempe spokesperson confirmed to ABC15 on Sept. 30, that Bonner faces two misdemeanor charges in Tempe City Court: disorderly conduct under state law and interfering with police under city code.

Eryn Bonner arrest: What happened?

According to Tempe police, officers were in the process of arresting other individuals when Bonner, who is Black, allegedly moved back toward the scene after being instructed to stay away, according to Cleveland.com. The situation quickly turned physical. 

Police allege Bonner interfered with officers and struck an officer during the struggle. Her attorney, however, argues that officers used unnecessary force. Video appears to show Bonner being pushed to the ground and forcefully restrained by a white officer, eventually toppling over a bicycle during the arrest. Photos released afterward showed bruising on her face, which sparked mixed reactions online.

The post ‘Very Vindictive’ — Black ASU Cheerleader Charged Months After Viral Arrest That Left Her Bruised appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Tuesday, Freddie Jackson’s family revealed that the “Rock Me Tonight” singer died Monday, just three days after his 70th birthday. 

In a social media post released on Tuesday evening, the family said Jackson passed on Monday evening. The family did not reveal the cause of death, though Jackson revealed he was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2024. 

“Freddie was more than a legendary voice. He was a kind, generous soul who loved his fans, his family, his friends, and his music with everything he had. For decades, he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations, and our most treasured memories. That gift will live on forever,” the post read. “Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever.”

Freddie Jackson was born in Harlem and came up through the New York music scene. While he was trained as a gospel singer, his professional career began with the funk band Mystic Merlin, with whom he recorded three albums. The band was known for both their soulful sound and elaborate performances. 

RELATED CONTENT: Celebrity Deaths 2025 — Ananda Lewis, D’Angelo, Angie Stone, Malcolm-Jamal Warner And More Stars We Lost This Year

The post Freddie Jackson, Whose Voice Soundtracked Generations Of Black Love, Dies At 70 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Ms. Pat has never been one to sugarcoat her story, and in her new memoir, Ms. American Dream, she proves that the truth can be painful, powerful, and funny as hell.

Released on September 29, the follow-up to her NAACP Image Award-nominated memoir Rabbit chronicles Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams-Lee’s journey from poverty, teenage motherhood, and an eighth-grade education to becoming a successful comedian, author, radio host, and television star.

RELATED CONTENT: Comedian Ms. Pat Says She Never Dated Outside Her Race, ‘White Men Don’t Date Fat Women’

BOSSIP’s Liz Smith had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Pat to discuss the book, the process of revisiting her journey, being a Black woman in a male-dominated comedy industry, and what the American dream looks like for her now.

When asked why this was the right time to tell the next chapter of her story, Ms. Pat said people deserved to hear about more than the hardships she survived.

The post Ms. Pat Says Her Mother Taught Her ‘White People Are The Devil’ — Here’s How She Unlearned That Pain appeared first on MadameNoire.

Being a celebrity can get an individual a lot of perks in life, but their status doesn’t always save them if they’ve done something illegal.

Lil Durk has spent nearly two years in prison while awaiting his murder-for-hire trial. Police accused him of putting a million-dollar bounty on rapper Quando Rondon in retaliation for the death of his close friend, King Von. A jury found the 33-year-old not guilty of all five federal charges on Sept. 11.

Despite his acquittal by a Los Angeles jury, the Chicago rapper still faces another trial for racketeering charges after this.

But of course, he isn’t the only celebrity who has run into issues with the law. Here are 30 other famous Black people who have been arrested. Keep scrolling to check out their must-see mug shots.

RELATED CONTENT: India Royale Pulls No Punches, Comes Out Swinging At NBA YoungBoy For ‘Playing’ In Her Face

The post From Nicki Minaj To Nelly — 30 Black Celebrities Whose Mugshots Left Fans Stunned appeared first on MadameNoire.

If you ever find yourself wondering, “Where is the cast of The Parkers?” you’re definitely not alone. The beloved UPN sitcom may have wrapped more than two decades ago, but its outrageous characters, unforgettable one-liners and over-the-top storylines still live rent-free in fans’ memories. Since the show ended, its stars have taken some surprisingly different paths, from major Hollywood wins and new television roles to music, writing and life away from the spotlight.

What was The Parkers About?

RELATED CONTENT: From ‘The Fresh Prince’ To ‘Family Matters’ — The 15 Greatest Black TV Theme Songs Of All Time

The post Where Is The Cast Of ‘The Parkers’ Now? Mo’Nique, Countess Vaughn & More 20 Years Later appeared first on MadameNoire.

Halloween is the perfect excuse to channel a little nostalgia, a little glam and, of course, a whole lot of main-character energy. And when it comes to costume inspiration, Black women have no shortage of iconic characters to pull from.

From Wakandan royalty to ’90s fashionistas and superhero badasses, these movie and TV characters are instantly recognizable, endlessly stylish and guaranteed to make your Halloween look stand out.

Here are 7 famous movies and TV shows that you can pull from to create the perfect Halloween Costume for 2026. 

1. Shuri — Black Panther

Who says Halloween has to be all about witches and vampires? Channel your inner Wakandan princess with a Shuri-inspired costume. Letitia Wright’s Shuri is a brilliant inventor, royal and, eventually, the Black Panther herself.

For a more powerful Halloween moment, recreate Shuri’s Black Panther look with a sleek black superhero suit, metallic gold and silver accents and claw-like details. Want something a little more fashion-forward? Go for her signature Wakandan-inspired royal looks and pile on the accessories.

 You’re not just dressing up; you’re becoming a superhero with claws, vibranium, and enough power to protect an entire kingdom. Talk about a Halloween slay.

RELATED CONTENT: No Tricks, Just Treats! 5 Halloween-Themed Sex Toys That Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

The post No Tricks, Just Treats — 8 Iconic Characters For Black Women To Recreate This Halloween appeared first on MadameNoire.

A comfortable bedroom starts with furniture that fits the room, supports your routine, and feels good to use. A very well-chosen upholstered bed headboard can add softness, visual warmth, and a supportive place to sit while helping the bed feel like the center of the room.

A bedroom should feel like relief at the end of a very long day, not another space to manage. Furniture shopping gets overwhelming very fast when size, storage, style, and comfort all compete for attention.

Start with how you live. Think about how you sleep, where you read, what you need to store, and how much open space helps you feel calm. Good bedroom furniture should look beautiful, work hard, and make the room feel very comfortable the moment you step into it.

RELATED CONTENT: Which Zodiac Sign Likes Their Toes Sucked In Bed? Your Sexual Personality, Decoded

The post Here’s What You Need To Know About Choosing Comfortable Bedroom Furniture appeared first on MadameNoire.

Dog training methods vary depending on the dog’s breed, age, and other factors. It is important to look for potential red flags when looking for a qualified trainer, including absolutist language, harmful collar styles, a lack of a defined approach, and more. 

Have you ever dreamed of commanding your dog to sit, roll over, or fetch an item for you, and they actually listen? The tricks that you see in movies or on social media may seem unattainable, but with the right training regimen, you may be surprised by what you and your dog can accomplish, especially with the help of a professional dog trainer. 

What Are the Most Effective Dog Training Methods? 

Overall, the most effective method for training dogs is positive reinforcement. Using praise and treats can encourage dogs to master skills more quickly, all while creating a safe and secure relationship between the owner and the dog. 

Find your dog’s favorite treats so they will see training as a valuable activity. Break up larger treats into smaller, bite-sized pieces so that you do not overfeed your dog in the process. 

Remember, consistency is key. Working with your dog every day will strengthen your bond and help them retain core training skills. 

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Things All Dog Parents Should Know Straight From ‘The Critter Fixers’ Mouth

The post Dog Training Methods — The Red Flags To Spot Before You Book appeared first on MadameNoire.

Matières Fécales (also known as Fecal Matter), an avant-garde fashion label known for mixing elements of radical “post-human” and grotesque style into their designs, caused quite the stir at their Fall Winter fashion show on Sept. 28 when several Black models took to the runway with white dummies slumped over their backs. Of course, social media had mixed reactions. 

RELATED CONTENT: Every Piece Has A Pulse — Inside Law Roach’s Iconic Living Fashion Archive

The post ‘Carrying The 1%’ — Matières Fécales Sparks Race Debate After Black Models Walk Paris Fashion Week With White Men On Their Backs appeared first on MadameNoire.

Halle Berry‘s son is now at the center of a tense legal dispute between the actress and her ex-husband Olivier Martinez. The former couple’s 12-year-old son, Maceo, is reportedly the subject of abuse allegations that led a Los Angeles County judge to grant Martinez a temporary restraining order against Berry this week.

According to UsWeekly, Martinez, 60, filed for a domestic violence restraining order on Thursday, October 1, alleging that an incident took place between Berry and their son on September 26th. Martinez claimed Maceo called him asking to be picked up from Berry’s home because she allegedly “physically attacked him and choked him.”

“While on the phone with our son, I heard him panicking and heard [Berry] still yelling at him in the background,” Martinez alleged in the filing. He claimed that when he arrived to pick up Maceo, Berry “did not come out of the home,” but her partner reportedly helped carry the boy’s bags to the car. Martinez also claimed Berry texted him the next morning to apologize for what happened.

Martinez’s filing reportedly goes further, alleging this wasn’t an isolated event. PEOPLE Magazine reported that Martinez claimed Berry grabbed Maceo “by the neck and started choking him while shouting, ‘Who is dominant now?! Who is dominant?'” during the alleged September incident.

He also claimed Berry had previously put Maceo in physical restraints while training in mixed martial arts, and that their son allegedly told her he dislikes being brought into her training sessions, though Berry reportedly “downplayed the incidents.”

Martinez claimed Maceo once told him he wanted to get physical with his mother if it happened again, but that he discouraged his son from physically retaliating against his mother. “The way I was raised I believe that a physical fight between a mother and son should never happen, so I discouraged our son from escalating conflict with his mother to physical violence,” Martinez said in the filing, adding that Maceo allegedly “had to physically fight off his mother to escape” during the September incident. Martinez claimed his son no longer wants to spend time at Berry’s home and appears shaken from the incident.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘What Were You Like In The ’90s?’ — Watch Tia Mowry, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut & More Answer With Epic Throwback Videos

The post Halle Berry Accused Of Choking 12-Year-Old Son As Judge Grants Ex Olivier Martinez’s Temporary Restraining Order appeared first on MadameNoire.

Family members are mourning the loss of Jaimie Bethea, a Black mass communication specialist aboard the USS Fort Lauderdale, who reportedly took her own life on June 20, weeks before the ship was scheduled to return to Norfolk, Virginia, in July, according to a report from NPR. 

Now, her loved ones are questioning whether the Navy recognized the signs that Bethea was struggling or provided her with enough support during her 11-month deployment in the Caribbean.

“Nothing matters to me more than my sister,” Arianna Calderon, her older sister, told NPR on Sept. 29. “Nothing ever has. I lost my world, genuinely. I lost everything, and all I care about now is getting some semblance of justice.”

Jaimie Bethea lost her mother three months before boarding the USS Fort Lauderdale.

Calderon said she and her sister lost their mother just three months before the ship deployed. Bethea was given a month of shore duty, during which she watched their mother die of cancer at a South Carolina hospital. She later sought help and was placed on antidepressants by the Navy.

“Within a few months into her deployment, she was having nightmares about our mom. Definitely, I mean, I’m not a psychologist, but she was definitely experiencing symptoms of PTSD,” Bethea’s sister said.

The USS Fort Lauderdale was deployed in the Caribbean as part of the Trump administration’s operation around Venezuela. The mission included the capture of Nicholas Maduro, ongoing attacks on boats in the region suspected of carrying drugs and earthquake relief efforts.

As the deployment continued, Calderon said Bethea and other sailors faced repeated extensions and uncertainty about when they would finally return home, which she believes may have been stressful for her sister. 

“It was constantly like getting texts like, ‘Guys, you’ll never f***ing believe it. We just got extended again,’ and I think it happened four times. It’s just that uncertainty and promises unfulfilled,” Calderon said. Her sister added during an interview with WYFF News 4, that Bethea sought mental health care, but felt “dismissed” by the Navy upon reaching out.

The Navy has acknowledged that there have been suicide attempts among sailors while also dealing with an operational pace that has pushed some ships into deployments lasting nearly a year. Recently, the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln began its journey back to San Diego after spending more than eight months at sea during the war with Iran without a port visit. The Navy confirmed that one person jumped overboard and was rescued. It’s unclear if other sailors attempted suicide.

Read more after the flip.

RELATED CONTENT: Nolan Wells Isn’t The First — 10 Young Black Lives Lost That Left Families Fighting For Answers

The post ‘She Told Them She Needed Help’ — Black Sailor’s Family Demands Answers After Jaimie Bethea Dies By Suicide During Navy Deployment appeared first on MadameNoire.

Let’s be real. Some movies gave us more than memorable scenes and quotable lines. They gave us soundtracks that became cultural moments all on their own. Check out 20 Black movie soundtracks that were just as good as the movie.

From slow jams that had us in our feelings to rap anthems that instantly transport us back to a specific era, Black cinema has consistently understood the assignment when it comes to music.

As VIBE noted in its celebration of iconic Black movie soundtracks, projects like The Bodyguard, Boomerang, Above the Rim and Waiting to Exhale proved that a soundtrack could become just as memorable as the film itself.

Here are 20 Black movie soundtracks that deserve their own standing ovation.

RELATED CONTENT: Black LGBTQ+ Movies That Changed The Culture Forever

The post ‘I Will Always Love You’ — 20 Black Movie Soundtracks That Didn’t Just Set The Mood — They Made History appeared first on MadameNoire.

As the lawsuit filed against seven members of Cornell University’s Chi Pi fraternity who are accused of gang raping a student in 2024 continues to stir up a fresh storm for the accused and the university, New York Attorney General Letitia James‘ office has launched a review into Cornell’s initial response to allegations.

According to MS NOW, more than a dozen defendants, including university officials, are named in the lawsuit filed this month by the alleged victim, identified only as Jane Doe. As we previously reported, Doe’s attorney, Thomas P. Giuffra, has alleged that the accused students, none of whom have been charged with crimes as of yet, were not sufficiently disciplined by the university, and that they were allowed to write essays as a form of punishment, which Cornell has denied, saying, “None of the individuals charged were offered the opportunity to write essays as a sole consequence of their involvement,” and that the fraternity was barred from campus in 2024, and it remains so.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘She Never Got A Chance To Live’ — Shani Coke, 10, Found Raped & Dead, Sparking Outrage In Jamaica As Repeat Sex Offender Killed By Mob Seeking Jungle Justice

The post ‘Horrific And Unacceptable’ — NY Attorney General Letitia James Launches Review Into Cornell’s Handling Of Alleged Fraternity Gang Rape Case appeared first on MadameNoire.

Arin Patterson, a single Black woman based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is ready to find her husband, so to speed up the process, she created an application to hopefully pin down her forever partner. Since launching her “husband” application via Google Forms on Sept. 8, she’s received over 241 submissions and “anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500” direct messages, the 36-year-old told the New York Post in an interview published Sept. 30. 

Arin Patterson’s “Husband” application: How did it start?

Patterson, a senior associate director of the student union at UNC Charlotte, is quite the catch herself. In her video, she describes herself as a devoted “Christian, podcast lover, future momma and award-winning baker” — so clearly, she’s bringing plenty to the table (literally and figuratively).

RELATED CONTENT: ‘We’re Not For Your Curiosity’ — Why ‘Summer House’ Star Ciara Miller’s Heartbreak Struck A Nerve With Black Women Everywhere [Op-Ed]

But her journey to finding a husband hasn’t exactly been a smooth one. The determined dater called off an engagement in 2019 before moving to the Queen City after the pandemic for a fresh start. She’s been officially single for about three years — but it’s not for lack of trying. Patterson has been putting herself out there; she just hasn’t found the right match yet.

“A good amount [of my dates] have been through the dating apps and just meeting people that way because that’s socially acceptable,” Patterson told the New York Post. “I have met people in person and gone on dates that way,” she continued. “I’m always open to people setting me up … I have done literally everything that I know to do, which is how I got to the husband application.”

Read more about her requirements after the flip!

The post Forget The Dating Apps — This Black Woman Created A ‘Husband’ Application And Hundreds Of Men Came Knocking appeared first on MadameNoire.

Packing light can make a holiday much easier from the moment you leave home. A smaller, smarter load can reduce baggage stress, improve mobility, simplify airport routines, and leave more energy for the actual trip.

A holiday should feel like an escape, not a workout with wheels. Yet many travelers start their getaway dragging oversized suitcases through parking lots, terminals, hotel lobbies, and very crowded streets. Extra outfits and “just in case” items can quickly turn into extra weight.

Packing light changes the experience. It gives you fewer things to manage and much more freedom to move. It can also help limit some of the frustration tied to baggage lines, luggage restrictions, and very crowded transportation.

The goal is not to travel without what you need. The goal is to stop carrying what you probably will not use.

RELATED CONTENT: Beautiful Views, Brutal Attitudes? The 6 Rudest Tourist Destinations On The Planet

The post How Packing Light Can Transform Your Holiday Experience appeared first on MadameNoire.

If you’re a Black writer ready to sharpen your craft, take your mystery or crime writing to the next level, or simply looking to invest in your literary career, this opportunity is worth a look. The Barbara Neely Awards are officially accepting applications for 2026, offering two separate awards for unpublished and published Black writers in honor of the remarkable legacy of Barbara Neely.

Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is November 1, 2026.

Established in 2021, Mystery Writers of America’s (MWA) Barbara Neely Awards celebrate the life and work of the late Barbara Neely, a trailblazing Black crime novelist who was named an MWA Grand Master in late 2019. She broke barriers writing award-winning books like the Blanche White mystery novels, which explored race, culture, politics and sexism through the lens of riveting crime stories. Neely, who was one of the first Black women to write crime novels centering on the perspectives of Black women, passed away before she could be publicly honored at the 2020 Edgar Awards banquet, making these awards an especially meaningful way to carry forward her legacy and support the next generation of Black crime and mystery writers.

Each award comes with a $2,000 cash prize to help the recipient further their writing craft, along with a one-year membership in Mystery Writers of America, including membership in the winner’s local chapter.

The post Calling All Black Mystery Writers — The Barbara Neely Awards Are Offering Cash To Help Take Your Literary Career To The Next Level appeared first on MadameNoire.

A heated confrontation in a Southern California Trader Joe’s parking lot has gone viral, leaving social media users divided over what happened before the cameras started rolling. The video shows a Black mother confronting a white woman after the woman allegedly opened the mother’s vehicle door while her children were inside. The white woman allegedly accused the mother of leaving her children unattended in a hot car for an extended period, but more details are needed to fully understand what happened. 

Black mother fights white woman in Trader Joe’s parking lot: What happened?

The Instagram Reel, posted Sept. 28 by the account “oscarvaltierra22,” begins in the middle of the confrontation, with both women appearing to swing at each other near the shopping cart corral.

Within moments, the Black mother gains the upper hand, holding the other woman down by the head.

“You opened my car door, you don’t open someone’s car door,” the Black mother shouted. “You don’t ever in your life.”

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The confrontation quickly escalated as the mother accused the woman of “dragging” her in front of her children after the physical altercation began.

Attempting to break up the confrontation, two male employees of Trader Joe’s step in to break up the fight, but the Black momma continued to make her position clear.

“Do not open my car door. You don’t open someone’s car door, and you do not threaten me!”

Before finally releasing her grip, she delivered one more warning to the woman.

“You open my car door on my kid, and then you threaten me in front of my kids…you don’t ever do that.”

The mother also claimed the other woman swung at her first. Throughout the confrontation, children could be heard screaming in the background, adding another layer of tension to the chaotic scene.

The post ‘Don’t Open My Door!’ — Viral Video Shows Black Mom Tackle White Woman After She Allegedly Opened Car With Her Children Inside appeared first on MadameNoire.

Fine AF Fridays has some new contenders for it’s 46th week!

We’ve got two of some of the finest costars from the new A Different World series here. You’ve probably seen their faces a lot already, but they are faces that we aren’t tired of looking at. Mahershala Ali makes his debut on the list, as he promotes his new thriller film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.

One of our favorite mother-daughter duos also makes an appearance, proving that the daughter completely stole the face of her mom. Naomi Osaka is not letting up when it comes to her fashion looks.

Here is Volume 46.

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1. Jennifer Hudson, 45

Oh hello Miss J. Hud. The singer and talk show host ate up this soft pixie cut look. And the pose on the sink counter is fierce!

The post Fine AF Fridays, Vol 46: ‘A Different World Star’ Cornell Young IV’s Is Raising Our Blood Pressure appeared first on MadameNoire.

Social media influencer and reality TV personality Nikki Hall is getting ready to say “I Do” to Jersey Shore alum Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio. The longtime couple got engaged during Pauly D’s high-energy poolside set at the swanky OMNIA Dayclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Sept. 27. The surprise proposal left Hall speechless and in tears, as captured in a video Pauly D shared on Instagram.

RELATED CONTENT: Nikki Hall Is Engaged! Pauly D’s Surprise Proposal Has The Internet Celebrating — See The Best Reactions

Jersey Shore fans may remember Hall from several episodes of the hit MTV franchise, particularly Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. But before the couple was preparing to walk down the aisle, their relationship began on another MTV reality series.

Here’s a look at Nikki Hall and Pauly D’s journey from reality-TV romance to future husband and wife.

The post Who Is Pauly D’s Fiancée Nikki Hall? Everything You Need To Know About The ‘Jersey Shore’ Star’s Future Wife appeared first on MadameNoire.

They grew up on our screens, starred in some of our favorite Disney Channel shows and movies, and eventually took on a brand-new role: becoming incredible mothers. From The Proud Family to Sister, Sister, The Cheetah Girls and High School Musical, these Black and Latina Disney stars have gone from teen stardom to building families of their own. Here’s a look at the Disney stars who become mothers and the partners and co-parents who have been part of their journeys along the way. 

1. Kyla Pratt — Two Daughters.

Best known as the voice of Penny Proud in The Proud Family, Kyla Pratt became a mom twice. She welcomed her first daughter, Lyric Kai, in 2010, followed by her second daughter, Liyah, in 2013. Pratt has been in a long-term relationship with tattoo artist and musician Danny Kirkpatrick since 2008. The couple have been engaged for years and have chosen to take their time when it comes to marriage while focusing on their family.

When asked about her relationship status with Kirkpatrick during a 2024 interview with E! News, Pratt kept it simple:

“You’re looking at two gangsters who are living their life and loving each other. We’re good. Don’t worry about what we’re doing.” 

In 2022, Pratt took to Instagram to honor her boyfriend and praised him for being an incredible father.

“This MAN. There isn’t a day that goes by that my kids don’t feel love from their father. Thank you for being the man you are in every way. You are appreciated.”

KirkPatrick has also spoken about his love for Pratt, telling This Is 50 during a 20215 interview, according to People:

“I’ll always love her, we’ll always be in love. She gave me two beautiful daughters.”

The post From Disney Darlings To Devoted Moms — 8 Disney Stars Who Are Now Raising The Next Generation appeared first on MadameNoire.