‘Harlem’ Season 2 Is The Feel-Good Binge You Need
If you haven’t heard yet, this weekend was all about the second season of Amazon Prime’s Harlem, and it was a good time. The series jumped in and answered many of the questions left in the wind from the first season, and it's a fun set-up for what’s to come. What I enjoyed most about it is that it touches on personal struggles that many of us deal with in a way that feels funny and lighthearted.
What happens when your best friend is dating someone new and it could affect your friendship? Or what’s it like when you have an image of yourself but realize your actions don't align with it? That can be a lot to take in. But the Harlem crew does it with flair – okay, maybe not flair. But the girl gang definitely makes us feel like we're not the only ones going through life's crazy moments, and that I can appreciate.
Wanna know more? Here are 5 things we enjoy about the start of the new season of Harlem. Spoilers ahead.
The Eye Candy
While walking down the street, Angie (Shoniqua Shandai) meets a faux psychic who promises she will “make love to the most handsome man in New York and wonderful things would follow.” It doesn’t take long for her to put this theory to the test, and it’s fun to be a fly on the wall as she tries it out. It starts when she ditches the crew and leaves with a handsome pedicurist. Later, when she’s in his room, it's clear they had great sex and even decide to go for an encore. But it still doesn’t deter her from flirting with his roommate and suggesting he meet her “identical twin.”
Spoiler alert: she doesn’t have a twin, but they don’t know that.
The Feels
I love romance, and there’s nothing like a genuine connection. When we see Quinn (Grace Byers) and Isabela together, their passion is unmistakable. Quinn is her normal quirky self and understandably feels nervous about her first “lady date” (her words, not mine), but Isabela seems to like her all the more for it, and it leads to more than eight orgasms and a beautiful chemistry worth rooting for. Unfortunately, it gets complicated as things progress.
Camille (Meagan Good) is on a mission to right her wrongs. She attempts to get her job back only to re-quit. Also, she officially breaks it off with Jamison after he admits to staying in NYC for their relationship. Camille even accidentally faces Mira, who rightfully calls her out on her selfish decision to kiss Ian the night before their wedding. Still, through all of their mess, you can’t help but smile when Ian (Tyler Lepley) and Camille are together. “You are the man I want to be the best for and the one who's seen me at my worst.” When she said that to him, I think I actually said “aww” out loud. You just can’t help but root for them and their messiness.
The Accountability
Honesty is the best policy, and while the girls may struggle with it in their actions, they count on each other to hold them accountable. When Tye (Jerrie Johnson) reveals her surprise husband alluded to the fact that she has issues with commitment, the women don't deny it. In fact, later, when Quinn and Tye are in the sex store, she even bluntly asks her, “What are you so scared of?" It noticeably affects Tye, and she quickly avoids the question. Real friends care enough to hold you accountable. Harlem was a friendly reminder of that.
The Authenticity
In the words of Issa Rae, I’m rooting for everybody Black, and I appreciate that this show continues to show varied dynamics of multilayered Black women. From the fashion and beauty looks to the conversations and careers, you can tell Black women are not only in front of the camera but behind it, and I'll always support that.
The Sisterhood
Lastly is the characters' connection, which might be my favorite element of the series. As unique as the women are, their bond is beautifully the same. We all deserve a tribe that encourages, empathizes, and supports us. Harlem shows this in such a genuine and relatable way that reminds me of how blessed I am for my own tribe.
Harlem is streaming now on Amazon Prime.
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Feature image by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Prime Video
- ‘Harlem’ Star Jerrie Johnson On The Act Of Self-Choosing & Following Her Desires ›
- 'Harlem' Presents A Refreshing, New Take On Black Male Bisexuality ›
- 'Harlem' Star Robert Ri’chard Talks His Biggest Dating Deal-Breaker ›
- Meagan Good Stars In New Comedy About Best Friends In Their Thirties Still Trying To Figure It Out ›
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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