Around the xoNecole offices, we celebrate Black and Brown women in all their glory. We root for us when we're up, or when we're down. We celebrate when we win, and we love to see us shine. So when one of us comes a long with good news, and accolades on accolades, we celebrate with us, and we welcome anyone who wants to come get these celebration vibes too.
That's why when it was announced that Nia DaCosta made history at the box office, you know we had to pull up.
DaCosta is the 31-year-old director of the remake of horror flick Candyman, and she is well on her way to making her mark in the film industry (sidebar: that's the only namedrop ya'll are getting from me in this article because we don't play with that man around here, so keep up).
Anyway, not only did her new film have a crazy opening weekend, she made history in the process, becoming the first Black female director to debut at No. 1 at the U.S. box office. Prior to her, Queen Ava DuVernay had come the closest to taking the top spot, opening at number 2 in 2018 with A Wrinkle in Time.
[Redacted movie title] is an update of the classic 1992 horror film of the same redacted name, opened in theaters nationwide last week, and ended the weekend raking in more than $22 million, which is huge. DaCosta's version places the urban legend in contemporary Chicago and stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as lead character, Anthony McCoy, an artist whose career aspirations lead him down the wrong damn path. Whew.
Additionally, now with all the hoopla surrounding her and her great news, it's as good a time as any to get to know the director as she will be around for a long time. So, let's get to know the first Black woman to debut at the box office at #1:
DaCosta is all about putting a message behind her success.
With the premiere of the film was a "social impact initiative," a campaign created to promote conversation around issues explored in the film (such as gentrification), with the hashtag #TellEveryone. The campaign kicked off with screenings hosted by Lupita Nyong'o (who starred in Us) and Savannah and LeBron James hosting additional screenings in Atlanta and L.A. respectively. UCLA professor of Black horror and Afrofuturism interestingly spoke on the importance of her directing the film during a movie-sponsored round table discussion saying:
"Really what was fueling a lot of the fear around him, was fear of Black masculinity, Black men, fear of the urban jungle. I mean, Cabrini-Green itself is a 'monster,' really some of the worst stereotypes around Blackness. So it was very, very important for Nia DaCosta to come and reframe a story about Black trauma through a Black lens, not through the white lens."
These are conversations that the campaign is intended to spark.
Captain Marvel 2 is up next for her to direct.
GiphyOK, so Marvel is known for switching up its directors on its popular franchises like Thor, Iron Man and Captain America, and are now giving the next installment a fresh voice, and her joining the project is Marvel's effort of adding diversity to its films, especially when it comes to the individuals behind the camera. It's another history-making move for the 31-year-old director and screenwriter: The Marvels will make her the first Black woman director to sit at the helm of a Marvel movie.
Moving from horror to action has been a refreshing change in theme, DaCosta tells Entertainment Weekly.
"It's a lot less traumatizing to work on for sure. But this movie also deals with specific, personal, sometimes sad things. But ... it's been nice to work in a different world for sure."
With this film, DaCosta also becomes the youngest filmmaker to direct a Marvel film, beating the record set by Ryan Coogler. Flexxxx.
Sis, clearly has no bounds on how far she can go. We cannot wait to witness her young career evolve. Congrats, queen!
Watch the clip of her and actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen, discussing the film below:
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RELATED
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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I live in Atlanta and I have discovered a variety of free fitness activities that can help you burn calories, get in touch with your inner child, and maybe even make a new friend.
These activities range from roller-skating to Pilates to dancing. Check out a few of these places below:
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Thompson Hotel
Located in Atlanta’s posh Buckhead district, Thompson hotel offers complimentary yoga classes on Saturday and free Pilates classes on Sundays. Both classes are on the hotel’s rooftop, so you’ll get a good sweat while taking in the gorgeous views.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile path throughout the city that traverses trails, parks, and many neighborhoods. It recently announced its line-up of free fitness classes in different locations on the beltline. These classes encompass a diverse range of activities like tennis, roller-skating, Zumba, HIIT, and many more.
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Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is also offering free fitness activities through its Wellness Wednesday program. Every Wednesday, you can explore various fitness class like dance, self-defense, bootcamp and more.
The Battery
The Battery, home of The Atlanta Braves stadium offers free yoga on Mondays as part of its Wellness Series.
Atlanta isn’t the only city that offers a range of free fitness classes. Make sure to check out your city’s social media pages or search TikTok or Google, and type in “free fitness classes in insert city.” Alternatively, join different Facebook groups that highlight events throughout the city.
Check these out and have fun.
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