How Black Wealth Is Impacted By Black Marriage
Do marriage and wealth statistics mean that Black people in [...]
The Best Skin of Your Life
Skin care in the Black community has long been influenced by a blend of traditional practices, cultural knowledge and systemic challenges
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Receives Support From Black Community After Wildfire Response Backlash
Several Black celebrities, politicians, and public figures have rallied on social media for Mayor Karen Bass, who is the first woman and the second Black person to be elected as the mayor of Los Angeles.
Why Infidelity Wasn’t a Dealbreaker for These Couples
These couples have survived infidelity and bravely shared their stories with Black Love to show readers that they can make it past their darkest moments in marriage.
Lynae Vanee on Her New Self-Care Brand VANE: “I Wanted to Reclaim That Concept of Vanity”
Lynae Vanee of "Parking Lot Pimpin'" says her new wellness brand VANE shows that self-love and vanity “is okay because sometimes it is all about you.”
Why a Relationship Sabbatical Could Be Just What a Couple Needs
“The premise of this and the emphasis is not on the separation,” says relationship expert Love McPherson. “You are not separating to separate; you are separating to heal.”
Holding Space for Grief and Self-Love After Becoming a Widow
If you haven't grieved anything, that just means you haven't lived long enough yet. We have the joy and sorrow. These emotions are normal, and that's how we exist.
Advice for Married Couples When Arguments Arise: Attack the Issue — Not Each Other
Stepping back and refocusing on the actual issue instead of our emotions helps us to communicate effectively as we peel back the layers, examine, evaluate, and attack the problem as a team.
How My Husband and I Balance What is Private and Public in Our Relationship
A huge misconception about public figures is that we post/share everything, yet there are many moments known only by me and the one I hold close.
Lessons I’ve Learned From My Husband on Fatherhood and Parenthood
As we navigate this beautiful struggle of parenting, we’re still learning and doing the best we can. I’m humbled by my husband's patience and the lessons I learn from him daily.
Meet the Founder Building a Wellness Studio for Black Men in Richmond, VA
It’s Men’s Health Awareness Month, and the organization Men to Heal is helping men globally heal their communities, their families, and themselves.
Her Husband Helped Her Lose 150 Pounds, and Then They Went Viral
They met on Myspace, and now they’re a viral couple capturing the eyes of Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson with their powerful story.
Don’t Miss The Signs: The Forms of Abuse We Don’t Always Discuss
Black Love spoke with therapist and trauma expert Candyce “Ce” Anderson about the various forms of domestic violence, myths and misconceptions, and viable resources for victims, survivors and supporters.
Staying Sexually Attracted to Your Spouse: 4 Couples Share How They Navigate Weight Gain, Health Issues and So Much More
Many married couples deal with dying passion and a loss of physical attraction. So, what’s the secret to staying attracted to your spouse for the long haul? staging-blacklove.kinsta.cloud contributor Raquelle Harris spoke to four couples to find out!
How ‘Black Love’ Really Helped My Marriage
Writer and wife Raquelle Harris shares how the first two seasons of Black Love really helped prompt some crucial conversations between her and her husband
Black Love: In Sickness and in Health
Inspired by watching the upcoming episode of BLACK LOVE on OWN entitled In Sickness and In Health, Raquelle Harris, married 16 years with 2 kids, describes her experience facing her husband’s stroke. This is her story. “The whole right side of my body is numb,” he said. It was a Monday. I was busy with work, kids, him, and I was in the midst of starting my career in media. I did not have time for any shenanigans. My husband’s statement didn’t fully register at first because my thoughts and emotions were on ten. We were experiencing financial strain and it was affecting our marriage. Hindsight is a tricky thing, it’s almost torturous when you reflect on your past actions and realize what you could and should have done differently. After asking him a few more questions, we attributed the numbness to him sleeping in an awkward position during his nap. Yet, when I arrived home several hours later, he said he still felt numb on his entire right side. That’s when I got nervous and suggested he go to the emergency room. He was scheduled to start school for graphic design the next day, so he didn’t want to go to the hospital. Raquelle & Husband Ben Harris
How to Pick Your Battles
Hi, my name is Raquelle, but when I’m in an immature mood, I am known as Petty LaBelle. My alternate persona oftentimes rears her ugly head when my husband, Ben, and I argue. There’s no use in fronting — I can be a bitch if I’m not getting my way. When she’s in full diva mode, Petty won’t let me give in, so I may bring up old stuff that doesn’t have a damn thing to do with our disagreement. If we’re on the phone, I’ll deliver a curt “bye” and hang up just to show him I’ve got the upper hand. Or I’ll do passive-aggressive stuff like eat the last of some yummy leftovers or leave his clothes in the washing machine. Yes, I know, scandalous — I’ve earned my moniker. On this week’s episode of Black Love, the couples share their experiences on how to pick your battles in a relationship. Like previous episodes, this show spoke to the beauty and beast within my soul. It is a deft illustration of the dichotomy between heaven and hell — undeniable proof that marriage ain’t for wimps. One of my fave couples is Devale and Khadeen. Their banter is enchanting as they interact with adoring smiles and laughter, sexual innuendo, and sometimes feigned annoyance. When Devale spoke about the fight they had right before the cameras arrived, I had to smile and shake my head. Countless times, my hubby and I have been fussing one minute and flashing smiles the next. I know he resists the urge to choke me at times, and the feeling is mutual. But as Devale surmises, we “suppress all of that for the sake of marriage, that right there is the epitome of marriage!” Echoing her hubby, Khadeen shared a lesson I’m learning about my own marriage. “Perseverance, that’s Black Love.” My homie lover friend and I have been married for 16 years. Keeping peace in my marriage when the devil is dishing out dissension is an art I continue to perfect. I try to check myself and exercise maturity. Some days I succeed, others, I have to dust my pride off and try again. I have become well versed at saying, “Let’s agree to disagree.” Or better yet, I shut my mouth and let him win a round of Mars vs. Venus.
