A sun tan isn’t something for Black people to avoid just because of melanin. Recent online trends show more Black influencers with great self-tanning results. Safely sun-kissed dark skin can literally glow, but requires protection from UV exposure. You can safely achieve that effect with a natural self-tanner that doesn’t harm the skin’s top layer; it simply colors it.

Melanoma accounts for as many as 80% of skin cancer deaths despite only being diagnosed in 4% of skin cancer cases, per Stanford Healthcare. These health statistics show that people should enjoy the sun cautiously, especially if they have a family history, sensitive skin, and/or an increased number of moles. 

No, Black people aren’t immune to skin cancer, so understand your risk and see what tanning option is best for your needs and medical history.

RELATED CONTENT: Only 1 In 4 Sunscreens Are Safe—Here’s What Every Black Woman Should Know Before She Buys

How Does a Natural Sun Tan Differ from a Professional Spray Tan?

A natural tan is produced when UV rays stimulate melanin production. This option usually lasts longer as it’s part of your skin’s structure and waits for cell turnover to fade. However, it comes with a risk of sun damage and uneven tan lines. 

On the other hand, a professional spray tan provides an instant, customized glow all over your body without the obvious tan lines. Spray tan works by using DHA to stain your upper skin layer safely, and the results last for about 7 to 10 days.

Which One Is Safer?

The CDC reports that skin cancer costs employers over $100 million annually due to restricted activity or work absence. Being in the sun can feel great, but too much can put you at risk of skin cancer and other damage, such as sunspots and wrinkles. 

When it comes to safety, spray tan is the winner over a natural one since there’s no UV radiation exposure.

The post Natural Sun Tan Vs. Self-Tanner: Which Is Better? appeared first on MadameNoire.

Many stage and film performers work through body pain without breaking a sweat. Hip pain and lupus are some of the chronic conditions that have plagued performers from Toni Braxton to the late Prince.

Facing death didn’t stop some of our most beloved stars from leaving a creative mark. Chadwick Boseman battled colon cancer while making Black Panther and planned to film a sequel. Tammi Terrell sang through a malignant brain tumor and eight painful surgeries before succumbing to the illness at 24.

A National Health Interview survey by the CDC concluded that over 24% of American adults had chronic pain, with over 8.5% having it so bad that it limited personal and work activities. From celebrities who perform through painful inflammation to construction workers who continuously lift heavy items with a bad back, many people are putting their bodies at risk to make ends meet and meet contract obligations.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I’m In Excruciating Pain’—Muni Long Shares Struggles With Lupus & 5 More Celebs With The Autoimmune Disease

What Celebrities Have Performed Through Body Pain?

Tammi Terrell continued to sing for Motown while battling a malignant brain tumor discovered after a stage collapse in 1967. Before passing away at age 24 in 1970, she made two of her greatest hits, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “You’re All I Need to Get By,” both in 1968. 

Late Temptations founding member and original choreographer, Paul Williams, performed through the pain of sickle cell anemia until it forced his 1971 retirement.

The “Unbreak My Heart” singer Toni Braxton has experienced real-life heart issues due to lupus that have led to hospitalizations and a stage collapse. She continues to perform but recently had to end a Minneapolis concert early after only two songs due to an “unexpected personal emergency.”

Prince never phoned in a performance as he played several instruments, sang live, and jumped effortlessly off pianos in heels. His resulting hip and knee problems didn’t stop the Purple Rain star from literally performing in the rain at one of the most acclaimed Super Bowl halftime shows ever.

As the late Chadwick Boseman filmed the Black Panther and his posthumously Oscar-nominated performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, he was battling stage 4 colon cancer. Even costars and directors such as Ryan Coogler had no idea he was ill while filming.

The post Performing Through The Pain: Why So Many Celebrities Deal With Body Pain In Silence appeared first on MadameNoire.

Senior prom is often regarded as the coup de grâce of the high school experience, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in a young person’s book of life. It’s like a final period at the end of a four-year-long sentence that usually tells the story of teenage angst, rocky relationships with parental figures, experimentation, self-discovery, and above all, academic achievement. If a period represents prom for most, then for many Black folks in America, it’s marked with an exclamation point!

Prom season typically takes place in the spring, with most events held in April or May. The celebratory event to reward students for completing their secondary-level studies has been around since at least the end of the 1800s, initially emerging from upper-class college traditions modeled after debutante balls. However, for Blacks, the significance of prom runs much deeper than just an end-of-year school dance.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Prom Send-Offs Reach New Heights With Viral Fairy Tale Transformation

Senior prom is a coming-of-age ritual tied to a history of exclusion because early events were racially segregated, with Black students often excluded altogether or forced to organize their own separate events. Even after segregated schools were outlawed in 1954 with the Brown v. Board of Education decision, some schools continued to have separate proms for Black and white students throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, for many Black families in America, attending prom not only signifies the start of adulthood, but it’s also an act of resistance and a celebration of communal advancement.

Still, only about half of all Americans can participate in the tradition, and one of the primary reasons is the high cost of attending prom. Past estimates and surveys put the average cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000 or more, with some teens reportedly spending more than $2,000. However, in recent years, Black proms in particular are treated more like mini weddings, with both students and parents splurging on exotic car rentals, custom-made matching gowns and tuxedos, and professionally done hair, makeup, and nails… to start. These extras can spiral costs upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.

Let us not forget about the cost of “promposals,” defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “an elaborate (or extravagant) offer to take someone to the prom.” Yes, y’all. Modern-day prom slang has earned its official spot in the books. Other expenses can include the cost of hiring professional photographers and videographers, catering services, and decorations such as renting backdrops, balloon garlands, and red carpets.

The latter list of expenses is usually associated with “prom send-offs.” Prom send-offs are celebratory gatherings for family and friends of the graduating student that occur before they leave for the dance. Originating as a coming-of-age ritual in Black American communities, prom send-offs can be as simple as a pre-prom backyard BBQ with a handful of guests or a grandiose celebration that requires HOA approvals and involves pyrotechnics, wild animals, private jets, and helicopters flown in from overseas.

In 2024, Marisela Torres and Fela Burk sparked a fiery online debate after they shared that Torres had spent a jaw-dropping $16,625 on her daughter’s prom. The Philadelphia-based mother-daughter duo appeared on the Tamron Hall talk show to defend their case.

“I didn’t get to go on my prom, and I’m the only one out of four that didn’t. And I know that was something my mom really, really wanted, so I just told myself that I wanted to give my daughters a big prom,” explained Torres.

A breakdown of the whopping total included $1,300 for a floor-length gown, $4,900 Jimmy Choo heels, $175 for hair, a $4,000 car rental, and a $3,900 send-off celebration. Torres also spent $1,600 on a hotel and $750 for photography and videography services.

The Great Black Prom Debate has people widely divided, with everyone weighing in, even those outside of the culture, especially on social media. For example, a TikToker, who goes by the name of Sasha and identifies as a conservative, claimed the reason that Black girls have “hood prom[s]” is because they are unlikely to get married, and connected the way some Black people choose to celebrate prom to “baby mama culture.”

Conversely, there are those like Laverne, who goes by scholarshipcollegemama on Instagram and points out the hypocrisy of criticizing how some Black folks celebrate prom versus how Jews mark milestones like bar and bat mitzvahs or Latinos and Hispanics and quinceañeras.

“Y’all don’t have any issue or any problem with Jewish families planning and budgeting and saving and implementing their bar mitzvahs,” she said. “But you got all the problems with Black people and Black proms…Mind your business.”

Comedian T. Murph gave his two cents on the controversy, expressing the sentiments of many. “Hey, these prom send-offs gettin’ outta hand,” said the actor, who starred in Hulu’s comedy series Woke. “Now I ain’t judging nobody pockets. You can do whatever it is that you wanna do with your money.”

“Just know that after you spend $700,000 sending your child to prom, I don’t wanna be invited to no truck party,” the Chicago native shared on his Instagram, adding, “Have that college money already put together. Because, why the hell you saving for prom, but when it’s time for them to go to school you ain’t got no money?”

MadameNoire compiled a list of 65 of the best Black proms from 2026. Below you’ll find the highest extremes of ostentatiousness, including everything from private jets, helicopters, camels, goats, pythons, designers’ duds, and more, to intimate family festivities.

Let us know your take on the Black prom debate in the comments. Whichever side you fall on, let’s give it up for all this year’s high school graduates!

The post From Private Jets To Pythons — 65 Of The Most Lavish 2026 Black Prom Send-Offs Fueling Applause, Side-Eyes & Viral Discourse appeared first on MadameNoire.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and if you are still in scramble mode, we are here to help. Whether you are a college student working with a tight budget or a grown adult who can finally afford to go all the way in, there is a thoughtful, beautiful gift for every mom at every price point. Check out these Mother’s Day gift ideas for every budget inside. 

Before you default to a generic card and grocery store flowers, let us redirect you toward something she will actually use, actually enjoy and actually remember. Here is what most people get wrong about gifting. It is not about the number on the price tag. It is about showing her that you paid attention. 

As Ulta Beauty puts it, a gift set package is often curated with complementary items, providing a complete routine in one beautiful box. Brands frequently release limited-edition sets that offer incredible value. In other words, you do not need to spend a fortune to make her feel like royalty. You just need to be intentional. 

For the moms who treat their skincare like a ritual, their bathroom counter like a sanctuary and their Sunday mornings like a full spa experience, beauty gifts are always the right answer. And for the moms who would rather you just not make a fuss but secretly wish someone would, beauty gifts are still the right answer. As Autum Love reminds us, the best skincare gifts are either a curated set so she can try multiple products or a single hero product she has wanted but has not justified buying for herself. The same logic applies at every price point on this list. 

Whether your mom is the one who keeps her bathroom stocked with the good stuff or the one who has been using the same drugstore moisturizer since 2009 — and would quietly love an upgrade — we have got her covered. 

SheKnows puts it perfectly: many mothers love using products that make them feel confident and even more beautiful. Whether that is a new matte lipstick, a skincare-infused foundation, or even restocking a favorite product, it shows you notice the small things. That kind of attentiveness is what separates a good gift from a great one. 

Scroll through the list below and find the perfect mother’s day gift ideas for mom, grandma, bonus mom, or mother figure in your life. She has given you everything. The least we can do is give her something that makes her glow.

RELATED CONTENT: Things Only Black Moms Say That We’ll Never Forget

The post Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts That Feel Expensive — Even If Your Budget Isn’t appeared first on MadameNoire.

“Now wait one second, glasses!” After initially sparking relationship rumors with a Memphis attorney, a #RHOA legend is reportedly back booed up with an old flame.

A new report claims that the door is open for NeNe Leakes and Liberian fashion designer Nyonisela Sioh, who are officially back together, nearly four months after the reality star was photographed kissing attorney Arthur Horne III.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I’m Not In A Relationship With Anybody’ — NeNe Leakes Sparks Reunion Rumors With Ex After Courtside Kisses With New Boo

TMZ reported on May 6 that Leakes and Sioh have rekindled their romance, although the relationship is reportedly a bit “complicated.” For those who may not remember, NeNe and Sioh were first romantically linked in 2022 before seemingly calling it quits in 2023. From the outside, it appeared the two had gone their separate ways, but the source claimed the Bravo alum and Sioh “never fully broke up, but they also never put an exclusive label on their relationship.”

Notably, Leakes revealed during a 2023 interview with Carlos King that she and Nyonisela Sioh were on “a break.”

“We’re taking a break,” she said at the time. “It’s…things I’m not happy with, things he’s not happy with. It’s just not working at the moment,” she added, before joking:

“He is single, so if any of the ladies out there want to holla at him, go right ahead.”

The post #RHOA Romance Rekindled: NeNe Leakes And Nyonisela Sioh Are Officially Back Together, Say Sources appeared first on MadameNoire.

Joy Taylor is joining the Urban One family with the launch of her very own sports podcast, The Daily Play with Joy Taylor, distributed across Radio One, REACH Media, and the Urban One Podcast Network.

The short-form commentary show aims to cut through the nonstop sports news cycle, keeping listeners up to speed with the most essential stories—from the field and court—and add a sharp personality only she can provide, because “nobody breaks down the game like a woman who actually knows it.” 

RELATED CONTENT: #BWHM: The Mic Is Ours — 20 Black Women Dominating Podcasting With Bold, Unfiltered Conversations

New episodes drop Monday through Friday, and at just 5-10 minutes per episode, she offers up all the relevant sports info and hot takes you need to stay easily informed, made even more digestible and colorful by Taylor’s deep broadcasting experience, especially in radio.

“I wanted to create something fast, focused, and always authentic,” said Taylor. “Sports fans are busy, but they want the context behind the conversation. With ‘The Daily Play,’ I’m giving them what it means and what to watch next—in just a few minutes. Joining Urban One allows me to talk directly to a loyal, engaged audience across the country. I’m excited to get back to my radio roots!”

Full-length audio episodes of The Daily Play with Joy Taylor, are available on all major platforms—including the Urban One Podcast Network, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts paired with a “virtual video layer” for YouTube and social media.

RELATED CONTENT: Torrei Hart Enters the Chat: New Podcast Launches on Urban One Network

The post Joy Taylor Returns To ‘Radio Roots’ With Launch Of ‘The Daily Play With Joy Taylor’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

While the rest of Hollywood was climbing the Met steps in custom gowns and posing for cameras, Jenifer Lewis and Taraji P. Henson were calling out celebs in attendance at the annual affair.

The 2026 Met Gala may have delivered some of the most stunning looks of the year, but the conversation that happened off the carpet is the one that has people truly divided.

The issue centers on Jeff Bezos, who served as an honorary co-chair and sponsor of this year’s gala alongside his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Women Served Dazzling Drip, Bold Bawdy, & Baddies Galore At The 2026 Met Gala, Proving Why ‘Fashion Is Art’: See Gallery!

For many working-class viewers, the contrast was hard to ignore; Hollywood’s biggest night was backed by one of the world’s richest men, as everyday Americans face job losses and cuts to essential social programs.

Taraji was first to pull up with a strong opinion ahead of the Met Museum’s fundraiser.

As Variety reported, Henson commented on influencer Meredith Lynch’s Instagram post questioning why some in Hollywood were still planning to attend.

”I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!” 

The post Jenifer Lewis & Taraji P. Henson Blast Celebrities Who Attended Jeff Bezos-Backed Met Gala — ‘WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday (May 10) and if you are still trying to figure out what to get the woman who literally gave you life, we are here to make it easy on you. Flowers are sweet and brunch is always appreciated, but there is something extra special about giving mom a beauty moment that is entirely her own. Check out these Mother’s Day beauty ideas to keep mom glowing all weekend long. 

Whether mom is a skincare devotee, a fragrance lover, a makeup minimalist or someone who has been putting herself last for far too long, this is the perfect weekend to remind her that she deserves to glow just as much as she makes everyone around her shine.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother’s Day Rule No. 1: Do You, Sis. It’s All About You

The good news is that beauty gifting in 2026 has never been more thoughtful or more accessible. As Ulta Beauty notes, Mother’s Day beauty and skincare gifts are always a hit, and the key is looking for highly rated formulas that deliver visible hydration and glow, from serums and moisturizers to haircare treatments and deeply nourishing deep-conditioning masks. In other words, the goal is not just to buy her something pretty. The goal is to buy her something that actually works and makes her feel like herself again. 

For the mom who is always running and rarely sits still long enough to breathe, a focused skincare moment is everything. A powerhouse vitamin C serum is a standout choice because it brightens the complexion with a potent dose of stabilized vitamin C, helps defend skin against environmental stressors for a more youthful look and absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. Pair that with a set of hydrogel under-eye patches for the mornings when she needs a little extra help looking as rested as she deserves to feel and you have an entire self-care moment in a box. 

For the mom who loves a luxurious experience, fragrance gifting is where you can really show out. As Autum Love points out, fragrance is the most personal beauty category, which also makes it the most risky gift unless you choose a discovery set or a collection that lets her find her own favorite rather than presupposing one. A Jo Malone fragrance discovery set is the kind of gift that feels luxurious but still gives her room to explore and fall in love with something new entirely on her own terms. 

The post Mother’s Day Glow Up: 10 Radiant & Relaxing Beauty Treatments To Pamper Mom appeared first on MadameNoire.

Now that Met Gala Monday is behind us, it’s time to dive into Women Crush Wednesday, and this week Janelle Monáe takes the cake.

During this year’s theme of “Costume Art,” Monáe shone alongside other queer queens like Tessa Thompson and Doechii, who hit the steps barefoot, looking like every crevice of her body was slathered in the finest cocoa butter (swoons).

Check out this week’s edition of Women Crush Wednesday below.

RELATED CONTENT: #WCW — 50 LGBTQIA Booked & Busy Baddies Breaking Hearts (Hi Porsha!), Vol. 2

1. Janelle Monáe

The post Women Crush Wednesday: 50 Queer Queens Shining From The Met Gala To Billboard’s Women In Music appeared first on MadameNoire.

Teacher Appreciation Week is here, running from May 4 through May 8, 2026. While this week celebrates educators, it also underscores an important message for parents: success in school is a shared effort. Teachers and parents are partners, and when that partnership is strong, students are more likely to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Here are seven things teachers want parents to know as we honor Teacher Appreciation Week.

1.  Stay involved with your child’s education.

One of the biggest takeaways during Teacher’s Appreciation Week is how important it is for families to stay involved. Teachers consistently stress that learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Supporting children at home, whether that means asking about their day or helping them stay on top of assignments, reinforces what’s happening in the classroom. 

As former NYC public school teacher Karen Aronian explained to Parade in 2024, “Parents must thread the needle after school and oversee homework.” Dr. Ruslan Slutsky, Ph.D., another educator, noted that engaged parents help children feel more motivated because they see how much their education matters.

“When parents stay engaged and active, it motivates kids to do better in school because they see the value,” Dr. Slutsky says. “Their parents are talking about it…they come to the classroom with a different motivation.”

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Kindergarten Teacher Motivates Sweet Student Whose Potty Mouth Disrupts The Lesson

2. Create daily habits that travel to school.

Daily habits at home also play a major role in student success, another key point teachers want parents to know. Simple routines like checking folders, reviewing assignments, and keeping communication open can make a big difference, helping reinforce the educational foundation teachers have established well after class ends. 

3. Don’t do your child’s homework and establish discipline. 

When it comes to homework, teachers are clear about one thing: support your child, but don’t do the work for them. They should be able to accomplish their work on their own.

Third-grade teacher Stacey Nelson shared with CNN, “Please don’t just tell [them] the right answer. That defeats the purpose of homework!” Encourage them to work through the problem and check in regularly with teachers at school to see how help could be further administered. 

4.  If your child is misbehaving at school, it’s time to find out why. 

Teachers also encourage parents to look more deeply into behavioral concerns. If your child is consistently misbehaving in school, could a learning difficulty or issues at home be the root cause? It’s time to find out.  

“Children don’t enjoy getting in trouble,” Nelson added. “So when they come home and tell you about how mean the teacher is, keep in mind they may be telling the story in a way that they won’t get punished.” 

5. Confidence and engagement start at home.

Confidence and engagement start at home. Encouraging children to participate in class, raise their hands, ask questions, and stay involved can positively impact both their learning and their overall experience. Teachers notice engaged students, and that participation can even influence borderline grades. Just as importantly, children tend to mirror their parents’ attitudes. When parents show enthusiasm for school, kids are more likely to feel excited about learning too.

6. Encourage your child to ask questions.

Teachers also want parents to understand that asking questions is not just okay, it’s encouraged. Open communication helps everyone stay on the same page and prevents confusion from building up. Come to parent-teacher meetings and ask about your child’s educational journey. Encourage your child to ask questions, too. If a child feels shy about speaking up in class, parents can guide them toward finding other ways to get help. 

As one teacher explained to ABC 7, if your child “has questions about the curriculum but is shy or uncomfortable with speaking up during class, encourage them to come in and talk to their teacher privately before or after school or during lunch.” 

This kind of encouragement builds confidence and keeps students engaged in their education.

7. Know that teachers care. 

Finally, Teacher’s Appreciation Week is a reminder that teachers care deeply about their students’ happiness and overall growth, not just their grades. While academic success is important, teachers also focus on kindness, responsibility, and personal development. They see students in a broader context, observing how they interact, grow, and build life skills. At the same time, habits formed at home, like regular reading, consistent attendance, and fostering independence, are essential pieces of the puzzle. These everyday efforts help children build confidence and take ownership of their learning.

At its core, what teachers want parents to know comes down to partnership. Teacher’s Appreciation Week isn’t only about recognizing educators, it’s about understanding how much stronger the educational journey becomes when teachers and parents work together toward the same goal.

RELATED CONTENT: Teacher Appreciation Week — 15 Black Teachers You Should Be Following On TikTok Right Now

The post Teacher Appreciation Week Reality Check — 7 Things Teachers Wish Parents Would Actually Do appeared first on MadameNoire.

The heartbreaking story surrounding influencer Ashlee Jenae continued to unfold yesterday as her family laid her to rest in New Jersey. Meanwhile, her fiancé, Joe McCann, finally broke his silence after weeks of questions the internet has not let go of. This story has had everyone paying close attention since the moment the news broke, and the latest developments are not making it any easier to process.

As Complex reported, Jenae’s funeral took place May 5 in New Jersey at Second Baptist Church in Paulsboro. Her family and loved ones gathered to lay the 31-year-old influencer to rest nearly a month after she died during a trip to Zanzibar. And before anyone asks, no, Joe McCann was not there. Per TMZ, McCann — who had been with Ashlee Jenae on the trip — did not attend the funeral, having been barred from the service by her family. The family has also not spoken to McCann since Jenae’s death. 

RELATED CONTENT: The Internet Says Ashlee Jenae’s Death Is Karma ‘For Dating A White Man’ [Op-Ed]

For those who need a full refresher on how we got here, Ashlee Jenae — whose legal name was Ashly Jenae Robinson — was a lifestyle and travel content creator who traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania, last month with McCann to celebrate her 31st birthday. He proposed to her during a safari, and her final posts were full of joy. Days later, she was found unconscious in their villa and was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities in Tanzania had previously withheld McCann’s passport while questioning him as a witness, and, as of this writing, he has not been accused of any wrongdoing or charged with a crime. 

Her parents — Harry Robinson and Yolanda Endres — have been vocal about their devastation and their unanswered questions. Harry told reporters, “Nothing about it makes sense. It just doesn’t add up.” Her mother, Yolanda, added, “Everything that we knew was that she was supposed to be happy, and she was engaged. She celebrated her birthday thereafter, and then she’s just gone.” 

The family has also been conducting an independent autopsy because they do not accept the initial findings.

It was in the middle of all of this that McCann finally decided to speak. As TMZ reported, Joe took to social media after not saying anything for weeks as the investigation into her death overseas left him without a passport. His message begins with, “There are no adequate words to describe the total devastation, emptiness, and shock I feel after losing my best friend, confidante and fiancé, Ashly Jenae Robinson.” 

He continued in the Instagram post, writing, “As a father myself, I am also heartbroken for Ashly’s parents, Yolanda Endres and Harry Robinson. Ashly’s death is an incomprehensible tragedy.” 

He also addressed what Ashlee wanted for her future, writing, “What Ashly desired most was to become a mother and to raise a family together. There is no question that she would have been an amazing mom.” 

As People noted, the service proceeded without him as her family and community came together to celebrate her life. The family’s GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral arrangements, travel, and related expenses has raised more than $60,000, with over 1,200 contributors. The outpouring of support from people who never met her personally speaks to just how much her presence resonated online. 

The investigation remains ongoing and the family is still pushing for full transparency. Ashlee Jenae deserves answers, and the people who followed her are not going anywhere until there are some.

Check out the fiancé’s post below: 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Rest In Preference’ — Ashlee Jenae’s Death Sparks Conversations On Black Women’s Safety & Sanity In Dating: 27 Reactions

The post After Weeks Of Silence, Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Fiancé Makes A Statement appeared first on MadameNoire.

If you have ever wondered why millennials are equal parts nostalgic, emotionally aware, slightly anxious, and deeply obsessed with comfort content, look no further than the movies that raised them. Check out 15 90s movies that explain why millennials act like that inside.

The 1990s were more than a golden era for film. They were a blueprint for how millennials operate in adulthood. From heartfelt family stories to gritty coming-of-age dramas, ’90s movies molded a generation navigating life between analog simplicity and digital overload.

RELATED CONTENT: A Shocking Number Of Gen-Zers, Millennials Won’t Date A Mate With The Wrong Zodiac Sign

According to a piece on Medium, a reality coined as “90s Kids Syndrome” is why millennials carry a deep emotional attachment to the culture they grew up with — especially films that defined their early worldview. The article highlights how growing up during a time of rapid technological change left this generation caught between two worlds. They remember life before constant connectivity, but came of age just as the internet took over. From their humor to their relationships, that duality shows up everywhere in their personality.

And honestly, the movies explain a lot. These films taught millennials about love, friendship, rebellion, trauma, and joy in ways that still hit today. They normalized chosen family, romanticized independence, and introduced a little bit of cynicism wrapped in humor. Whether it was learning life lessons from animated lions or navigating high school drama with sharp wit, the influence is apparent. 

If you really want to understand millennials, start with the movies that made them (in no particular order).

The post Blame The Movies — 15 ’90s Films That Explain Millennials Perfectly appeared first on MadameNoire.

It’s late spring semester at Howard University, and inside a rented Airbnb, a group of young Black creatives are locked in. Their cameras are up and the lights are hot. Someone is adjusting a plate of food for the fifth time. At the center of it all is 21-year-old Na’vaeh Dudley, directing a story that didn’t come from theory or imagination, but from something far more intimate.

Her own life.

Her short film, Consumption, is about isolation and the complicated, often invisible relationship between food and emotions. But what makes the project hit differently is that it centers an experience that is rarely talked about in Black communities—eating disorders.

Na’vaeh knows exactly how that silence works.

“Consumption really explores how isolation can consume us,” she says. “And how connection can sometimes interrupt that cycle.”

RELATED CONTENT: Kerry Washington Opens Up About Being Suicidal While Battling Eating Disorder

For decades, eating disorders have been framed as an issue affecting white girls and women. The image is familiar: thin, affluent, and suburban. But that framing has always been incomplete and harmful because Black girls and young women have been dealing with disordered eating, too. They’ve just been overlooked.

Research shows that Black adolescents and teenage girls are 50% more likely to engage in bulimic behaviors than their white peers. At the same time, they are far less likely to be diagnosed or receive treatment. That disconnect between who is struggling and who gets recognized has created a quiet crisis, and that’s the gap Na’vaeh is stepping into.

In Consumption, the main character Nori lives inside a carefully controlled world. Every moment is scheduled, all her habits are intentional, and every bite is measured. But when her environment begins to shift through the presence of her roommate, disrupted routines, and human connection, those patterns start to break.

Lead actress Shierra King carries that weight with almost no dialogue. In one scene, she picks at a plate of lasagna. Her movements are small but loaded with tension. It took nearly five hours of shooting take after take to get that moment right. Because for Na’vaeh, the goal wasn’t just to tell a story. It was to make people feel something they might not have language for.

And that matters, especially when you look at how eating disorders show up in Black communities. Cultural norms around food, body image, and community can mask harmful patterns, making it harder for people to even recognize what they’re experiencing. In some spaces, eating more is normalized. In others, control is praised. In many cases, the line between coping and harm gets blurred. That’s the reality Consumption is trying to capture.

Na’vaeh’s connection to the story deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation became a global experience but hit differently depending on who you were and what you were carrying.

The post The Eating Disorder Narrative Left Black Women Out — Howard Student Na’vaeh Dudley Is Putting Them Back In The Frame appeared first on MadameNoire.

Black proms in the United States are far more than end-of-year dances; they are vibrant, deeply meaningful celebrations that reflect history, identity, and community. While prom season typically arrives in the spring, with most events held in April or May, Black proms stand apart for their scale, style, and cultural significance. From elaborate gowns and tailored suits to community-wide send-offs, these events are intentional, expressive, and rooted in something much larger than a single night.

Proms are a coming-of-age ritual for Black teens.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Prom Send-Offs Reach New Heights With Viral Fairy Tale Transformation

At their core, Black proms often function as a universal coming-of-age ritual. In cultures where milestones such as quinceañeras or bar mitzvahs formally mark the transition into adulthood, many Black American communities have transformed prom into a similarly important rite. It becomes a defining moment that celebrates not only the end of high school but also the beginning of adulthood, independence, and future aspirations, as noted by social media influencer @adivunsolicited.

The post Limos, Lace And Legacy — Black Prom Is What America Looks Like When Black Kids Are Fully Celebrated [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

NYC-based designer Susan Alexandra is teaming up with McDonald’s to create the cutest accessories for a new line of refreshers and crafted sodas set to drop from the fast-food giant. Enter the beaded drink carriers. These standout accessories are the perfect complement to McDonald’s new permanent lineup of specialty drinks, inspired by fans and hitting restaurants on May 6. The six limited-edition beaded carriers, which come packed with intricate detailing handcrafted by Alexandra, will help happy customers free up their hands and elevate their summer outfits all at once. 

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Stands out include the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher ($58), which comes paired with a pink and green beaded lattice that shows off the freeze-dried strawberries in the drink, along with miniature strawberries on the handle, delivering main character energy from the first sip to the last.

There’s also the bright and bold Sprite® Berry Blast Carrier ($48), packed with bold blue beads and a fringe trim that highlights the decadent cold foam and blue hue of the brand new soda. Style it, sip it, repeat. This carrier is effortlessly cool and impossible to ignore.

And if you’re looking for some more stylish flair, look no further than the Dirty Dr. Pepper® Carrier ($42) which is all about big beads and bold flavor. Inspired by that first icy, refreshing sip, the bubble-like beads turn your drink into a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s as fun to carry as it is to drink. Every detail, from the sparkling beadwork to the playful design, makes it a statement piece, perfect for anyone who wants their McDonald’s order to double as a style moment.

Who is Susan Alexandra?

During an exclusive interview with MadameNoire, Susan Alexandra shared that she has been creating beautiful jewelry in NYC for 11 years, with her own store open for six years in SoHo. She’s thrilled for McDonald’s fans to get their hands on all six of the exclusive beaded carriers, available on SusanAlexandra.com starting May 6. But she also hopes fans will stop by her store to immerse themselves in the incredible “charmacy.”

“We have something inside the store called a charmacy where you pick your own charm, pick your own base, and you design your own jewelry on the spot,” she beamed.

The jewelry business can be fiercely competitive, but Alexandra says confidence and authenticity have always been her superpowers.

“You have to keep your blinders on, you have to not compare yourself to others and you have to try and be as authentic to yourself with everything you do,” she added. “Do what nobody else can do and that’s what people want to see.”


Would you wear these cute beaded drink carriers? Let us know in the comments section.

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The post McDonald’s Is Turning Fast Food Into Fashion — Meet The Beaded Carriers Making Your Drink The Accessory appeared first on MadameNoire.

There is something deeply specific and universally understood about being raised by a Black mom. It is a blend of love, discipline, and humor that shows up in ways you do not fully appreciate until you get older. In honor of Mother’s Day coming up, check out sayings only Black moms say.

At the center of it all, it’s language. Not just what was said, but how it was said. The tone, the timing, the look that came with it. Black moms mastered communication in a way that could correct you, protect you, and prepare you for the world all in one breath.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Black-Owned Mom Brands To Shop For Mother’s Day

These sayings were never random. They were rooted in lived experience and cultural wisdom passed down through generations. As highlighted by Blavity, many of these phrases are shared across households — regardless of region or background. These sayings reflect a common understanding of respect, and resilience. These were not just catchy one-liners. They were tools for survival, reminders to stay grounded, and lessons that stuck long after childhood.

Looking back, it is clear that Black moms were doing more than talking. They made sure they taught a lesson with every phrase having its own purpose. Whether it was about how to carry yourself in public, how to navigate tough situations, or how to hold your own, the message always landed. Sometimes it came with humor. Sometimes it came with a warning. But it always came with love, even if it did not feel like it in the moment.

Now, as adults, many of us catch ourselves repeating these same lines — either jokingly or very seriously — and realize just how impactful they were. It is a full-circle moment that speaks to the power of that upbringing. These sayings live on because they worked. They shaped how we think, how we move, and how we show up in the world.

Here are some of the unforgettable things only Black moms say:

“I am not one of your little friends.”
A clear reminder that respect comes first, no matter the situation.

“Do I look like Boo Boo the Fool?”

A quick check when you thought you were getting something over on her.

“A hard head makes a soft behind.”
A lesson in consequences that did not require a long explanation.

“Stop crying before I give you something to cry about.”
An instant emotional reset that most of us understood immediately.

“You got McDonald’s money?”
A classic response that kept unnecessary spending in check.

“We got food at the house.”
Whether true or not, the answer was still no.

“When we get in this store, do not touch nothing.”
Public behavior expectations were set before you even walked in.

“I do not care what their mama does. I am not their mama.”
A timeless reminder to stay rooted in your own values.

“Close that door. You letting all the air out.”
A household rule that doubled as a lesson in responsibility and awareness.

“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
Dramatic? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. A warning wrapped in love and authority.

“Don’t make me come in there.”
You already knew whatever you were doing needed to stop immediately.

“Because I said so.”
No explanation needed. That was the final answer.

“Go sit down somewhere.”
A polite way of saying you were doing entirely too much.

“You better fix your face before I fix it for you.”
An early lesson in checking your attitude before it got checked for you.

“I’m not raising no fool.”
A reminder that everything she was teaching you had a purpose, even when you did not understand it yet.

Comment your favorite Black mom saying below.

RELATED CONTENT: Turn Up With These Five Ways To Treat Yourself To A Sexy Mother’s Day

The post Things Only Black Moms Say That We’ll Never Forget appeared first on MadameNoire.

Turning your bathroom into a personal sanctuary doesn’t require a full renovation or a celebrity budget; it just requires the right at-home spa ideas executed with intention. The bathroom is one of the most personal rooms in any home, and for Black women who carry the weight of work, family, and community daily, it deserves to function as a genuine reset point.

According to Zillow’s Home Trends Report, searches for spa-inspired bathrooms increased by 22% on the platform, while searches for wellness features climbed 33%, which is proof that homeowners everywhere are treating the bathroom as a priority space, not an afterthought.

The upgrades that make the biggest difference aren’t always the most expensive. Smart choices in lighting, scent, texture, and routine can shift how the entire space feels and how your body responds when you walk in.

RELATED CONTENT: Self-Care is More Than a Spa Day

What Can I Add to My Bathroom to Make It Feel Like a Spa?

The foundation of relaxing home ideas that actually works is sensory layering. That means building an environment where multiple senses are engaged intentionally with what you see, smell, feel, and hear, all working together rather than fighting each other.

A bathroom where the lighting is harsh, the surfaces are cold, and the only smell is cleaning product will never feel restorative, no matter how expensive the towels are.

Lighting Changes the Game Most

Lighting is the most impactful single change most bathrooms need. Replacing overhead fluorescent light with dimmable warm-toned bulbs or adding LED strips beneath a floating vanity or behind a mirror immediately shifts the atmosphere from clinical to calm.

Warm light at lower intensity is what hotel bathrooms and actual spas use, and the effect works in a 50-square-foot bathroom just as well as a 200-square-foot one.

Scent, Sound, and Temperature Do Some Serious Heavy Lifting

Aromatherapy doesn’t require a diffuser collection. A eucalyptus bundle hung from the showerhead releases scent with steam and lasts weeks. Adding a small Bluetooth speaker to the bathroom (even a budget one) lets you control what the space sounds like, which matters more than most people realize.

Temperature is the underrated element: a bath mat warmer, a heated towel rack, or even just having a thick robe nearby changes the entire post-shower experience from abrupt to gentle.

How Do I Create a Spa Ritual at Home?

A ritual is different from a routine because it carries intention. A routine is brushing your teeth in a hurry, while a ritual is a deliberate sequence of actions that tells your nervous system it’s time to decompress. The space needs to be ready before you step in for at-home spa ideas to function as actual rituals, not assembled while you’re already exhausted. 

The post At-Home Spa Ideas That Turn Your Bathroom Into A Wellness Ritual appeared first on MadameNoire.

A few updates, such as removing visual clutter, incorporating more open storage, and clean minimalist lines, are ways how to make a bathroom look larger. Even if you don’t have tons of natural light seeping in from a window, work your magic by combining mirror techniques with layered artificial lighting. Be aware of the type of tiles you have, as size and location affect how small your space appears.

When Statista surveyed American homeowners in 2024, 38% wanted a new layout, and 41% wanted a larger shower, while previous surveys mentioned no longer being able to stand the old style. With the right shower upgrades that combine minimalist design with recessed storage, you can create a bathroom space that makes it easy to relax several times a day.

RELATED CONTENT: Texture And Tone: The Secret To Mastering Modern Home Decor In Small Spaces

What Upgrades Improve Home Value in the Bathroom?

Bathrooms consistently rank as the top upgrade homeowners make, so renovation can make or break whether you’re able to sell a home. Therefore, focusing on upgrades that create a larger sense of space, from clearing up the floor to the floating storage, can help improve home value.

Don’t Block the Shower

If you still have old-fashioned shower curtains, it’s time to remove them for frameless shower glass doors. Clear glass doors keep the line of sight open for better depth. 

Clear Floor Space with Minimalism

A freestanding bathroom vanity is great in a larger bathroom, but takes up space in a smaller one. A stylish solution that still provides the basic needs of a vanity is a wall-mounted design. A floating vanity creates an airy appearance while making it much easier to clean your bathroom floor. 

While it may have less storage space, you have the freedom to adjust your storage options to other parts of the bathroom that won’t take up that floor space. Speaking of floor space, consider using a pedestal or vessel sink and a wall-mounted toilet.

Raise Your Storage

Between your bathroom toiletries and cleaning supplies, you need shelves somewhere, but not where you automatically think. Instead of bulky cabinets that get in the way of a small bathroom layout, opt for floating shelves, which can go along any wall.

A floating shelf can add to the design in a variety of materials, from natural wood to metal or glass. Put them over your toilet, right below the sink, or some right in your shower. Depending on how you build an upgraded shower, you can have recessed shelving for all of your bathing tools.

Instead of one wide shelf for your towels, go with staggered rods and hooks. 

The post Modern Design Ideas: How To Make A Bathroom Look Larger appeared first on MadameNoire.

Amid the Michael Jackson biopic hitting theaters and breaking records, some off-screen drama has followed, with Nia Long reportedly heading to mediation with Lionsgate over a major pay discrepancy.

At the heart of the dispute is the portrayal of the Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson. While Nia Long is a Hollywood staple with a career spanning decades, a report from Puck News‘ Matthew Belloni suggests that her salary for the blockbuster biopic does not reflect her status—or the contractual promises allegedly made by the studio.

The conflict reportedly stems from a “favored nations” clause in Long’s contract. In the entertainment industry, this clause is designed to ensure that an actor receives pay that is equitable to her co-stars.

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However, Nia Long reportedly learned that her male co-stars, Colman Domingo (who plays Joe Jackson) and Miles Teller (who portrays attorney John Branca), received significantly higher payouts than she did. Despite the favored nations agreement intended to create pay equity among the lead cast, the discrepancy has reportedly led Long to confront the studio, with talks of taking the matter to formal mediation if a resolution isn’t reached.

The post Get Your Coins, Queen — Nia Long Challenges Lionsgate Over ‘Michael’ Pay Disparity With Male Co-Stars appeared first on MadameNoire.

Black women deserve safety, protection, and the fundamental right to live. Yet for far too long, the national conversation around violence in the Black community has ignored that painful truth. We rally, we protest, we organize around the systemic dangers facing our men and the heartbreak of losing our sons—but we rarely address or name the violence that lives much closer.

Whether at work, the gym, or at home, Black women face a high level of danger. From sexual violence to murder, we are the most vulnerable when it comes to being unprotected by our men and the system, but if we’re being real, this isn’t new.

Look at the response to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion by Tory Lanez and the harassment she has continued to endure from him and his fans for speaking out.

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You will see why the blatant disregard for the life of Dr. Cerlina Wanzer Fairfax, DDS while Black men rushed to hoist up her killer, because he was “a good man” and a member of their fraternity, is no different—same story, different names.

It’s time to get loud and serious about the problem. 

Before we dive into this, I want to be clear about why this subject is personal for me. Not only am I a Black woman, but I survived more than two years of domestic violence at only 15 while pregnant by an adult. I was told then that it was love, but it wasn’t—it was control and jealousy at the hands of a predator. 

Also, this is not to bash Black men; I understand that there are extenuating circumstances that can lead to someone causing irreparable harm or acts of violence. My stepfather, who only ever received a seatbelt ticket while I was growing up, is currently incarcerated after snapping and contributing to the death of his then-wife after more than a year of unreported emotional abuse at her hands. The reason this is important is that this incident made me confront my own bias. Truthfully, in my mind, for years I felt it was a twisted form of justified karma for her destruction of my parents’ marriage— she was the side chick and also white. The earth-shattering event forced me to confront uncomfortable truths about my own bias and highlighted how easily we can dismiss harm depending on who the victim and perpetrator are—and that distortion sits at the heart of this crisis.

The post Black Women’s Lives Matter: America Has A Femicide Problem & We Need To Talk About It [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Kristy Sarah is thinking about taking a serious break from dating for at least a year, thanks to her therapist’s advice.

The social media star is preparing to take a more strict approach to dating following her split from her ex-husband, Desmond Scott.

On Saturday, May 2, Kristy posted a TikTok opening up about recent professional advice she received while in therapy. The creator told her followers about her therapist telling her “to do 365 days without a man,” going on to elaborate, “That basically means no dating, no talking to, no entertaining a man for 365 days.”

She went on to joke that she was planning to “negotiate” with her counselor to make the fast from men “36.5 days” instead.

“Or maybe we’ll start there and see how it goes,” Kristy said, clearly struggling with the idea of a full year away from the dating scene.

Kristy filed for divorce from Scott, 32, at the end of 2025. According to reports from People back in January, she alleged infidelity as the reason for their split after over a decade of marriage.

In her TikTok video about her course of action following the split, she discussed therapy more broadly and described it as a “10 out of 10” experience. The creator also admitted that she didn’t initially feel like she needed it, but her first session ended up being “really enlightening.”

“She was pulling out facts and observations that I never thought about,” she continued. “Honestly, some of the things that I’ve been learning is kind of life-changing. So if you haven’t done it, I think you should.”

Kristy admitted later in the video that she “can’t stop thinking about” the idea of doing the full 365 days.

“That is nuts. And I know it’s so wise, but I’m negotiating it,” she reiterated, not fully ready to take on the task.

This new divorce tactic comes after the influencer was briefly linked to personal trainer John Gaines. The newly single influencer got fans talking last month when she shared a gym selfie with the fitness trainer, who previously dated and shares a child with Victoria Monet.

The post Kristy Sarah’s Therapist Tells Her To Go ‘365 Days Without A Man’ Amid Messy Divorce, But She Says ‘That Is Nuts’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is here, and per usual, many bars and those in the United States use this day to celebrate Mexican heritage, cuisine, and, of course, agave-based spirits. For this year’s roundup, SPIRIT.ED is highlighting several cocktails for the Mexican holiday, including a booze-free option.

I’ll keep it level with you, SPIRIT.ED readers. I almost didn’t make this roundup for various reasons. Chief among them is the fact that Americans should really learn the real history of Cinco de Mayo and realize it’s something that’s not even widely celebrated in Mexico. Further, I’ve been to Cinco de Mayo gatherings in the States over the years, replete with all kinds of stereotypes against Mexican people.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Perfect Cinco de Mayo Drinks From Black Mixologists We Love

A little history about Cinco de Mayo (written by D.L. Chandler):

Since the 1800s, the day has somewhat focused on celebrating the connection between Mexican and American culture. In some cities, parties, musical performances, parades, and food will be the centerpiece. A fair point of criticism of the day is that people not of Mexican descent are putting on outfits connected to the country’s culture, yet enforcing offensive stereotypes. Beyond Puebla, the holiday isn’t widely celebrated in Mexico.

The true root of Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican military against French invaders at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza led his troops against the relatively advanced French forces, boosting their morale. Military leaders and forces in the United States came to the aid of Mexico, causing the French to vacate their occupation in 1867. 

However, our Mexican brothers and sisters do like a good drink, and you can go out and enjoy one without wearing a dollar store sombrero or donning a mustache, so that’s what I’m concentrating on.

Because I’ve been having some long weekends due to the gig, I’m going to take it easy, hence why I also included a mocktail in this roundup for those of us looking to celebrate still, but without the buzz.

Unlike past roundups, I have other spirit bases beyond mezcal and tequila in this roundup, but all with a little flair that matches the vibe of the day. Hopefully, you’ll find something in our roundup that appeals to you.

—

Photo: Getty

The post Sweet, Spicy, & Everything In Between — 25 2026 Cinco De Mayo Cocktails That’ll Have You Feelin’ Loco! appeared first on MadameNoire.

The 2026 Met Gala is here, and so are the celebrity looks.

This year’s theme is “Fashion Is Art,” which reflects the Costume Institute’s new exhibit at the Met. The presentation explores the dressed body in multiple ways, pairing nearly 200 artworks with around 200 garments and accessories. The show is organized into three categories: bodies omnipresent in art, like the nude form; bodies often overlooked, including pregnant, aging, or disabled bodies; and universal bodies, such as anatomical representations.

And just as diverse and eye-catching as the new museum exhibit are the outfits we’re seeing at this year’s gala.

The 2026 Met Gala is already delivering on its “Fashion Is Art” promise. The looks are doing exactly what the theme asked: turning the body into a canvas through texture, construction, and sexy silhouettes.

RELATED CONTENT: Inside Teyana Taylor’s ‘Dirty Rose’ Pre-Met Gala Party — The No-Phones, All-Fantasy Party That Was The Hottest Ticket In Town!

Every year, we love to see how celebrities interpret the theme. Some take it on quite literally, while others allude to it and add their own twist.

No matter what, Met Gala fashion always gives us something to gag over, talk about, screenshot, and share in the group chat. This year’s Met Gala has had even more buzz thanks to the queen herself, Beyoncé, who serves as an official co-chair alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. Beyoncé has not been to the Met Gala in nearly 10 years, and this is Venus’ first time serving in the co-chair role. The host committee is just as fabulous, including Teyana Taylor, Zoë Kravitz, A’ja Wilson, and Misty Copeland.

2026 Met Gala Look: La La Set The Tone, Dripped In Chandelier Crystals

La La Anthony was one of the first celebs caught on the carpet. She serves as the official Met Gala arrivals host for Vogue this year.

The actress and stunning beauty arrived on the steps in a deep chocolate brown gown rich with texture and detail. The fitted silhouette featured heavy embroidery, beadwork, and layered appliqué that created a raised, almost sculptural surface.

The corset-style bodice added structure, while the train extended the drama. Styled with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Jimmy Choo heels, the look balanced craftsmanship with classic red carpet glam. Zerina Akers styled her look.

2026 Met Gala Look: Naomi Osaka Snapped In A Stunning 3-D Whimsical Robert Wun Fit

No notes are needed for Naomi Osaka’s look. The tennis champion delivered a quite literal interpretation of the theme, and we are obsessed.

Naomi graced the carpet in a structured white gown with a dramatic, oversized sculptural hat, accented with red details that looked almost like petals or fragments floating across the fabric. The design played with deconstruction and anatomy, revealing layers beneath the surface.

The craftsmanship behind it is just as major. The full look reportedly involved thousands of hours of handwork and intricate detailing.

And as if the coat and hat were not enough, Naomi later shed her white coat while walking into the gala, revealing a stunning red, intricately beaded gown and a sleek updo. The swirling designs of the gown traced her body, giving us pure art.

Red Carpet Rundown: Top Celebrity 2026 Met Gala Looks That Turned Fashion Into Art

With nearly 450 guests invited to the event, the celebrity looks keep coming, and we are loving them. Swipe to see more celebrity looks we caught making fashion art.

The post Black Women Served Dazzling Drip, Bold Bawdy, & Baddies Galore At The 2026 Met Gala, Proving Why ‘Fashion Is Art’: See Gallery! appeared first on MadameNoire.

Dionne Warwick is one of the few living legends we are still blessed to see walking beautifully among us.

The style she has given, the grace she has carried, and the thousands of Black women and men she has inspired are not up for debate. Dionne Warwick was that girl before we even had the term “that girl.” And when it comes to her entertainment résumé of accolades, yes, it is longer than CVS receipts.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Don’t Ask Unless You Want The Truth’ — Dionne Warwick On Honesty, Legacy & Why She’s Still That Girl At 85

Dionne has won six Grammy Awards and earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She has also been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Walk of Fame. Three of her songs — “Walk On By,” “Alfie,” and “Don’t Make Me Over” — have also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. And that does not even include her hosting gigs, acting roles, and cameos.

If that alone does not earn respect, what does? But, we digress.

Dionne Warwick And Teyana Taylor Had A Moment At The Billboard Women In Music Awards

Dionne attended the Billboard Women in Music Awards, where she presented the Visionary Award to Teyana Taylor. The moment between the two singers felt special, almost like an official passing of the torch.

Teyana is set to play Dionne in an upcoming biopic about her life, and she has continuously praised the icon for her influence and impact. The two women also have that uncanny resemblance that makes you look twice. Mother and daughter. Sister and sister. Legend and next generation.

Seeing them share the stage was a quintessential example of the feel-good culture moments we love to see.

Put Some Respect On Dionne Warwick’s Name

But we did not have someone disrespecting the iconic Dionne Warwick on our 2026 bingo card. Thanks to social media influencer Nicky Campbell – smh – here we are.

Known for quick, blunt red carpet commentary, Nicky opened an Instagram Reel about the Billboard Women in Music looks with Dionne. He commented on her choice of footwear and referred to the legend using the B-word while doing it.

Absolutely not.

Needless to say, the internet erupted once news of Nicky’s unasked-for, unnecessary commentary went viral. Backlash came quickly under his Instagram post, which is still up, and across Threads. Fans, celebs, and other influencers jumped into the comments to defend Dionne and call out the disrespect.

Actress Amber Riley wrote, “Yea. You’ve lost your mind dear. We not lettin this one slide. That’s a legend and we don’t call elders the B word.” Stylist J. Bolin added, “I respect your fashion thoughts! But no disrespect will be given to our elders, queens, or black women! Simmer down!” Fans kept it even simpler: “Delete this,” “The disrespect is crazy,” and “You need to put respect on the name Dionne Warwick.”

At the end of the day, no Dionne Warwick slander is allowed – especially not for clicks, shares, or social media attention. We love sharp fashion commentary. We love when influencers give honest takes on the carpet. But there are ways to critique looks without disrespecting icons. And speaking of icons, some are simply untouchable.

The post Dionne Warwick Goes Viral After Influencer Calls Her The B-Word — 8 Times She Cemented Her Icon Status, Since Some Folks Forgot appeared first on MadameNoire.

Cooking therapy takes something we all need, which is food, and uses it as a way to boost mental health and address certain psychological challenges. Participants benefit from the heightened sensory engagement combined with mindfulness and repetitive motions.

Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when creating a new dish from scratch or connect ancestrally with others through culturally rich dishes from sweet potato pie to gumbo.

A 2018 study by Farmer, Touchton-Leonard, and Ross in Health Education Behavior cited a link between decreased mortality and frequent cooking among elderly women in Taiwan. This approach can help Black Americans desiring a healthy and creative outlet to build family, friendship, and community bonds.

Households and individuals can easily adapt community-based nutrition initiatives, exchange recipes, and encourage other healthier behaviors.

RELATED CONTENT: New Soul Kitchen’ — Chef Jernard Wells Turns Mac & Cheese Into A Full-On Fantasy With Crispy Pork Belly

The post Cooking Therapy Is Real And Recipes Like These Are Why appeared first on MadameNoire.

The best hair salon experience doesn’t start in the chair; it starts with knowing what to ask for, what to avoid, and how to walk in well prepared. To Black women, a salon appointment carries real weight. It’s time, money, and trust all in one.

According to a survey by All Things Hair, African American women spend nearly four times more on hair care than white women, with 36% spending more than $100 per salon visit, more than the consumer average. That kind of investment deserves a real return, and getting it requires more than just showing up and hoping for the best.

Getting the most out of every appointment comes down to preparation, communication, and knowing which services actually serve your specific hair needs. Walking in without that groundwork wastes your money and your stylist’s time in equal measure.

How Do I Get the Best Results at a Hair Salon?

The single most important thing you can do before sitting in any stylist’s chair is to communicate clearly. A hair salon professional can only work with the information you give them, so don’t hold back.

Bring reference photos, describe your hair’s full history, such as heat damage, color treatments, relaxers, recent transitions, and tell them what you’ve been using at home, as stylists make better decisions when they understand the full picture rather than guessing based on a quick visual inspection at the sink.

RELATED CONTENT: Vogue Called The Afro A ‘Cloud Bob’ And Black Women Are DONE With The Blatant Cultural Appropriation

The post Top Hair Salon Tips You Need To Know appeared first on MadameNoire.

It is Teacher Appreciation Week and we are not about to let it pass without giving flowers to the Black educators who have taken their talents from the classroom to TikTok. They have built communities that are equal parts funny, real, educational and deeply necessary. Check out 15 Black teachers you should be following on TikTok inside. 

These are the teachers who clock in every single day, deal with things no job description could ever fully prepare you for, and then somehow find the time and the energy to show up on social media and make the rest of us feel seen while they are at it.

RELATED CONTENT: Too Fine For The Classroom? Ms. Williams AKA ‘Teacher Bae’ Says Jealous Critics Are Body-Shaming Her

As Bored Teachers has pointed out, teachers are using TikTok to connect with students, network with other professionals, share tips and hacks, be part of a community of educators, stay in the know about what is popular with students and vent and celebrate the joys and challenges of teaching. And nobody is doing it with more flavor, more honesty and more culture than the Black educators who have made the #BlackTeachersOnTikTok corner of the internet a whole destination. 

If you have spent any time on the Black teachers on TikTok side of the app, you already know what we are talking about. These creators are not just posting for likes. They are showing the world what it looks like to be a Black professional navigating a system that was not always built for them while still showing up for their students with their whole hearts every single day. They are documenting the microaggressions, the underfunding, the impossible parent emails and the moments that make every single hard day worth it. They are building a community for educators who might otherwise feel completely alone in their buildings. And they are doing all of it with a level of relatability and humor that has the rest of us in a chokehold.

The data backs it up, too. One in three U.S. adults uses TikTok, most of whom are under 30, and TikTok has become a way for teachers to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences interested in joining the education profession. Black teachers on the platform are especially important because they provide representation that matters—not just for aspiring educators but for students who need to see themselves reflected in the people shaping the next generation. 

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we are spotlighting 15 Black educators who are doing it right on TikTok. Whether you are a teacher looking for community, a parent who wants to better understand what teachers actually go through every day, or just someone who wants their For You Page to include more substance and more soul, these are the accounts you need to follow immediately. Check out our list of Black teachers you should be following on TikTok.

The post Teacher Appreciation Week — 15 Black Teachers You Should Be Following On TikTok Right Now appeared first on MadameNoire.

ArtTech Playground is officially live. Last month (April 2026), the brand new platform welcomed hundreds of Bay Area creatives and builders to ring in its launch—kicking off with a celebration of art and innovation. Built from a desire to bridge art and technology, ArtTech is moving the culture forward through connection and bold ideas. 

“ArtTech Playground was created to highlight the people building beyond traditional boundaries,” said cofounder Nora Dockery. “As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that we don’t lose our individual creativity in the process. This is about showing that we can build alongside these tools while still holding onto our own vision.” 

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Where can Black innovators connect in the Bay Area?

Engineers and creatives mingled with investors and founders at the AWS Builder Loft in San Francisco. This eclectic mix of creative and tech talent showed out for a night of curated programming with artwork, dialogue, and activations.

The evening of April 17—produced in partnership with NSBE Bay Area Professionals—featured a digital art exhibition spanning photography, animation, graphic design, and short film. 

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The gift of music has officially been passed on in the Kardashian-West family! On May 1st, the 12-year-old creative North West officially stepped out from the shadow of her iconic parents to release her debut project, a six-track EP titled N0rth4evr. The project serves as North’s introduction to the world as a producer and artist.

Despite having access to the best songwriters and producers in the music industry, North West’s debut EP is a project solely created by the young star herself. North reportedly produced every single track on the project, experimenting with a sound that blends elements of rage-rap, hyperpop, and gothic emo.

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The tracklist for N0rth4evr includes:

1. H0w Sh0uld ! f33l
2. D!e
3. #N0rth4evr
4. Th!s t!m3
5. W0ah
6. Aishite (愛して)

This release follows her February single, “PIERCING ON MY HAND,” which she famously performed during a surprise appearance at Ye’s sold-out SoFi concert. According to her label, Gamma, North’s credibility in the production space has been growing steadily behind the scenes, with recent credits on FKA Twigs’ Grammy-winning album Eusexua and production for hyperpop stars like skaiwater and Lil Novi.

Accompanying the EP is a music video for the title track, “#N0rth4evr,” directed by Ty Akimoto and Mack Ishida. The video is a dark, aesthetic departure from traditional kid-friendly content, featuring North in a full gothic ensemble: fingerless striped gloves, spiked metal jewelry, combat boots, and a blue wig styled with sharp spikes.

The post North West Drops ‘N0rth4evr’ — A Dark, Self-Produced Debut EP That Signals A New Kardashian-West Era appeared first on MadameNoire.

There are pre–Met Gala parties, and then there’s Teyana Taylor’s The Dirty Rose.

The recent Golden Globe winner has turned this into a Met Gala weekend staple, blending burlesque, fashion, and live performance into one FOMO-worthy night. The guest list stays small, the location is locked in, and we hear phones are banned.

The only things left behind are a few details, gag-worthy insider pics, and the gossip chats that make it out after.

This year’s event, held at Paradise Club inside The Times Square EDITION, was like others before: all about the cabaret. According to multiple sources, guests showed up in slinky dresses, embossed suits, fur coats, sexy black fits, and statement hats. It was clear that they were partying with Teyana Taylor—a fashion icon—and understood the assignment.

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Inside Teyana Taylor’s Dirty Rose: Live Performances, Sultry Looks, and Late-Night Eats

The night moved like a full production. Vanity Fair reports that dancers—including Teyana—moved between the stage and the crowd, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged.

Teyana opened in a crystal- and pearl-embellished bodysuit layered with an ivory fringed coat and gloves. Later, she returned in a red crystal look with a sharp cutout and heart detail at the hip. Fringe and embellishment gave her main character energy all night. She also brought back her “Fade” choreography.

Niecy Nash kicked the show off, wearing a red sequin romper and a feather headdress. Her look brought full cabaret energy, with sparkle, feathers, and a stage-ready silhouette that matched the Dirty Rose theme.

Danielle Brooks also had her stage moment. Vanity Fair reported that she MCed the evening and performed a song-and-dance number. In photos, Danielle wore a red-orange embellished dress with beading, feather accents, and a corset-style shape, giving the event another strong dose of burlesque glamour.

As the night closed, Vanity Fair notes that bellhops rolled out suitcases filled with silver flasks, followed by trays of Raising Cane’s chicken and fries moving through the room. Guests also left with custom Dirty Rose keychains featuring a gold key, a red tassel, and a charm of Teyana in character.

The guest list was just as popping as the performance. Cameras spotted Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Cedric the Entertainer, and Savannah James.

La La Anthony also stepped out for the event. The Power actress rocked a shimmering silver two-piece set that gave glamour and body. She posed in pics alongside Nia Long and Gabrielle Union. Nia kept it clean in a black look with a blazer and a low neckline. Gabrielle wore a yellow floral baroque suit that added structure, color, and print to the room.

Met Gala Weekend Is Already Giving Us What We Need

With the Met Gala around the corner and events like Teyana’s filling our timelines, the fashion girls are in their element right now. We want the swanky party pictures, the gag-worthy outfits, the beauty details, and the behind-the-scenes clips that let us know who was really outside.

And of course, we’re looking forward to the main event: the Met Gala. We’ll be on the red carpet for every celebrity, fashion-filled viral moment.

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The post Inside Teyana Taylor’s ‘Dirty Rose’ Pre-Met Gala Party — The No-Phones, All-Fantasy Party That Was The Hottest Ticket In Town! appeared first on MadameNoire.