February 1, 2021 - FirstLadyB

Former NFL Player Emmanuel Acho Replacing Chris Harrison on ‘The Bachelor’

By FirstLadyB February 28, 2021

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho has been tapped to host “The Bachelor: After The Final Rose” special when it airs March 15th.

This news comes after former host Chris Harrison announced he was “stepping aside” from the show “for a period of time” after defending Rachael Kirkconnell, a frontrunner on the current season who came under scrutiny for racist college photos.

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Season 25 of the show centers around Real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organization founder Matt James, the first Black bachelor.

I have to admit that I haven’t watched the Bachelor in years, but the announcement of the first Black bachelor made me a fan again. Now I’m crossing my fingers that Matt picks Bri.

Celebrity News

Mary J. Blige and Gold Bond Team Up To Highlight Black Stunt Women

By FirstLadyB February 27, 2021

Mary J. Blige and Gold Bond partner for the brand’s new #ChampionYourSkin campaign, celebrating Black stuntwomen in the entertainment industry and helping young girls of color pursue careers in the stunt industry.

“This campaign is about championing your skin and spotlighting Black stuntwomen because while it’s very little of them, it’s very important that they too are included when you talk about diversity in Hollywood,” Mary J. told AfroTech. “I think it’s important and I’m very excited to be a part of this because now as an actress, there’s a lot of stunts that I have to do and if it weren’t for the stuntwomen I would get hurt.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLw3MKurWqN/

Faith

Sarah Jakes Roberts Releasing New Book

By FirstLadyB February 26, 2021

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One of my favorite women who preach, Sarah Jakes Roberts announced that she’s releasing her fifth book Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life,” which borrows insights from the story of Eve to show how women can harness the disappointments and even mistakes of their past to transform their lives. The book will be released on April 6, 2021.

Drawing on her own inspirational journey, Roberts explains how women can change their lives by facing their fears and moving through obstacles one step at a time. The book is named for the larger Woman Evolve lifestyle movement, which Roberts launched three years ago to help every woman realize her own potential, and includes podcasts, sold out tours, philanthropy, video content and more.

Though inspired by scripture, “Woman Evolve” is written for all women regardless of faith. Each of the chapters include a “Work it Out” section, which takes the reader through exercises to help them identify their challenges and then move past them.

“Since starting this movement, I’ve had an opportunity to meet women from so many walks of life,” Roberts said. “I’ve seen women ‘s desires for lasting, transformational change. With the “Woman Evolve” book, I wanted to offer a guide for going more in-depth. It’s not that women don’t recognize the need for change in their lives, but they often don’t know where to start. This book offers women the tools and advice to take ownership of their journey and revolutionize their world from the inside out.

“Woman Evolve” is now available for preorder.

Entertainment

Chris Paul Partners with goPuff to Make Plant-Based Food More Accessible

By FirstLadyB February 26, 2021March 23, 2021

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NBA All Star Chris Paul announced a partnership with goPuff, the go-to solution for consumers’ everyday needs, to make plant-based food more accessible to customers across the country.

Since starting a plant-based diet in 2019 and noticing immediate improvements to his health, recovery time and performance on the court, Paul has become an advocate of the lifestyle. Starting today, Paul will help build the vision and growth of goPuff’s Better For You category, with a focus on bringing more plant-based brands onto the platform.

“While so many people strive to be healthier, finding affordable, plant-based food that tastes great can be challenging. goPuff has a unique ability to introduce new, healthier brands to customers and then deliver those items quickly,” said Paul. “I’m passionate about the benefits of a plant-based diet and look forward to working with goPuff to build out their plant-based offerings to include a selection of my favorite brands, many of which are Black and Brown owned, onto their platform today.”

To kick off the partnership, goPuff and Paul will be providing an assortment of plant-based snack, food and drink options to visiting NBA teams in Phoenix this season.

To learn more about goPuff click HERE

Celebrity News

Jennifer Hudson and Mastercard Partner To Support Black Women-Owned Businesses

By FirstLadyB February 22, 2021

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Jennifer Hudson and Mastercard team up to support Black women owned businesses who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week Mastercard announced the Strivers Initiative, a consumer-facing platform, elevating the visibility of Black female business owners overcoming obstacles to maintain and grow their business, as role models for the community and future generations.

The initiative will include a grant program in partnership with Media Mogul Arian Simone’s Fearless Fund, a VC fund built by women of color for women of color. This will be complemented by a multi-city educational road show driving awareness of the state of women and minority-owned business in cities across the U.S. and providing insights into progressive actions cities can take to foster an equitable business climate.

J-Hud will help kick-off the Strivers Initiative in a new Mastercard spot where Hudson’s rendition of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, produced by will.i.am, serves as an anthem for Black women business owners across the country who are paving their Path to Priceless and whose businesses serve as pillars for their communities.

Celebrity News

Serena Williams Unstoppable Jewelry Collection Gives Back

By FirstLadyB February 21, 2021

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A portion of the proceeds from Serena Williams jewelry line during the month of February will benefit Opportunity Fund’s Small Business Relief Fund, directly supporting Black small-business owners.

With the creation of jewelry that reflects her positivity, determination and generosity comes a renewed commitment to the community, emblematic of her unstoppable desire to support others in a meaningful way. Purchasing a necklace or bracelet from Serena Williams Jewelry Unstoppable collection not only enhances a woman’s accessory wardrobe, but also gives her a sense of empowerment by helping others.

You can purchase pieces from the collection at serenawilliamsjewelry.com.

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Television

Don’t Waste Your Pretty Premieres Feb. 28th On TV One

By FirstLadyB February 20, 2021

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Inspired by award-winning author and media personality Demetria Lucas book of the same name, Don’t Waste Your Pretty Is premiering on TV One Sunday, Feb. 28th and I can’t wait.

Starring Deborah Joy Winans and Keri Hilson, the TV One original film tells the story of extreme career focus, Mykah (Hilson) who finally stops making excuses and starts looking for love. Encouraged by her best friends, Mykah embraces the dating scene by taking their suggestions on speed dating, making online connections, and hitting the nightlife. But she soon discovers love might be right in front of her. The recent divorcée Jeanné (Winans) has put the idea of love on ice but has to decide if the burning flame from Mykah’s twin brother Michael (Redaric Williams) is warm enough to melt her heart again. Fun-loving, married couple Amma (Kaye Singleton) and Aisha (Jasmine Burke) are #couplegoals of the group but struggle to strike a balance as they embark on their parenthood journey. When jobs, romance, and family interactions prove more complicated than they had ever anticipated, the group of friends knows they can always turn to one another to figure out their next move.

Fashion

Girl Scouts and K-Swiss Partner On ‘Cookie’ Inspired Sneakers

By FirstLadyB February 20, 2021

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Girl Scouts and K-Swiss have partnered to turn some of our favorite cookies into sneakers.

The Girl Scout x K-Swiss Court 66 collab honors the Scouts’ heritage — and their iconic Thin Mints, Coconut Caramel, and Trefoils cookies.

The Coconut Caramel shoe is designed in a hairy suede with soft-touch side stripes reminiscent of the cookie’s stripes. The Thin Mints-inspired shoe has a mint green suede body and laces meant to embody the cookie’s chocolate-coated look . The Trefoils/Shortbread-inspired sneaker features a soft suede upper and an embossed puffed cookie. Each sneaker features Girl Scout branding at the heel and comes in a special cookie-inspired shoebox with silver foil paper for an added ascetic.

Court 66 is available now on kswiss.com and retails for $75 for women and $70 for kids. They will be available in Footlocker stores March 4th.

Music

CeCe Winans: An Evening Of Thanksgiving

By FirstLadyB February 16, 2021

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My favorite female Gospel singer CeCe Winans is preparing for her first-ever livestream concert, ‘A Night of Thanksgiving’, happening THIS SUNDAY, February 21st.

She’ll be joined by Christian artists Tauren Wells, Carrie Underwood, and her brother Marvin Winans.

Access to the exclusive livestream will be available until March 7, 2021. Tickets can be purchased directly online.

CeCe is also preparing for the release of her highly anticipated live album “Believe For It,” which is scheduled to be available on March 12th.

The highly anticipated Believe For It is an inviting 78 minutes of worship, offering 12 engaging tracks that highlight some of the biggest songs in Christian music today. Tracks such as, “King of Glory”, “Hunger” and Worthy of It All” will definitely lead fans back to the throne room.

“This album is filled with such powerful songs that need to be heard around the world. I believe some amazing testimonies will be shared after people listen to this project,” says Winans.

Faith

Supermarket Flowers By Ed Sheeran Is Helping Me To Cope

By FirstLadyB February 16, 2021

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“A heart that is broke is a heart that’s been loved”- Ed Sheeran from his song Supermarket Flowers.

These last couple of weeks since the death of my husband, Pastor Ernest Slaughter have sucked! That’s my truth! The loss, the pain, the anger, it has been a bit much. It’s been downright overwhelming!

I’ve prayed, cried, read books, hired a therapist, and even joined a widow ministry to be with other individuals like me who are dealing with the death of a spouse….

But I still found myself feeling alone, confused, hurt and lost. I had to finally embrace that it’s all a part of the grieving process and everybody process grief differently.

Music has always been an outlet for me.

Music has always been my way of coping with the hills and valleys of life. As I find myself learning to cope with the death of my husband, Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers” has helped my heart to smile in the midst of being broken:

“You were and Angel in the shape of my husband
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up

Spread your wings as you go
When God takes you back
You’ll say Hallelujah you’re home.”

#MissingMySuperman

Television

Harry and Meghan Giving 1st Interview To Oprah

By FirstLadyB February 15, 2021

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When you’re ready to talk you talk to Oprah! and that’s exactly what Harry and Meghan are about to do.

The couple will break their silence in their first interview since they quit the royal family when they sit down with Oprah Winfrey next month for a special to air on CBS. (Lord I can’t wait!)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who announced they are expecting their second child on Sunday, shocked the world last year when they announced they were chucking the deuces to royal life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLSNGLNnDQz/

CBS said the interview will air on March 7th at 8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT.

“Winfrey will speak with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from stepping into life as a Royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure,” CBS said in a statement.

“Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family.”