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True West: With a Reimagined Revival, a Classic Sam Shepard Play Reminds Us That We, Too, Are America
“It’s a very universal story. It’s a play about brothers,” says actor Namir Smallwood when asked about his role in True West, Sam Shepard’s classic play about toxic sibling rivalry, now in production at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre. Despite the universally relatable theme, there is something distinctly different about this critically acclaimed revival; it’s the first…
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Tiffany Haddish, Blair Underwood and More to Join Octavia Spencer in Netflix's Madam CJ Walker
Talk about “Strong Black Leads”! It looks like Netflix’s Madam C.J. Walker, co-produced and starring Octavia Spencer in the titular role, will have a star-studded cast. Our friends at Shadow & Act report that Tiffany Haddish, Blair Underwood, Carmen Ejogo, Garrett Morris and Kevin Carroll will all be appearing in the four-part limited series when…
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Jackie Aina Just Blew My Budget—and I'm Not Mad
Jackie. Or should I say “Jackie, Jackie, Jackie, Jackie…” You know those times when you’re trying to be a responsible adult and have your biweekly budget planned to the penny, including your social calendar and contingency savings? Well, consider this an emergency, because beauty influencer Jackie Aina just threw my budget off by $45 plus…
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It's Official: Beyoncé Belongs in the Smithsonian
Last year, Beyoncé helped make history when she approved Tyler Mitchell to photograph her for the cover of the September 2018 issue of American Vogue, making the then-23-year-old the first black photographer—and one of the youngest—to shoot the cover of the world’s best-known fashion magazine in its 126-year history. In the year since, that barrier-breaking…
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Internationally Known: Essence Celebrates Its Global Impact With Serena Williams and a New Design
At this point in time, Essence is an American classic, beloved by those of us who grew up with the magazine atop the coffee tables of our mothers, aunties, grandmothers, big sisters, and now, ourselves. But on the heels of the 25th annual Essence Festival, and as the magazine approaches its 50th birthday in 2020,…
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Big Little…Lipstick? Zoë Kravitz Is Launching a Collaboration With YSL Beauté
Her character’s future may hang in the balance on HBO’s Big Little Lies, but Zoë Kravitz is indisputably winning at life. The actress and musician, who wed longtime love Karl Glusman in late June, is now making the most of her ongoing brand ambassadorship with Saint Laurent, teasing a new collaboration with the label’s makeup…
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Let’s Hear It for the Girls: Marsai Martin Talks Stardom and STEM at the 6th Annual ComEd Icebox Derby
What’s hot, cold and giving girls a chance to excel in STEM? ComEd’s 6th Annual Icebox Derby, which took place in Chicago on Saturday. The sun was high over the city’s Daley Plaza, but so, too, was the momentum, as 30 girls on six teams completed their race to create the best and fastest recycled…
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A New Sensation: Fenty Beauty’s Got a New Foundation Finish Coming
We asked, and Rihanna listened. If like me, you were wowed by Fenty’s 40—now 50—shades of foundation but didn’t find Pro Filt’r’s “soft matte” finish an ideal match, the groundbreaking brand has another offering in-store, come Aug. 15. That’s right; for those of us who need a little more moisture in our makeup, there will…
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Breakfast of Champions: Janelle Monáe and Belvedere Vodka Hosted a 'Night Brunch' in Chicago—and We Were There
“What does a beautiful future mean to you?” That was the question posed by entertainer and activist Janelle Monáe as she debuted her collaboration with Belvedere Vodka with a “night brunch” at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursday night. The name of her limited edition bottle? “A Beautiful Future,” of course. Those familiar with…
