For the fans following Diarra’s search for the truth on the BET+ mystery comedy series Diarra From Detroit, it’s all about to come to a head. There have been so many twists in the disappearance of Chris, Diarra’s Tinder date who ghosted her after their first meeting, that EBONY wondered how it will all end.

“You can definitely expect a resolution of sorts, but of course, it comes with a new can of worms,” series creator and star Diarra Kilpatrick tells EBONY. “All I can say is, I hope we’ll leave you wanting more.”

Through all her amateur sleuthing, Diarra has grown. “She knows that her gut is pretty sharp and that she can trust it moving forward,” Kilpatrick says. This season, she took on something completely insane and unearthed a new part of herself. I think it’s safe to say she’s been bitten by the private investigator bug.”

With this being Patrick’s TV baby, the series creator doesn’t have a favorite scene. “There’s no way I could pick just one. The show is packed with special moments,” she exclaims. “There’s the initial Diarra/Chris date, the poker game, the strip club, the smooth jazz version of “It’s So Cold in the D.” There’s so much that still genuinely entertains me. I love this group of artists. From the actors and producers to the crew to our post team, everyone had a moment where they floored me with their talent.”

Kilpatrick grew up in the city where the series takes place. “I like to say I’m from all of Detroit. I grew up in Section 8, but I’ve also been to my share of pretty fancy parties, especially when my brother [Kwame Kilpatrick] was mayor,” she shares. “Old Detroit, New Detroit, the hood, the art openings and charity balls, I’ve had a peek into all of it. And I spent a lot of that time observing. This is a completely fictional story but there are tons of tiny truths threaded throughout.”

Of course, the biggest mystery to solve is whether there will be a season two of Diarra From Detroit? “There’s certainly an appetite for one,” Kilpatrick teases. “The critical reception has been phenomenal. And folks are telling me even their white friends are signing up for BET to see the show. This was a big, new swing for BET, and therefore, we’re waiting on the final numbers to see just how well the audience showed up. So now is definitely the time to support.”

Catch the season finale of Diarra From Detroit on Thursday, April 25 on BET+.

Beyoncé’s natural hair has long been a topic of discussion online, stirring controversy among critics and fans alike. Whether they are labeled as haters or simply online users, the continuous commentary on anyone’s hair—celebrity or otherwise—is weird. The launch of her new haircare line, Cécred, reignited debates about her natural hair, questioning the products’ effectiveness and whether she uses them herself. Beyoncé, known for her poise, often allows the public to voice their opinions about her and her family for years before she chooses to respond in her own time. As she famously sang, “I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros,” and in her latest Instagram video, she is seen using Cécred products, showcasing her natural hair being washed, blow-dried, and straightened.

“The stigma and misconception is that people that wear wigs don’t have long and healthy hair that’s some bullsh*t cause it ain’t nobody business”

When Queen Bey dramatically cut her hair in 2013, many speculated that it was actually a wig. Again, one might ask, why does it matter? In 2019, Miss Tina, Beyoncé’s mother, and Neal Farinah, her hairstylist, shared a video on Instagram showcasing the singer’s real hair. In the video, it was evident that Miss Tina’s actions slightly annoyed Beyoncé, but undeterred, she continued participating in the recording, nonchalantly running her hands through her hair. This incident highlighted how Beyoncé often remains unfazed by public scrutiny, focusing instead on her personal expression and authenticity.

Here at EBONY, we support Beyoncé regardless of her hair length, color, or style—be it long, short, blonde, or black. Instead, we’re still waiting on the visuals for Acts 1 and 2.

Another day, another retail store where millennials grew up shopping is closing stores.

When millennials say that we’ve been through a lot, you have to think about how we saw the rise of the internet, wars, the digital age, a recession and an ongoing global pandemic. Now, every other year, we have to read about a retail store we coveted in our childhood announcing store closures. This week we had to read about the retail store Express filing for bankruptcy and closing 100 of its stores.

With nostalgia being a big thing for us and mall culture having shaped many of us and how we define our personal style, even in our 30s, seeing stores close signifies that we are getting older. And there is nothing wrong with getting old, but seeing our beloved stores going out of business is a bit of a trigger. We went from seeing brands that we loved in magazines like Vibe, Seventeen, TeenVogue, J14 and more, and then went to the mall to find items that we could afford to recreate the same looks. Yes, we are partly at fault for the death of mall culture and the closing of stores with many of us online shopping because of its convenience. Now, we can avoid crazy shoppers and have the product delivered right to our front door.

Millennials are increasingly turning to online shopping, favoring convenience and sustainability. This shift has accelerated during the pandemic as more people opt for contactless shopping experiences. Sadly, it also means saying goodbye to the tactile experience of browsing through racks, trying on clothes and chatting with store associates.

The closure of stores that were once staples of our shopping routines reminds us of the changing retail landscape. It prompts us to reflect on the past while also embracing the future of shopping, which is evolving rapidly in response to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences.

What have we gotten ourselves into? Can we return to the days of Myspace profiles and buy a Cinnabon at the mall with the $10 our parents gave us?

In a groundbreaking announcement poised to redefine the landscape of American politics, Dr. Cornel West, philosopher and former Princeton professor, revealed his running mate, Dr. Melina Abdullah, for the 2024 presidential election.

In the wake of escalating tensions and fervent activism on college campuses nationwide, Dr. West and Dr. Abdullah are forging a pathway of civic significance.

Dr. Abdullah, a distinguished scholar in Pan-African studies and former Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, brings experience and expertise to the table. One of the co-founders involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, Abdullah’s unwavering commitment to combating systemic racism and advocating for marginalized communities resonates deeply with Dr. West’s longstanding dedication to social justice.

Dr. West’s career has been defined by his unapologetic stance against oppression and inequality, his advocacy for transformative change and his challenge to the status quo.

“At this historic and pivotal moment, it is my profound honor to stand alongside my dear sister, Dr. Melina Abdullah, a fierce and tireless advocate for truth, justice, and transformative change,” Dr. West said in a statement following the announcement.

“Sister Melina’s incredible courage, keen intellect and deep vision have greatly served the cause of liberation in education, worker rights and both racial and gender justice. Her unique Black analysis and witness help us confront our crumbling era of empire, white supremacy and patriarchy. I look forward to working with her as we strengthen our commitment in our campaign for truth, justice and love!”

The historic significance of Dr. West and Dr. Abdullah’s candidacy cannot be overstated, particularly in the face of America’s complex history of race and politics. Despite strides toward diversity and inclusion, Americans have never witnessed an all-Black presidential ticket. Even Reverend Jesse Jackson’s groundbreaking presidential campaign in the 1980s, the slot for vice president remained occupied by white candidates.

As we stand on the birth of a new era, Dr. West and Dr. Abdullah’s alliance represents a departure from conventional politics. Their platform, grounded in principles of racial justice, economic equity and transformative social change, offers a compelling vision for reparations reform and a more equitable future. With an unwavering commitment to justice, they can create a new course for America, one defined by hope, progress and the pursuit of a more perfect union.

As Dr. West eloquently stated, “I’m against genocide. I’m against fascism. I think one can still be committed to justice and committed to peace but recognize the circumstances under which one does have to fight.”

President Joe Biden is reportedly scheduled to give the commencement speech at Morehouse College next month. One Morehouse faculty member who spoke anonymously with FOX 5 Atlanta confirmed that the nation’s 46th President is set to be the keynote speaker at the 2024 commencement; however, there have been concerns from faculty and alumni circulating the campus.

A commencement speech at one of the nation’s most prominent HBCUs (very notably Martin Luther King Jr.’s alma mater) is a key strategic move in an election year where Biden again faces former President Donald Trump. Commencement is typically an occasion where Presidents can reach out to young voters, aiming to inspire a large group of young people right on the precipice of the rest of their lives.

For Biden, rallying young Black voters is crucial: if he does not garner the support from the Black community that he had in the 2020 election, his chances of losing battleground states to Trump significantly increase. Many polls show that young voters of color are less enthusiastic about Biden’s candidacy than they were in 2020.

While Biden is trying to retain the diverse voter base that elected him to office, some in the Morehouse community oppose the current president’s commencement speech because of his verbal, financial and military support for Israel in the relentless bombing of the Gaza Strip after the infamous October 7 attacks.

Another anonymous faculty member who spoke to NBC News said the Morehouse administration is concerned that students and faculty will protest during Biden’s speech, scheduled for May 19. 

“This week, I received an inquiry from concerned faculty about rumors they were hearing about President Biden’s selection as the 2024 Commencement speaker,” Kendrick Brown, Morehouse’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, wrote in an email sent Friday to faculty members. 

Brown also told NBC that he has organized a virtual meeting scheduled this Thursday for the Morehouse community to express their concerns and to ask any clarifying questions they may have for Morehouse President David Thomas about his choice. Neither Brown nor Thomas responded to news outlets who asked for comments about this controversy.

With a significant increase in protests on college campuses against Biden’s stance and actions supporting Israel, this is a valid concern. Almost 750 miles away on the Columbia University campus, pro-Palestine student protesters have been met with expulsions and NYPD arrests, along with being doxxed on social media. 

Columbia is not the only university grappling with student protests, and, to be clear, students have the right to protest as declared by the First Amendment. Commencement ceremonies are a momentous occasion that all college students have worked tirelessly to celebrate, but the entire point of protesting is to disrupt the status quo. Morehouse students have earned the right to celebrate graduation and express their views on injustice.

Greetings! I’m Lauren Wesley Wilson, CEO of ColorComm, and I’m excited to welcome you to the What Do You Need weekly column. Every week in April, I will feature my favorite parts of my debut book, What Do You Need? This week’s topic is an excerpt from Chapter 5: You Need to Take (Calculated) Risks.

Enjoy!

Redefining Risk

Risk-taking is a critical aspect of career-building. It’s a must if you want to establish yourself as a major player in your field. Playing it safe doesn’t inspire anyone to stop and take notice. It might make you reliable and dependable, which is valuable, but it will rarely help you advance. The way I see it, risks are simply actions that are not in your comfort zone.

They’re opportunities that may not be explicitly outlined in the company handbook, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad or wrong. It simply means that their outcomes are uncertain. Of course, if the outcome of every professional decision were clear, we’d all take the same path.

The truth is, taking a risk—and by risk I mean making a calculated, thought-out decision to try something new or different, I’m not talking about throwing caution to the wind and doing something stupid on a whim—is about taking the pieces of yourself you value most and asking, How can I grow this a little more, in a new way? That might mean, as it did for me, going after an award so you are recognized in a specific industry and thus get more opportunities. It might mean pursuing a promotion or investing your own money into getting an additional degree or certification. It might be creating a social media account that showcases your skills. In the moment when you do any of those things, they feel risky, because there is no guarantee that they will work out. Still, taking risks is about creating an accelerated path to a desired outcome.

I understand why making the so-called “risky” moves can be scary, especially for those of us who were taught our whole lives to keep our heads down, try to fit in, and not make waves. Raising your hand to lead a project or make a presentation, putting yourself up for awards—these actions all shine a greater spotlight on you, and that means people will be watching if things don’t work out.

Your boss might say no when you ask for a raise (research shows that “Black job seekers are expected to negotiate less than their White counterparts and are penalized in negotiations with lower salary outcomes”—in other words, if you’re Black, you’re likely to get a smaller raise when you ask for one than your white counterparts) or you may be told you’re not ready for a higher title, both of which can make you feel foolish or unappreciated. You may not win the award you put yourself up for, or your presentation may be a flop—this can be embarrassing, especially when your colleagues are paying attention.

I won’t sugarcoat that, because part of taking chances is understanding the consequences if things don’t go your way. The fallout from these risks can feel even more significant as a woman of color because there is often this sense that we are representing not just ourselves but our entire race or gender. If your white colleague’s presentation is a flop, it is a commentary on that specific colleague.

When a woman of color botches the same opportunity, there will be individuals who will extrapolate that error—it’s not about your ability to present, but that of Black women or Hispanic women or Brown women in general. Research shows that women of color, and Black women especially, feel especially on guard or closely watched in their work because their actions or performance will reflect on others who look like them.

But when it comes to your career, taking risks is really about reframing your thinking. So much of what women of color are taught about professionalism is about waiting. . . . Wait for review time, wait for the next pay cycle, wait for someone to invite you to join this committee or that professional network. At one of my early jobs, an executive, Nancy, was a clear power player within the company. I knew that getting in with Nancy could help my career because people took her input or recommendations seriously.

One day, I mentioned to one of my colleagues that I was going to ask Nancy to coffee. “You don’t ask Nancy to coffee,” my co-worker said. “Nancy asks you.” I remember how much that scared me. Wow, I thought. I’ve got to wait for her to notice me? How will she ever get to know who I am if I’m just sitting around waiting? That hasn’t worked for me in the past! Still, I was intimidated–so much so that I never did ask Nancy to coffee. I didn’t even ask her for a 15-minute phone call. They say the risks you regret most are the ones you didn’t take, and I have to say, I’ve asked a lot of people to coffee in my career, and this is the only invitation (or lack thereof) that I still remember. What I know now is that the rules of who you can speak to or what accolades you can go after are not rules you need to live by.

There’s another reason, of course, why the waiting game won’t serve your career. The truth is,

not everyone at your company will have your best interests at heart, and not everyone will want you to get ahead. This could be for any number of reasons—they may see you as competition, they may mentor someone at your level who they want to help excel, they may simply not like you. Who knows their motivations, and frankly, who cares? You can’t control how other people feel about you, only how you behave. You need to know that nobody is thinking about your career the way you’re thinking about it, which is why you need to decide if a risk is worth taking. I often talk to ColorComm members who are frustrated that their bosses don’t care about their goals, and I always say the same thing: Everyone is focused on themselves. It may sound cynical, but I don’t mean it as a bad thing. That’s the way it should be! Everyone should be working on their own advancement. In fact, I find it empowering to know that you alone are in control of your career because it means you have every right—and responsibility—to go after what you want.

Build relationships, attend industry functions and pursue awards. If you want to oversee specific areas of the business and understand the P&L, jump right in and offer to take on the spreadsheets. If you want a better understanding of your niche industry, volunteer for an associate board so you can make connections—and then make sure to tell your boss about it. You can’t increase your own value without communicating that you’ve done the extra work. I liken it to going to school. Back in college, you probably didn’t just go to class. You had

to study, do extra credit, raise your hand, join study groups. Jobs are no different—every risk you take is a decision to go after your success.

Every risk you take in the workplace should be calculated. You should always think through

possible outcomes and consequences, and you should always have a plan. Sure, inherent in taking a risk is the chance that things won’t work out as you hoped, but if you have clear goals and a well-constructed vision for your career, then your actions, even the risky ones—especially the risky ones!—will usually align with that plan. You will be able to articulate a clear reason why you took the risk (especially important for those times when said risk backfires). You should take these chances not just to see what might happen, but because the desired outcome will move you along your planned path more quickly. You are nothing, after all, if not a savvy businesswoman.

Shopping for pre-owned luxury handbags represents a sustainable choice that aligns with environmentally friendly practices and promotes a more ethical fashion industry. This shopping approach helps extend the lifecycle of high-quality products, ensuring that the considerable resources and labor invested in their creation are utilized for the longest possible time. Here’s how choosing second-hand contributes to sustainability:

The fashion industry is one of the major contributors to global waste, with a significant portion of its output ending up in landfills. Consumers play a crucial role in curbing this trend by opting to purchase second-hand luxury bags. This choice reduces the demand for new products, thus minimizing the waste generated during production and helping conserve materials that are already in use.

Supporting the pre-owned market contributes to a decrease in the manufacturing of new items, conserving resources such as water, energy and raw materials required in the production process. This lessens the waste and diminishes the environmental impact associated with resource extraction and processing.

Purchasing pre-owned luxury bags also helps in lowering the carbon footprint. Since the production and distribution of new luxury items are energy-intensive and involve long supply chains, reducing the demand for new products cuts down on carbon emissions. By investing in durable, timeless luxury items, consumers promote the concept of slow fashion.

This shift from the fast fashion cycle of buying and discarding encourages a sustainable, quality-focused consumption pattern. The pre-owned market plays a vital role in the circular economy, promoting the reuse and recycling of goods, which supports ethical consumption by not directly contributing to brands that may overlook sustainable practices. Shopping for second-hand luxury handbags is not merely a nod to style but a profound step towards sustainable and ethical fashion practices, benefitting both the environment and society.

Chanel

Lambskin Pleated Medium Boy Flap Black

Price: $3,450

Shop at Fashionphile

Louis Vuitton

NeoNoe Handbag Monogram Canvas MM

Price: $1,420

Shop at ReBag

Saint Laurent

Small Monogram Universite Crossbody Bag

Price: $745

Shop at The Real Real

Hermes

Taurillon Clemence Tri-Color Picotin Lock 18 PM Rouge Coeur Rose Extreme Bleu Zanzibar

Price: $3,955

Shop at Fashionphile

Christian Dior

Book Tote Oblique Canvas Medium

Price: $2,275

Shop at ReBag

Givenchy

Calfskin Medium G-Lock Hobo Brown

Price: $1,875

Shop at Fashionphile

Loewe

Puzzle Bag Leather Small

Price: $1,775

Shop at ReBag

Fendi

Sheepskin Vitello Grace Pony Hair Ocelot Nano Fendigraphy Hobo Charm Multicolor Black

Price: $1,385

Shop at Fashionphile

Balenciaga

Hourglass Top Handle Bag Printed Leather XS

Price: $960

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Gucci

GG Supreme Monogram Textured Dollar Calfskin Small Ophidia Hobo Beige Ebony New Acero

Price: $1,495

Shop at Fashionphile

Goyard

Saint Louis Tote Coated Canvas PM

Price: $2,275

Shop at ReBag

Hermes

Togo Birkin 30 w/Tags

Price: $20,000

Shop at The Real Real

From actress to author to now publisher. Academy Award-winner Viola Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, both esteemed film, television and theater producers, have partnered with visionary author and publisher Lavaille Lavette and announced the launch of JVL Media. The new independent publisher company is primed to deliver uniquely curated titles to a global readership through strategic alliances with leading book publishing houses.

“This endeavor embodies our collective aspiration—to champion and elevate voices that resonate with authenticity and are often overlooked,” says Davis, who saw her memoir, Finding Me, published in 2022.

Debuting with a slate of non-fiction books, JVL first titles include Had to Lose to Win: The Tiki Davis Story by Tiki Davis and The Inclusion Leader Genius by Dr. Johne Battle, as well as the new female-centric fiction New Hope by Tanya Wright and the sci-fi epic Black States of America by D. E. Rogers. In fall 2025, JVL Media will expand its literary repertoire to include children’s books and young adult titles.

Says Lavette, “JVL Media stands as a beacon for inclusive and nuanced storytelling. We are devoted to fostering joy, inspiring wonder and unlocking the limitless power of literature to unite us all.”

Let’s be very honest: Being eco-friendly and shopping eco-friendly isn’t cheap, but the fabrics feel great and it’s good for the environment. Eco-friendly bedding encompasses a range of sustainable practices and materials that contribute to a healthier planet and a more comfortable sleep environment. One of the key aspects of eco-friendly bedding is the use of organic and natural materials. This includes organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing harmful chemicals in the environment and promoting soil health. Bamboo fabrics are gaining popularity due to their sustainability; bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides to thrive.

An important feature of eco-friendly bedding is the use of non-toxic dyes and finishes. Traditional bedding often contains synthetic dyes and chemical finishes that can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Eco-friendly options prioritize natural dyes and finishes, such as plant-based or low-impact dyes, which are gentler on the planet and less likely to cause allergies or skin irritations.

Sustainable manufacturing practices are integral to eco-friendly bedding. This includes responsible production processes that minimize waste, conserve energy, and reduce carbon emissions. Many eco-friendly bedding brands also prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring workers are treated ethically and paid fairly.

Eco-friendly bedding often focuses on functionality and durability. High-quality eco-friendly bedding is designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ultimately reducing waste. This benefits the environment and saves consumers money in the long run.

Choosing eco-friendly bedding is a conscious decision that supports environmental conservation, promotes healthier sleep, and contributes to a more sustainable future. By opting for bedding made from organic and natural materials, free from harmful chemicals and produced using sustainable practices, individuals can create a comfortable and environmentally responsible sleep environment.

Brooklinen

Organic Cotton Throw Blanket

Price: $127

Shop at Brooklinen

Bed Threads

Olive 100% French Flax Linen Bedding Set

Price: $425

Shop at Bed Threads

Saatva

Waffle Knit Blanket

Price: $215

Shop at Saatva

Cozy Earth

Bamboo Pillowcases

Price: $60

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Ettitude

Bamboo Comforter

Price: $349

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Pact

Organic Cool-Air Percale Duvet Cover

Price: $120

Shop at Wear Pact

Kotn

Duvet Cover and Sham Set

Price: $225

Shop at Kotn

Eucalypso Home

Baby Crib Sheets

Price: $36

Shop at Eucalypso Home

Anchal

Queen Kantha Quilt Bedding

Price: $375

Shop at Anchal

Tuft & Needle

Hemp Sheet Set

Price: $240

Shop at Tuft & Needle