Four-time GRAMMY® nominee Mickey Guyton is getting into the holiday spirit with the announcement of her first-ever Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour, a festive 12-city run that will bring seasonal cheer to fans across the country this winter.

Launching November 29 in Atlanta, Georgia, the tour will feature an evening of beloved holiday classics, songs from Guyton’s acclaimed holiday album Feels Like Christmas, and special guest performances celebrating the magic of the season. Known for blending powerhouse vocals with country and pop influences, Guyton promises a heartwarming concert experience filled with joy, nostalgia, and holiday spirit. Stops for Houston, Chicago, New York, Boston and more are scheduled.

RELATED CONTENT: Mickey Guyton Talks ‘Challenges’ Of Being A Country Music Trailblazer: ‘You Have To Be Strong’

The post Country Music Trailblazer Mickey Guyton Announces Her First Ever Holiday Tour appeared first on MadameNoire.

Lioness fans, the time is almost near! Season three of the action-packed espionage thriller arrives on Paramount + Aug. 2 and to celebrate, the streaming giant and Vanity Fair threw a special advanced premiere screening event for the series on July 29 at the SVA Theater in New York City. Attendees included the star-studded cast led by the series’ leading lady, Zoe Saldaña, who turned heads in an elegant black Balmain gown featuring dramatic ruffle detailing, paired with a breathtaking Cartier necklace.

Joining Saldaña on the red carpet were co-stars Nicole Kidman, Jill Wagner, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly, Dave Annable, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Hannah Love Lanier, Jonah Wharton, Ian Bohen, Thad Luckinbill, Elizaveta Neretin, Celestina Harris, and Matt Gerald.

RELATED CONTENT: Coco Jones, Keke Palmer, Anok Yai & Zoe Saldana Honored On TIME’s 100 ‘Most Influential People’ List

Also in attendance were 101 Studios CEO and Executive Producer David Glasser, Executive Producer and Director Michael Friedman, Executive Producer Ron Burkle, Executive Producer David Lemanowicz, Paramount+ Chair of Direct-to-Consumer Cindy Holland, EVP and Head of Originals Jane Wiseman, and Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Chair of Paramount Television Studios Dana Goldberg.

Lioness Season Three Premiere: During a fan Q&A, The cast spoke about what to expect this season.

Before the screening, guests were treated to an engaging Q&A featuring the leading ladies of Lioness, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Jill Wagner, and Laysla De Oliveira. During the discussion, Saldaña reflected on her character Joe McNamara, and the real-life inspiration behind the series, which is based on Team Lioness, a U.S. military program that embedded female soldiers into combat units during the Iraq War beginning in 2003, according to Vanity Fair. The initiative enabled women to interact with Muslim women in situations where male soldiers could not, adding another layer of authenticity to the show’s gripping story.

“There’s a lot of women that…carry so much weight, and they take on so much responsibility, and they deliver time and time again, and they give 120%, but they’re burning the candle from both ends,” Saldaña said at the premiere, during a Q&A with VF’s Daniela Tijerina, according to Vanity Fair. “That felt very familiar to me.”

The post Inside The ‘Lioness’ Season 3 Premiere Party In NYC With Vanity Fair x Paramount appeared first on MadameNoire.

The Afro is more than a hairstyle; it is a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and Black pride. Throughout history, Black women have worn the Afro as a celebration of their natural beauty, a rejection of restrictive beauty standards, and an expression of cultural heritage. These trailblazers helped make the Afro an enduring icon, inspiring generations to embrace their roots with confidence, strength, and authenticity. From Angela Davis to Pam Grier and Cicely Tyson, here are 25 Black angels who wore their Afro with pride. Check out these amazing celebrities with afros.

Celebrities with afros.

1. Angela Davis

Angela Davis is perhaps the most iconic woman associated with the Afro. During the Black Power movement, her natural hairstyle became a worldwide symbol of resistance, Black pride, and liberation. As a lifelong activist, educator, and author, Davis inspired generations to embrace both their identity and their natural beauty through activism and, eventually, education. 

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Davis served as a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she taught in the History of Consciousness program. Her advocacy for prisoners’ rights led her to co-found Critical Resistance, an organization dedicated to dismantling the prison-industrial complex. Davis is also the author of several influential books, including Women, Race, & Class (1983) and Are Prisons Obsolete? (2003).

The post Afro Angels — 25 Women That Made The Afro ICONIC! appeared first on MadameNoire.

Black people, especially here in the U.S., have a complicated relationship with presentability. Historically, we’ve been looked down upon as a collective, no matter what we’re wearing. A lot of Black people will note that Martin Luther King Jr. was wearing a suit when a rabid white man assassinated him. I’m not sure I like that reasoning since King was killed because of the work he was doing and the systemic racism he led a fight against — not because someone mistook him for a thug due to baggy clothing or a head scarf — but the point still stands that adhering to a largely white and Western standard for how one should dress in public certainly won’t save us from the prejudice that also comes with that standard.

RELATED CONTENT: How Do We Feel About Black Men Wearing Bonnets?

The post Tuskegee University’s Bonnet Ban Feels Less Like Professionalism And More Like Policing Blackness [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Porsha Williams and Shamea Morton gave BFF energy on The Real Housewives of Atlanta for several seasons, but in real life, their relationship was more complicated. 

We’ve watched both the highs and the lows of their friendship, but in the last few episodes of season 17, we watched them take it to hell. Their drama extended past TV reads and into family territory. It was NOT bestie behavior. 

This confused fans who remembered the two as childhood friends, but the explanation may have been in our faces all along. They may not have been as close as we thought, or even as close as they thought. 

RELATED CONTENT: National Gorgeous Grandma Day — 20 Celebrity GILFs Giving The Next Generation A Run For Their Money

The post The Porsha Williams & Shamea Morton Drama Has Everyone Asking The Same Question: Were They Ever Really ‘Best Friends?’ [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

In Vol. 37 of Fine AF Fridays, we got some celebrities that’s bringing the beauty and the booty.

New York rapper Scarlip is triggering our sweet tooth with her confetti themed bikini. Latto flexing her amazing snapback since giving birth to her first child in the last few months. Her stomach may have disappeared, but what she didn’t lose is that derrière. Don’t even get us started on Pour Minds podcast host Lex P. She was out on a boat in her two piece bikini as well and we got a lil peek at that backside too.

RELATED CONTENT: Fine AF Fridays, Vol 36: Bikini Babes Angel Reese, Kandi Burruss, Jackie Aina And More Had The Fellas ‘Bout Ready To Lick The Screen

1. Scarlip, 25

Oh Scarlip has us speechless with all these natural curves she’s got! And the confetti swimsuit was the icing on the cake!

The post Fine AF Fridays, Vol 37 — Latto, Lex. P, & Scarlip Got Stomach On Flat Flat, Booty’s On What’s That! appeared first on MadameNoire.

Mental health is at the forefront of many conversations in today’s landscape, a step up from what it used to be, with younger generations speaking up more than ever when they’re not okay.

In 2008, July was nationally declared as Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, two years after the prominent author and mental health advocate’s passing.

Moore, known for her tireless work in championing the erasure of the stigma associated with mental health and the Black community, walked so that individuals like Dr. Gina Newsome Duncan could run.

RELATED CONTENT: Why More Gen Z Are Becoming Sober Curious

The post Black Mental Health Awareness Month: ‘I Say Opportunity, Not Crisis’ — How Gen Z Is Changing Mental Health For The Better [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Hundreds of women of color descended upon Randall’s Island to attend the return of CURLFEST. The annual festival spotlights Black beauty with panels, interactive brand activations, a robust vendor marketplace and various food spots. It was golden hour every hour at CURLFEST.

As media partners, MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful were in attendance to experience all the festival had to offer. Editorial Director Shamika Sanders and Danica Daniel, Managing Editor of MadameNoire, moderated two panels on the Empowerment Stage.

HelloBeautiful Presents The “Future of Beauty” panel, featuring panelists Kadijia Dosso, Jaleesa Jaikaran, Candace Bullock, and Gabrielle Zalina, focused on identifying upcoming beauty trends, the state of beauty culture and how Black women are demanding transparency from the industry.

RELATED CONTENT: CURLFEST® Returns To Brooklyn Saturday, Aug. 17: Experience Black Girl Magic Like Never Before!

A key takeaway from the candid conversation was about restoring community and getting to the roots of the products we use.

Danica Daniel’s panel was titled, “Beauty Without Borders.” “Because beauty has never existed in one place or looked one way. We are such an example and reflection of how many different variations of beauty there is,” said Daniel introducing the panel.

The post MN On The Scene: Black Beauty Was The Main Character At CURLFEST 2026 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Azealia Banks is nowhere near done talking shots at A$AP Rocky.

Their feud dates back to 2014, and here we are in 2026 with no signs of either side waving the white flag. After DJ Vlad posed the question on X asking who the worst rapper of all time is, Banks didn’t hesitate to throw Rocky’s name into the conversation.

“A$AP Rocky for sure.”

RELATED CONTENT: Azealia Banks Allegedly Posts Nude ‘Crooked D—k’ Pics Of Conor McGregor, Claps Back At Critics: ‘White Ppl R So Dry’

The post Azealia Banks Just Crowned The ‘Worst Rapper Of All Time’ — And Her Answer Is Pure Petty appeared first on MadameNoire.

It appears that some more online drama surrounding Ari Fletcher has popped out.

This time, an explicit tape that allegedly features the influencer in a compromising position with an unknown man. Although the man’s face is not shown in the video, many suspect that it could be Fletcher’s longtime partner, rapper MoneyBagg Yo.

Fellow rapper Finesse2Tymes decided to put his unsolicited two cents in the conversation. Taking to social media, Finesse said that Bagg’s private parts was “little as hell.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ayyye! Ari Fletcher Debuts Bold Big Chop — ‘Ain’t No Feeling Like Being Free’

The post ‘D—k Little As Hell’ — Alleged Ari Fletcher Sex Tape Leaks Online, Finesse2Tymes Adds Fuel To The Fire appeared first on MadameNoire.

DiJonai Carrington, who currently plays for the Chicago Sky, hit the basketball world with a headline crossover that trended over the weekend. Over the weekend, the baller took to social media, accusing her ex-girlfriend NaLyssa Smith of cheating with at least two other WNBA players.

On Sunday (July 26), Carrington, 28, took to Threads and made the explosive accusation, setting off a flurry of replies across social media platforms.

“Since mfs wanna be funny today ima be hilarious! yes , nalyssa cheated on me with Deja Kelly and Aaliyah Nye +++ many more,” Carrington wrote.

RELATED CONTENT: WCW, Vol. 33: Femme, Stud & Everything In Between — 50 Queer Queens Worthy Of Women Crush Wednesday

The post WNBA Star DiJonai Carrington Puts NaLyssa Smith On Blast For Cheating With Two League Rivals ‘+++ Many More’ — 11 Hilarious Reactions appeared first on MadameNoire.

Cardi B is always honest with her fans, so she’s especially upset to see surgery rumors circulating just because she slimmed down a little.

The “Please Me” rapper took to Instagram Live for an early morning chat with the BardiGang on Tuesday, July 28. While speaking to the camera, Cardi responded to rumors that she recently had surgery to achieve her slimmed-down figure, which fans noticed during a recent performance at New York City’s Pacha nightclub and a video accompanying her upcoming single.

“I’m also tired of you hating-ass b****es,” Cardi began near the 6:44 mark in the recording of her IG Live. “Why every single time that I look snatched up and I look f***ing good, y’all always want to be f***ing shady like, ‘Oh, she got another surgery’ … B****h, I post every week.”

She went on to explain that she wouldn’t have had any time to go under the knife since she regularly posts content to her social media accounts, including recent trips to Paris, London, and Venice.

“When have y’all ever seen me have time off to get surgery? I’m very honest about surgery. I’m very very honest,” she said, going on to add that she previously underwent two liposuction procedures and a buttocks reduction.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘She Said Your Shirt Ugly’ — Cardi B Keeps It ‘Real’ In Hilarious New Zevia Commercial

The post ‘I’m Very Honest About Surgery’ — Why Do We Assume Every Slimmer Celebrity Bought A New Body? Cardi B Has Questions appeared first on MadameNoire.

South African authorities have arrested 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma in connection to the death of his wife and two daughters, according to reports from BBC, People and Bedfordshire Police. 

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma arrested: What happened?

According to the BBC, the case’s opening court hearing took place on July 28 in Britain, where prosecutors outlined how the three victims were allegedly killed by Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma and how their bodies were discovered inside a home in Great Denham, a village in Bedfordshire, England, on July 7.

An inquest into the deaths of Tshuma’s wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their two daughters was formally opened and adjourned by Coroner Emma Whitting during a hearing in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, on Tuesday.

According to statements read by the coroner’s officers, Nothabo died from “head injuries,” while her daughters’ causes of death were each recorded as “blunt force head injuries.” The inquest was adjourned, with a future hearing date yet to be determined.

Prosecutors believe Tshuma killed his wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and their two daughters.

Prosecutors allege Tshuma killed his 42-year-old wife and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, before fleeing to South Africa, where he was arrested earlier this month. UK prosecutors have since authorized three murder charges against him.

The BBC reported that concern was first raised by Nothabo’s cousin, who contacted police after being unable to reach Nothabo or her daughters for several days. The cousin told officers she normally spoke with Nothabo every day but had not heard from her in several days.

The post Man Accused Of Killing Wife And 2 Daughters, Ages 5 And 15, Before Fleeing Overseas appeared first on MadameNoire.

In need of a stress reliever? The next time you think about picking up a drink or going to that expensive yoga class, try popping in a pacifier first. Yes, you read that right. The new trend from China is slowly bubbling here in the U.S., where adults are leaning on the power of pacifiers to soothe themselves from life stressors. 

According to the New York Post, binkies have been a hot commodity in China, with adults flocking to sites like Taobao and JD.com to purchase one. Customers are willing to spend anywhere from a budget-friendly 10 yuan ($1.40) to a luxury 500 yuan ($70). Now that trend appears to be picking up steam here in the U.S. Just like users in the Far East, customers in the West are also popping in a binky for a range of reasons, primarily to manage anxiety, sleep problems, stress, and to help quit smoking.

RELATED CONTENT: Reducing Stress Levels During Pregnancy Is Crucial For Black Women, Here’s Why

The post Say What?! Adults Are Stealing Babies’ Pacifiers To Calm Their Stress And Anxiety appeared first on MadameNoire.

Happy National Lipstick Day!

Believe it or not, there is a whole community of women of color who stay away from red lipstick. When I was younger, I thought I was too dark for red lips; imagine that. Now, with a deep appreciation for my melanin, I almost always resort to a red lippie. Whether it’s your signature color like Kahlana Barfield, or your exploring the hue until you find the perfect shade for you, we’re here to help you out. We asked 15 beauty bloggers what their go-to red lipstick is and they gave us all the details.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Don’t Crack… But Your Skincare Routine Still Needs An Upgrade — 10 Essential Ingredients To Add In Your 30s

The post Pucker Up For National Lipstick Day! 13 Black Beauty Bloggers Reveal Their Ride-Or-Die Red Shades appeared first on MadameNoire.

Our precious dogs deserve longevity, too. That’s why a U.S.-based biotech company is developing new drugs that could help to extend the lifespan of our beloved fur babies.

Loyal, an animal health company, is developing a range of preventive care products for dogs, aiming to address the root causes of age-related diseases and delay their onset. Their pipeline includes treatments for dogs of all sizes, including LOY-002, a daily pill designed to promote healthy aging in senior dogs. LOY-002 targets metabolic dysfunction — a key factor in age-related decline — and may help extend both lifespan and quality of life, according to the company’s website.

RELATED CONTENT: Mice Fed Low Isoleucine Food Diet Increased Their Lifespan By 33%, New Study Finds

The brand is also focusing on the unique needs of large and giant breed dogs, which often live only half as long as smaller breeds. To address this, the company is developing LOY-001, an injectable, and LOY-003, a daily pill, both aimed at the biological mechanisms believed to contribute to their short lifespan gap. These treatments are still in development and are projected to be approved by 2027.

“The longevity space is crowded right now, and for good reason,” Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, told the New York Post on June 17. “We all want to figure out how to get more happy, healthy years for our loved ones —especially the furry ones.”

How long a dog lives depends on their size and breed. According to USA Today, small dog breeds — like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Malteses, and Shih Tzus — often enjoy the longest lifespans, typically living 14 to 16 years. Medium-sized breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels, tend to live around 10 to 12 years. In contrast, large and giant breeds — including Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards — usually have the shortest lifespans, averaging just 7 to 10 years.

The post Not Ready To Say Goodbye? New ‘Loyal’ Drug Could Help Your Dog Live Longer appeared first on MadameNoire.

Summer is vacation season, but it’s also prime time for burglars. According to a new report from home security company Vivint, burglaries across the U.S. jump 4.7% during the summer months as more people head out of town and leave their homes empty. If you’re planning a getaway, you may also want to know how safe your destination is or if you can leave your home with peace of mind. In a new report titled the Safest Summer Travel Destinations In The U.S. Vivint, a home security company, analyzed FBI crime data from the summer of 2024, looking at burglaries, larcenies, and car thefts in 25 of America’s most popular vacation spots.

The results may surprise you.

The Safest Summer Travel Destinations in the U.S.

The safest place for a summer vacation? Park City, Utah, which had the lowest property crime rate in the study. San Diego and Santa Barbara, California, weren’t far behind, followed by Charleston, South Carolina, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Boston, Massachusetts.

RELATED CONTENT: Freaky Fun In The Sun: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Vacation Sex To Heights Above The Mile High Club!

The post Where NOT To Vacation This Summer — These Popular Destinations Have The Highest Crime Rates appeared first on MadameNoire.

In what’s supposed to be a celebratory week in the NFL as training camp kicks off, tragedy has struck the family of Eric Bieniemy.

The former running back and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator’s 57-year-old wife, Mia, was reportedly shot by their son, Elijah, on Sunday evening.

ESPN reports that she is in stable condition at a hospital. 

Loudoun County, Virginia, police confirmed that a woman was being treated for “serious injuries” from multiple gunshot wounds but did not confirm her identity, only that she was shot in the chest and arm.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I’m Sorry If Something Bad Happened To Her’ — Ebony Duncan’s Ex Convicted Of Murder After Sending Chilling Text To Her Daughter

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office reports that 27-year-old Elijah was arrested for the alleged shooting and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling.

Elijah is currently being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Eric was on Missouri Western State’s campus on Sunday for the Chiefs’ second practice of training this season, but ESPN confirms that he was not at Monday’s practice.

“The club is aware of the incident involving Eric Bieniemy’s family,” the Chiefs told the Associated Press. “Out of respect for their privacy, we won’t have a comment at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

After practice, head coach Andy Reid spoke about Bieniemy being with his family in a time of need.

“The most important thing is that EB has an opportunity to spend some time [with his family] and take care of that business. Everybody loves EB. He’s a great person. Things happen,” Reid said. “You have to work through it and time will have to be involved in this to help heal a little bit. It’ll all work out in the long run.”

Bienemy played college football at Colorado, where he still holds the all-time rushing yards record, and placed third in Heisman Trophy votes in 1990, during the Buffs’ championship-winning season.

Following an NFL career, he entered the coaching realm under the tutelage of Andy Reid and was a part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ LIV and LVII Super Bowl wins. 

After brief coaching stints with the Washington Commanders, UCLA, and the Chicago Bears, he returned to Kansas City earlier this year in the same offensive coordinator role.

See social media’s reaction to the family tragedy below.

The post ‘This Is INSANE’ — Fans Stunned After Chiefs Coach Eric Bieniemy’s Wife Was Allegedly Shot By Their Son Multiple Times appeared first on MadameNoire.

July is National Black Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the unique mental health challenges facing Black communities and the importance of breaking generational stigma. While Gen Z is seeking therapy and speaking more openly about emotional well-being than previous generations, many Black women are still met with familiar responses like, “You’re strong” or “Just pray about it.” Though often well-intentioned, experts say those messages can discourage vulnerability and make it harder to ask for the support that’s truly needed.

“I’ll say that just in terms of my background, my dad is a minister, my mom is a teacher,” Dr. Gina Newsome Duncan told Madamenoire. “I’m also a Black woman from the South who grew up in the church. My faith is very important to me. With mental health, one of the things I’ve wanted to do is help try to bridge that gap so that they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We can pray, and we can address our mental health and see a therapist, take medication, or whatever it is that we need to do. But those narratives are very strong. I think that for the Black community, as a whole, those narratives have served us as well. They continue to serve us well in a lot of ways, but there are some caveats.”

She added, “There’s literature that’s been written on the strong Black woman stereotype, and it talks about how it’s a double-edged sword. So if you identify with the strong Black woman stereotype, that can encourage you to push through, push forward in spite of adversity, and other things that would deter you. It gives you a sense of being connected to a community that has overcome, and at the same time, it can cause self-silencing. And if you assume that the only thing that you can be is strong, and that if you’re not strong, it’s like that saying, ‘I’m too blessed to be stressed.’ Well, the reality is we can be blessed and feel stressed. We can be both at the same time, and so, in terms of resilience, being resilient doesn’t mean that you don’t experience fear or feel discouraged, depressed, or down about things.”

The post National Black Mental Health Awareness Month —The Most Powerful Thing Black Parents Can Do For Their Child’s Mental Health Isn’t What You Think appeared first on MadameNoire.

The WNBA is full of W’s (which in our case puts the W in Wednesday), Women Crush Wednesday that is!

We didn’t have to look any further than the queer queens who graced Chicago with their presence, because baby they did NOT disappoint! They brought the looks, abs, beauty (and booty) out for one of the biggest weekends in sports, and we’re grateful for all that has graced our timeline as a result.

From the Orange Carpet to the pavement and all the festivities in between (we heard the Stud Budz lit the city up), the lesbian ladies of the league were too hot to handle all WNBA All-Star Weekend. Actually, Chicago may need a week or two to recover from the heat that these ladies brought to the Windy City.

Check out our 50 hottest queer queens of the week, and we must warn you, about 80 percent of this list is courtesy of WNBA All-Star Weekend (and rightfully so, because everyone ate)! Can every weekend be like this?

RELATED CONTENT: WCW, Vol. 32: Femme, Stud & Everything In Between — These 50 Queer Queens Are Worthy Of Women Crush Wednesday

1. DiJonai Carrington

The post WCW, Vol. 33: Femme, Stud & Everything In Between — 50 Queer Queens Worthy Of Women Crush Wednesday appeared first on MadameNoire.

Despite multiple delays in production over the years, an online hate campaign aimed at one of its lead stars and the unfortunate denouncement by the author of the book series that it’s adapted from, Paramount Pictures’ upcoming fantasy flick, Children of Blood and Bone, has still managed to garner much anticipation around its release next year.

The hype reached its peak in NYC last night (July 27) for the official trailer launch event, which included a cast Q&A curated by Lena Waithe and an afterparty that highlighted cultural aspects of the film itself.

RELATED CONTENT: Chlöe Bailey, Coco Jones & The Cast Of ‘Strung’ Spill On Peacock’s Wildest Thriller Yet And The Ending You Won’t See Coming [Exclusive Video]

Packing out the theater at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music, attendees were treated to an in-depth conversation alongside director and co-screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood, in addition to cast members Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh and Regina King. Each spoke from their own perspectives on how making the film changed their outlooks on life, what fans can expect to learn from the storytelling and how Africa itself proved to be the film’s true star. King could barely keep her composure in describing a prominent mother/daughter scene between Thuso and Lashana without giving away too much, meanwhile Momoh gave props to the director for choosing him to play a father as he also became one offscreen for the first time. Lashana echoed the sentiments of her husband both onscreen and in real life, giving Prince-Bythewood all the props in making way for art to imitate life.

Afterwards, guests were treated to a small buffet of traditional Nigerian food, plenty of libations to go around and a DJ set that gave a sonic preview to the film’s soundtrack, which earlier in the night was revealed to be executive produced by Tems with additional music consultation from Burna Boy.

Based in the fantastical world of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone tells the story of Thuso Mbedu’s character who defies the odds to reclaim a source of magic stolen from her people years prior. Alongside her brother, played by Tosin Cole, she bands together with the prince (Damson Idris) and princess (Amandla Stenberg) of a tyrant king (Chiwetel Ejiofor) in a plan to restore the order of things once and for all. In addition to the aforementioned, the film is rounded out by a star-studded cast that also includes Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba and Viola Davis.

Watch the offocial trailer for Children of Blood and Bone below, and keep scrolling for an inside look at the launch event from the Brooklyn Academy of Music:

The post The ‘Children Of Blood And Bone’ Trailer Is Finally Here — And We Were In The Star-Studded Room With Lena Waithe, Regina King & More When It Happened appeared first on MadameNoire.

Charles Smith-Howell, the former boyfriend of 44-year-old Ebony Duncan, has been convicted in connection with the murder of the mother of three, according to reports from People, the Kansas City Star, and other outlets.

Ebony Ducan murder: Charles Smith-Howell convicted of second-degree murder among other charges.

On July 17, a Jackson County jury found the 44-year-old guilty of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, abandonment of a corpse, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution, according to Jackson County court records cited by the Kansas City Star.

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok Star Girlalala, 21, Tragically Shot Dead — Boyfriend Arrested For Her Murder As City Girls’ JT And More Pay Tribute

Ebony Duncan went missing in 2023.

Authorities had long considered Smith-Howell a suspect in Duncan’s disappearance before his arrest. Duncan was reported missing by her daughter on Sept. 7, 2023, after co-workers at Sunterra Springs became concerned when she failed to report to work that morning, according to a probable cause statement filed in support of his arrest.

According to People, Duncan was last seen on Sept. 6, 2023, getting into a vehicle in Independence, Missouri, police said at the time. Nearly two months later, on Oct. 31, 2023, her remains were discovered in a wooded area in Kansas City, Missouri, authorities confirmed in an update. A medical examiner later determined she had a bullet lodged in her body.

The post ‘I’m Sorry If Something Bad Happened To Her’ — Ebony Duncan’s Ex Convicted Of Murder After Sending Chilling Text To Her Daughter appeared first on MadameNoire.

Homeowners are shrinking their carbon footprint by targeting the biggest energy drains in their homes first, rather than chasing every trend at once. You have probably noticed more neighbors talking about solar panels, smart thermostats, or new windows lately. That shift reflects a real, practical push toward lower bills and a smaller environmental impact, not just a passing style preference.

For many Black families, homeownership already represents years of saving and planning, so protecting that investment matters just as much as the planet. Upgrading a home strategically can lower your carbon footprint while building equity that lasts. Therefore, it’s important to understand where to start and which changes genuinely move the needle.

RELATED CONTENT: The Biggest Decisions People Face After Buying A First Home

The post How Homeowners Are Tackling Their Carbon Footprint One Upgrade At A Time appeared first on MadameNoire.

On July 24, hip-hop’s biggest and brightest stars took over the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, for the 32nd annual edition of Hot 97 Summer Jam. Hosted by Nessa, the Mornings with Mero crew, and DJ Drewski, with legendary HOT 97 DJ Funk Flex commanding the turntables all night long, the annual celebration delivered an unforgettable showcase of New York culture, surprise guests, viral moments, and nonstop energy from the opening set to the final performance.

Rising NYC artists kicked off Hot 97 Summer Jam 26 on a high note. 

The night kicked off by spotlighting the next generation of tri-state talent, as rising NYC stars Stove God Cooks, 38 Spesh, Albee Al, NEMS, Kocky Ka, Djany Dior, Ryan Witherspoon, Breannie, JDymonds, Chase Belly, BTB Dezz, Fergie Baby, NTG, King Beemo, La Biggie, and McVertt brought hometown pride to the stage and set the tone for an electrifying evening. During his performance, NEMS ignited a wave of nostalgia by bringing out fellow New York rap veteran Ron Browz, who had the crowd shouting every word to classics like “Pop Champagne” and “Jumping (Out the Window).”

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The post Baby Bumps, Baddies & Bangers! Pregnant Diany Dior Stole The Show At A Star-Studded Hot 97 Summer Jam 2026 appeared first on MadameNoire.

This weekend marked the 30th anniversary of the WNBA All-Star Weekend festivities, and the W did it big.

WNBA Shooting Stars Challenge

It started Friday night with a remix of the typical Skills Challenge, going the Shooting Stars route. 

The competition consisted of four teams, each with three players representing different eras of basketball by way of a WNBA legend, a current player, and a Nike EYBL standout. Each would have 70 seconds to make as many buckets as possible from seven spots on the floor. 

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In the end, it was Team Washington, represented by a trio of Shakira Austin, Elena Delle Donne, and high schooler Jezelle “GG” Banks, who won the competition. 

The post The W Hits Different — Record-Breaking Crowds, Historic Firsts & Superstar Performances Defined The WNBA’s 2026 All-Star Weekend appeared first on MadameNoire.

Cardi B is bringing her unfiltered personality to Zevia’s latest campaign, and it’s as hilarious as you’d expect.

The Bronx rapper stars as the “Real Talk Interpreter,” translating what people are actually thinking during everyday conversations. The concept perfectly aligns with Zevia’s zero sugar approach, cutting out the sweetness and keeping it real.

In one commercial, two women exchange what. “Annie, your’e looking…comfortable,” Cardi quickly translates the backhanded compliment.

“She said your shirt ugly.”

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The post ‘She Said Your Shirt Ugly’ — Cardi B Keeps It ‘Real’ In Hilarious New Zevia Commercial appeared first on MadameNoire.

Simone Biles is continuing to prioritize her health after revealing that she recently underwent a medical procedure with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, by her side. The news comes just one month after the 30-time gold medalist suffered an unexpected health scare, although it’s unclear if the two are related. 

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Simone Biles’ procedure: What we know.

Biles appeared to be in good spirits for her recent procedure. On July 23, the 29-year-old shared a photo from the hospital on her Instagram Story, showing herself smiling in a hospital gown and bouffant cap while posing next to Owens, who just celebrated his 31st birthday the day before.

“His birthday but he takes me to get my procedure,” Biles captioned her Instagram Story. “I woke up singing BossMan Dlow ‘talk my s–t.'”

The post ‘Almost Dying Wasn’t On My Bingo Card’ — Simone Biles Undergoes Mystery Medical Procedure 1 Month After Near Fatal Health Scare appeared first on MadameNoire.

The battle for the title of The King Of R&B has been a hotly debated topic among music lovers for years, with thee Usher Raymond always reigning as a top contender for the crown. But one thing I think we can all agree on is that the man knows how to put on a hell of a live show. Renowned for his flawless vocals (yes, he sounds as good in person as he does on record), smooth dance moves, and, of course, those…dimples.

Usher’s concerts have become just as infamous for the off-stage surprises, like when comedian Dave Chapelle hilariously popped up on the Ohio leg of his current tour, causing Usher to ask in disbelief, “Is that Dave Chapelle in the rhythm section?” And then there was KeKe Palmer’s post-baby participation with the 47-year-old singer during his My Way Las Vegas residency in 2023, which sparked online discourse about how new moms should dress and act.

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Since kicking off their highly anticipated The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown on June 27 in Denver, Usher and Chris Brown have been breaking hearts, records, and marriages one city at a time. The North American tour has jokingly been dubbed The Divorce Tour for the co-headliners’ on-stage antics with their female fans. This part of the concert, when one lucky lady is chosen to join them on stage, has become a show highlight, with some ladies —single or not—willing to risk it all for a memorable or viral moment.

The post ‘You Ain’t Have To Do Unc Like That!’ — Usher Removes Concertgoer From Stage After She Admits, ‘I Went To The Concert For Chris Brown’: 14 Unhinged Social Reactions appeared first on MadameNoire.

Family members in Stockbridge, Georgia, are mourning the tragic loss of 14-year-old Seven Shirley, who died by suicide after accidentally shooting his younger sister, according to an exclusive report from 11 Alive. TMZ also reported that Seven was a nephew of rapper 21 Savage, who paid tribute to the teen following the heartbreaking news by sharing a simple message on social media:

“Remember when you was a baby.”

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The post ‘Remember When You Was A Baby’ — 21 Savage Mourns Nephew Who Died By Suicide After Accidentally Shooting His Sister appeared first on MadameNoire.

Tyler Lepley and Miracle Watts have officially tied the knot, and the P-Valley co-stars’ captivating Cabo ceremony is turning heads.

The two actors shared the jovial news via a post with their wedding date, “7.25.26,” officially giving fans the first look at their nuptials. Miracle donned a waist-snatching ball gown complete with a long train and lacy gloves, while Tyler looked deliciously dapper in a black and white tux accessorized with glasses and diamond bracelets.

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After a two-year engagement and the birth of their son in 2022, it seems like we’ll be getting more and more of Tyler and Miracle in years to come. The couple also shared a stunning first-dance video showcasing Miracle’s blinding bling.

The post Tyler Lepley & Miracle Watts Are Officially Married — Inside Their Breathtaking Cabo Wedding appeared first on MadameNoire.