
ABC's First Black Bachelor Matt James Is 29, Fine & Has Never Been In Love

After 25 seasons of more of the same, ABC has finally officially welcomed a black man to Bachelor Nation. Matt James, 29, a high-profile real estate broker, is the first black bachelor on the show, following almost 20 years of casting the same person over and over, and forcing producers to switch it up in order to reach a more inclusive, and wider, audience. Fans first fell in love with James as a possible selection for Clare Crawley's season of The Bachelorette before it was formally announced that he was going to be the lead of his own show's love story.
And honestly, the selection was damn near perfect, as the well-rounded hunk has us saying, in the Shakespearan words of Salt N' Pepa, "Whatta man, whatta man."
Because we love celebrating us at all avenues of who we are, we couldn't help ourselves in finding out a bit more about Matt James. And believe us, he's full of all-around versatility to make him the man of any woman's dreams.
So ladies, we did all the work for you. Whether you're rooting on him finding love, or are actually trying to scoop him yourself, here's all the tea on the newest, accomplished, multi-faceted, and BLACK, bachelor, Matt James.
Who Is Matt James?
Matt James is a former professional football player.
James, who is currently a real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organizer, attended Wake Forest for his undergrad, where he majored in economics and played wide receiver for the football team. He went on to play professional football, for the New Orleans Saints, before moving to New York, where he now resides. His Instagram is full of throwbacks as homage to his alma mater, where he often cheers, celebrates, and attends games.
Since, he has opted to use football as a platform to reach the youth (a current theme is his life).
"The mission is to use sports as a platform to activate human potential."
Matt James has never been in love.
Something that may shock fans of the show of love, is that James, has never actually ever experienced it before. The first trailer of the season shows a clip of James saying, "Cheers to falling in love," as he raises his glass of champagne while surrounded by female contestants, all dressed to the nines. "You've never been in love?" host Chris Harrison asks James, who responds, "I haven't." Harrison replies, "My job is to change that."
Because James has to remain tight-lipped on details of the show, in regards to never being in love, host Harrison tells US Weekly:
"It's not that he hasn't said 'I love you' before. I think the problem with him is he realized being the Bachelor, he had never fully understood what it means. He didn't understand the weight of it."
James does know, however, that he is hoping to find a woman who shares his values for the next step in his journey.
What Does Matt James Do For A Living?
Matt James has his own show and non-profit.
We love a philanthropic man, and James is definitely one. His love of food and passion for giving back led to his creation of ABC Food Tours, an organization designed to find creative ways to engage kids from under-served communities in New York, encouraging physical and mental wellness while also giving them opportunities for new experiences throughout the city.
*grabs pen, checks box*
Adventure is Matt James' thing.
In addition to football, James' social media is full of his adventurous heart. He skateboards, snowboards, rides horses, plays football, plays basketball, runs marathons, swims with sharks, and so much more.
His constant need for adventure is what keeps his 6'5'' frame in tact and ready for his closeup.
Matt James is not the first black lead in Bachelor Nation.
When it comes to black love interests getting their own show, the selects have been few and far between. Though Matt James is the first black Bachelor on the hit dating competition series, The Bachelor, it all began with the first black bachelorette in show history, Rachel Lindsay back in the ABC spinoff during its thirteenth season.
In her season of The Bachelorette, Lindsay went on to select contestant Bryan Abasolo. Unlike many of the show's winners and leads, Lindsay and Abasolo waited and had a longer more traditional engagement to get to know one another after the show before deciding to marry in 2019. The two are still currently married and enjoying bi-coastal wedded bliss.
Matt James wants you to know, that #blacklivesmatter.
James was born to parents Manny and Pat James on December 5, 1991. His father was black and is not often spoken about in interviews as he wasn't a part of James' life, while his mother is white and has raised him all his life as a single mom. He often speaks of her with love in interviews and has even been quoted to say she is his "inspiration".
James may be biracial, but that doesn't deter his need to align with a movement that speaks to his identity. His social media is filled with references to the Black Lives Matter movement. He believes in speaking out on any injustices that plagues the community and his diverse society around him.
In a caption, he wrote:
"'It's cool, his mom is white' or how bout 'Nah he's good, he's an athlete.' Do we have to lead with those things to be treated fairly? This is for everyone who isn't given the 'benefit of the doubt. It's Everybody vs Racism #BlackLivesMatter. Matthew 18:20'"
Is it hot in here?
The new season of The Bachelor is scheduled to premiere on January 4 at 8pm ET. Will you be tuning in?
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Feature image via ABC
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.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Traveling This Summer? These 10 Layover Hacks Will Get You Through.
With the current administration that we have, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that summer travel is in a bit of a slump this year. Still, that doesn’t mean that many folks aren’t going on some kind of trip that requires air travel, and, in order to keep a few extra bucks in their pocket, they are avoiding direct flights. Instead, they are booking ones that require some sort of a layover.
Layover. Although it isn’t exactly “music to our ears” whenever we hear the word, it doesn’t have to be a tremendous burden if you know some tricks of the trade that will make a layover more bearable. Luckily, I’ve got 10 that could actually make this your best year for summer travel yet, y’all!
10 Layover Travel Tips You’ll Be Glad You Know
1. Research Best Layover Airports (Yes, There Is Such a Thing)
If while planning your trip, if it looks like a layover is going to be more than 90 minutes, it never hurts to research the airports that are the most user-friendly as far as layovers are concerned. From what I can see, several studies reveal that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas) gets a lot of props, thanks to the food options and the amount of frequent flyer miles that you can stack up.
Some other airports that top the list include Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Denver International Airport. If you want to save money on your travel by having a layover, purposely landing in these cities can make the wait much more pleasurable for you.
2. Download Your Airline’s App
Whatever airline you plan on flying on, make sure to download its app before heading to the airport. There are many reasons why this is a solid hack including the fact that:
1) you can check-in and get a mobile boarding pass; 2) you can get real-time travel updates; 3) you can utilize the entertainment options that they have (including the airline’s Wi-Fi); 4) you can see how to best navigate through various airports; 5) you can easily contact their customer service support; 6) you can oftentimes track your checked baggage, and 7) some apps (like Delta) can even help you to store where you parked your car (if you put it in long-term parking) in your smartphone, so that you can easily find it upon your return.
3. Also Download Your Entertainment Beforehand
If you happen to be on a flight that either doesn’t have Wi-Fi or charges for it, you can still enjoy your movies ‘n stuff by downloading them before you leave. This can also come in handy at the airport when their internet access is running hella slow because so many people are accessing it.
4. Choose a (Layover) City Where You Have a Friend
Although I don’t hate to fly, I wouldn’t exactly say that it’s my favorite thing to do. And so, back when I used to fly to South Africa to see some family, it was common for me to stop over in London for a couple of days because it’s the halfway mark for me — and seven hours on a plane is a lot easier to endure than a whopping 14.
That said, if you’re planning on an international trip, you’re not the biggest fan of flying yourself or, again, you want to save a few coins by booking a flight that has a layover or two — why not use this as an opportunity to hang out with a family member or friend in another city? That way, you can get a break from air travel and get in some quality time with them as well.
5. Pack Some of Your Own Snacks
If you’ve ever wondered why airport food is so damn expensive, one of the main reasons is how much it costs for each restaurant to rent their space is completely insane. Plus, there are things like vendors, commission costs and all kinds of other “blah, blahs” that make the mark-ups so crazy. That’s why it can never hurt to bring some snacks along — non-liquid items that you can pack in your carry-on that will get you through your layovers without you breaking the bank in the process.
6. Put an Empty Recyclable Bottle in Your Carry On
Since a lot of airports have water refills stations available, you can stay hydrated while also keeping coins in your pocket by packing an EMPTY recyclable bottle in your carry-on too. Most TSAs will totally allow it. As far as refills on actual drinks, some airports allow those as well (after you purchase one drink from them, of course); never assume, though. Ask before making the purchase.
7. Have a Portable Charger in Tow
Maybe it’s just me but, even though airports seem to be filled with charging stations all over the place, it’s like only half of them actually work (and I’m being gracious on that!). That’s why it’s also a good idea to invest in a portable charger. I don’t know what took me so freakin’ long to get myself one; however, it’s basically my BFF at this point.
The one that I will cosign on is the ANKER Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 30W Max Fast Portable Charger. It charges pretty fast and I’ve been able to get about three full charges on my smartphone before needing to charge the portable one all over again. Such a lifesaver!
8. Get Some Lounge Access
If almost everything about airports gets on your very last nerve, you definitely need to get some airport lounge access. It’s quiet(er); you have lots of room to stretch out; the food and drink that they have to offer is typically free; many lounges have spaces that are designed and designated for children; there are convenient work stations, and some even feature spas and showers (I know, right?).
And just how do you get your hands on all of this? You can do so by flying first or business class, using your frequent flyer miles, presenting your military ID or purchasing a membership or even a day pass access into your airline’s lounge.
9. Cop Some Duty-Free Samples
If you are going on an international flight, make sure to take advantage of the duty-free shops, not just because you are usually able to purchase items from there without paying local taxes but they oftentimes have free samples that you can stock up on as well; this is especially the case when it comes to beauty-related items.
10. Stay over a Night
Since a fair share of my friends are in the entertainment world, they tend to travel a lot. What is always funny to me is how most of them talk about flying to almost every city in the country while only actually visiting a handful of them. My point here? If you are headed one place and you decide to not have a direct flight, if the city where you are having your layover is one that you’ve always been interested in, stay over a night or even two.
You can find some hacks for how to find cheap hotel rooms by checking out “Hot to Get Cheap Hotel Rooms: 20 Tips and Tricks” on Travel Mums’ site.
BONUS: Get an Exit Row Seat
If one of the things that you hate about changing planes is how uncomfortable the flights can be, space wise, ask to be put in an exit row seat. You will automatically have so much more room without having to pay what first class passengers do. Brilliant. Happy (and safe) travels!
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