As I’m sure your social media channels have informed you, that is SZN’s Homecoming in African America. The last time we spoke, I informed you that certainly one of my children had made a life-changing decision on the age of 8 about where she desired to take her educational talents after highschool – Howard University. That hasn’t modified, but I’ve since taken a visit to the one homecoming that I feel will change his mind – SpelHouse.

For those that do not know, SpelHouse is a portmanteau of Spelman College and Morehouse College, two historically black colleges (HBCUs) situated across from one another across parking garages in Atlanta. Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, together with Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse School of Medicine, make up the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of faculties situated in Atlanta’s West End community. You really should come visit sometime.

And there really is not any higher time than to come back down for homecoming weekend, because let me let you know something, homecoming at black colleges are the perfect years ever. I’ll attribute a few of that credit to social media and the way in which all of us who attended and/or graduated from our various institutions have brought our experiences to the masses. What was once, a minimum of in SpelHouse’s case, a largely alumni-oriented affair has now change into a part of the October event in Atlanta. People from near and much come to the Morehouse and Spelman campuses and enjoy the enjoyment, excitement and positive Black College experience.

Almost yearly I’m going to Atlanta (normally) in October to fulfill my homies within the country where we grew from boys to men. There’s something magical about being back on campus – it makes me feel higher. Seeing people I’ve known for over 20 years still remember me as a child in French class warms my heart and soul, a lot in order that I actively hunt down the identical people yearly. I walk slowly through the streets of campus, stuck in the gang of people that studied in the identical buildings as me or frolicked on the Strip (I feel young people call it “The Promenade” now…kids) or know exactly what I mean , saying “Club Woody.”

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SpelHouse Homecoming 2024 was every part it must have been. The weather wasn’t great, so we were all in a position to wear shorts and T-shirts, which is vital because where two or more Black people gather within the name of going home, the temperature rises. I do not know the way many tens of hundreds of individuals were there (schools are getting a little bit weird with their estimates lately – taking that under consideration, I feel there have been about six million people there), however the sun was beating down and it was hot.

This is particularly problematic when crossing the Middle Passage – I do not know if that is the official name for absolutely the gridlock that is attempting to get from Westview Drive to West End Avenue via Wellborn Street, but whoever got here up with that was stuck on the landing – since it felt prefer it took over an hour to travel 20 feet in either direction. But you understand what, the sensation of being there with all those beautiful Black people was value it.

I really like every minute of coming home. I really like being on Spelman’s campus on Friday and leading as much as the tailgate experience we are going to all have that Saturday. I really like walking down West End Avenue and stopping at every tent full of food, alcohol and DJs and partying with countless people I only see yearly at a family dance, but we greet one another like best friends. I really like meeting latest individuals who I actually have apparently known for over twenty years. I really like my class of 2001 and Sepia Soul, an event I missed a lot over the break that I purchased a ticket for this 12 months before I even knew if I used to be actually going to Atlanta for prom. I really like the blokes from my 1997 freshman summer program, the Center for Excellence in Science, Math and Engineering, who I see yearly and who all the time appear to be doing much more vital things than the last time I saw them. Likewise the mentors the show has given us who proceed to check us younger guys though a few of them literally rule the world at this point.

Look, I’m sure for those who went to an HBCU somewhere in African America, you think that your return house is for the perfect. Some of chances are you’ll even call your homecoming the best homecoming on Earth. It could also be certainly one of them, but there is barely one House of Spells and all who may attend it stand within the shadow of magic each time. I’ll should take my kids there soon (for a couple of early hours) to indicate them what it’s wish to be in a spot where good vibes and delightful souls meet in the center. And then we all know of course that my boys are going to Morehouse (my daughter already has her designs on Spelman – you understand, SpelHouse, honey and all). Everything else is uncivilized.

And there was light.

Nick Cannon is not any stranger to questioning his price after a breakup. According to the “Wild ‘n Out” star, he struggled with self-esteem during and after his divorce from Mariah Carey.

Cannon, 44, discussed his relationship and eventual split from Carey, 55, during an appearance on the Oct. 24 episode ofRay Daniels Gifts“podcast. He shared how he struggled with insecurities after getting married in 2008.

“I didn’t really care what the world thought because that’s the perception, you know, that’s what it is. People are going to love you one day and hate you the next,” Cannon said, adding: “I don’t care about that. … But I ask myself with pressure: “Who am I?”

“I got married when I was 20. You know what I mean? The biggest star in the world,” he continued. “My trajectory was here,” he said, gesturing down, “and then hers — she’s already in a different stratosphere.”

Cannon explained that maintaining an identity outside of their relationship is difficult, while also “accepting” Carey’s lifestyle.

“She has islands, and I wake up at noon and people bring me steaks on a plate,” he joked.

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He said the uneven dynamics would keep him awake at night.

“I lie awake at night and think, ‘Is this me? Am I Mariah’s man? Is this what my life should be like?” Cannon said, adding: “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

The actor noted that he also struggled together with his masculinity and the emerging “hierarchy” in the family after they welcomed their twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in April 2011.

He said, “I carry a purse, a diaper bag, and, you know, I stand on the corner and say, ‘Wait.’ He’s great at being alpha.”

When the host remarked, “She deserves it,” Cannon agreed.

“I consider she needs a man like that. I’m just not that guy,” Cannon admitted.

Cannon and Carey became romantically involved after he appeared in her music video for the single “Bye Bye” in 2008. In May of the same yr, they secretly tied the knot. After six years and the birth of twins Morocco and Monroe in 2014, the couple announced they were separating.

After their split, Carey dated Australian billionaire James Packer. They got engaged in 2016, but eventually called it off. Meanwhile, Cannon began to develop his profession and family. He is currently the father of 12 children, including twins he shares with Carey. He continues to carry the torch for the “All I Want for Christmas” singer.

In August, Cannon said AND! News as with Carey’s 2005 hit single “We Belong Together”; adding that she is going to “absolutely” get back along with Carey, who gave her perspective on their breakup in her memoir “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.” He said he “would be stupid if (he) didn’t do it.”

However, Cannon then teased, “She doesn’t want me.” Later talking to People in the magazine he said, “She’s moved on from my crazy antics.”

After a noticeable absence from the 2024 Met Gala, Rihanna confirmed that she will return to the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the coming yr. During an interview with Entertainment tonightthe Fenty mogul said she doesn’t currently know much about her partner and 2025 Met Gala co-chairman A$AP Rocky’s plans, but she does know she will be in attendance.

“He didn’t tell me anything,” she told the portal. “All we planned was to be there.”

Last month, the Met Gala made history with the announcement of its 2025 co-chairs — all Black men — and an upcoming exhibition celebrating Black men’s style. With the help of Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and honorary co-chair LeBron James, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute exhibition will give attention to race and men’s fashion under the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s bookSlaves of Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Stylization of Black Diasporic Identity fans predict there will be an emphasis on dandyism, which Miller describes as “dressing smart and well.”

“(Black dandyism is) a strategy and a tool for rethinking identity, reimagining yourself in a different context,” she added, in response to Vogue. “Really push the envelope – especially during enslavement, really push the envelope even in who and what counts as human.”

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The exhibition, which goals for example the evolution of Black people into global fashion trendsetters, will present paintings, photographs and clothing celebrating Black style from the 18th century to the present. While fashion enthusiasts speculate how the topic will impact the Met Gala dress code, Rihanna is wondering how she will approach her look (or look) on the red carpet.

“I’m not worried about (A$AP); I’m worried about what I’ll do,” she laughed, noting Rocky’s willingness to present advice on fashion or anything at all. “I never ask him for help, but he’s at all times willing to assist. You can come to him – even when you are an opponent – and ask: “Can you help me with my project, give me advice?” And he will advise you. I saw it.

Rihanna is a Met Gala veteran herself. For years, fans and attendees alike have eagerly awaited her appearance on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since her Met Gala debut in 2007, Rihanna has turn into one among the few stars to consistently top “best dressed” lists. this event, setting the theme yearly and making a reputation for herself as co-chair of the 2018 gala. the star opted out of attending fashion’s biggest night of 2022, her presence was still felt as Vogue and the Met Costume Institute created virtual statue of pregnant Rihannamirroring her May 2022 Vogue cover to advertise the exhibition.

The 2025 Met Gala will happen on May 5, and the official dress code will be revealed early next yr.