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Resurrection Our Way: On Beyoncé, Linda Martell, and Staging Our Own Renaissance

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Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones

While “Cowboy Carter” brings country music’s black roots to the forefront, Beyoncé reminds us of the infinite power of legacy.

Have you ever been invited to a spot, only to seek out out that you just were obviously not welcome there?

Lord knows I’ve been there more times than I could anticipate or count. Each time this humiliation doesn’t diminish; but increasingly I’m learning the best way to emerge from these moments unscathed, stronger and brighter, within the hope that I’ll leave these places higher than once I arrived.

Well, continuing the era of turning lemons into lemonade, Beyoncé’s recent album ‘Cowboy Carter’ she tries to point out how she handled similar experiences. According to Beyoncé, her recent album “was born out of an experience I had many years ago where I didn’t feel welcome… and it was very clear that I wasn’t.” Many assumed that the experience in query was the general public moment during which she was invited to perform “Daddy Lessons” on the 2016 Country Music Association Awards (CMA) – the moment she selected former industry darling The Dixie Chicks (now known simply as “The Chicks”) to hitch her on stage – only to find that she is an unwelcome presence.

“Some were outraged that Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks, ostracized from the country music community, were allowed to perform at the 2016 CMA Awards,” Gerren Keith Gaynor reported for Grio on the time. Angry country music fans then forced the CMA to remove all traces of Beyoncé from its online recaps in a shocking gesture that amounted to erasure. While some have speculated that political differences between Beyoncé, The Dixie Chicks and the CMA’s core fans led to her performance being faraway from their platform, such erasure of disparate voices stays unprecedented within the entertainment industry. As an additional insult, despite removing it from its website and social media, the CMA continued to advertise free downloads of the performance in a very exploitative manner.

Instead of specializing in the anti-black comments and reception that Beyoncé experienced in purist country music circles, the Texas native staked her own claim to the genre and re-located our pioneers, giving them an area to talk and sing for themselves. He joins a growing procession of Black artists who’ve leveraged each the moment and the genre’s true legacy to reclaim their place within the country music industry.

In several tributes on “Renaissance, Act I” on “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé pays homage to the country music pioneer, designating her album break as “The Linda Martell Show.” While Martell herself questions the meaning of “genres,” Beyoncé pays homage to other black forebears in country music, surrounding her listeners with a sonic majesty that evokes the tradition of restorative justice and liberation theology present in Hebrews 12:1-2: :

It’s no coincidence that Beyoncé pays tribute Linda Martell, the primary black woman to perform on the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. Capturing the essence of overcoming adversity and emerging with a legacy for future generations, Martell significantly influenced the genre together with her album “Color me, country” in 1970, marking a historic moment as the first major release by a black female artist in country music.

With the long-awaited release of “Cowboy Carter,” the newfound interest in Martell’s contributions, including the documentary and awards, highlights an overdue shift toward inclusivity and appreciation for diverse country music narratives and legacies.

Martell’s tributes not only celebrate her contributions, but also symbolize the resurrection of her story, reflecting Easter’s profound message of rebirth and triumph over oppression. We are reminded that there is always someone who has prepared the way for us to do what we do, big or small. We must say their names as in meditation, considering them a prayer of thanksgiving for the continuation of the work.

As I think about Resurrection Sunday both as a theologian and musicologist, given my cultural upbringing, personal experiences, and academic and spiritual training, themes of empowerment and renewal are central to this commemoration by Christian believers. In African American culture, even if we do not believe or follow Christian practices, at the core of what we have experienced as a nation – and, as a result, the culture that has emerged for us as a people – speak parallel and unifying representations of hope, transformation, and empowerment. But aren’t these aspects of our lives what help us survive difficult situations, especially those in which we are told we don’t fit in?

In the Black prophetic tradition, our experiences as a people have deep meaning rooted in our history and are beacons that illuminate the source of the strength needed to overcome all pain, misery and conflict. This light illuminates our ability to embrace the promise that we will never be alone through all of this – and the ways in which we have “made it” – collectively and individually. Just as we understand that energy can never be created or destroyed, our ancestors understood us as energy beings for whom even death is not the end, but spiritually and physically it can be the beginning of something new.

The Good Friday premiere of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and the tribute to Linda Martell embody the essence of Easter’s message of resurrection, bringing untold stories to light and celebrating the revival of cultural narratives we have long needed to know and celebrate. It is a moving reminder of our ongoing journey toward justice and representation, ensuring that the legacies of ancestors like Martell are remembered and honored. Through this album and the tributes it contains, we are invited to reflect on broader themes of holding space, redemption and resurrection, highlighting the importance of remembering and celebrating those who have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.


The Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones is a faith leader helping people navigate a dynamic world, as a consultant to numerous arts and faith-based organizations and as Professor of Music in Contemporary Societies on the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. She is an award-winning creator (Oxford University Press). For more information please visit DrAlisha.com.

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Vivica A. Fox’s shocking transformation in new photos leaves fans stunned, months after criticism over her “puffy” appearance

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After months of public criticism and constant comments about her appearance, Vivica A. Fox is proving that she will rise above the noise in style.

The “Set it Off” actress, who faced mockery from a whole lot of individuals online for her weight gain in addition to accusations of cosmetic surgery and photoshopping, is back with a striking new look that has fans excited.

Actress Vivica A. Fox stunned fans after debuting her new look through the recent Lifetime + Hulu holiday event “A Wonderful Lifetime.” (Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

The multilingual Fox took to social media to share her stunning look from the “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” Christmas Celebration event held on Saturday, November 16 in Los Angeles.

Dressed in a wine-colored Badgley Mischka sequined suit with a draped belt, her hair perfectly styled and her face perfectly sculpted, 50 Cent’s ex-girlfriend dazzled her 1.7 million fans.

The post it featured photos of Fox with other stars who attended the event, including Jackee Harry, Tia Mowry, Romeo Miller, Jeanie Mae and more.

Many people were quick to note her radiant glow and renewed confidence, which many felt was missing from her previous posts.

Fans flooded Fox’s comments section with praise, showering love on the Black Hollywood icon.

“Yassss Ms. Foxy I mean Foxy lol you are killing it,” one person wrote, while one other exclaimed: “What a knockout!”

“Wow, you’re gone,” someone commented, describing how stunning she looked afterwards.

However, several people directly identified her much slimmer appearance in comparison with recent weeks, writing: “You’re losing weight” and “The weight loss and new glow looks phenomenal on her.”

Others added: “LAWDDDDDDDDDD….. WE LOOK AND FEEL LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS! ACT, Sister. WOW!”

Vivica A. Fox in September 2024 vs. November 2024. (Photos: The Tamron Hall Show/YouTube; @msvfox/Instagram)

Life and Hulu cooperated organize an event that allowed the general public to see that Fox continues to be one in all the best beauties of her generation.

For someone who has been an emblem of beauty and talent since her breakout role as Carmen Silva on Days of Our Lives, this new chapter in her journey reminds the world that reinvention and resilience go hand in hand.

Last yr, the NAACP Image Award winner celebrated her milestone sixtieth birthday by launching a media onslaught promoting her latest film, “The Lost Holiday,” and a number of other other ventures.

One of Fox’s notable appearances was on “The Tamron Hall Show,” which sparked conversations about her height in early October. Many said she looked “puffy” and her face and body looked plumper in comparison with her iconic roles in motion movies like “Independence Day” and “Kill Bill,” and her flashy fashion was a thing of the past.

Fans were concerned, with some suggesting she could have had “hormonal issues” that contributed to her looking “puffy.”

Others wondered if perhaps she was bloated for some reason, and others simply said people should show her grace.

“She’s not that big. I saw it on the show. Stop making it huge,” one person said, while one other added: “Yes, people gain weight… DAMN. Still looks great.

Fox’s recent appearance could also be what it takes to silence her critics, and it’s a strong declaration of self-love and perseverance. Her ability to remain busy and occupied despite the constant pressure of finding the suitable role when she’s in the highlight speaks volumes about her drive.

In a world where public figures are subjected to ruthless scrutiny, Fox’s ability to rise above negativity and shine is a fair brighter testament to her strength and resilience. While fans proceed to support her, the Why Do Fools Fall in Love actress confirms why she stays a cherished icon in the entertainment industry.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Meghan Markle shares why she “can’t wait” for the holidays

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Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, the holidays, Archewell Foundation, Mina

Meghan Markle loves the holidays.

The Duchess of Sussex said this in a recent interview Marie Clairethrough which she told how she and her young family, including Prince Harry, spend every holiday.

Firstly, the 43-year-old mother of two is thrilled to share her joy together with her two children, Prince Arcihe, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

“At first, I think as a mom with kids, you’re just happy that they’re there for you, but they don’t understand everything that’s going on yet,” she said. “But now we’re at an age where I look forward to seeing it through their lens every year.”

Meghan and her family’s holidays begin with what she called a “pretty low-key” Thanksgiving celebration.

“Over the last few years, as I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving here, like many of us, I’ve thought about always making sure there’s room at the table for friends who don’t have family, and that’s really key,” she said.

In her case, that meant welcoming people like Gloria Steinem to previous celebrations. But for the Sussexes, a low-key Thanksgiving also involves spending time with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who lives near their home in California.

“Being close to my mom is great,” she said.

She added that her family often makes sure they’ve “something fun to do.”

“Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games and stuff like that, someone brings a guitar – it’s fun,” she continued. “Every vacation is a new adventure.”

Meghan also added how vital it’s for her children to experience the “magic” of the holiday season, including “wonderful recipes that end up being formative memories.” Currently, this includes leaving carrots for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.

The Duchess met with Marie Claire at a Christmas dinner for Afghan women who recently moved to California through… Mina’s Lista corporation that helps Afghan women evacuate Afghanistan and find resources and support. Women also receive support through Welcome project of the Archewell Foundationwhich Meghan and Prince Harry launched in 2023 to extend support for women who resettled in the US from Afghanistan, People Magazine reported. There are currently 11 Welcome Project chapters in nine states.

Meghan Markle is investing in a new line of hair supplements owned by black women

The dinner was held at a modern kitchenware company owned by women and immigrants Our place and included good food, energetic conversation, and even poetry.

“From my viewpoint, one in all the reasons we desired to make certain we had the opportunity to be together again – so a lot of us – straight away is because as the holidays approach, and in some ways they’ve already began, it brings to evoke a lot emotion in people,” Meghan said during her dinner remarks.

“You miss home, you miss your country, and you can also find solace in the new community you have here,” she continued. “I’m grateful that we get to be a part of this community.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary welcomed their second child

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Elaine Welteroth, Jonathan Singletary, Elaine Welteroth has baby, Black famous mothers, Black mothers, Black maternal health, birthFUND, theGrio.com

Elaine Welteroth has a brand recent bundle of joy!

The 37-year-old media personality and founding father of birthFUND welcomed her second child, a son named SantiGold, together with her husband, musician Jonathan Singletary, in early November.

While Welteroth said People Magazine that she and her growing family are “healthy and happy” – she admitted that she has been affected by sleep problems since welcoming the most recent member of the family.

“I’m not sure my brain is working at full speed,” she told the web site. “I’m sleep-deprived, but I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Recalling the precise day she went into labor, she stated that she just knew it was the day.

“His birth was largely orchestrated by God,” she explained. “I just instinctively said, ‘I’m going to send my kid to school, and when he comes home, he’ll have a little brother.'”

In addition to her general spidey senses, Welteroth had an impulse to be outdoors, so she went to the park.

“The moment I sat down on the grass, I felt the first contraction,” she said. “I assumed, ‘Let’s go, honey.’ “It’s happening.”

Still, there was no immediate sense of urgency for the young mother of two, even stopping to do some Reiki within the park together with her midwife. Shortly thereafter, she returned home for what she described because the “most beautiful” and “peaceful” home birth. SantiGold’s peaceful delivery could also be a part of the inspiration behind his name, which she said means “peace” in Thai.

“I think you’re more confident in the process the second time around,” she noted, adding, “You can trust the method more. The baby was born inside three hours, I could not consider it.

Welteroth, who welcomed her first child, a boy, together with her husband in April 2022, has long touted her second pregnancy as a “redemptive pregnancy.” Its first stage was marked by complications and anxiety. Halfway through, after learning concerning the full scope of the Black mother’s health crisis, she began working with a midwife and decided to have a house birth. She also learned what number of families couldn’t afford the life-saving care of midwives and doulas, which led her to launch the FUND birth fund earlier this yr.

Elaine Welteroth shares her pain story in Advil's 'Believe My Pain' campaign

It was through the organization’s official opening that she learned she was pregnant together with her second child, announcing the primary group of beneficiaries. Now her organization is preparing to reward 41 more families.

“I started with the mantra: ‘We are the ones who have to save ourselves,’” she said. “I’m just very, very proud of our team and that we can help women and families, especially in this moment when we see how the system is failing families. I am truly encouraged and hopeful.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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