

According to Forbes in 2017, black women were emerging as leaders across all industries: academia, government, and nonprofit organizations. Countless media outlets also reported that black women are the fastest group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. Also, let's not forget about the faith we possess, the workout regimens we are incorporating, our spiritual journeys to mental health peace, and most importantly, exemplifying #BlackGirlMagic.
If black women were a high school superlative, we would be "Best All Around". However, there is one area we are losing in. According to the CDC, black women have HIV rates that are three times higher than their non ethnic-counterparts. According to HIV.gov, in a study conducted in 2016, black women made up over 61% of new women's HIV diagnosis cases in the US.
We are drinking water, glowing up, and successfully securing the bag, but what about our HIV status? What about our blood health?
Black America is nearly 12% of the U.S. population, but makes up 44% of new HIV diagnoses. 1 in 7 people with HIV are unaware of their HIV infection. Ages 25-34 is the highest age group newly diagnosed with HIV, followed by the 20-24 age group as second, and then ages 35-44 following as third. Our blood health and immune system must be prioritized so that we are able to do all the things that we as super women can do.
What some of us don't realize is that it only takes one partner who is HIV positive to expose you to the disease, someone you trust and love, someone who might not know their status at all.
Let's be clear, everyone is at risk of contracting HIV by having unprotected sex.
That's why as women we must not be afraid to take ownership of our sexual health and well-being, just like we are fearless in many other areas in our life. We must stand up for ourselves, love ourselves even more than we already do, and protect our bodies and our immune systems. We can do this by simply asking our partners about their HIV status and encouraging them to wrap it up, or to go get tested together as a couple, especially if no condom usage is your sexual normal.
Related: STDs: Why You Should Test With Your Partner
When engaging in any kind of sexual relationship, you can't forget that communication is key. Don't be afraid to ask your partner to go tested with you or wear a condom if you don't know his status. Not knowing your status can sound like:
"I dont know."
"I got tested two years ago, I'm good."
"I know for sure I'm good."
All great examples of what is NOT AN HIV STATUS.
If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you are tested at least once a year, but twice a year is great, and every three months is even more amazing. HIV takes up to 90 days to show antibodies on a test, so it's important to check-in as often as possible if you've recently had sex with a partner whose status you're unsure of.
HIV tests are free and there are a number of ways you can go about going to get tested. I personally like the mobile testing vans you see out and about with no appointment needed, but there are many testing events and of course healthcare providers in your area who can provide these tests at no cost. Choose what's best for you and get tested.
You deserve to know your status because you're worth it.
You can also visit www.CDC.gov/ActAgainstAIDS for tons of resources that will answer many of your questions, like
- Where to find a place to get free confidential testing?
- What to do if you tested negative? (Because there are things you should continue to do to stay with a negative result.)
- Where to find PrEP, the once a day pill to prevent HIV if taken daily, and how you can talk to your healthcare provider about your prevention options.
- What to do if you test positive for HIV and what are the next health steps? (Because you don't want to wait to the last minute of treating your HIV that it has transitioned to AIDS.)
I am personally taking a front seat when it comes to black women and our sexual health with Project A & M. Inc.: #DoingIT, which I created in memory of my mother and twin brothers who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS complications.
#DoingIT is a national HIV testing and prevention campaign within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Act Against AIDS initiative to help reduce HIV stigma around testing. My organization encourages all adults, 18-64, to start Doing It (aka) testing for HIV.
With that knowledge, we hope to equip those individuals with the tools to move forward accordingly.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to know your status and take ownership of your sexual health? Get tested and join the #DoingIt movement today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
- Here's A Rundown On What HIV Means Today, According To An ... ›
- STDs: Why You Should Test With Your Partner - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- The Status Of HIV In Black America - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- Here’s A Rundown On What HIV Means Today, According To An Expert - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Get Tested Know Your Partner Status - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Black Americans and HIV/AIDS: The Basics | The Henry J. Kaiser ... ›
- National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - AIDSVu ›
- #KnowYourStatus: 'Insecure' Star Jay Ellis on Black HIV Awareness ... ›
- June 27 Is National HIV Testing Day Six Facts | HelloBeautiful ›
- What are Black women's HIV prevention needs? ›
- Florida Department of Health HIV Initiatives | Know Your HIV Status ›
- Know your status: why black women need to be proactive about HIV ... ›
- The Power in Knowing: Black Women, HIV, and the Realities of Safe ... ›
Angela "Myammee" Pitts has emerged since her VH1 reality show days. Since then, she wears many titles but loves her creativity within her passion projects like #MyammeeTV and her HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy project; Project A&M Inc. in memory of her Mother and twin brothers who lost their battle with HIV/AIDS complications in 1992, 1996, and 2008. Myammee strives to tell the world through conferences, events, her social media platforms, and the project's YouTube channel that: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, when it comes to HIV."
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.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by AFF-USA/Shutterstock