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Journalist Shaun Robinson Shares The Real Reason She Left 'Access Hollywood' After 16 Years
After 16 seasons on NBC's, Access Hollywood, working countless red carpets, and interviewing hundreds of A-List celebrities, Emmy-award-winning journalist Shaun Robinson has proven that she is the G.O.A.T.
With this being said, you can only imagine the excitement (and nerves) I experienced when the opportunity arose for me to speak with the Detroit native who has interviewed legends including the late Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, and countless others.
Eager to uncover the beautiful woman behind the microphone that has mastered using her charm to woo celebrities into opening the window to their glamorous lifestyles, we started our conversation from the beginning.
For her, it all started when she was a young girl in her grandma's living room watching the evening news, and a Black anchor, Beverly Payne, appeared on the screen. "I was mesmerized. She was the only woman of color [on the news] and I knew she was different because she looked like me," Shaun shared with xoNecole exclusively. "She set me on the path towards journalism."
While studying at Spelman, Shaun lucked up and landed her first big break, a television job as a host on a cable station talk show. While recapping her first experience, she made one thing clear: it wasn't all glamour.
"Now, this wasn't cable like today's cable, this was like Wayne's World cable," she remembers. "This was a local-local cable show."
Filled with the jitters, she remembers thinking, Is this something I can do? Trusting the process, it proved to be the right decision.
"I was working at a local, Black-owned channel in Detroit and I was so glad to be in my hometown because it meant that my parents would see me on TV. It was a wonderful and tremendous training ground for me because I gained experience in how to write, report, edit, and anchor a show. Eventually, I got a talk show there and that opportunity prepared me for my future."
Using her on-air talent, she found herself dubbed "Detroit's Oprah" in a local newspaper feature, making her a true hometown success.
Venturing out, Shaun later moved on and began working in Milwaukee, WI as a medical reporter, but in 1999, she found herself gracing international TV screens when she landed her position with Access Hollywood. With 16 seasons and thousands of interviews under her belt, there is one interview that she remembers like yesterday. Speaking one-on-one with singing legend Whitney Houston, right before her passing in February of 2012.
"It was at the Fox Theater in Detroit and I had my parents with me," she explains. "She seemed so happy and ready to get her life back on track. I was thriving off her good energy because she was so excited to be doing movies and her future was so brilliant."
Shaun still has fond memories of that day with Whitney taking a picture with her parents and treating them like family. "I'm just glad I had that opportunity to speak with her."
After gracing our screens every day for years with the celebrity tea, in 2015, Shaun saw fit to pass over her mic and give the opportunity to the next person in line. While many people were shocked to see her leave, she felt it was time to flex her many other talents.
"With me, that box has been checked. I had aspirations of being on a national entertainment show during a time when there was no cable or internet. It was at a time when it was too hard for a Black woman to get a job in the media profession. I was thinking too big but I was on one entertainment show longer than anyone except Mary Hart," she points out about her major life's accomplishment.
"I had aspirations of being on a national entertainment show during a time when there was no cable or internet. It was at a time when it was too hard for a Black woman to get a job in the media profession."
As a living legend in the world of entertainment news, she humbly accepts being considered a Black woman that broke the mold.
"After I left Access Hollywood, young Black women would tell me how much of an impact I had on them and their careers, and how I inspired them to pursue careers in journalism."
Just as she was inspired by Beverly Payne, Shaun takes her position as a role model very seriously. "The role of inspiring young women to pursue their dreams is something I take to heart. Like my grandmother said to me, 'If God gives you a platform, use it to help others.'"
Shaun took her grandmother's word to heart and began to work on making a difference in the lives of others in a major way. The 56-year-old Motor City native launched the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, that now creates grants and opportunities for young women that have an interest in these five key areas: STEM, Health, Art, Unity, and Neighborhood.
"If there is a non-profit doing work in one of these five key areas, we could possibly be a resource for them," Shaun explains. "I want to help little girls and young women of color by leveling the playing field for them and supporting them in order to compete in a world that is not always receptive to women being, let's say, engineers. We help organizations that deal directly with girls and young women so that they can have an impact on their communities and then the world."
Besides being a philanthropist and the author of Exactly As I Am, Shaun has been flexing her production skills and creating movies that are soon to be released. "My lawyer said, 'Shaun, don't be just talent,'" she shared.
And to prove that she is more than just a pretty face interviewing on the red carpet, she signed a deal along with pastor and filmmaker, T.D. Jakes, to bring movies to our at-home screens via the Lifetime Network. "We will be producing a series of books by Victoria Christopher Murray called, The Seven Deadly Sins."
Although she was not able to share all the juicy details with me, she can share that she is thrilled beyond measure to be doing this with a Black cast and crew. "This world and this business have a way of trying to tear people down and tell them that they're not good enough," she says, speaking from the heart. "I was on AH during its heyday, when it was one of the only games in town, and I was the only Black face working media on the red carpet. The entertainment industry business has changed a lot."
Shaun recalls an interview she did with Oprah Winfrey for her book, "She gave a wonderful quote, 'You're valuable because you were born.' I always thought that was a powerful quote because you don't need outside validation, you don't need social media validation or anything like that. Just know you're valuable because you were born and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."
"Just know you're valuable because you were born and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."
To catch up with Shaun Robinson and her latest ventures, follow her on Instagram (@msshaunrobinson) and to learn more about her organization, visit shaunfoundationforgirls.org.
Featured image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
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