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We're All The Way Here For Kofi Siriboe As Crenshawn
Black Twitter has a way of making popular series and award shows so much more entertaining, and something that happened in recent weeks is a perfect example. Kofi Siriboe took social media by storm since his appearance on Season 5 of Insecure. From hilarious memes to endless declarative tweets of love, he has definitely been a hot topic.
But honestly, this thirst is nothing new! A few years back, Kofi was crowned Essence’s Sexiest Man Alive and People's Hot Guy of the Day. And let's not forget the infamous grapefruit scene onGirls Trip that birthed many MCM posts and spicy nighttime sessions. Still, it’s learning about his vulnerability and passion that really connects him to fans and supporters.
Not sure what I mean? Keep reading to find out why Kofi Siriboe is so much more than a handsome face.
Kofi comes from a creative family.
Kofi Siriboe is a middle child and has two brothers who are also actors. His mother, a Ghanaian media strategist, kept them immersed in many hobbies like sports and music as kids. (And here's another random fact: As a youth, he played trumpet and violin.) Later, she became their momager and publicist, aiding in sparking their film careers.
In an interview with The Undefeated, Kofi reflected on his relationship with his mother:
“My mom is one of those people with a big, nurturing spirit, so even simple moments with her feel like pure nourishment for my soul. There’s a level of assurance I carry that trickles into my work, no doubt. I fully trust my mom, and I know she always has my back. That trust allows me the space to be as expansive as God intended me to be.”
He was a child actor.
Kofi is not new to this, he’s true to this. He started acting as a child, and by six years old, he’d already booked guest roles, commercials, and print work. Some of his first roles in television and film included Lincoln Heights, The Longshots, and Entourage.
His big breakout role was as Ralph Angel in Ava DuVernay's 'Queen Sugar.'
Although he had been acting for a long time and had secured recurring roles in shows like MTV’s Awkward and the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton, his life-changing opportunity came in 2016 when he got the role of Ralph Angel in OWN’s Queen Sugar. In an early interview with the Chicago Tribune, he said:
“Prior to this ['Queen Sugar'], I had 10,000 followers, and now it's nearly 100,000 people watching my every move. They're watching. They actually care. There's a resonance there. That, to me, is what's, like, mind-blowing. You couldn't prepare for something like that.”
The show is currently in its sixth season and still has a loyal audience.
Kofi struggles with issues of insecurity and low self-esteem.
When Kofi was younger, he was uncomfortable with his weight and it made him feel, no pun intended, insecure. When he was 17, he went through a bit of a physical transformation and lost 40 to 50 pounds. The Really Love actor jokingly thanked the Nike Run app, brown rice, and chicken for helping him achieve his goals.
Today, an insecurity stems from fame and success. During an episode of A Sip, Kofi told Issa Rae:
“I'm insecure about accomplishing everything that was supposed to make me feel happy but I realize I’m still not fully happy.”
He continued, “I’ve accomplished amazing human goals, but it’s not enough. So, I’m insecure about that.”
He's passionate about mental health.
In 2018, he released a powerful film called Jump, a project launched via his production company, to raise awareness about the struggles of depression and anxiety. He told Oprah Daily:
“Not only am I learning about new things, topics, and social issues, but I also had a chance to take a stab at some things I was already dealing with and saw in my personal life and people around me."
He created a media lifestyle brand.
In March 2021, he launched a fun and interactive platform called We’re Not Kids Anymore. The nostalgic site allows users to share and reflect on current and past cultural moments. Kofi told Forbes:
“Young Black people don’t have media spaces that are geared toward them. Talking to people and humanizing celebrities and our experience, that's really the goal.”
There seem to be similarities between him and the role he plays on 'Insecure.'
Art is imitating life a little bit because he’s literally playing an artist who is also an advocate, which clearly shows some resemblance to Kofi's true character.
Featured image by Raymond Liu/HBO
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.
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