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For Pride Month and beyond, join us as we celebrate the Black celebrities, artists and activists who represent what it means to be queer right now. Plus, an exclusive guide to the best Pride events, LGBTQIA+ owned brands, and more.
Cover Story
Photography by Keith Major
Story by Ronda Racha Penrice
H.E.R., sparkling in purple, performing with one of her music idols Lenny Kravitz, flexing all his rockstar badness in a bronze jumpsuit, on this year’s Grammy stage to his 1993 hit “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” a song she’s often performed solo, was much more than a memorable moment destined to be enshrined in the Grammy vault of great performances. For Kenny Wilson, H.E.R.’s dad, who began nurturing his daughter musically before she could basically walk, watching her trade guitar riffs with rocker Kravitz was a full circle moment.
“It was kind of surreal for me to see her on stage with Lenny Kravitz because I used to have her watch his concerts,” Wilson shares with EBONY. “Hey check out, Lenny. He sounds cool. He’s hip; he’s different. He’s Black, but he’s also rock, and he’s blues, and he’s totally funk,” he’d tell her. “You want to be in that lane,” he insisted, “because people forget that we invented rock & roll so let’s remind them.”
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Video Series
Special Features
EBONY April cover star and former NBA Player, Iman Shumpert has embarked on a new venture with his brother Ahrii. The podcast, entitled Iman Amongst Men, takes an honest look at what it means to be a Black man in today’s world. Joined by guests including JR Smith, Matt Barnes and more, the brothers explore topics from financial literacy and mental wellness, to fatherhood and relationships.
For Pride Month and beyond, join us as we celebrate the Black celebrities, artists and activists who represent what it means to be queer right now. Plus, an exclusive guide to the best Pride events, LGBTQIA+ owned brands, and more.
The Rundown
Entertainment & Culture
Idris Elba in Talks to Buy British Broadcaster Channel 4
Idris Elba is reportedly in talks to purchase U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, reports Deadline. Elba, …
Sam Gilliam, an Acclaimed Visual Artist, Passes Away at 88
Sam Gilliam, a renowned visual artist who helped redefine abstract painting, passed away on June …
Chaka Zulu, Ludacris’ Longtime Manager, Shot in Atlanta Shopping Center
Chaka Zulu, Ludacris‘ long-time music executive and manager, was wounded in a shooting at an …
Photos
Cigar Aficionados by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn
Communion around cigars has been long standing among Black folks both stateside and globally. Laylah Amatullah Barrayan‘s portrait project highlights members of the cigar community in Brooklyn, New York while examining how communities of color commune around them. Through imagery and interviews, she explores the personal style and aesthetics of cigar brand owners, cigar lounge proprietors, event promoters, and connoisseurs.
That's a Word
I think, as an artist, you have to have experienced some deep turmoil, some kind of pain, because that’s what connects you with the world. That’s what makes it juicy!
Style
10 Linen Dresses to Refresh Your Summer Wardrobe
The key to looking cool and stylish during the summer is never letting them see …
10 Plus-Size Amazon Finds for a Last-Minute Slay
Picture this: it’s T-minus 72 hours before your vacation. In your closet filled with plenty …
Cop His Look: Rapper Vic Mensa Shares His 5 Grooming Must-Haves
The Chi-town rapper Vic Mensa is as multitalented as he is stylish. Over the years, …
Love & Living
Lifestyle
“Black people are underrepresented in marketing materials, adverts, and even print and digital coverage in mainstream publications around sailing culture,” says veteran traveler Eulanda Osagiede. In May, she partnered with ScicSailing to arrange a luxury excursion consisting of only Black sailors— considering the spending power of Black travelers over the last few years.
How to Release the Toxic ‘Summer Body’ Mindset and Build Body Confidence
The summer months are upon us, and as the hot weather encroaches, that means we …
‘The Chubby Diaries’ Jeff Jenkins on His Upcoming NatGeo Show Documenting His Experiences as a Plus-Sized Traveler
For many plus-sized travelers, there is a certain hesitancy that comes along with venturing out …
Chef Omar Tate Partners With Bombay Bramble Gin for Dinner Series Honoring Black Farmers
Bombay Bramble and Chef Omar Tate are honored to announce a partnership and launch ‘Cultivating …
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"I've had the pleasure of attending The ESPYS but never imagined I'd have the privilege of hosting this special event."
ESPN announces NBA All-Star @StephenCurry30 as the host of this years ESPYS. A full-circle moment, the Golden State Warrior is also nominated for multiple ESPY awards including Best Male Athlete, Best NBA Player, and Best Record-breaking performance!
Will Steph Curry be the 'Petty King' at the ESPYs? 👀 Let us know in the comments!
#ESPYSAwards #NBA #ESPN
Twenty-seven year tennis veteran and Grand Slam winner Serena Williams lost to France’s Harmony Tan in the first round of Wimbledon. Even though this was Serena's first tournament in nearly a year and it ended much sooner than we all expected, Serena’s track record speaks for itself throughout her legendary career. We look forward to seeing Serena compete again! @serenawilliams is still the GOAT of tennis and will remain so! 🐐
#SerenaWilliams #Tennis #GrandSlam #Wimbledon #GOAT #Athlete #TennisPlayer
@EastsideGolf has entered the basketball arena: On Wednesday, the company announced a capsule collection with the @NBA called Playing Golf After This, which will feature T-shirts with seven of the league’s team logos!
Link in bio for the full story!
#BloombergEquality #EBONYMag #BlackOwnedBusiness
Congratulations are in order for the HONORABLE Ketanji Brown Jackson! Today, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was officially sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, making history as the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
“With a full heart, I accept the solemn responsibility of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and administering justice without fear or favor, so help me God,” she said. “I am truly grateful to be part of the promise of our great nation. I extend my sincerest thanks to all of my new colleagues for their warm and gracious welcome.”
📸: getty images
Full story via the link in bio! 🫶🏾
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to return Bruce's Beach, a seaside property in Manhattan, back to the descendants of the Black family it was taken from over a century ago.
#Reparations #BlackWealth #BruceBeach #LA #California #Manhattan
#BreakMySoul brought to you by Russell Westbrook 😭🕺🏿
#Beyonce #BeyHive #NewMusic #NBA #basketball #RussellWestbrook
Welcome the Johnsons, Discover Boating and EBONY’s Coolest Black Family!
Martha’s Vineyard is one of their favorite family vacation destinations. Watch and learn more about these new boat owners and their experience on the water.
Kenny Johnson: @kennyhjohnsonjr
Yolandra Johnson: @yojo_511
@johnsonfamilylovesthewater
#DiscoverBoating #EBONY #CoolestBlackFamily #SeeYouOutHere #WelcomeToTheWater
The NBA’s exclusive card producer, Panini, auctions the ONE and ONLY Flawless Collection LeBron James card for $2.4 Million! #NBA #LeBron #LeBronJames #Panini #Flawless #Auction #Drake
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Federal prosecutors are asking for a minimum 25 year sentence for the 55 year old, while the defense is advocating for a maximum of 10 years. This is a developing story, keep an eye on this space! #EBONYMag #RKelly #MeToo
@ChefAdrienneCheatham is best known for being the runner up on season 15 of “Top Chef,” and being the right-hand to restauranteur Marcus Samuelsson. Cheatham served as his Chef de Cuisine at his Streetbird restaurant, as Executive Chef at the famous Red Rooster in Harlem, where she curated special tasting menus for Black History Month and a multi-course dining experience inspired by female African-American chefs in the industry.
Chef Cheatham shares her mouthwatering Tater Tot Waffles With Candied Bacon recipe with #EBONY, where the full recipe can be found via the link in bio! If you try this recipe at home, tag us! 👀🧇🥓 #BlackSoulFood #SundayBest #BlackChef
📸 ©2022 Kelly Marshall. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House
Ludacris’ longtime music executive and manager Chaka Zulu is recovering from surgery after being shot in an Atlanta shopping center. #Atlanta #ATL #Buckhead #Ludacris #Music #HipHop #RnB
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
"I set out on this trip knowing I was walking into a traditional white space with the chance to open doors for Black travelers."
If you’re dreaming of visiting all 7 continents, including the coldest Antarctica, then see what these Black travelers have to say about their experience on the ‘white continent.’ #Travel #Cold #Freezing #Antarctica #Wildlife #Polar #SouthPole
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Power in the wrong hands can be disastrous. If Friday’s decision on abortion rights did not make that clear, another ruling will. This nation is in a fight to protect freedom. And though the powers that be have won an important battle, it’s up to the people to win this war. Read the full opinion piece, via the link in bio!
✍🏾 @tanyachristian
[6 minute read]
#EBONY #RoeVWade #ReproductiveRights #SCOTUS
Toy maker Kristel Bell is on a mission to spark passion in STEM education for the next generation of leaders with dolls! #STEM #Education #Girls #Girl #Children #Represenation #Doll
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Non-profit Generation Hope calls upon government officials to ensure that the proper aid is given to those who need it most as a result of overturning Roe v. Wade. #RoevWade
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Footwear brand Steve Madden and Atlanta’s hottest restaurant Slutty Vegan collaborate on a limited-edition vegan sneaker and bag. #SluttyVegan #SteveMadden #Atlanta #Merch #Shoes #Fashion #Food
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Kevin Liles, the “father” of many hip-hop superstars, sits with EBONY for an exclusive interview about his long and ‘blessed’ career. #HipHop #KWL #DefJam #JayZ #Ludacris #MeganTheeStallion #Blessed
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Artist Walker Noble collaborates with West Elm for an exclusive collection of wall art, rugs, and decor honoring his African ancestry. #InteriorDesign #WestElm #Africa #Wallart #Rugs #Decor #Textile
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
EBONY is wishing our cover star, the beautiful and talented @HERMusicOfficial a very special 25th birthday! What a milestone to have reached with so much love, grace, and humility as you achieve greatness and inspire so many. As your own personal new year, we can’t wait to hear and see what you accomplish. We adore you! Thank you for being a bright star in Black culture.
Check out EBONY’s June Cover featuring H.E.R and dad, Kenny Wilson, to learn more about this sensational soul on her birthday!
#HER #EBONY #HappyBirthday #Birthday #BirthdayWishes #BirthdayVibes #BirthdayMonth #BirthdayWeek #Celebrate #Soul #RnB #Rock #Music
Daytime Emmy award-winning actress Mishael Morgan shares an inspiring speech after becoming the first Black woman to achieve the honor of Outstanding Lead Actress. #Emmy #Trinidad #Tobago #BlackGirlMagic #BlackExcellence #TheYoungandtheRestless #SoapOpera
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
The disproportionate effects of certain laws and criminalization of Black people are nothing new in America, still we can fight back, and here’s how! #RoevWade #ReproductiveRights #HumanRights #SCOTUS #Abortion #Prochoice #BlackWomen
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Congratulations to Sean “Diddy” Combs! @Diddy received his 💐 flowers on Sunday’s 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟤 BET Awards. The musician and business mogul was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, with Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Shyne, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, and Faith Evans, and more, paying tribute with a special medley performance.
Diddy left the world with words of wisdom saying, “I got this dream of Black people being free… of us controlling our own destiny.” At the end of his lengthy but fiery speech, he pledged $2 million each to Howard University and Jackson State to help uplift those institutions in their endeavors.
Watch more Best Moments From the 2022 BET Awards via the link in bio!
Video (@revolttv) cc @diddy
#BETAwards #blackexcellence
#betmusic #bether #diddy #lifetimeachievement
#congratulations
EBONY exclusively interviews Edvin Thompson, a Jamaican fashion designer and brainchild of Theophilio, about his thoughts on Pride and what it means to be a proud gay Black man. #EBONY #Pride #Fashion #Designer #Jamaica #Gay #BlackandProud
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Bask in the music, fashion, art, and dance, celebrating LGBTQIA identities in a way you haven’t been before. #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA #Queer #Pride #Fashion #NYC #Dance
[Read the full story via the #linkinbio or by clicking the link in our stories. 3-minute read]
Oscar Nominee and Queen of the night, @TarajiPHenson had over 10 wardrobe and hair changes at the #BETAwards2022 & can we say she NAILED every look? From her @TomFord silver rhinestone body con dress and sleek ponytail for the red carpet, to her Gold embellished detailed dress for her grand entrance, to her #YvesSaintLaurent rose patterned satin catsuit, nothing was left undone. We want to highlight that this was an all 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 GLAM SQUAD and they did ✨not✨ come to play. Take a look at some of her stunning looks and tell us your favorites of the night, Styled by one of the best in our culture!🔥
Stylist: @jasonrembert
Assistant Stylist: @reggiereisman
Hair: @tymwallacehair
Hair Assistant: @sharifposton
Makeup: @saishabeecham
Makeup Assistant: @flawlessface_mua
Nails: @customtnails1
📸: getty images
#tarajiphenson
#EBONY inside #BETAwards with #EvaMarcille #DanielKaluuya #FrenchMontana #MichaelBlackson & #MarvinAnthony #BETAwards2022 #BlackExcellence #betmusic
#EBONY x #BETAwards with #LilUzi #TishaCampbell #DominiqueJackson #MahdiCocci #CandiceRenee #ShaunRoss #SkyhBlack #ChanceTheRapper #BaronDavis #MatthewCherry #TraceyEdmonds #ShaunRobinson
EBONY x #BETAwards with #Diddy #Quincy #JustinCombs #Wale #QueenNaija #KyrieIrving #BlacChyna #NeneLeakes #EliseNeal #Bia
EBONY x #BETAwards with #BillyPorter #LetoyaLuckett #PaulaPatton #RayJ #JussieSmollett #DariusMcCrary #Serayah #ConnieOrlando #MichaelJaiWhite #GillianWhite
“Legend after legend only @diddy produce.” #PERIOD
#betawards #diddy
#lifetimeachievement
#fromharlemtohollywood
Read More
‘The Chubby Diaries’ Jeff Jenkins on His Upcoming NatGeo Show Documenting His Experiences as a Plus-Sized Traveler
For many plus-sized travelers, there is a certain hesitancy that comes along with venturing out to see the world. But, Orlando native Jeff Jenkins is …
Idris Elba in Talks to Buy British Broadcaster Channel 4
Idris Elba is reportedly in talks to purchase U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, reports Deadline. Elba, along with Marc Boyan, founder and CEO of …
Supreme Court Reinstates Republican Drawn Louisiana Electoral Map
The Supreme Court reinstated a Republican-drawn map of Louisiana’s six U.S. House of Representatives districts that were previously blocked by a judge who …
R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison
Following his conviction on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges, disgraced singer/songwriter R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, …
10 Linen Dresses to Refresh Your Summer Wardrobe
The key to looking cool and stylish during the summer is never letting them see you sweat. To help combat the heat on …
Chef Omar Tate Partners With Bombay Bramble Gin for Dinner Series Honoring Black Farmers
Bombay Bramble and Chef Omar Tate are honored to announce a partnership and launch ‘Cultivating Community: A Dinner Series in Support of Black …
Bruce’s Beach Finally Returned to Black Family
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to transfer ownership of Bruce’s Beach, a seaside property on Manhattan Beach, …
McDonald’s Teams Up With Marcus Graham Project to Help Cultivate Diverse New Class of Marketing Professionals
Whether you’re old enough to remember the release of the movie Boomerang 30 years ago this month, or you were introduced to the …
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That's a Word
