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Raven-Symoné slams worried critics as she has declared she is not African-American. Mom thinks Oprah set her up

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Former child star Raven Symoné has finally addressed previous comments she made about not identifying as African-American.

Symoné used a podcast she shares with her wife Miranda to clarify that when she sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey a decade ago, her intention was not to distance herself from her black heritage by identifying as an American. On the contrary, she emphasized that she wanted people to stop putting her in a box and just let her exist.

The Cosby Show alum explained that her mother was upset and thought the 38-year-old can be drawn into criticism.

According to Symoné, Bill Maher recently quoted an interview on his show to prove that several black stars are moving away from racist frames.

“I’m commenting on something I said to Oprah in 2014,” she said on “The Greatest Podcast Ever with Raven and Miranda,” trying to present context to the comments.

He then cuts to a clip where he says, “I don’t want to be considered gay. I want to be called a man who loves people. I’m tired of being labeled. I am an American, not an African American.”

In one other a part of this interview, she also said, “I am a colorless person,” which many took as a denial of the claim that she was melaninated or black.

Oprah immediately responded and said, “Oh, girl,” and mumbled something concerning the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Now that it’s aired, I felt like the entire internet had exploded and thrown my name into the garbage. “My community and others reacted so violently that the misunderstood slash didn’t hear the exact words I said,” recalls the “That’s So Raven” star. She added: “The exact words I said were that I was an American, not an African American.”

Symoné’s reason for making this distinction is that no one in her direct lineage is from Africa and that she is clear about the validity of having to consider this country as her own.

She explained, “When I say African American doesn’t fit me…that label…it doesn’t mean I’m denying my blackness or that I’m not black. It means I come from this country. I was born here … My mother, my dad, my pra-pra-streake-streak-pra-pra-pra-pra-pradziadek).

Adding: “I understand my history. I understand where my ancestors come from. I also understand how much blood, sweat and tears they put into this land to create the America I live in today.

When the pair talked about the public ridicule Symoné faced, Miranda asked her if she felt like Oprah had framed her, stopping that thought and replying, “You’re going to get a lot of hate for what you say. Symoné said that while she doesn’t think so, her mother, Lydia Gaulden, does.

“That’s what my mom thinks,” the previous “The View” talk show host said. “Mom thinks Oprah put me up to it.”

Symoné said that while she did not personally feel that Oprah framed her, she felt that the emphasis she placed on her statement reinforced his analysis, overshadowing her self-disclosure as a woman-loving woman on the same platform.

Interestingly, the Disney star has often doubled down on her comments and in 2018, she said: “My passport says American. I never said I wasn’t Black. Oh, trust me, I know I’m black. There is only a difference. There are many African Americans, especially in 2018, who came here from Africa and need a green card — you are first-generation African Americans. That’s how I look at this title.”

“There are a variety of Black Americans here who’ve been here longer than Americans of other colours,” the 38-year-old added. “Why can’t we just have one name?”

Symoné then admitted that she “should have worded it differently.”

The actor-turned-social media personality is not the just one selecting to discover solely as an American.

Model Devyn Abdullah does not claim to be black. ‘Nina Simone’ star Zoe Saldana said she doesn’t imagine there is “no such thing as people of color.”

Disgraced comedian Bill Cosby said that, like his TV granddaughter, he does not discover as African-American.

“We are not Africans,” he said, adding: “These people are not Africans; they know nothing about Africa. With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and so on, and they’re all in jail.

Most famously, golfer Tiger Woods told Oprah that he is not black.

The first African American to win the Masters said in 1997 that he considered himself a “Cablinasian” – a mix of white, black, Indian and Asian.

Later in that interview, he said that it bothered him that he was called an African American just because his mother was Asian.

The then-genius said that when he was asked to “check a box” on forms, he couldn’t “pick one,” but identified himself.

“I usually choose African American… Asian because those are the two homes I grew up in,” he said, noting he would not deny his mother or father’s heritage.

Regardless of what he calls himself, in 2017, when he was arrested by the police the authorities looked into him for DUI and placed on his arrest report what they and a lot of the world thought he was: Black.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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