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What do kumquats, Oprah and Duchess Meghan Markle's mom have in common? It has been nearly a month since the American actress wedded Prince Harry in one of the most lavish weddings of the decade. And in about as much time, there have been rumors circulating about Oprah and Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, after the two were seen leaving Oprah's home.Paparazzi captured the two after they had reportedly gotten to know each other in a six-hour meeting.There was speculation claiming the media mogul was wooing Ragland with gifts for a potential interview, but the rumor was never confirmed. While on the red carpet of her new series "Love Is," Oprah cleared the air in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “The story was that Meghan’s mom had come to my house, and she left laden with gifts," Oprah said. "You know what the gifts were? First of all, she’s great at yoga, so I said, ‘Bring your yoga mat and your sneaks in case we just want to do yoga on the lawn.’ So one of the bags was a yoga mat, and the other was lunch.” Oprah & Idris Elba at the #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/wSbjuPkKvH— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) May 19, 2018Oprah didn't stop there. She wanted to put this whole matter to rest. One the main sticking points from the rumor mill was a story about kumquats. Ragland loves the fruit, and the two ate a kumquat-based dessert at Oprah's home.“She said, ‘I love kumquats,’ and I said, ‘I have a kumquat tree! You want some kumquats?’ So it was a basket of kumquats, people," Oprah said. "For all of the people who said I am getting her gifts, and I'm trying to bribe her for an interview—they were kumquats. If kumquats can get you an interview, I’m all for it!”However, Oprah did not shy away from expressing her desire to be Meghan and Prince Harry's first interview. But she maintains that the meeting had nothing to do with it. For Oprah, like many others, the wedding was a transformative cultural moment that will last a lifetime. “It was more than a wedding, I thought. It was a cultural moment. And you could not be there or watching on television... and not feel that there was a shift that just happened in the middle of it.” She went on, “I think it’s bigger than them, and I think it bodes well for hope for all of...

Dating isn't easy. Even with social and dating apps and an almost unlimited amount of tech at our disposal, it can be nearly impossible to find someone with whom to connect.Options are slim, and conversations can be drier than Death Valley. These things do not bode well for those looking to strike up some romance. In a new animated short created by Munirah S. Jones, a text convo comes to life showing just how unfulfilling dating can be in 2018. lmao "how men communicate in 2018." I screamed when he went ghost & I died at the "I missed you" 😩😂💀 the accuracy tho pic.twitter.com/NRuTc68lyo— MyLynda (@MyLyndaS) June 11, 2018The short entitled "How Men Communicate in 2018" puts the focus on dudes' lackluster conversational skills. Two people sit at a table in a fine dining establishment on a date. There is a bottle of wine in between the pair as the woman tries diligently to engage with the man.She asks about his hobbies. He responds with vague statements that reveal nothing. "What are you doing," he asked as if he isn't on a date.She asks him what he ultimately wants to get out of dating. And then, he disappears like Casper the ghost. When she gets upsets by his aloofness, he rants about the type of man he is, attacks her appearance and lists his jobs which include being a prostitute.What adds to the comedic take is Jones voices both male and female characters. Black Twitter seemingly tore itself apart over this 3-minute cartoon. Women could not help but relate to the stoic man, and men couldn't believe women dealt with guys like this.pic.twitter.com/buAyU9H6oD— King Del (@Lahmoses) June 12, 2018This is a text convo in my phone i swear 😭😭😭— Pepper Ann 👩🏾‍🔬 (@Get_It_D) June 12, 2018What kinda niggas do this lol— Al-Hakim (@keeeeemster) June 12, 2018A lot of the breathing ones 🤷🏿‍♀️ 🤣— Ananda Wakanda (@anioti) June 12, 2018 Take a look for...

Chicago rapper Taylor Bennett releases a new uplifting track and album cover during Pride month encouraging everyone to be their authentic self. “Be Yourself” featuring Bianca Shaw is a bombastic single promoting acceptance and love for every person no matter how they identify. Since coming out as bisexual on his 21st birthday, Chance the Rapper's younger brother has opened up about how he learned to live his truth while being in the rap industry. The 22-year-old shared a bold a cover with his fans on June 1. Bennett can be seen in rainbow flag patterned underpants with his nearly naked body exposed. Ballons and a red background round out the simplistic but provocative cover art.I do recognize myself as a bisexual male & do & have always openly supported the gay community & will keep doing so in 2017. #ThankYou 🤘🏽— “BE YOURSELF” OUT NOW! (@_TaylorBennett) January 18, 2017“Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, I was not open about my sexuality for a long time,” Bennett said in an interview with Time magazine on June 6. “Being a rapper, being in the industry, going to classical schools, and really getting exposure to different opinions and lifestyles made me want to use my music platform as a vehicle to talk about something that is very often shaded in American history.”He admits bisexuality is a taboo subject in the black community. Bennett's struggle with race in America and his sexuality is apparent on the track. Inspired by rapper Young Thug, Bennett shifts through his own struggles to help others come to terms with who they are.  “When I say be yourself, I don’t mean be gay, be bi, be lesbian, be queer, be any of that. I mean: know who you are, love your body, love what you do, like what you like — express yourself openly,” he said. “Because when someone sees that someone has stepped into the light so comfortably, they’ll do it too.”TITLE TRACK “BE YOURSELF.” Ft. @biancashawmusic AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS JUNE 6TH!A post shared by “BE YOURSELF.” OUT NOW! (@taylorbennett) on Jun 1, 2018 at 11:16am PDT Here's the full track...

If Rihanna compliments you, you take it and run. While on the set of the new installment of the Ocean's franchise, Ocean's 8, actress Anne Hathaway and Rihanna bonded between takes of the heist film over body positivity. Hathaway revealed she was feeling a bit self-conscious about her post-baby body during a recent appearance on Ellen. She gave birth to her son, Jonathan Rosebanks Shulman, in 2016. In the months after, Hathaway reportedly struggled to lose the baby weight. “I don’t beat myself up about any of that stuff anymore, but after I had my son, the weight was really slow to come off, and so I was a different size than I normally am,” Hathaway said.Working on the film helped her through this tough time because of the love and support she received from her co-stars. Despite some hesitation, one day she came to the set wearing a pair of jeans that showed off her new body.“I walked on the set, and my weight’s a little up, and I’m just aware of it...and I’m in my jeans, and I’ve done my best, and I’m gonna love myself no matter what,” she said. “And Sandy Bullock looks up and goes, ‘You look good mama.’ And then Cate Blanchett’s like, ‘Nice jeans, Hathaway.’ And then Rihanna looks up and goes, ‘Damn girl, you got an ass.’”Hathaway was a little taken aback by Rihanna's comment in a good way. “I, of course, was freaked out and loved it so much and I go, ‘Really?’ And she goes, ‘You got an ass like me.’ And I can honestly say I’ve never had that experience on a film set before,” Hathaway continued. “They were just so beautiful and to be surrounded by that much love and understanding; it was just great.”The pair were seen hanging out at the Ocean's 8 after party. Rihanna and Anne Hathaway at #Oceans8 after-party. pic.twitter.com/SG0QklRCkp— Rihanna-Fenty.com (@RihannaReplay) June 6, 2018Since the release of Fenty Beauty and Savage by Fenty, Rihanna has become a champion for body positivity with her line of products that cater to all women's body types. So, her comments seem fitting.Ocean's 8 hits theaters nationwide Friday, June 8. Watch the full interview...

A St. James, Jamaica, woman hid in plain sight when she claimed millions in the regional Super Lotto.N. Gray took the net by storm with her simple but effective disguise as she collected her May 11 winnings from the Caribbean lottery, reports the Jamaica Observer. Donning an emoji mask and a kente cloth dress, she held up her cheque of 180,900,000 million Jamaican dollars ($1.4M) in the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston with pride.Today we are in the presence of Jamaica's newest #SuperMillionaire. N.Gray! pic.twitter.com/dSfn6ImaRY— Supreme Ventures Ltd (@SVLGrp) June 5, 2018While speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Gray said she wore the disguise to keep a low profile now that she's a wealthy woman. Like many who play the lotto and believe they can win, her victory wasn't an easy feat. She spent years playing and falling short.But the last few months were different. Gray brought two sets of numbers, played them and discovered she won when her son checked the numbers on the Supreme Ventures Ltd (SVL) website. “I was watching TV, and the ad came on that someone won the Super Lotto from Jamaica," Gray said in a press release from SVL. "So, I went for my ticket and told my son to go on the Supreme Ventures website, and he started reading the numbers. He said six, and I said 'yeah,' super ball 10 and I said, 'yeah,' and he said 'you win it!'”Playing the lottery was a way for her to earn some quick cash to pay off bills and get out of debt. Even though she plans on keeping her job, she wants to enjoy her new riches, take a cruise and invest. And just like that, N. Gray goes from being an ordinary Jamaican to a #SuperMillionaire. Congratulations from Supreme Ventures. pic.twitter.com/OUrOkEvanc— Supreme Ventures Ltd (@SVLGrp) June 5, 2018Gray entered the hotel with the mask and wig and left without anyone knowing who she was.A few folks on Twitter questioned why she went to the elaborate press conference that could potentially put Gray in harm's way in the first place. User @_Roshanee suggested hosting a private ceremony in the future, but SVL said it had to be public to avoid legal issues and questions regarding transparency.Hey. Why are press conferences necessary when someone wins that amount of money? Why not do something private to protect them ? 🙂 https://t.co/UlODIXKHPR— Shane (@_Roshanee) June 5, 2018Condition of our licence issued by regulator to declare the winner, Shane. Plus - integrity and transparency! https://t.co/N2wkncRga9— Supreme Ventures Ltd (@SVLGrp) June 5, 2018Gray's clever disguise won a lot of people over. For some, she is the visual representation of securing the bag without drawing too much unnecessary attention to oneself. This lady anonymously signing for her lottery winnings in an emoji mask and a bank heist curly wig is a visual representation of how I’ve been securing the bag lately without any desire to be seen. pic.twitter.com/n9HAku57xY— Ty Hobson-Powell, M.A. (@TyHobsonPowell) June 7, 2018Her mask is giving me life, mood af. https://t.co/Da80fk8J39— Erin♥ (@DiamondEriberri) June 5, 2018Count that money!...

Insecure actress and comedienne Issa Rae made history by being the first woman of color to host the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards in its 37-year history, and she did it while making a bold statement. Rae shined in a blue Pyer Moss gown, created by black designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, on the red carpet of the June 4 event. While the dress was beautiful, what grabbed everyone's attention was the belt she accessorized the gown with which included the words "Every N*gga Is A Star" emboldened in big letters.The Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards began in 1981 to celebrate the work of menswear and womenswear designers nationwide. As the first black woman to host the prestigious event, she knew everyone was watching.“Issa Rae is leading a new generation of performers who use their voice and humor to discuss social topics in a way that is relatable and poignant,” CFDA president and CEO Steven Kolb said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Tonight @issarae became the first black woman ever to host the #CFDAAwards and the details of her belt made a powerful statement before she even took the stage 👊🏾A post shared by ourCUSP™ (@ourcusp) on Jun 4, 2018 at 8:42pm PDT"Every N*gga Is A Star" comes from a 1973 song and film of the same title by Jamaican reggae artist Boris Gardiner. It re-entered popular culture when Compton's own Kendrick Lamar used the sample in 2015's To Pimp a Butterfly track "Wesley's Theory."1. I’m rooting for everybody Black. 2. Every nigga is a star. 3. Issa Rae is a national treasure. #CFDAAwards pic.twitter.com/skENQiXv11— Cherise M. (@ChicReese) June 5,...

Jamie Foxx has been in the entertainment industry for nearly three decades as a comedian, actor, singer and host.In his expansive career, he rarely speaks about his personal life and his mental health until now. During an interview with Hip Hollywood, the Ray and Baby Driver actor revealed he struggled with drugs and alcoholism. He would use the substances as a coping mechanism to deal with stress and depression early in his career.“I was in a bad place because I felt like I might be literally losing my mind,” Jamie said. “I’ve always had a childhood fear of losing my mind. I needed someone to help bring me out of it.”After the issue escalated, Foxx sought treatment from a psychiatrist who discovered the root of the problem. It turns out the issue began when he was a teen. “A deep-seated dread of mental illness that was exacerbated by an incident when he was 18 when his drink was spiked by the hallucinogenic drug PCP (phencyclidine) at a college party,” blackdoctor.org reports.He spoke about this incident with Oprah during an "Oprah Next Chapter" telecast. Foxx blacked out and had to be taken to the emergency room. “That was the last thing I said, and then I was almost in a coma and I couldn’t move, couldn’t talk, couldn’t even say, 'Take me to the hospital.'”He truly believed it was the end. The traumatic incident would trigger emotional flashbacks years after. "It happened to me when I was 18, and I had 11 months of harsh flashbacks, and then when I was 26 I had a flashback just like that (snaps his fingers) – and another one when I was 32, and that was the last one, but I always worry about it coming back.”There have been several manic mental health episodes throughout his life. Foxx, who is 50, said he shares similarities with rapper Kanye West, and he sympathizes with the Ye artist. “When [Kanye] talked about the drugs, the mental drugs, I’ve had an episode of that,” Jamie told Hip Hollywood. “When [Kanye] was talking about the, ‘I went in for 2 pills, and the 7 pills [he received from the hospital],’ that’s real!”But he admits that he was not allowed to go out in public when he was at his lowest. Family members were his backbone. They held him up when he couldn't do it himself.“I was lucky enough to have people, like my sister, like my family, to say yo, you can’t go out right now cuz you talking crazy,” he shared.Now, the Oscar-winning actor plans to join the superhero craze by becoming Spawn in his next major...

Earl Sweatshirt abruptly canceled his upcoming European tour to deal with mental health issues. Hours before he was scheduled to perform at Field Day in London on Saturday, June 2, reps from his camp released a statement informing adoring fans that he will not be able to perform:"Earl is battling anxiety and depression which has been compounded by the grief from the recent passing of his father," a statement to Pitchfork read. "He thought he would be ready to perform but simply is not yet able to. He would like to apologize to his fans and promises to be back as soon as he is able to."Field Day was not the only performance he had scheduled for the weekend. On Sunday, he was supposed to perform at the Forbidden Fruit Festival in Dublin, Ireland. And next week, he was due to perform at the Parklife Festival in Manchester, England, this upcoming weekend.  There is speculation that Sweatshirt, whose real name is Thebe Kgositsile, is still reeling from the death of his father, poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, who died in January.sad to hear of the passing of Keorapetse Kgositsile, National Poet Laureate and father of Earl Sweatshirt pic.twitter.com/pUOQ6P575e— juan vidal (@itsjuanlove) January 3, 2018In the past, the 24-year-old "Hat Trick" artist has been vocal about his mental health telling fans in 2014 he had to cancel tour dates due to a "lack of self-maintenance.""I had to press eject on the tour," he wrote in a 2014 tweet. "I am physically and mentally at the end of my rope. I weigh a fraction of what I'm supposed to and without synergy between the body and mind there is nothing."Nothing comes before mental health, take as much time as ya need @earlxsweat https://t.co/EW6JxZflxG— Casey Dri. (@LeanandCuisine) June 4,...

The internet is a haven for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) folks because it allows the community to connect in a world that doesn't always understand them. LGBTQ influencers are possible models for people who need to see someone like them living their truth. Here are eleven of our favorite Instagram stars who are changing the world one perfect post at a time.1. Team 2 MomsHappy Pride Month from Our Family! 🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈 Comment down below with lots of colorful emojis. ❤️🧡💛💚💙 This year during NYC Pride, we will be having a meet-up, so stay tuned for more details. 🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈 #nycpride2018 #pride #pride🌈 #lgbt #lgbtq #gay #lesbian #transgender #queer #loveislove #samesexfamily #team2moms #momlife #momblogger #mommyblogger #youtuberA post shared by Team2Moms✌🏽 (@team2moms) on Jun 1, 2018 at 8:17am PDTFirst known as Olivia Has Two Moms, Ebony and Denise are YouTubers who have been documenting the growth of their family. The couple covers a variety of topics from relationships, conceiving as a lesbian couple and even reactions to pop culture phenomena. They also have three cute kids: five-year-old Olivia and one-year-old twins Jayden and Lucas.2. Devin-NorelleNon binary is a realm in which countless gender alternatives transcending the gender binary live. It's about exploring how the genders man and woman can co-exist as one; it is also about exploring your genders (or nongenders) beyond those two options. Overall, it's a journey of feeling yourself out and self determination. Many people believe that non binary is a new idea and that nonbinary folks are a fad. Non binary people are not a fad, a gimmick or a new concept. We have existed across various cultures for several centuries. Our identities were suppressed by imperialism and as a result, nonbinary people seem to be a recent phenomena to mainstream society, but we've existed almost as long as civilization. Furthermore, it is commonly assumed that non binary people don't desire to medically transition. While this is true for many people, many of us do take steps to medically transition, including myself. My transition does not make me feel any more of a man, or any less of a woman. I continue to feel strongly as both some days, and as neither on other days. ~~ 📷 @akcorlette for them. & GLAAD's #BeyondtheBinary Campaign Hair by @selph_fecit , thanks boo!A post shared by Devin-Norelle Official (@steroidbeyonce) on Nov 15, 2017 at 3:38pm PSTDevin-Norelle is a writer, activist and model. Ze identifies as non-binary and uses ze/zim/zis pronouns. Zis IG account is a collection of pop culture observations, social justice and eye candy. 3. GotDamnZoIt’s FRIDAYYY!!!! Let’s start this #SummerBreak off RIGHT with a SUMMER CLASSIC!! ☀️ 🏖 🏊‍♂️ 👙A post shared by GotDamnZo (@iamzoie) on Jun 1, 2018 at 9:56am PDTChances are you've seen a video of Zo reacting to something crazy or used a gif of him showing hoodlum the door. He has a whole Instagram account outside of those clips for people who can't get enough of his shenanigans. 4. Danielle A. CooperOne day or day one. You decide ❣️ #DanielleACooper #ShesAGent #AsSeenOnMeA post shared by Danielle A. Cooper (@danielleacooper) on May 14, 2018 at 8:57am PDTIf you're into fashion for masculine-of-center women, you HAVE to follow Danielle A. Cooper. Her impeccable fashion sense is great if you need some inspiration for your 'fit. 5. Dexter MayfieldWhen @impulsegrp meets @daddyissuesparty 💙☀️💖 #DaddyDexDollA post shared by Dexter Mayfield (@dexrated) on May 23, 2018 at 1:35pm PDTPlus-size male model Dexter Mayfield set the internet ablaze when he stomped down Marco Marco's runway during New York Fashion Week 2015. One look at his page shows he's living his best life and staying booked. 6. Harper Watters#LongBeachPride 🌈A post shared by HARPER WATTERS (@theharperwatters) on May 20, 2018 at 4:55pm PDTBlack ballerinas are hard to find. Black male ballerinas are even rarer. Black, gay and a ballerina? Thank the dance gawds for Harper Watters. He makes us want to squeeze into a leotard and dancin' shoes. 7. Munroe Bergdorf"The most amazing thing about transitioning is I have a consistency with my feelings. Before I transitioned, there would be sparks of me feeling myself or feeling sexy, but now I basically feel sexy all the time. I know this sounds bold, but it’s something that I’ve worked for. I worked on my self-confidence, my self-image. Considering how I dealt with anorexia and gender dysphoria and self-harming when I was younger, I worked hard to see myself how I see myself now. I better feel sexy all the time. On a daily basis, I feel confident and assured, and I feel ultimately that confidence is sexy." . Taken from interview with @playboy. . 📸 @indrekgaletin, Hair @naturally_immaculate, Makeup @maggie_hunt_makeup_artist, Styling @jeanpaulpaula.A post shared by Munroe Bergdorf 🌹🌹 (@munroebergdorf) on May 18, 2018 at 8:08am PDTMunroe was the first trans face of L'Oreal, but she was subsequently let go after she spoke out against white supremacy. She's just as opinionated and outspoken on Instagram. 8. Adrienne Muse aka Madame MuseMy queen. 💜 Those paintings 👀 #WCW Artwork by us. #TheMuses #EroticBlackArt #CreateA post shared by MadamMuse™ (@iam.muse) on Jan 17, 2018 at 6:56am PSTIf you're looking to buy some art, check out Adrienne's page. She and her wife J produce gorgeous paintings that will brighten up any wall. Muse has something for every taste including scenes from our favorite black movies and erotic art. 9. Travis AlabanzaThe look I give when they still insist on gendering you even when you look like something so clearly beyond human, and encompass far more complexity than the created factors of ‘ male’ and ‘female’ could ever hold.A post shared by Travis (@travisalabanza) on Apr 16, 2018 at 8:32am PDTLondon-based trans-feminine activist Travis Alabanza makes activism look easy and damn good. Their Instagram account shows off their impeccable fashion sense and creative eye. 10. Gabrielle Richardsonwhen people forget ur gay as hell!A post shared by GABRIELLE RICHARDSON (@fridacashflow) on Apr 27, 2017 at 9:50am PDTGabrielle is one of the creative minds behind the Art Hoe Collective, a group that showcases the art of queer people of color. Her personal page is a hub of hair, fashion and art goals. 11. The King of HighlightDo you smoke yes , smokey eye - - Eyeshadow - @morphebrushes 25 a spice @blackradiancebeauty bb cream (chocolate ) Foundation- @maybelline (fit me 360) Brows - @maybelline brow precise and @anastasiabeverlyhillsA post shared by ✨King Of Highlight ✨ (@poeticdrugs) on Jun 29, 2017 at 6:09pm PDTThis makeup artist's skills are unmatched, and his highlight will blind you. His fashion game is on point, too. Basically, his IG page is...

The Flint water crisis continues to wreak havoc on the residents of the predominantly black Michigan town. But if there is any silver lining in this nearly 5-year environmental crisis, it has to be the work of Mari Copeny, Little Miss Flint. Mari announced a new bottled water program as her latest effort to save her beloved city."Yesterday we passed out 135,000 bottles of water to Flint residents in 93 degree heat," the 10-year-old tweeted. "We helped close to 1,000 families. People lined up 2 hours early and caused a traffic jam most of the distribution. #FlintIsStillInCrisis #Flint"Yesterday we passed out 135,000 bottles of water to Flint residents in 93 degree heat. We helped close to 1,000 families. People lined up 2 hours early and caused a traffic jam most of the distribution. #FlintIsStillInCrisis #Flint pic.twitter.com/02MkBM6WOm— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) May 28, 2018In response to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's decision to end the bottled water program in April, she stepped into action. Mari launched a GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of $50,000. So, far she has raised $46,180 and counting to purchase bottled waters for those in need. Please donate to help me and @PackYourBack give out another 100,000 bottles of water to #Flint https://t.co/qVrA5qzPaq— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) May 29, 2018Federal and state officials have claimed the water in the city was safe enough to drink, but personal accounts reveal that to be false. Mari teamed up with a local organization called Pack Your Back to distribute the bottles. With only one dollar, a Flint family can get up to 11 bottles according to the GoFundMe profile. The world needs more heroes like...