Barack, an ambitious student at Harvard Law School, persistently pursued Michelle, who finally relented to a lunch date. According to the novel “Obama: From Promise to Power” Mrs. Obama recalls thinking, “Oh, here you go. Here’s this good-looking, smooth-talking guy. I’ve been down this road before.”

Fortunately, as the two continued their relationship, Michelle learned of Barack’s authenticity, articulation and commitment to others, spurring her to realize that “this guy was special…and that’s why I fell in love with him.” After almost 20 years of marriage and two beautiful daughters, the Obamas’ public display of a strong, and unwavering love is an inspiration to us all.

READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Why She Loves Him:

Although, Michelle may have had slight misgivings in the beginning of their relationship, she soon learned that “he [Barack] was a special person. And it had nothing to do with his education, it had nothing to do with potential,” instead “she fell in love with him for the same reason many other people respect him; his connection with people,” she stated while giving advice to a group of young London girls at Oxford University.  Furthermore, during this talk, the first lady mentioned that she was “struck by the love Obama felt for his little sister and their mother, who died when they were young.”

Further strengthening her love, in 1991, when Michelle’s father passed away, Barack left in the middle of class, and flew to Chicago to provide support during her time of need.

Why He Loves Her:

Throughout his political career, Michelle Obama has proven to be Barack Obama’s personal and professional equal. As a Princeton alumna and fellow Harvard Law graduate, Michelle Obama has garnered both love and respect from her husband. In a 2008 MSNBC article, President Obama referred to “his wife Michelle as ‘the love of my life’ during his election night victory speech, embracing her tightly and kissing her afterward, while millions of people worldwide watched.”

READ: 5 Embarrassing Black Moments We Wished Never Happened

Why They Work:

Ultimately, as an equal partnership and a working couple, Obama has stated, “What I value most about my marriage is that it is separate and apart from a lot of the silliness of Washington, and Michelle is not part of that silliness.” According to a New York Times profile on the Obamas, they have consistently had to combine politics and marriage and seamlessly make them work.

When interviewed about the Obamas, Gil Troy, professor of history at McGill University, stated, “unlike the Clintons — and more like the Bushes — the Obamas appear to be a solid couple, devoted to each other, with no fidelity questions hovering overhead.” Again, this devotion for each other came into play during an interview with Ebony when Michelle was asked about fidelity, declaring “That is between Barack and me,” she said, “and if somebody can come between us, we didn’t have much to begin with.” Maintaining their privacy in the media storm that is their life has been a constant battle, but they do so with grace and confidence.

Why We Love Them:

Where to start! From the images of them gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, to the physical support they provide each other and public displays of affection, we all have fallen in love with the first couple. For Americans, the Obamas provide an image of a powerful and positive black couple in love, which is not often portrayed in the media.

According to Micheal Perry, a librarian at Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, “With such a high percentage of black people unmarried, everyone is looking for images of black love,” and “[The Obamas] personify that. It makes people say, ‘Wow, we want to be like them.’ ”

The Obamas serve as role models for a healthy marriage and the love and affection they share for each other appeal to the romantic in all of us.

Black Women Firsts

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David’s uplifting album is ready to go! The eloquent speaker and he shared his thoughts on Black History Month and his future plans, below:

Black Women Firsts

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Black Oscar Winners and Nominees

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Viola Davis & More Stun At The NAACP Awards [Red Carpet PHOTOS]

2012 Oscar Nominations Are In: “The Help” Snags 3 Noms Including “Best Picture”

Ester Dean

The Firework
Culture

Katy Perry, Rihanna, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Ciara, and R. Kelly can all thank Ester Dean for their chart topping success.  The Oklahoma native’s song writing resume reads like a who’s who of music’s A-list.  After relocating to Atlanta, Dean teamed up with producer Polow da Don, Zone4Inc., and Interscope Records.  After years of singing on demos and being met with opposition to her raspy voice, in 2009, Ester released “Drop It Low,” featuring Chris Brown, which gave the singer her first Billboard Top 40 Hit on her own.

Most recently Ester penned the feature single for the Dr. Seuss inspired film “The Lorax” out in theaters March 2nd.  The song “Let It Grow” which closes out the film celebrates the message of showing your love for the Earth.  Dean worked along side Tricky Stewart who produced Beyonce’s super smash hit, “Single Ladies.”  The duo worked hard to make sure “Let It Grow” would inspire listeners to work harder to take care of the earth without sounding too gimmicky.

Getting started
I really haven’t been writing that long. I look at it like this: we aren’t writers until we start getting paid for it. So for me, I only became a professional writer three years ago because that’s when people actually started paying me for it. You can be a lawyer all day but until you start getting paid for it, you aren’t really a professional lawyer. When I met Polow and started working with Interscope, it really started getting good. Cranking out good songs that people appreciated.

Performer vs. Songwriter
I was an artist first, but I wasn’t getting paid yet, so I wasn’t anything! When you’re an unknown artist, no one is going to write your songs if you aren’t signed, so I had to write my own. Then people were so into my songs, but I was like: I’m an artist! I love writing music. It’s really the thing that saved my life. Mentally, soul searching and figuring life out. It makes me feel safe. Financially, it’s obviously changed my life. And also I had to let go of fear. As an artist, there’s a lot of fear. You have to write a song, hope someone will like it when you sing it and when they sing it, and then the record label has to like and then the radio has to like it and then hope their fans like it and buy it!

Her music style
Everything I do is emotional-whether I’m happy or sad or angry or calm-it’s all just what I’m feeling. My song style is about feelings. I just write songs from emotion and people can relate. I have relatable songs. I’m a relatable singer.

The artists she loves
Music inspires me through sound-of course growing up with my cousins playing the music they listen to-90s pop stuff. Beyonce, Destiny’s Child. But my inspiration to be an artist was being broke, my stomach growling and paying my rent. That’s what inspires you to get up and do something. I didn’t wanna be poor anymore.

Her favorite song she’s written
Firework by Katy Perry. It really speaks to who I am in a positive side and I’m so happy it got that kind of life to inspire other people. We needed something like that in the world.

I love the fact that Mos Def is taking his spin on this song and making it mean something to black people. Commemorating Malcolm X’s death–which was February 21st in 1965. Instead of Will Ferrell’s comedic relief, Yasiini Bey uses a clip of Malcolm X eerily proclaiming he lives as a man who’s died already and he doesn’t fear anyone or anything.

Yasiin Bey repeats “Don’t caught up in no throne–” almost as if it’s some sort of mantra against everything Jay-Z and Kanye spit on “N*ggas in Paris.” Personally, I don’t think it’s an attack on the Watch the Throne lyricists, I believe Mos truly wants us all to open our eyes and stop pretending to live these materialistic lives when we’re plagued in violence, poverty and misguided youth.

What do you think of Yasiin Bey’s “N*ggas in Poorest?”

Let’s discuss on Twitter @Rhapsodani!

That Sh*t Cray: 3 Reasons Kanye and Jay-Z’s “N*ggas In Paris” Video Got Us Going Gorilla

[Un]happy Black History Month: 5 Embarrassing Black Moments We Wished Never Happened

READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Why She Loves Him:

While the couple may have an unconventional relationship, they boast two important factors for a successful match: laughter and compatibility.  According to ETOnline, Bledsoe stated “ I think we are very compatible. I think that is really the heart of it. People ask us what it is. I think a lot of couples find themselves together and find out that they are not really a good match. And laughter is also very important.”

Why He Loves Her:

As former child stars this twosome has seen all sides of the entertainment industry and Bell states that “because our professional lives have been so similar, we understand each other, our needs and what life is like as an actor. That has helped keep us strong. We have so many people who are common in our lives and so many experiences, too.” In this interview with ETOnline, Bell (who will forever be Ron Johnson in our mind) gushed about his long-time girlfriend, explaining that Bledsoe makes him happy.

READ: 5 Embarrassing Black Moments We Wished Never Happened

Why They Work:

Laughter! Plain and simple, the shared joy and happiness keeps their bond strong. Bell once stated n an interview, “I think it is that it is really important that we are able to make each other laugh. Have you noticed that some of the ugliest stand-up comedians have some of the cutest girlfriends. If you can make a woman laugh, you will find your way into her heart.”

While they aren’t rushing into marriage any time soon, the couple does believe in matrimony. Bell explained to ETOnline, “I believe in the institution, too. I always say you never know what is going to happen 20 minutes from now, but, at the moment, we are happy and we have been happy, so we will see what the future brings.”

Why We Love Them:

Between Bledsoe’s take charge attitude and success, she’s currently the host for Clean House, and Bell’s comedic sensibility, this couple continues to thrive. While marriage may possibly be looming in the future, for these two their motto has always been, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Happiness and laughter clearly play a major role in their success and they share a harmonious relationship!

This is when sh*ts and giggles goes really wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, especially within the comforts of their own homes, but making those feelings public when it’s supremely offensive is just wrong. Once the “N” word slipped off their tongues repeatedly, I was officially done with these videos.

For research purposes, I’ve tried to watch them in their entirety, but when the girls from the last video tried to tell us what the difference between black people and “n*ggers,” I’d had enough.

The girls from the last video have since apologized but the manufactured remorse is pretty much falling on deaf ears. The damage has been done and there’s no turning back at this point. They didn’t pull these opinions out of the air–they’ve had to gain most of their stance on black people from their environment. So what I want to know is–are racist YouTube videos a new trend?

Warning: They get more offensive as you keep watching.

About 3 minutes and 30 seconds in, you will hear the brunette girl use the “N” word.

The original posting the girls did has been removed from YouTube, but they’re response to the responses they’ve been getting is below. These girls are what the word “ignorant” was created for.

Let’s discuss on Twitter @Rhapsodani

Which Matters The Most: The Race That Uses The “N” Word Or The Context It’s Used In?

Why You Can’t Deny That Donald Trump Is A Racist

Why She Loves Him: “It is, it is the little everyday things. It’s the watching him interact with our kids and I come home, and I want to take a bath, and he goes and grabs the kids. It’s those things that are wonderful. The big things are good too!! I am not hating on the big things- but it is those little things that matter.”

Make It Last Forever: Lala And Carmelo Anthony

Why He Loves Her: Grant loves Tamia’s resiliency despite everything they’ve been through. “There are so many qualities to love about my wife, but I think her strength is the main thing.”

Black Women Firsts

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Make It Last Forever: Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

Make It Last Forever: Angela Bassett And Courtney B. Vance

While most of you tune in to the show for the drama, my eyes instantly gravitates towards the shoes! Ev & Jenn’s shoe game is definitely major! Take a look and tell us who wins in this shoe battle.

Shoe Battle: Evelyn vs Jennifer

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Basketball Wives returns today, February 20th at 8:00 on VH1.

VH1 Reveals “Basketball Wives” Season 4 Promo Pics

There’s No Business Like Show Business: 5 Reality Show Women-Turned-Moguls

Black Women Firsts

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Rosa Parks

GALLERY: Top 10 Girl Groups In Black Music

If you want more Black History, take a look at how we’re celebrating Black pop culture throughout the decades

Watch live coverage here on Saturday 12:00pm EST

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Click Here For The Best Way To Remember Whitney Houston

Follow the conversation on Twitter as Celebrities and dear friends of Whitney share their condolences.

Share Your Condolences For Whitney Houston Here

The Many Looks Of Whitney Houston

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The chemistry between the two was undeniable and not too long after Carmelo proposed on Christmas Day! Lala gave birth to their baby boy a year later and he was given Carmelo’s middle name–Kiyan! Lala Vasquez officially became Lala Anthony on a sunny day in July!

Make It Last Forever: Denzel And Pauletta Washington

Why She Loves Him:
Lala loves being Carmelo Anthony’s wife, she has said so herself, but even through-out being labeled a “Basketball Wife,” Lala has never settled as one. She is independent and a hard-worker and Carmelo has never stood in her way and only encourages her dreams. Carmelo is a family man and they work as a unit to raise their son who adores him, just as much as Lala does. He is a the ultimate role-model to Kiyan and other young boys who watch him dribble up and down the court everyday. Not to mention, he is a great athlete who provides for his family!

Why He Loves Her:
When Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Knicks back in 2011, Lala didn’t hesitate to pick up and relocate to New York without even looking back. Lala is a loyal woman and you can tell by the way she holds her man down. She is at every game in a fabulous pair of Louboutins and killer get-up. She is also a great mother, as we have seen on her reality show “Lala’s Full Court Life.” Even when Lala was confronted with the rumor that Carmelo had a secret love child she responded “If I knew about a baby… first of all, what kind of woman would it make me to say ‘hide your kid?” Lala embodies the traits of a strong black woman who balances many hats and Carmelo can’t get enough!

Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Why They Work:
As with any public relationship, Lala and Carmelo have faced rumors and scandals that could shipwreck any bond. In an interview with “The Breakfast Club” Lala said what works for them the best is respect!

Why We Love Them:
Carmelo and Lala are a match-made in heaven! They both have strong family values. During a time when most marriages seem forced and untrue, Lala and Carmelo have been together for years! They are truly in love and we love them for displaying it with poise.

Lala

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Check out some of our favorite black couples (and Khloe K. Odum) who made the plunge and tied the knot.

Black Celebrity Weddings

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Make It Last Forever: Will And Jada Pinkett-Smith

3 Of The Biggest Outdoor Wedding Mistakes You Can Make

Of all Whitney’s many looks which one was your ultimate favorite?

The Many Looks Of Whitney Houston

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Tell us which look is your favorite in the poll below:

These two lovebirds inspire one another to continue reaching for excellence, so much so that it is instilled in their children. The Smiths breed and maintain such a high level of success that love has no option but to thrive within them. It should be crystal clear why they have what it takes to make it last forever.

READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Why She Loves Him: In an acceptance speech at an Essence luncheon, Jada gushed over her superhero of a man who stood right by her side as she praised him. She said, “This man right here, holds it down–not just for me, for all of us. In just how he represents who we are in the world, internationally. It’s about expanding the limitations people try to put on all of us.” Jada loves Will because he’s, in a word, amazing.

Why He Loves Her: Will loves his wife because she’s someone that he has no doubt that he can count on. Will was asked about Jada’s essence on the red carpet of an Essence luncheon Jada was being honored at and he smiled and said, “The essence of Jada is commitment, as a central quality. She just will not break her word. That level of integrity that she possesses–you can bet on Jada. You can put your heart, your life, your dream and your wishes and hang them on Jada and know she’s not going to drop them.”

Why They Work: Any marriage is all about keeping the spark you felt when you first started dating and making sure your spouse puts forth the effort to keep you in love. In an appearance on “The View,” Jada explained, “You have to keep it spontaneous. That’s the trick to it. You’ve got to keep surprises.” Surprises come in many forms. Jada explained during a press junket in 2004, “You have to be willing to move around–to move your romance around. Kitchen, closet, park, parked car,” and we know exactly what she means. *wink wink* The dream couple also keeps divorce out of their vocabulary. Will told Ellen, “Divorce just can’t be an option.”

READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Angela Bassett And Courtney B. Vance

Why We Love Them: When you look at the Smiths, you see an effervescence that only comes from peace within. It’s not a difficult task to achieve, but it does take work. Jada made it simple when she told George Lopez, “We enjoy life, people and what we do.” That’s the key to a fulfilling live in one sentence.

Will And Jada

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Will Smith & Eddie Murphy’s Ex-Wives Get New Reality Show

Willow Smith Debuts Shaved Head On Twitter [PHOTOS]

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Here at HelloBeautiful, we’re feeling the love and we’ve been celebrating it all month with our series “Make It Last Forever.”  We’re profiling 12 Black couples whose relationships have withstood the test of time.

Check out the couples that made the list in the gallery below:

Couples That Made It Last Forever

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Check out the series below:

Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Make It Last Forever: Denzel And Pauletta Washington

Make It Last Forever: Angela Bassett And Courtney B. Vance

Make It Last Forever: Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

READ MORE: Top 10 Divas Of All Time [PHOTOS & VIDEOS]

The 1991 Super Bowl XXV performance by Whitney Houston trumps all past and future national anthem performances, and the unforgettable execution of the song lead to the release of a charity single by Arista Records.  Thus, we were inspired to create a list of best national anthem performances at sporting events throughout the years.

Check out the Top 10 performances below:

10) Glee (Really, Amber P. Riley!), World Series Game 3 (2009)

9) Kelly Clarkson, Thanksgiving Day at a Dallas Cowboys Game (2006)

8) Luther Vandross, Super Bowl XXXI (1997)

7) Monica, 2010 NBA Finals Game 3

6) Mariah Carey, Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)

5) Aaliyah, 1995 NBA Finals Game 1

4) Jennifer Hudson, Super Bowl XLIII (2009)

http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/godtube/resource/mediaplayer/5.6/player.swf

3) Beyonce at Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)

2) Marvin Gaye, 1983 NBA All-Star Game

1) Whitney Houston, Super Bowl XXV (1991)

The ultimate diva over time has become more than just “a highly distinguished female singer.” A diva has it all: the looks, the attitude, the style and she definitely will not let anyone stand in her way to rise to the top.

Take a look at our list of Top 10 Divas Of All Time! Who’s on your list? Did we leave anyone out? Tell us in the comments below!

HB’s Top 10 Divas Of All Time

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Don’t forget to watch this bonus clip of Whitney and Chaka’s duet of “I’m Every Woman” from VH1′s Divas Live!

Also check out…
Top 10 Memorable National Anthem Performances [VIDEO]
Top 15 Black TV Actresses That Represent!

The students at Bringham Young University–a predominantly white college in Utah were quizzed by Ackerman to show just how little Black History Month means to them. Here’s 8 of the most disturbingly ignorant moments from the video. Watch at your own discretion.

1. First thing’s first. There was absolutely no reason for the comedian to go to the campus in black face. I’m pretty certain he could get his point across in his own skin.

2. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. seems to be the only black historical figure that these students know. And even then, they have no clue what Dr. King’s significance is.

3. A few of the clueless students labeled Samuel L. Jackson, 50 Cent, TuPac and Will Smith as historical black figures.

4. The one black student the comedian asked about how he celebrates Black History Month and he had no clue.

5. One of the white student said that he celebrates Black History Month with fried chicken and grape juice.

6. Amazingly enough, one of the students even used the term “colored people.”

7. The comedian asked several girls would they rather date a white guy that acts black or a black guy that acts white and they prefer a black guy that acts white because that’s “classy.”

8. The last 30 seconds of the video shows the BYU students acting how they think black people act and well…you can only imagine the head rolls, finger snaps and broken English they’re throwing out.

What do you think–funny or offensive?

Follow me on Twitter @Rhapsodani!

Top 15 Black TV Actresses That Represent!

[Un]happy Black History Month: 5 Embarrassing Black Moments We Wished Never Happened

Five years later they were married and built a beautiful family together which included four children who are all succeeding in their own right. Three are currently enrolled in college (Tisch, Yale and U.Penn) and one is a professional football player for the California Redwoods in the United Football League. A strong family unit speaks volumes of the family’s foundation–the parents. Denzel and Pauletta have been able to take the strength of their own 28 year-old relationship and share it with their children. This couple does more than make it last, they endure and thrive.

READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Why She Loves Him: Pauletta has no problem dealing with the women that come after her man. She told Essence that it would be senseless to be upset with flirting women because Denzel comes home to her. She even takes the flirtation as a compliment. However, Pauletta knows that Denzel’s appeal is more than his knee-weakening looks. He’s amazing inside and out. Pauletta told Oprah, “I thought he was cute, but I fell in love with his spirit. And then I thought, ‘Hmm, not a bad package.’”

Why He Loves Her: Pauletta’s got the kind of confidence you can touch. When your man is voted by countless magazines, women and even some men as the sexiest man alive, you’ve got to be one of the most confident women alive. Pauletta is just that. Her confidence is as sexy as Denzel’s demeanor and if it’s one thing that Denzel loves, it’s confidence. On an appearance at the Wendy Williams show, Pauletta explained, “I am so secure to who Pauletta is and my mother raised me in a way to know that who I am. She married me for who I am and I’ve always felt confident in who I am and it’s by the grace of God.”

Why They Work: Denzel says that love is a marathon and not a sprint. He prepared to put in the work and focus for a long-term love with Pauletta when the two were dating. These two also keep God at their relationship’s center. Denzel said in an interview that spirituality is his life and it’s reflected on his and his family’s lives.  Denzel told The Washington Post that his family is the base that keeps him solid. He added, “Acting is just a way of making a living. Family is life. When you experience a child, you know that’s life.”

Black Women Firsts

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Make It Last Forever: Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

Make It Last Forever: Angela Bassett And Courtney B. Vance

#15

Bonnie Bennett [Kat Graham] – The Vampire Diaries

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#14

Jasmine Trussell [Joy Bryant] – Parenthood

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#13

Val Stokes [Stacey Dash] – Single Ladies

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#12

Raven Baxter [Raven-Symoné] – That’s So Raven

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#11

Mercedes Jones [Amber Riley] – Glee

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#10

Lisa Turtle [Lark Voorhies] – Saved By The Bell

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#9

Tasha Mack [Wendy Raquel Robinson] – The Game

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#8

Gina Waters-Payne [Tisha Campbell-Martin] – Martin

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#7

True Jackson [Keke Palmer] – True Jackson, VP

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#6

Dr. Melinda Warner [Tamara Tunie] – Law & Order: SVU

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#5

Brenda Jenkins [Regina King] – 227

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#4

Vivian Banks [Janet Hubert-Whitten] – The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

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#3

Florida Evans [Esther Rolle] – Good Times

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#2

Miranda Bailey [Chandra Wilson] – Grey’s Anatomy

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Check out the gallery for TV’s #1 Black actress!

HB’s Top 15 Black TV Actresses

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Did we miss anyone?

In spite of the gossip and rumors of separation, Oprah and Stedman have continued to blossom in their love and support of one another. In 2010 during an interview with Jenny McCarthy, Oprah rebuffed these claims stating, “We’ve never broken up once. They’re always lies,” said Oprah, adding, “I do regret ever mentioning him” in the press.

READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

In the past few years, Oprah has opened up about her personal life, demonstrating that long-term couples can find happiness living non-traditional lives, without marriage and children.

Why She Loves Him: In her 2010 interview with Barbara Walters, Oprah stated of Stedman, “I don’t know of another man on this planet who could have lived this life with such dignity, such grace and such respect and humility in it and still hold his own and be his own.”  Despite Oprah’s significant fame, Stedman has maintained his own identity and remained by her side through it all.

During her appearance on the Piers Morgan Show, Oprah candidly discussed a family member selling her out to the tabloids for $20,000. In response to Stedman’s support at that traumatic time in her life, she said, “here is someone who is willing to stand in and stand up for you. And that is love.”

Why He Loves Her: Though the two rarely make public appearances together, Stedman surprised the audience by walking out on stage and paying tribute to Oprah during Part 2 of the ‘Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular.’ “It really does amaze me that I get to be around a woman who changes peoples’ lives every day and who also takes her own lunch to work,” Stedman said. “I cannot, honey, believe that a colored girl from the backwoods of Mississippi has done all that you have done … But you know what really is amazing? You have done this, sweetheart, through all of the sacrifices you have made and the humility that you have and through God’s amazing grace. I love you for making a difference in my life.”

READ: 5 Embarrassing Black Moments We Wished Never Happened

Why They Work: Again during her Piers Morgan appearance, Oprah said it best “the reason why this relationship has worked as well as it has is that we each got to define ourselves in it and not in a traditional form.”  In the early 2000s, Oprah and Stedman made a conscious effort to pull back on their public appearances together, stating that “every time we showed up in public… there’d be another exploitative story.” Maintaining their privacy and the integrity of their relationship has definitely been the keystone to their success as a couple.

Why We Love Them: Oprah and Stedman have battled it out with the media for the past 26 years, choosing to live outside of society’s norms and embracing their own definition of happiness.  Oprah once said about her relationship, “the truth of the matter is, had we gotten married we wouldn’t be together now, because in no way is this a traditional relationship.” Thus proving that happiness doesn’t have to be defined by a ring or a label.

Black Women Firsts

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The couple met at the Yale School of Drama and on an appearance on Oprah, Angela fondly remembers Courtney as tall, dark and skinny and Courtney laughs and claims he doesn’t remember Angela at all. After graduating, Angela moved to L.A. to pursue her career and Courtney hit Broadway. They randomly ran into each other in 1994, went out on a date that fell flat. But it’s a good thing they decided to go on a second date because that’s when sparks flew.

The acting lovebirds wed in 1997 and have created a foundation of friendship that allowed their relationship to stand strong against any obstacle.

Why She Loves Him: Courtney loves being able to keep Angela happy. He gets the simple concept of happy wife, happy life. In an interview with Rachael Ray, Courtney explained how he became a husband and it’s definitely something to swoon over. “It was a hard concept to get my mind around. I worked with a trainer, who was also a marriage counselor. So everyday I was being counseled and he asked me what it cost when she asked me–if we were in a car–which way do we go, to say, ‘Which way do you want to go?’ I want peace in my home. I want that smile everyday. What I had to realize was that she’s first and when the queen is happy, the land is happy.”

READ BLACK HISTORY IN LOVE: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Why He Loves Her: Friends first is usually the smartest route to love. Courtney maintained a friendship with Angela until one day, it just became so much more. He told PEOPLE, “We’re like old friends who all of a sudden looked up and said, ‘Hmmm …,’ Gradually it dawned on us that we like each other.”

Why They Work: Courtney and Angela have ground rules that they try to maintain in order to keep the peace in their marriage. No relationship is 100% perfect, the couple told Oprah that when they have their arguments, Angela watches her tone and the words she chooses while Courtney never raises his voice no matter what way the argument goes. “I’m putting two feet in with this one. We’re not going to be doing shows and movies together. We need to close the doors and figure our our marriage. We had to make a commitment to each other that divorce is not an option and to take it off the table.” Angela says, “He said that we would have to fight through it to get to the other end of it. It was really wonderful.”

Why We Love Them: This couple kept things old school with abstinence. This is an almost foreign concept these days. When Courtney proposed to Angela, they decided to keep their relationship out of the bedroom until their wedding night.

As the first African-American soloist at ABT in over 20 years, Copeland has already made history and hopes to become the first Black principal female dancer in the company.

READ BLACK HISTORY IN LOVE: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

In the meanwhile, she continues to build impressive career which includes her touring with Prince as his dance/muse and working on a dancewear line for women with curves.  Check out her exclusive interview with HelloBeautiful below.

Take a look at more great Black women in history in our gallery below:

Black Women Firsts

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1. King Me

Where does one begin with Bishop Eddie Long? Molestation charges for which he settled out of court and now, he’s a king? If that’s not blasphemy, I don’t know what is. How embarrassing is this display of an actual Kinging (definitely not a word) ceremony?

2. Money Talks Yells

Black women fighting on reality tv has become an expected dynamic. The entertainment aspect of it is almost extinct that it’s getting a bit old. Marlo and Sheree’s high-pitched petty argument over returned Neiman’s clothes, repossessed cars and sugar daddies even had Nene do some self-reflection.

3. White Hates Black

Actor, Brian White recently laid out a lot of racial opinions and well, he just might have an issue with black people. Generalizations of ethnicity isn’t fair and it’s ignorant.

4. Kola Boof Beef

Who’s more reckless on Twitter than Rihanna? Kola Boof–author and former mistress to Osama Bin Laden. Her recklessness actually leans more towards ratchet. Her latest rants deal with high-profile hubby of Kimora Lee Simmons–Djimon Hounsou. She claims to be his mistress as well. Straight disrespectful. Good thing Kimora or Djimon aren’t responding at all.

5. Momma Knows Best

I mean, is there anything to say about this? Jim Jones’ mom, Nancy’s rap attempt at a rap career cannot be serious. It. Just. Can’t. Be. Jim must truly be a momma’s boy because he let her go through with this ridiculing of Chrissy and herself via “Love & Hip Hop.”

Follow me on Twitter @Rhapsodani!

Vanessa Long Continues With Divorce From Bishop Eddie Long

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[Songza Playlist=what-it-feels-like-to-be-black-NewsOne]

“It’s just so sad, stunning and downright shocking and a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large. Don Cornelius single handedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of Soul Train.”

Aretha Franklin

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Celebrities React To Death Of Don Cornelius

Why She Loves Him: Women typically always have an unbroken connection with their first. Beyonce made it big during her teenage years and really didn’t have the time to date like a boy-crazed adolescent. By the time she was 19, she was dating Jay-Z–one of the biggest hip hop heavyweights of our time and he set the standard for the superstar’s love life. “Fortunately I haven’t had any breakups. Jay Z is my first relationship,” Beyonce said in an interview with US magazine.

Why He Loves Her: Where there’s Jay’s love, there is respect and it’s not a secret that he respects everything about his wife’s hustler spirit and unwavering worth ethic. “What I’ve learned from her is similar to what I learned from Mike [Jackson] – and I know that’s blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator – but I think she’s like the second coming,” said Jay-Z. “You know, the hard work and dedication that she puts into her shows. It just makes you want to work harder at your own craft. She’s like a machine,” he said in a radio interview with Miami’s 99 Jamz.

Why They Work: As frustrating as it is for the detail-hungry public, Jay and Bey manage to keep their very public lives a little bit private. Privacy can be the glue that holds this power couple together because when outside elements weigh in on your relationship, it causes a strain. How they can remain so allusive is beyond us, but we’ve witnessed it from the start of their union, to their wedding and to the birth of their first born. When Jay appeared on Oprah in 2009, he admitted, “When you live your life so out in the public, then your music and life are on display,” Hov added. “You need to separate from it. You can’t be in that light all the time. You need some type of escape from it. And that’s one thing that’s sacred and not in the public eye.”

Why We Love Them: Beyonce said it best, “The best thing about marriage is the amount of growth you have because you can no longer hide from your fears and insecurities. There’s someone right there calling you out on your flaws and building you up when you need the support. If you are with the right person, it brings out the best version of you.” These two lovebirds are inspiring. A lot of folks get married for the wrong reasons, Jay and Bey, waited, courted and realized that their love was everything each other needed. They provide one another with relationship essentials–support, growth and unconditional love.

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Beyonce and Jay-Z

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Rufus featuring Chaka Khan- “Sweet Thing”

Aretha Franklin- “Rock Steady”

Freda Payne “Band Of Gold”

The Emotions – “Best Of My Love”

Janet Jackson -”Young Love”

Jody Watley – “Looking For A New Love”

Labelle – “Lady Marmalade”

Teena Marie – “I Need Your Lovin’

Celebrities React To Death Of Don Cornelius

Born Sarah Breedlove, Walker descended from slaves who died when she was still a child. While many young children would have been too traumatized to overcome the death of two parents, she and her sister took jobs laboring in kitchens, and on farms until they could sustain themselves. In 1910, after forming the Hair Culturists’ Union of America in Indianapolis, she made it a point to find allies in the Black political community. She moved to New York in 1916, building (with the help of the first registered black architect) a palatial home that rivaled any in the Hudson River Valley.

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How she came into the hair business was no coincidence. Walker may have suffered from alopecia, a rare ailment that is characterized by little or no hair growth on the body. As a response to her own condition, Walker created a formula (that she claimed had been delivered to her in a dream) to restore hair growth. While many say she did invent a metal “hot comb” specifically for Black women to straighten out the curl in their roots, that is not accurate. The primary cause of her hair loss was the result of a common problem of the era i.e. infrequent washing and products that were not designed for the hair of Black women.

With her ingenious marketing in every Black publication, and her constant travel to trade shows, Walker became a household name. She interrupted Booker T. Washington’s prestigious National Negro Business League Convention after Washington had apparently ignored her requests to speak. As a woman who had founded and developed one of the nation’s most formidable businesses, she would not be denied the right to correlate with her peers on the same level.

PHOTOS: Historical Firsts For Black Women

Not one to horde her riches, Walker moved to create philanthropic projects that would help Black communities. She funded the YMCA building in Indianapolis where her business was, donated to the NAACP, and traveled to Woodrow Wilson’s White House to present an anti-lynching petition after violent outbursts had killed Blacks in an Illinois riot. She passed on her legacy of philanthropy to daughter A’Lelia, who was responsible for creating “The Dark Tower,” a salon that hosted Black writers and artists who would display their work during the Harlem Renaissance. Walker died of kidney disease, and bequeathed her estate to her female heirs.

In 1911 Madam Walker pledged $1000 toward the building fund of the black YMCA in Indianapolis. She was one of many funders.

Take a look at more great Black women in history in our gallery below:

Black Women Firsts

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