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Candace Parker may still be an active athlete—as she recently joined the Chicago Sky's WNBA basketball team. But that doesn't mean she isn't killing it on the sidelines. She joined NBA on TNT show as a host along with giants, like Shaquille O'Neal, and she proves time and time again why she is the GOAT.
In fact, the popular charismatic duo have been taking over sports fans' hearts with classic commentary to keep us all coming back.
Recently, Candace and Shaq's banter made headlines when co-host Adam Lefkoe asked Parker for her opinion, he referred to her as "reigning Defensive Player of the Year." Which. She. Was. After all, she led the WNBA in defensive rebounds and was in the top 10 for blocked shots per game last season. #hairflip
"You were Defensive Player of the Year?!" Shaq asked. Her quick wit countered in the best way possible as she said:
"Take the surprise out your voice, Shaq."
Classic.
And the best part of it all is this isn't the first, or thirtieth, time she has gotten Shaq's ponytail together. O'Neal argued the WNBA, which is celebrating its 25th season this year, has finally gained popularity as it pushes to be viewed equally alongside the NBA. He then suggested lowering the rim to allow women to dunk. He called it "the final missing piece to make the women's game just as exciting as the men's league."
Well, sis wasn't feeling that whaaaaatsoever as she immediately said:
"Nah."
Shaq continued to plead his case to the panel, to which she didn't care a single bit. After all, she is the first to dunk in a women's NCAA tournament game, and the second ever in the WNBA. She snapped back:
"It's coming...My next child will be drop step dunking."
Let him know!
Honestly though, the best part of seeing them work together is knowing that Black women are making their mark in sports commentating. And not only making a mark, carving it. Read on for 5 other Black women making a name in the sports commentator game.
Jemele Hill lives and breathes sport commentating as former host of 'Number's Never Lie' and 'His & Hers'.
Jemele Hill worked for ESPN for nearly 12 years, before retiring in 2018. She now writes for The Atlantic and co-hosts Vice's Cari & Jemele (Won't) Stick to Sports with Cari Champion (more on her later).
Alex Scott retired and began commentating to move the sport along.
Alex Scott is a British retired football (soccer) player for Arsenal. She commentates for BBC Sport and Sky Sports and was featured during the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She also covers the English Premier League. Soccer fans are familiar with her resume as she became the first female football broadcaster at a World Cup for the BBC.
Cari Champion leveraged her personality to a highly-sought after voice in sports.
The 6'1'' California Native worked her way up to becoming an anchor for ESPN's SportsCenter and First Take with Stephen A. Smith. She left the network after almost six years in February 2020. Cari Champion now co-hosts Cari & Jemele (Won't) Stick to Sports with Jemele Hill, and her message has remained the same throughout her career: "Use your platform for good."
Maria Taylor went from volleyball player to sideline reporter.
Maria Taylor is an analyst and host for ESPN and the SEC Network. She covers college football, college volleyball, NBA, NFL, and college men's and women's basketball. She recently made headlines for being selected as the commencement speaker for her alma mater, the University of Georgia.
Taylor Rooks is putting in the work to build upon her own legacy.
Taylor Rooks, the youngest of the bunch at 28, currently appears on Bleacher Report and Turner Sports. Two months out of college, she became an on-air host, reporter, and correspondent for the Big Ten Network. She has built a large social media following and has a long career ahead of her.
Featured image by Candace Parker/Instagram
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
Candace Parker Has Been Killin' It As An NBA Commentator & We're Obsessed