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Does Madea Wear Tiaras? Tyler Perry Studios to Host 2019 Miss Universe Pageant
Yeah, yeah…we know Tyler Perry retired the controversial yet enduring character known as Madea earlier this year, but she instantly came to mind when we heard about Perry’s latest coup: hosting the 2019 Miss Universe pageant at his newly opened Tyler Perry Studios. According to the Huffington Post, the former Trump-owned media property, which aired…
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‘I Wanted to Show Her as a Woman’: Cynthia Erivo Talks Harriet for Essence's Digital Cover
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” wrote William Shakespeare, and the phrase proves equally true for fellow Brit Cynthia Erivo, the multitalented phenom currently dominating the box office in the titular role of Harriet, the black-helmed Harriet Tubman biopic, released on Friday. Erivo was handpicked by producer Debra Martin Chase for the role,…
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Amid Reports of Disappointment from the Royal Family, Meghan Markle Says She Wants to Be Heard, Not Loved
Is it better to be loved or heard? In an interview published Friday by British news outlet the Telegraph, Meghan Markle said she doesn’t want the public’s love; she just wants to use her newfound platform to advance the causes she cares so deeply about, according to journalist and friend Bryony Gordon. “She told me…
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Hey, Wig! The Photograph Trailer Debuts—and We Can’t Take Our Eyes off of Issa Rae’s Hair
Ahh, black love…that deep, dark and magical force the luckiest among us experience, but is too rarely shown on film. No wonder that we’re eagerly anticipating The Photograph, the romantic drama starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, dropping into our hearts on—you guessed it—Valentine’s Day, 2020. Will it take the place of the Love Jones…
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The Heroine Behind Harriet: Debra Martin Chase on the Rewards of Taking Risks
She’s the force behind some of America’s favorite films, including Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Princess Diaries, the NAACP Image Award-winning Just Wright, the 2012 remake of Sparkle, holiday classic The Preacher’s Wife, and now, the highly anticipated biopic Harriet. Worldwide, her films have grossed over a half-billion dollars. But as producer Debra Martin…
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The Holidays Are Coming, So Naturally, Rihanna Wants All Our Money
As I write this, snow is (prematurely) falling upon Chicago, a pointed reminder that tomorrow, Nov. 1, kicks off the holiday season (in other words, cue the gift guides). And since it’s now the season of spending, it should come as no surprise that Rihanna expects us bitches to have her money, as evidenced by…
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Yes, We're Stalking Celebrities on Social This Halloween (So You Don’t Have To)
Is Halloween The Glow Up’s favorite holiday? Well, we do love to play dress-up, so we’ll let you deduce that for yourselves. But we also love watching other people play dress-up, which is why we spend an ample amount of our time each Halloween week checking out how celebrities celebrate the holiday. This year, they…
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So, Let's Talk About That Time Elle Germany Reduced Black Models to a Fashion Trend…
With that headline and Elle Germany’s proclamation that we’re going “Back to Black” this season, you might be wondering why you’re looking at a cover featuring Danish model Gertrud Hegelund—likely a lovely person, but by no means a black one. Or perhaps you’re wondering why we’re making a fuss, since Elle must’ve been talking about…
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Does Kanye Have a Plan B? Because He Seems Confused About Contraception (and Civics)
While on the whole, we’re all set on Kanye West, we understand that his return to religion has compelled yet another passionate round of revelations about the world, morality, and politics—and hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day. But as Ye has been making the rounds promoting his new gospel album, Jesus…
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Through Her Lens: Yara Shahidi Is Helping Women Tell Their Stories on Both Sides of the Camera
There are stories, and then, there is “her-story”—specifically, stories that can truly only be told by, about, and for women. Nevertheless, creating the space, platforms and support for female stories, voices and perspectives remains a challenge for creators, particularly in Hollywood. In 2015, Tribeca Enterprises and French luxury label Chanel joined forces to increase those odds…
