Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Category: Black Women in Media and Culture

  • Fisk Gymnastics: From Nothing to History in ‘Flipped’

    Imagine stepping into a sport where no one who looks like you has ever had a team before. No dedicated gym, no personal trainer, and very limited funding. That was the reality for a group of determined young Black women at Fisk University. They didn’t let these obstacles stop them from making history.

    Making History from Scratch

    In 2023, Fisk University achieved a monumental feat by launching the very first collegiate women’s gymnastics team at an HBCU. What these incredible athletes built from virtually nothing into a powerful symbol of triumph and perseverance is a sports story you absolutely need to hear.

    Now, their journey is being brought to light in ‘Flipped,’ a compelling new short-form documentary directed by the award-winning filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper. The film chronicles the team’s inaugural season and its surprising, albeit heartbreaking, conclusion just three years later.

    Breaking Barriers and Molds

    Competing fifty years after the landmark passage of Title IX, these women of color didn’t just break records; they shattered expectations and redefined what’s possible. ‘Flipped’ captures every sacrifice, every breakthrough, and the unbreakable spirit of these trailblazers who created something entirely new.

    This project holds a special significance as it marks the debut for Baller Alert Films. Produced by founder Robin Lyon alongside Coffee Bluff Pictures, the mission from day one was clear: ensure these athletes receive the recognition they so richly deserve.

    A Natural Partnership for a Powerful Story

    The perfect platform for this story is BET, and the partnership feels incredibly right. Baller Alert and BET have a long-standing relationship of over 15 years, making the decision to bring the first Baller Alert Films project to BET a natural and fitting choice. A special thanks goes to Kim Paige, who championed this project from the start.

    That kind of unwavering support is invaluable when you’re dedicated to telling stories that truly matter. You can stream ‘Flipped’ on BET.com or catch it on the official BET YouTube channel starting April 7th.

    Have you heard about the Fisk gymnastics team’s incredible journey? What inspires you most about their story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • ESSENCE Editors Review Cécred’s New Styling Collection

    As beauty editors, we’ve tried countless hair products – the amazing, the mediocre, and the downright disappointing. But when Beyoncé’s brand, Cécred, drops a new collection, it feels like a special occasion for our hair. Following their initial Foundation and Protection lines, Cécred’s latest launch, The Styling Collection, promises healthy, high-performance results for your favorite looks.

    A Collection for Every Style Need

    Naturally, the six-product collection has found a permanent spot in our bathrooms. Each editor gravitated towards different products based on their unique hair needs and styling routines. From sleek bobs to protective styles and event-ready looks, we put Cécred’s new offerings to the test.

    Read on to see what the ESSENCE style team thought of Cécred’s new Styling Collection!

    Mecca Pryor, Style Writer: The Heat Protectant Pro

    I’m absolutely obsessed with the Cécred Heat Glaze! After my stylist used it, a single pass with the blow dryer left my hair silky straight. There was barely any need for a flatiron afterward. Even when we did use heat, my hair felt fully protected thanks to this added layer.

    Akili King, Senior Beauty & Fashion Editor: The Long-Lasting Hold

    For my best friend’s wedding in New Orleans, I needed a style that could withstand the southern heat and humidity. I opted for a sleek, textured bubble ponytail, inspired by Beyoncé’s ‘Hold Up’ music video look. I used the new Cécred Wrap & Set Foam and Strong Hold Gel.

    These products worked wonders, keeping the front of my hair super sleek, snatched, and perfectly in place all day long. I set my hair with the mousse and a brush, then finished with the gel to secure everything and lay my edges. The result? A flawless style that I’ll definitely recreate!

    India Espy-Jones, Beauty Editor: The Scent-Sational Hairspray

    I’m notoriously picky about hair products – I dislike heaviness, stickiness, and especially strong smells. Since I mostly wear braids, a high-performance hairspray is essential. Cécred’s Flexible Hold Hairspray was a revelation!

    The first thing I noticed was the incredible scent – the brand’s signature Temple Oud aroma. It smells so good, it could double as a hair perfume! It’s humidity-resistant, offers heat protection, and combats frizz, which is a lifesaver for my natural coils between cornrows. The flexible hold keeps my styles looking fresh for longer.

    Where to Find the Collection

    Ready to try Cécred’s new Styling Collection for yourself? You can find the full range now on cecred.com and at Ulta. Give your hair the healthy, high-performance styling it deserves!

    Have you tried Cécred’s new Styling Collection yet? Which product are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!

  • 20 Black Women Making Waves in Podcasting

    In a world saturated with content, Black women are carving out essential spaces in the podcasting universe. They’re hosting nuanced discussions on everything from navigating careers and understanding our history to exploring wellness and dissecting pop culture. These voices offer depth beyond viral soundbites, creating communities and sharing invaluable expertise.

    Voices Shaping Conversations

    From practical advice on accessing FMLA and climbing the corporate ladder to intimate conversations about inner healing and relationships, there’s a podcast episode for nearly every aspect of life. These powerful Black women are not just speaking; they’re holding space, fostering vulnerability, and offering unique perspectives that move the needle in fields like healthcare, business, true crime, sexual wellness, and news.

    They are also revisiting history, offering fresh insights into the daily lives of our ancestors beyond the major historical events. Their work, expertise, and dreams are readily available, enriching our understanding and connection to our heritage.

    Meet the Trailblazers:

    • **Drea Nicole & Lex P (Pour Minds):** These Houston besties host vulnerable conversations about life and love as thirty-somethings, featuring guests like Ari Lennox and 2 Chainz, and discussing topics from plastic surgery to financial protection. They’re even embarking on a twelve-city tour.
    • **Sukihana (That’s BS with Bobbi & Suki):** The colorful rapper teams up with Bobbi Althoff for a podcast capitalizing on their contrasting personas and blossoming friendship, filled with hilarious moments.
    • **Eboni K. Williams (NAACP Image Award-winning podcast):** The legal expert, alongside comedian Dustin Ross, dives deep into major legal cases, offering insights from the bench rather than just social media.
    • **Melyssa Ford (Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford):** The veteran media personality explores wellness topics like dating, mental health, and menopause, featuring powerful cultural moments like Mya discussing her decision not to have children.
    • **Bridget Todd (There Are No Girls On The Internet):** A respected voice in digital cultural criticism, Todd explores the implications of AI and technology, particularly how bots imitating Black women pose threats to communities. Her book, ‘Love at First Prompt,’ is also forthcoming.
    • **Traci Thomas (The Stacks):** A must-stop for authors, Thomas hosts candid conversations about storytelling with guests ranging from Kamala Harris to Tayari Jones, offering a dream-like experience for book lovers.
    • **Gabrielle Wyatt (Meet Me At Highland):** Founder of The Highland Project, Wyatt launched this podcast to spotlight Black women’s leadership, imagination, and legacy, emphasizing the power of rest with insights from mental health leaders.
    • **Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess):** For true crime fans tired of just violence, Mosley exposes the scams threatening our finances, even turning her long-running series into a Freeform show.
    • **Rachel Lindsay (Higher Learning, Morally Corrupt):** The ‘Bachelorette’ alum brings her unique energy and real talk to The Ringer, calling out racism in franchises and exploring what it means to be a ‘girl’s girl.’
    • **Candice Dillard Bassest (with Michael Arceneaux):** Combining sharp wit, a love for education, and a political background, Bassest engages in lively discussions with cultural critic Michael Arceneaux.
    • **Chizi Duru (I Guess I’m an Adult Now):** Duru helps listeners navigate the often-mundane aspects of growing up and becoming an adult.
    • **Lish Speaks (I’ll Just Let Myself In):** This rising podcaster on Holy Culture Radio creates a judgment-free, casual space, contributing to a new era of faith-based content that redefines relationships with Christ.
    • **Ashley J. Hobbs:** A prolific voice actor and producer, Hobbs is the force behind significant audio moments in shows like ‘Holding We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan and Sterling’ and ‘Jemele Hill Is Unbothered.’
    • **Nichole Hill (Our Ancestors Were Messy, The Secret Adventures of Black People):** History enthusiasts will appreciate Hill’s storytelling, focusing on the less-traumatized, more relatable aspects of the past.
    • **Chelsea Charles (Sounds Like A Cult):** As a producer turned podcaster, Charles brings a fresh, lived-experience perspective to the hit show, elevating its content.
    • **Rana Campbell (Dreams In Drive):** With over 400 episodes, Campbell shares her career journey from figuring things out to flourishing at Paramount, championing both independent creators and major celebrities.
    • **Kiki Said So & Medinah Monroe (Cocktales):** This Southern duo brings an Atlanta flair to ‘dirty discussions,’ offering a spicy show perfect for spicing up your commute.
    • **Les Alfred (She’s So Lucky):** Business-minded individuals, from entrepreneurs to side-hustlers, can gain powerful insights from Alfred and her guests on this essential show.
    • **Dr. Judith (The Vault with Dr. Judith):** This well-informed podcast from a prominent medical creator offers a deep dive into maintaining mental health, cutting through the buzzwords.
    • **Tamika Mallory (TMI podcast):** The activist and author expands her platform with Mysonne, pushing forward the connection between pop culture and social justice.

    A Powerful Platform for Truth

    In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, it’s crucial that Black women have dedicated platforms to share their truths, experiences, and expertise. These 20 women, and countless others, are not only entertaining and informing but also building communities, preserving history, and challenging narratives. Their voices are essential, and their impact on the podcasting landscape continues to grow.

    Who are your favorite Black women podcasters? Are there any voices you think we missed? Share your recommendations in the comments below!