BLACK DISNEY PRINCESS

Three generations of Black Disney princesses shared the stage Thursday as Brandy, Anika Noni Rose and Halle Bailey took part in Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park. Held during D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, the concert brought together performers who have portrayed some of Disney’s most famous heroines. For Black audiences in particular, seeing Brandy, Rose and Bailey on the same bill offered a rare look at the actresses whose respective roles expanded who could be seen as a Disney princess. Brandy made history in 1997 when she starred as Cinderella in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, becoming the first Black actress to portray the character on television. During Thursday’s concert, she performed “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” before joining Lea Salonga for “A Whole New World.” Rose later took the stage to perform “Almost There” from 2009’s The Princess and the Frog. Her role as Tiana introduced Disney’s first Black animated princess, a character who has remained a favorite among fans since the film debuted. Bailey represents the newest chapter. The singer and actress starred as Ariel in Disney’s 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. She performed “Part of Your World” alongside Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original 1989 animated film. Other Disney veterans participating in the show included Paige O’Hara and Susan Egan from Beauty and the Beast, along with Pocahontas singer Judy Kuhn. Auli’i Cravalho also appeared with Catherine Laga’aia, who stars in the live-action Moana. The evening concluded with the princesses coming together for “When You Wish Upon a Star,” placing Brandy, Rose and Bailey on the same stage for a fitting finale.

FEELING BLUE

DEAR LIFE

HELLO I KNOW IT'S BEEN A MINUTE SINCE I BLOGGED LIFE GOT IN THE WAY. I LOVE BLOGGING BUT I HAVE SO MUCH THAT I'M TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH. NEED TO FINISH THAT BOOK AND EXPAND MY JEWELRY LINE BUT SOME HOW I ALWAYS COMEBACK EVEN IF IT'S JUST FOR A SHORT SEASON. BLOGGING REQUIRES DAILY COMMITMENT I MAY NOT HAVE AT THE MOMENT BUT I PLAN ON RETURNING STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT BLOG POST.

Why Did I Get Married Again

Tyler Perry's new movie Why Did I Get Married Again? is bringing back his iconic film series. Netflix has released the trailer for the upcoming installment, which returns with another dramatic reunion between a group of couples. Why Did I Get Married Again? premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, September 9. This upcoming comedy-drama serves as the third movie in Perry's beloved series. The franchise, which began with Why Did I Get Married? (2007), followed by Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010), features a group of couples and friends who go on an annual retreat where they try to rediscover the reason they got married. The upcoming movie will see the beloved couple reunite for the destination wedding of Marcus and Angela's daughter. The trip brings old dramas to the surface while also creating new ones as the couple once again asks themselves, "Why did we get married?" The trailer features a sneak peek into what this new installment has in store. The movie stars Taraji P. Henson, Armani Greer, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, and more. Creator Tyler Perry returns as Terry with Sharon Leal as his on-screen wife Dianne.

BE WHO YOU ARE

Goodbye Summer/Hello Fall

A Different World

Netflix has released the first images from its highly anticipated reboot of A Different World, offering a new look at life on the campus of the fictional Hillman College. Premiering September 24, the series follows Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the daughter of beloved original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she begins her freshman year. Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell will reprise their roles, connecting the new generation to the show's iconic past. The series synopsis states, “Along the way, she’s joined by a new generation that reflects the breadth of Black life on campus: Rashida Duvall (Alijah Kai), a first‑gen criminal justice major; Shaquille Johnson (Cornell Young IV), a five‑star athlete choosing legacy; Amir Rodale (Jordan Aaron Hall), a sharp psych major better at fixing everyone else’s problems than facing his own; Hazel Henry (Kennedi Reece), a church‑raised small‑town girl defining her own values; and Kojo Achebe (Chibuikem Uche), a Ghanaian‑Nigerian fashion entrepreneur finding the courage to follow his vision.” Felicia Pride serves as writer, showrunner and executive producer. Debbie Allen returns as an executive producer and will direct three episodes, including the premiere. Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood also executive produce.