April 2023 Digital Cover Experience

April 2023 Issue

Table of Contents

NOTES FROM THE

Editor

As a Brooklyn-born girl of Haitian heritage, I grew up between two worlds: eating Griot and Riz Djon Djon for dinner with Key Lime Pie for dessert. Dancing to Kompa at the West Indian Day Parade, and bouncing to B.I.G. at a Flatbush basement party. From Cap Haitian to Crown Heights, my influences — like so many of us — spanned countries. This month’s theme of ‘Home & Abroad’ continues EBONY’s mission of fostering community among Black audiences globally. We kick things off with cover star Jodie Turner-Smith, who first caught our eyes in Lena Waithe and Melina Matsoukas’ film, Queen and Slim. The British-Jamaican actress discusses her island roots, the importance of passing her culture along to her daughter, and how she fosters a sense of home no matter where her travels may take her. Plus, a celebration of diasporic tradition via Jamaica Carnival, Black environmentalists around the globe, our inaugural Food & Wine Honors, and easy ways to revamp your domain.

JODIE TURNER-SMITH FROM JAMAICA, WITH LOVE

Actress Turner-Smith was born in the U.K. to Jamaican immigrants who made sure that, even in a small English city with few other Black people, she stayed connected to her culture. “I lived in a village called Coates, and we were the only Black family there,” she says. As Americans, when we imagine Black Brits, we think of London and its vibrant African and Afro-Caribbean populations. Life in Peterborough wasn’t quite like that.

“Growing up, really the only other Black people I interacted with were mostly my family.” Turner-Smith’s mother, Hilda, whom Turner-Smith calls “a Jamaican woman through and through,” played a key role in bridging the cultural gap: making Jamaican dishes; frequently visiting the islands; maintaining connections with their family abroad. “I never felt far from traditions,” Turner-Smith says. “My mom always integrated our Jamaican culture into our lives. She taught us how to cook Jamaican food and was always speaking to us in patois at home. The influence was constantly around me.”

“Though I grew up in England, I never felt far from traditions. My mom always integrated our Jamaican culture into our lives. She taught us how to cook Jamaican food and was always speaking to us in patois at home. The influence was constantly around me.”

Jodie Turner-Smith

MAKING THE COVER FT. JODIE TURNER-SMITH

EBONY’s April cover shoot speaks to the unprecedented connectivity of the digital age. It all began when UK-based actress Jodie Turner-Smith and Brooklyn lensman Lougè Delcy connected via Instagram and bonded over their mutual admiration for each other’s work. “After a year of discussing the possibility of collaborating, the perfect opportunity arose when Jodie mentioned her upcoming family vacation to her homeland, Jamaica,” Delcy, says. “I didn’t hesitate to book a last-minute flight as I was eager to capture Jodie’s essence in the place closest to her heart. I joined her circle of family and friends, where I was warmly welcomed as if I were part of their tight-knit group.” Photographed at Geejam Hotel and other locations throughout Port Antonio, the star appears fresh-faced and carefree while styled by her bestie, Fancy Gomez.

MEET LOUGÈ DELCY, THE VISIONARY BEHIND EBONY’S APRIL COVER

Lougè Delcy is the brilliant photographer behind the stunning images of EBONY’s April cover star Jodie Turner-Smith. Better known as Dapper Lou, the Brooklyn native of Haitian heritage is known for highlighting the resilience, strength and vibrancy of people of color in his photos, which fosters understanding and unity across cultural boundaries. “My work is a testament to the boundless beauty and richness that lies within each person of color I have the privilege of capturing,” he tells EBONY. “I remain steadfastly committed to honoring their stories and elevating their voices through my art.” To bring Turner-Smith’s story to light, Delcy and the actress chose Jamaica as the ideal setting. “Over a sun-soaked weekend, we allowed its golden light to guide our creative journey,” he shares.

“I’m a slow-wining girl. I’ve got that slow wine, and I’m ready.”

Jodie Turner-Smith

JODIE TURNER-SMITH CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF GONZA SWIMWEAR, HERE’S WHY

Launched in June of 2021 by founder and CEO Ryan Horne, Gonza swimwear has become a fast favorite for its inclusive ethos, trendy styles and mission of representation. They are so fire that EBONY’s April 2023 cover star Jodie Turner-Smith cannot get enough and brings them everywhere she goes. EBONY caught up with the team behind the sexy swimwear line—comprised of Horne and bestie Fancy Gomez— and chatted about their inspirations and being featured on our April 2023 cover.

THE ULTIMATE JERK CHICKEN RECIPE, INSPIRED BY JODIE-TURNER SMITH’S JAMAICAN ROOTS

For EBONY’s April 2022 cover star, Jodie Turner-Smith, jerk chicken reigns supreme in her roster of home-cooked favorites. It was a meal her mother prepared often while growing up in the U.K. as a way to keep the ties strong to their family’s homeland and culture. “My mother is a Jamaican woman through and through,” states Turner-Smith during her cover interview. “She’s always cooked the foods and maintained the relationships. My mom always integrated our Jamaican culture into our lives. That’s the reason I’ve always felt so connected to it.” The sounds and smells of Jamaica were always present in their home, and Turner-Smith holds that very dear to her heart. Admittedly, jerk chicken is now the dish that allows her to flex her Jamaican cooking chops, while oxtails are her favorite to indulge in. “I think jerk chicken is really my specialty. I make it in the oven, but when it’s smoked, it really adds to it,” shares the Murder Mystery 2 actress. When it comes to whipping up jerk anything, it’s a dish that only true yardies can perfect. EBONY tapped Jamaican-born chef, Ashley Ellis, to share her secret recipe to attempt at home.

“When you start scratching at the surface, you see how similar we are.”

Jodie Turner-Smith

INSIDE GEEJAM HOTEL: THE BACKDROP FOR JODIE TURNER-SMITH’S EBONY COVER SHOOT

EBONY April 2023 cover star, Jodie Turner-Smith—who is of Jamaican heritage—traveled to her family’s homeland for her head-turning photoshoot. The Murder Mystery 2 actress chose the picturesque Geejam Hotel in Port Antonio, Jamaica as the backdrop for her recent romp, and we’re taking you inside the posh accommodation. The hotel consists of two premium villas, both of which provide a bespoke staff, concierge and private chefs, which are connected to the bigger hotel. We got a peek inside the paradisaical property—from the inspiration behind the hotel’s creation to the unique offerings and excursions you can try during your stay.

48 TIMES JODIE TURNER-SMITH ATE UP EVERY LOOK SHE WORE

No matter if she’s rocking a close crop, flowing braids or a stunning wig, the actress Jodie Turner-Smith always mesmerizes with her captivating style. With cheekbones that can cut glass and her goddess-like air, she has us all worshipping at the JTS altar. The U.K.-born actress of Jamaican heritage is not afraid to stand out. Like most of her island brethren, she is comfortable in her skin and it shows. Not only does Turner-Smith embrace vibrant shades, she does so in attention-grabbing styles that enhance her striking good looks. Check out 48 times our flawless girl-crush ate up every look she wore.

GUIDE TO JAMAICA CARNIVAL

Party people from across the globe converge on the world’s top destinations annually to take in the magic of Caribbean carnival celebrations. But behind the elaborate costumes, nonstop parties and celebrities living their best lives, there’s also a rich history to many of these festivals, from celebrating the emancipation of African slaves to costumes believed to rid bad spirits. Though it may be one of the newest fetes on the block, Jamaica Carnival (April 12-17) has certainly made a name for itself. Heart-pumping parties that combine the best of soca and dancehall go literally from sunup to sundown. Check out this exclusive curation of articles that will get you “ready for di road.”

Jamaican woman dancing at Jamaica carnival

EBONY EVOLUTION FT. JODIE TURNER-SMITH

‘EBONY Evolution’ explores the past, present and future of our favorite stars. In an in-depth interview, we get an intimate look into the life, love, and career of Black trailblazers through their own voice and perspective. This month, we’re giving our April 2023 cover star Jodie Turner-Smith the mic. The British born stunner of Jamaican heritage discusses her journey in Hollywood, how her Caribbean roots have informed her perspective on life, and how she continues to pass the culture down to her daughter. Plus, how Jodie came into her sense of style and personal confidence.

EBONY Evolution ft. Jodie Turner-Smith

INSIDE THE ISSUE WITH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARIELLE BOBO

EBONY’s month-long exploration of fellowship, creative expression, and sanctuary through the lens of “home,” kicks off with our April 2023 cover star Jodie Turner-Smith, who first caught our eyes in Lena Waithe and Melina Matsoukas’ film, ‘Queen and Slim.’ Though she was born in the UK, the it-girl’s Jamaican parents raised her in a strong Caribbean household, keeping her connected to her island roots. The actress reflects on motherhood, her island heritage, and how she fosters a sense of home no matter where her travels may take her. Plus, a celebration of diasporic tradition via Jamaica Carnival, a look at how the fight against climate change and racial injustice are intertwined during Earth Month, our inaugural Food & Wine Honors, and simple ways to revitalize your home.