

As we all know, the entertainment industry is a beast—especially for women of color. From television to music, it is fairly (or unfairly) understood that black women are often portrayed as aggressive, argumentative, or hyper-sexualized. Even for those of us who choose to celebrate their crowns through basic talent and hard work, the journey of "making it" comes with a unexpirable set of challenges.
And most frustrating of all, for those ladies who have a heavier dosage of melanin—such as the Justine Skyes or Normanis of the culture—that journey becomes that much more of a challenge, regardless of how talented they are. With knowing this, we have become highly aware of the fact that the resiliency to conquer this beast of an industry, must always, and only, be unwavered.
But what's a beast to a beast?
Someone who can explain entirely is Jessica Juste, the triple-threat, Haitian seeester-in-chief, who has affectionately captured our hearts, televisions, and social media scroll. We know her best as Jessie Woo: host, stand-up comedian, and ultra-talented vocalist, who has encapsulated her brand geniusly.
And with the recent release of her charting debut EP, Moods of a Cancer, Jessie Woo is proving her beast to be solid.
Ten-toes down, solid.
Courtesy of Jessie Woo
We sit down to discuss her evolution into music and womanhood since her last chat with us; and getting to know Jessie was admittedly a joy. She reminds me of a butterfly that is shy because it's blossoming from its caterpillar state, but also knows her new wings are poppin' as they emerge.
During our conversation, I study her presence. Her aura has a majestic possessiveness for her character and space, and she carries an unexpectedly stoic demeanor. She's fun but reserved and I am immediately enamored with the code switch from 'professional' to 'vibrant social media personality.'
I take note of her skilled approach, and ask how it feels to emerge from a class of fellow highly sought-after black women (Luvvie, Jackie Aina, Chrissle, etc.) with large platforms that the culture often looks to for their views on relevant topics. "I just keep it real," she says. "I'm not always joking, things aren't always funny. I've used my platform to speak on alot of things; politics, sexual abuse, Haiti, makeup, relationships. I think people gravitate towards folks who are honest; folks who aren't afraid to be transparent."
She's been a bit busy with being a host for various largely embraced platforms (Will Packer's Power Star Live, stages at Essence Fest, BETher red carpets, etc.) and managing a social media account of hilarious content that garners millions of views from her loyal 630K+ followers. And now, Jessie has slowly transitioned to a place she has always felt she should be, since she was a young girl: music.
With a standout single (and my jam) "Vacation" on the airwaves, and an EP peaking at number two on the R&B iTunes charts, Jessie is finally receiving well-deserved recognition for her music. "I was so scared to release this EP. Like, even the night before I asked myself, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' But I did. I wasn't going to let anything hold me back. So, we released it the next day and it beat Chris Brown, girl! I have the screenshot!" she says with a laugh.
"An evolution is happening for sure, in a great way. [Now] when people see me out and about, they talk about my music first."
Known as a boisterous ambassador for her ancestry of Haitian descent, she proudly flies the flag of her heritage through her music, comedy, and vibrant personality. "I grew up going [to Haiti] all the time. It's my favorite place to vacation. My mom is from Gonaïves (up north) and my dad is from Jeremie (down south). Unfortunately, people focus on the bad, the ghettos of Haiti, the political turmoil. Haiti has its issues just like every other island and every other black country in the world, but don't count us out. We've given too much to humanity to be cast aside."
Footage of boat rides on the clear waters, meetings with senators and tourism boards, and her roaming through the streets of Cap-Haïtien fill her instagram on her recent trip for a music video.
"Going back to Haiti to shoot the video for 'Vacation' was so important," she says. "It is very important to me that I use my platform to educate people about the Wakanda of the Carribean. It is beautiful. The beaches are unlike anything you are ever going to see. The food is incredible. The people are amazing."
I quickly realize that you can literally hear her smile and admiration of Haiti each time we discuss it.
"And 'Vacation' is the most popular song on the EP for obvious reasons. It's flavorful R&B, EDM and kompa all in one, so it all just made sense."
I take a moment to brag on her vocals and then I ask how she manages to balance the pressures of being a comedian, with wanting to be taken seriously as an artist. "You know what, that's a good question. I was just speaking with my manager, Shaft, about that. He worked with Cardi B on 'Bodak Yellow' and that's who he compared me to career-wise. I look to her as someone who has mastered the balance of the two beautifully. She is silly when she wants to be, but she is also serious when it's time to be serious. And whether you like her or not, one thing she is always serious about, is her music. And I feel we have that in common."
Another factor the two have in common is a stint in reality television. She speaks briefly on what she has learned through the process and if she would change anything. "Definitely. I wasn't prepared and I didn't know the politics behind it. I made mistakes in front of millions of people but God still had favor over me. What was meant to destroy me, turned out to be for my good."
I couldn't agree more.
"But I think my resume pre-reality TV, helped prevent reality TV from defining me. I hosted Essence Center Stage at Essence Fest this year. That was major. That opportunity didn't come from reality television. That came from Essence seeing my BET Breaks work, my BETher red carpet work, my Power Star Live work. Thank goodness I laid a solid foundation down so that opportunities could still roll in because chile," she laughs. "God is good!"
Courtesy of Jessie Woo
With her plate full and cup running over, I can't help but wonder how she manages to decompress and practice self-care. And although she hasn't quite figured out a routine yet (send her some tips, yall!), she does enjoy being in the quiet at home, which gives her the opportunity to think, talk to God, and process her feelings.
To keep her mental health in check, she does credit friends like Tanya Hoffler (BET producer), Jamila Mustafa (MTV's TRL), and Yves Carmelle (music agent at ICM) as women that she can look to for advice in navigating this chaotic industry. "[Yves] was one of the first people to reach out to me when folks started spreading my funny videos online. She's a successful Haitian woman who is well-respected and it means a lot to me to have access to her."
We close out with me asking her to describe herself. And without hesitation, she says, "Jessie Woo is a Haitian woman who loves God, has a great education and is talented beyond measure. She's not afraid to be herself, and make mistakes while reaching for every star destined to hang in her sky. She's a fearless go-getter, who is going to leave a major mark on this world."
I smile and think to myself: Wi, seeester. You already have.
For more of Jessie, follow her on Instagram @thejessiewoo.Moods of a Cancer is out now.
Featured image courtesy of Jessie Woo.
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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.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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After Decades-Long Career, Terri J. Vaughn Is Finally The Main Character: Exclusive
Terri J. Vaughn first captured our attention in the late ‘90s as Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. Decades later, she is starring in her very own series, She The People, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
The political sitcom, which she co-created with Niya Palmer and later teamed up with Tyler Perry Studios, is about a Black woman named Antoinette Dunkerson who runs for lieutenant governor of Mississippi. She wins and becomes the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. Now, she’s forced to balance working with a racist and sexist governor while also trying to keep her family from running amok.
According to the beloved actress, this project was a long time coming. “I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff,” she says in an exclusive interview with xoNecole.
“But just keep going, because this is what I do. This is what I love, and I know how important it is for us to continue to show up and make sure that we are seen, make sure that our voices are heard. For several reasons. I just never give up. So here I am, 20 years later, finally sold my show.”
She The People is inspired by the true story of London Breed, who became the first Black female mayor of San Francisco, Terri’s hometown. And to help make the show more authentic, the Cherish the Day actress tapped former Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms to come on as a producer.'“I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff."
After bringing the former mayor aboard, it was time to pitch again. And this time, the companies were pitching them. Ultimately, Terri decided to work with Tyler Perry on the series.
“We decided to do it with Tyler for several reasons. I love that. Well, most of the companies we met with were Black-owned companies, but he was the only studio,” she explains. “Tyler is like Walt Disney. That's literally what he is. He has the studio, he has the content. He operates just like Walt Disney.”
And thanks to the cast, the show is nothing short of laughs. The series also stars social media creator Jade Novah as Antoinette’s crazy cousin/ assistant, Shamika, Family Mattersstar Jo Marie Payton as Anotinette’s mom, Cleo, and Terri’s husband, Karon Riley, who plays Michael, her driver and love interest.
While we’ve watched Terri’s career blossom in various ways. From directing to producing, and playing diverse characters, the mom of two says her The Steve Harvey Show character will always be her favorite.
“Well, Lovita was definitely my favorite, especially for my time, the age and everything that I was. Now as a grown ass woman over 50, Antoinette Dunkerson is everything that I've wanted to play. She's everything. She's a mother of two teenagers. She's divorced, so she's co-parenting with her ex-husband. She has to wrangle in a very eclectic family,” she says.
“So I like playing characters that are really flawed and trying to figure it out and doing their best to try to figure it. And she's very flawed and she is trying to figure it out, and she fucks up sometimes. But her heart and what she's trying to do and what her vision is and purpose, it's all for the people. I mean, she the people. She’s for the people, she is the people.”
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Feature image by Jamie Lamor Thompson/ Shutterstock