Nicole Ari Parker Talks Ageism in Hollywood Amid 'Sex And The City' Reboot Criticism
When Sex and the City first premiered in1998, it focused on four single women who were best friends living in New York City. They were young, vivacious women who were navigating dating, their careers, and their friendships. After the show ended in 2004, the franchise went on to release two films, Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2, but now they have made their official return to television with a reboot titled And Just Like That.
The new HBO series premiered on December 9 with returning characters Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis).
Samantha Jones’ (Kim Cattrall) character doesn’t return and (spoiler alert) the show mentions that she has moved away to London. However, there is a new face, Lisa Todd Wexley aka LTW who is played by Nicole Ari Parker.
Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
When the first promos of And Just Like That hit the internet, many people criticized the cast’s looks as they are now older and more mature women.
However, according to the cast, that’s the whole point. During a recent appearance on Tamron Hall Show, Nicole, 51, defended the cast against ageism criticism.
“My first day was one of the famous lunch scenes and the three of them [Sarah, Cynthia, and Kristin] were so warm and so generous and so beautiful like straight-up gorgeous,” she said. “It shocked me that at that beginning part of the show coming back that everybody was talking about wrinkles and aging and all this stuff. I was thinking if you could even be lucky enough to spend five minutes with these three women in real time you would never say anything like that in your life.”
She continued, “They have built an empire, they have built something that had stood the test of time. I read a quote by Anna Magnani that said, 'Don’t erase my wrinkles. I worked too hard for them.'”
The Soul Food actress doubled down on her comments at a panel for the show at Ludlow House in Manhattan. This time, however, she shared how she feels sexier with age.
“For the first time in my life I feel so incredibly sexy, I feel so ready. I feel like I failed and resurrected myself so many times like you cannot throw me,” she said. “I’m so ready for life all of a sudden; I don’t have these weird insecurities of being 20 years old or 35, I feel so incredible.”
“I’m not really a conspiracy theorist, but I kind of feel like we’ve been given a little bit of an okey-doke,” she added. “Like if the big bad people in the industry or society or whatever can keep us focused on crow’s feet and muffin tops and boobs and stretch marks they’ll make sure we don’t own the building.”
As the saying goes, age ain’t nothing but a number.
Featured image by Santiago Felipe/WireImage/Getty Images
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images