The way the sun is hitting proves that our Hot Girl summer has officially kicked off, because sis, it is smoldering in these streets.
We know you've been out here drinking your water, growing your edges, and living your best life in this summer heat, but if you need a break and some good old fashioned R&R, there's no better way to do that than with a seasonal spritzer and a new Netflix favorite that you can binge to your heart's desire; and luckily, xoNecole has you covered with a list of everything that's new and black AF on the streaming service.
Here's what you can look forward to on Netflix this July:
A Thin Line Between Love & Hate - July 1
When a young bachelor with commitment issues meets a beautiful woman in the club, he thinks he's hit the jackpot, but it isn't until later when he learns that everything that glitters ain't gold. This hilarious spin on Fatal Attraction was released in 1996 and stars iconic actors Martin Lawrence and Lynn Whitfield. 20 years later, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a stark warning for men who like to play with fragile hearts.
Stranger Things 3 - July 4
Back from a two-year hiatus, the third season of Stranger Things promises even more eighties nostalgia and teenage angst than before and picks up with the gang less than a year where they left off when they are approaching adolescence as well as some of their most challenging adventures yet. Showrunners anticipate that this season will be the biggest season so far and will feature the full original cast.
Kinky - July 9
Netflix
Starring Robert Ri'Chard (One on One) and Dawn Richard from Danity Kane, Kinky just might be the erotic 50-Shades of Black-style thriller you didn't know you needed. When a successful surgeon seeks a little excitement, she stumbles upon a wealthy entrepreneur who has an affinity for spanking and boy, do I need that in my life. While the movie has gotten some pretty poor ratings online, if you've got an hour and 10 minutes to spare, you can check out Kinky on Netflix starting July 9.
Family Reunion - July 10
When two free-spirited parents and their three kids uproot their lives leave Seattle to reconnect with family down south, they encounter a major culture shock right in the heart of the Bible belt. This sitcom-style comedy boasts itself on having an all-black writers team and stars Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Loretta Devine, and a few other familiar faces.
Last Chance U: Indy Part 2 - July 19
Sports has never really been my thing, but a reality TV show about smalltown football with big dreams is filled with all the drama I didn't know I needed. Returning for its 4th season, the Emmy-nominated series follows a championship-worthy junior college football team from Independence, Kansas and their fight for a future in the league.
Queer Eye: Season 4 - July 19
ROB KIM/GETTY
The last time I was getting my hair braided, my stylist put me on the Fab Five in a major way. For four hours straight, we laughed, cried, and YASS'd with the fabulous Queens of Queer Eye and my life will never be the same. Later this month, our five favorite men are hitting the streets of Kansas City in search of souls to touch and lives to dazzle for their fourth and most fabulous season yet.
Orange Is The New Black: Season 7 - July 26
It's finally come time for us to bid farewell to the ladies of Litchfield and my heart can't take it. Will Daya baby daddy finally bring his funky ass back around? How will Piper readjust to life as a free woman? Will Taystee ever forgive her BFF, Cindy? We have questions and Season 7 of Orange is the New Black promises to answer every single one of them.
Featured image by Giphy.
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RELATED
After about a year in behavioral therapy, my therapist told me that while I had made some progress, I might benefit from something more. I was initially surprised and disappointed, feeling like I had somehow failed at therapy. I didn't realize there were other types of therapy beyond behavioral.
She recommended EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and explained it to me. According to the Cleveland Clinic, EMDR is a mental health therapy method designed to treat conditions stemming from traumatic memories. It’s mostly known for addressing PTSD and other conditions. My therapist provided me with information about EMDR, and I agreed to pursue the next chapter of therapy. She helped me find a new therapist, and the transition began.
At first, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew this was a necessary step for my progress. EMDR reaches the deep parts of your memory where trauma and darkness reside. It’s like revisiting the trauma, but with guided exercises that help you reprocess it in a more positive light. This therapy aims to lighten the shadow that has been following you throughout life. Although it’s challenging, the experience is worth it to be on the happier side of life.
Whale Design/ Getty Images
I've been doing EMDR therapy for over a year now, maybe closer to two years. Since starting, I’ve noticed that it helps me process life differently. I’m no longer so quick to slip into a dark space. I’m learning to give myself more grace and to understand that the human experience is full of ups and downs.
The biggest lesson I’m learning is not to stay down during tough times. In the past, when something unfortunate happened, I would automatically link it to similar past experiences, layering all those dark feelings together, which left me feeling defeated.
Now in my early 30s, I believe therapy is an ongoing journey; it’s not about reaching a final destination. I remain committed to achieving peace and happiness for my past, present, and future self. With the support of my therapist, maintaining my faith, love from my community, and consistency, I’m improving each day. The mountain doesn’t feel as heavy as time goes on. EMDR is teaching me to extend grace to my past self, which makes room for the blessings to come.
If you're considering EMDR therapy, I encourage you to give it a try. Just remember that therapy is a relationship—it requires you to show up, be present, and put in the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. EMDR is a long-term commitment because it involves breaking down your traumatic experiences, fully feeling those emotions, and reprocessing those events.
Changing how you feel about life’s experiences takes time, especially if you’ve been carrying that pain for a while or if you’ve come to see your trauma as part of your identity. But you can do it, and you’re worth the effort.
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Feature image by Courtney Hale/ Getty Images