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The Root Interview: Iyanla Vanzant on 'Peace From Broken Pieces'
Iyanla Vanzant has led one hell of a life. The acclaimed author and motivational speaker survived childhood rape, physical and verbal abuse, teen pregnancy, abusive relationships — all by the time she was 30. The next 25 years would be marked by celebratory highs — a successful career; five New York Times best-selling books; a…
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The Root Interview: Nia Long on 'Mooz-lum' and Motherhood
Nia Long has portrayed a variety of characters throughout the 20-plus years that she’s graced the big screen. Film audiences first noticed her as the supportive girlfriend in the Oscar-nominated Boyz n the Hood, and she remained on moviegoers’ radar as she lent her talent to Love Jones, The Best Man, Are We There Yet?…
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A Gospel Singer Slims Down and Comes Out
Coming out isn’t the easiest process. So imagine how challenging it would be if you grew up in a Pentecostal Holiness church, were a preacher’s kid and belonged to an award-winning gospel group with your siblings. This was DeJuaii Pace’s reality and factored into why she ignored her same-sex attraction for so long. In fact,…
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Don Lemon Talks Colorism and Coming Out
The amount of self-disclosure in Don Lemon’s new memoir may seem a bit unusual coming from a public figure, let alone a journalist, but it’s all part of the transparency that he feels is crucial, especially for media professionals. Last September, during an interview with members of Bishop Eddie Long’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church…
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Exclusives From the 2011 Soul Train Awards
The Root: What were your thoughts on Heavy D’s death? KB: Just to see someone like that that’s here today and gone the next day is really, really shocking. I don’t know anyone on the planet who ever said anything bad about Heavy D. Everyone loved him. That’s why I’m here to pay tribute to…
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4 Questions With a Black Santa
Say the words “Santa Claus” and a general image usually comes to mind: a jolly, rosy-cheeked, overweight white guy with a white beard in a red velvet suit. And why would it be any different? After all, it’s the image that many have been raised on since they were old enough to crawl. But what…
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4 Questions With Beverly Johnson
Since she was 17, supermodel Beverly Johnson has been recognized primarily for her classic beauty. This seems appropriate, considering that Johnson, who turns 60 in October, has graced more than 500 magazine covers, including her historic shoot as American Vogue’s first black cover girl in 1976. Yes, Johnson may be gorgeous, but don’t sleep on…
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Obama Gets Rock-Star Welcome in Atlanta
He didn’t sing this time, but President Barack Obama did do his own version of a two-step dance as he hit the stage Friday evening. The occasion was a fundraiser for his 2012 re-election bid, at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. The event was the second fundraising stop President Obama made during his trip to…
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Salecia Johnson's Parents Want Answers
Even though it’s been a week since Georgia kindergartner Salecia Johnson was carted off to jail in handcuffs after throwing a temper tantrum in school, her parents are still unsure what caused the 6-year-old’s behavior. “The facts aren’t really clear to me how she ended up in the office in the first place. I’m sure…
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Vanessa Williams and Her Mom Get Candid
Call it a mother’s instinct, but Helen Williams knew the marriage of her daughter, superstar Vanessa Williams, to then-Los Angeles Lakers star Rick Fox wouldn’t last. Although she liked Fox, the elder Williams felt that her now-ex-son-in-law — who’s six years younger than Vanessa — was too immature and unable to handle being in a…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
