Cover Story
VIOLA DAVIS: THE STRENGTH OF A WOMAN
Photography by Keith Major
Story by Keisha Lance Bottoms
Viola Davis is more than the iconic characters—a mother, maid, wife, First Lady, and warrior queen—we have seen on screen. In a world that often deems Black women invisible, the explosive and pressure-filled eruptions, also known as her life, brought a diamond to the surface. No challenge has broken or ever will break her.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms sat down with the Oscar, Tony, and Emmy award-winning actress for an in-depth conversation on motherhood, her self-love journey, her new memoir Finding Me, and how she manifested her dreams.
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The newly-launched EBONY Studios is a full-service production division spanning multiple platforms.”We will build a strong library of film, television and audio content to further amplify the voices of creatives of color,” President Ty Cameron explains. One of its inaugural projects is director Patrick Green’s Sincerely, Los Angeles, which chronicles the people and stories behind the Kobe Bryant murals in L.A.
EBONY Publishing is proud to announce its latest release in partnership with Oscar, Tony and Emmy-award-winning actress Viola Davis. Finding Me is Davis’ story, in her own words, and spans her incredible, inspiring life. Rising from poverty and trauma to history-making powerhouse, hers is a story of overcoming, told with bravery, beauty and brutal honesty. An official selection of Oprah’s Book Club, Finding Me is available now at our EBONY Publishing online bookstore. Click below to order your copy of this moving memoir, available now.
The Rundown
Entertainment & Culture
Actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s Debut Children’s Books Encourage Self-Love and Confidence for Young Readers
If you don’t know Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s name yet, you definitely know her face. The British …
Atlanta Rapper Lil Keed Has Passed Away at 24
Rising rap star Lil Keed has passed away on Saturday in Los Angeles, Complex reports. …
Major Moments From the 2022 Billboard Music Awards
You can always count on the Billboard Awards to give us many of the most …
Photos
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Lelanie Foster
The confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court is undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in modern history. To commemorate this milestone, the White House tapped photographer Lelanie Foster for Justice Brown Jackson’s official portrait. EBONY spoke with the lenswoman after she photographed the trailblazer following her extraordinary bipartisan Senate confirmation. In an exclusive interview done just moments after capturing this image, the Bronx creative shared her thoughts with EBONY on being selected to capture this historic portrait and how her work centering identity and Black women is intrinsically intertwined in this assignment.
That's a Word
If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.
Style
The Best Looks From the 2022 Billboard Music Awards
Music industry OG Sean “Diddy” Combs hosted this year’s Billboard Music Awards and the stars …
Mega Influencer Jayda Cheaves Shares Her 6 Beauty Must-Haves
Jayda Cheaves is the darling social media influencer that we can’t keep our eyes off …
The Co-Founders of The Black Hair Experience Are Changing the Face of Experiential Museums
Alisha Brooks and Elizabeth Austin-Davis, co-founded The Black Hair Experience (TBHE), as an interactive selfie museum that showcases …
Love & Living
Lifestyle
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: 10 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR THERAPY SESSIONS
From racial injustice to the heightened anxiety and grief caused by the pandemic, now is as good a time as ever to begin your healing journey. EBONY asked Black mental health experts to share insights and resources on how to find the support that you and your family may need.
Mental Matters: Black Men and Mental Health
Discussions surrounding mental health are steadily becoming more prevalent and less taboo within the Black …
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: How to Prevent Dangerous Melanoma And Protect Your Skin
According to a recent study by the CDC, Black populations are the least likely to be diagnosed …
Chef Tiffany Derry Shares an Elevated Homemade Hummus Recipe
Denied from her first cooking job at age fifteen because of her race and gender, …
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![#Activist, Shaun King is getting #backlash regarding his #clothingbrand “A Real One” where some claim they have not received their order. #EBONY
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Accused #Merch #Controversy #Clothing](https://www.ebony.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
#Activist, Shaun King is getting #backlash regarding his #clothingbrand “A Real One” where some claim they have not received their order. #EBONY
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Accused #Merch #Controversy #Clothing
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year #EBONY is working to normalize discussions surrounding Black Men and Mental Health through "Mental Matters," a new video series we are launching throughout the month of May. Watch the first episode, as we hear from former NBA player #RonArtest, now known as Metta World Peace, and Grown-ish stars #DiggySimmons and #TrevorJackson, as they share their experiences with addressing mental health issues.
[Access the full video via the link in bio and stories.]
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MovingBlackForward
In celebration of @AETV’s upcoming all-new series, #BobbyBrownBio and #OriginsOfHipHop, premiering Memorial Day, join us as we celebrate a night of R&B and Hip-Hop. The live-streamed Facebook discussion will cover the impact that these two genres have had for decades in the world of music from some of the legendary artists who took the culture to another level. This once-in-a-lifetime panel features hip-hop legends, @JaRule and @TheRealGrandmasterCaz, with the King of R&B, @KingBobbyBrown –all hosted by “The Voice of New York” @AngieMartinez.
The parents of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst guested on #RedTableTalk to bring awareness to high-functioning depression in honor of their daughter. She tragically passed away in January from self-inflicted wounds.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#SuicidePrevention #Depression #Anxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
🕊—Our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Lil Keed, was signed to 300 Entertainment and Young Stoner Life Records, Young Thug’s label. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Lil Keed.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#RestInPower #LilKeed #EBONYMag
Image Source: Wireimage
Music distribution company UnitedMasters hosts Selectcon, which connects emerging artists with industry professionals like multimedia mogul Issa Rae. #Filmmaker #UnitedMasters #Selectcon
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
These are the names and faces of the Black Americans taken from us in a senseless act of violence this weekend in Buffalo, NY. We will forever remember and honor their legacy. #SayTheirNames #BlackLivesMatter #BuffaloNY
Roberta A. Drury of Buffalo, NY - age 32
Margus D. Morrison of Buffalo, NY - age 52
Andre Mackneil of Auburn, NY - age 53
Aaron Salter of Lockport, NY - age 55
Geraldine Talley of Buffalo, NY - age 62
Celestine Chaney of Buffalo, NY - age 65
Heyward Patterson of Buffalo, NY - age 67
Katherine Massey of Buffalo, NY - age 72
Pearl Young of Buffalo, NY - age 77
Ruth Whitfield of Buffalo, NY - age 86
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
A true catalyst for change and the voice of a new generation. 2022 #BBMAs Changemaker Award Winner Mari Copeny delivered the most inspiring and adorable speech of the night. #BBMAs2022 #BillboardMusicAwards #LittleMissFlint
[Access #EBONYS full list of "Major Moments of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards" via the link in bio or by clicking the link in our stories. 2-minute read.]
Video Source: Billboard Music Awards
Going for gold and shining in all things Black Excellence, Black luminaries and artists took home awards in several categories during the #BillboardMusicAwards. 🏆
#BBMAs #BBMAs2022
[Access #EBONYS full list of "Major Moments of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards" via the link in bio or by clicking the link in our stories. 2-minute read.]
Image Source: Getty
All aboard the LOVE TRAIN ❤️ 🚂 A highlight to an exciting night in music, #SilkSonic delivered irresistible, velvety vocals during last night's #BillboardMusicAwards. #BBMAs #BBMAs2022
[Access #EBONYS full list of "Major Moments of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards" via the link in bio or by clicking the link in our stories. 2-minute read.]
Video Source: Billboard Music Awards
Icons celebrating icons. We're still misty-eyed over #JanetJackson presenting #MaryJBlige with the Billboard Icon Award. That's the way REAL LOVE goes. 💐 ❤️
[Access #EBONY’S full list of "Major Moments of the Billboard Music Awards" via the link in bio or by clicking the link in our stories. 2-minute read]
#BlackGirlMagic #MaryJBlige #JanetJackson #BBMAs #BBMAs2022
Image Source: Getty
Taking home the award for Top Rap Female Artist, #MeganTheeStallion pays homage to her community and the women around her. 💐 #BBMAS #HTownHottie #TopRapFemaleArtist
[Access #EBONY’S full list of "Major Moments of the Billboard Music Awards" via the link in bio or by clicking the link in our stories. 2-minute read]
Video Source: Billboard Music Awards
TOP 5 no debating. TOP 5, TOP 5, TOP 5. 💥
Toast to thee Champagne Papi on his 5 #BillboardMusicAwards wins thus far tonight! 🥂
#BBMAS #ChampagnePapi #Drake #TopArtist #TopMaleArtist #TopRapArtist #TopRapMaleArtist #TopRapAlbum
Image Source: Instagram
It’s showtime! 🪩💃🏽🕺🏽
“You can spot us at the #BBMAs #redcarpet by the way that we walk, the way that we talk/cocky the state of New York— er, Nevada.🤣
Lyrics Homage — “Welcome to Atlanta” cc @jermainedupri @diddy
[Access #EBONY’S full list of "Best Red Carpet Looks" via the link in bio or by clicking the link in our stories. 2-minute read]
Pulitzer prize-winning #rapper #KendrickLamar returns with his 5th album, “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers,” which features several artists and intricate #songwriting.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
📸 @kendricklamar Instagram
In celebration of #AAPI heritage month, we want to give #love to our Black and AAPI identifying celebrities and #community.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#AsianAmerican #PacificIslander #Indian #Black
#WNBA Center of the Phoenix Mercury team #BrittneyGriner has her pre-trial detention extended by a month after being in Russian #custody for nearly three months.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Russia #LGBTQ+ #Basketball #Sports
Congratulations to the most powerful woman in #sports, Maria Taylor, who is hosting the most-watched studio #show in sports #NBC’s “Football Night in America!”
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Football #Women #Power #Host
#Tony-nominated #playwright Dominique Morisseau dishes on her play “Skeleton Crew” starring the iconic Phylicia Rashad that examines the last of the #auto stamping plants.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#BlackStories #Unemployment #Childcare #Illness
🕊—Our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of NBA Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, who dominated the league as a center in the 1970s.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#RestInPower #RIP #RIH #NBA #HallofFame
Image Source: Getty
#Florida judge blocks Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricting plan for violating the state #Constitution. #EBONY
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Republican #AfricanAmerican #BlackVote #Orlando
"The world and life belongs to the people who are brave and courageous enough to go out there and harness it." — @violadavis
May we all lean into the learnings of EBONY's dazzling cover star, Viola Davis and how we can continue to move our narrative and Black forward.
Read the full cover story on EBONY.com or by clicking the link in our stories.
#ViolaDavis #FindingMe
Animations by @oliseforel and @sunbronx
“The Black Hair Experience” co-founded by two Black women is an #selfie worthy selfie #museum where #Blackhair meets creativity!
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Texas #DMV #Atlanta #LosAngeles #NYC
#Tennis pro and 4-time #GrandSlam winner Naomi Osaka is launching her own sports agency and it’s such a #boss move! #EBONY
📸 @naomiosaka
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Business #Evolve #Agency #Sports
Join EBONY Magazine and Release The Pressure TONIGHT at 8PM EST/5PM PST for our beloved series, EBONY Date with a Dish: Justice with Heart. Don't miss out on this impactful discussion as we unpack issues impacting our Black community. Mark your calendars for and get ready to stream this conversation on EBONY.com & on EBONY's Facebook page! #EBONYMagazine #releasethepressure
The historic Brown Chapel AME #Church, a landmark in #Alabama, is put on the endangered list as it’s faced with costly repairs from decay, mold, and water damage.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#Endangered #HistoricLandmark #HistoricPreservation
Former #BlackPanther Sundiata Acoli is granted #parole 49 years after his conviction.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#BlackLiberationArmy #AssataShakur
Black Eyed Peas’ Grammy award-winning rapper and producer, Will.i.am, partners with #MercedesBenz for his #philanthropy efforts and support of #STEM students.
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
#MercedesBenz #Philanthropy #STEM #BlackEyedPeas
Image Source: Mercedes Benz
Make your heart a priority this #WorldHypertensionDay by attending @RTPressure #WeDerbyWithHeart event streaming live 5/17 at 8PM EST on Ebony.com You don't want to miss this spectacular extravaganza celebrating #Blackhealth, #beauty & #fashion, #𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙮 🐎 𝙎𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚!
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 to prioritize your heart health now at releasethepressure.org!
#releasethepressure #EBONY
We all need to watch out for rising #star and actress Jayme Lawson, who lined is up for two more screen projects after crushing it as our forever First Lady #MichelleObama in the #Showtime series “The First Lady.”
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
📸 : @jaymelawson
#JaymeLawson #TheFirstLady #BlackActress
Read More
Activist Shaun King Accused of Scamming Customers In Regards to His ‘Real One’ Clothing Line
Shaun King has been accused of scamming customers who purchased items from his clothing brand, A Real One. Many have claimed that they …
Jelani Cobb Appointed Dean of Columbia Journalism School
Acclaimed professor and author Jelani Cobb has been named the Dean of the Columbia Journalism School. Lee Bollinger, President of Columbia University lauded …
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: How to Prevent Dangerous Melanoma And Protect Your Skin
According to a recent study by the CDC, Black populations are the least likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer and three times more likely …
Atlanta Rapper Lil Keed Has Passed Away at 24
Rising rap star Lil Keed has passed away on Saturday in Los Angeles, Complex reports. He was 24. At the time of his …
Major Moments From the 2022 Billboard Music Awards
You can always count on the Billboard Awards to give us many of the most signature moments in music. With elevated performances, dope …
The Best Looks From the 2022 Billboard Music Awards
Music industry OG Sean “Diddy” Combs hosted this year’s Billboard Music Awards and the stars definitely brought their A-game to the red carpet. …
Chef Tiffany Derry Shares an Elevated Homemade Hummus Recipe
Denied from her first cooking job at age fifteen because of her race and gender, Chef Tiffany Derry has risen her way through …
At Least 10 People Killed in Mass Shooting at a Supermarket in Buffalo, New York
In Buffalo New York, at least 10 people were killed when a gunman dressed in body armor and armed with a high-powered rifle …
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Mental Matters: Black Men and Mental Health
Discussions surrounding mental health are steadily becoming more prevalent and less taboo within the Black community. As we continue to navigate uncertainty amidst health crises, unjust legislation and a tense
Stephen Curry Finally Receives His College Degree, After 13 Years
13 years after he first began, NBA superstar Stephen Curry has completed his college degree, ESPN reports. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in sociology from
Actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s Debut Children’s Books Encourage Self-Love and Confidence for Young Readers
If you don’t know Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s name yet, you definitely know her face. The British actress has graced the small and silver screens in everything from Killing Eve to Disney’s Cruella
An All-Black Expedition Team Made It to Mount Everest’s Summit
Full Circle, made history by becoming the first all-Black team to climb Mount Everest, USA Today reports. The expedition took place after several months of training, beginning in the Himalayas
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Is Somalia’s New President
Former Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won the presidency for a second time by defeating incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, Reuters reports. Mohamud, who led the country from 2012 to
Activist Shaun King Accused of Scamming Customers In Regards to His ‘Real One’ Clothing Line
Shaun King has been accused of scamming customers who purchased items from his clothing brand, A Real One. Many have claimed that they have not yet received their orders eight
Jelani Cobb Appointed Dean of Columbia Journalism School
Acclaimed professor and author Jelani Cobb has been named the Dean of the Columbia Journalism School. Lee Bollinger, President of Columbia University lauded Cobb’s accomplishments as a scholar and media
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: How to Prevent Dangerous Melanoma And Protect Your Skin
According to a recent study by the CDC, Black populations are the least likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer and three times more likely to die from the disease than any
That's a Word
