Sherri Shepherd's Birthday Brunch Was Filled With Black Women Loving On Black Women
Sherri Shepherd has always been a positive light, beaming all over Black culture in the best way possible. When she's involved in anything, you can expect lots of laughs, that huge personality, and the fact that she will absolutely tell it as it is. She's fluently unfiltered, and much of her media and entertainment journey is steeped in her ability to draw the viewer in. And this has always been the case, across the span of her 20+ year career.
And to bask in her accolades, our girl just celebrated her 54th birthday in the best way possible: surrounded by legendary Black women, loving on, and outwardly supporting, legendary Black women.
Love to see it.
The brunch heard around Black Hollywood, took place at Sherri's home, and was attended by her Black Don't Crack co-star, Essence Atkins, Tisha Campbell, Loni Love, Sheila E., Garcelle Beauvais, Kellee Stewart, Regina Hicks, Black Don't Crack director Kelly Park, and BFF Niecy Nash.
The theme was all-purple everything, the birthday girl's favorite color, and was catered by Chef Ian Desdune, who--get this--is the son of fellow queen Regina King.
Of the event, Sherri said:
"When I tell you my heart is sooo full. It's my belated Birthday celebration & because of #covid restrictions I couldn't invite all my beloved friends but I tell you I am in tears for the outpouring of love from my girls in this industry. I wouldn't have made it without these ladies in my life and shout to @sheilaedrummer on the 35th anniversary of #glamorouslife ... thank you @niecynash1 - my bestie - for the videos! They captured my day. (#decor by @makeupbylatrice | food @muntch.la #massage @manlyhandz ) #friendship #blackgirlmagic #hollywood #sisters"
Girl, our hearts are full too!
Sidebar: let me know when you're over the shock of this woman being 54 years old...
Shepherd's newfound youthful glow, is likely credited to the news of her shedding an impressive 20 pounds and being on a health journey since March of 2018. She uploaded a clip of her weight loss with the caption:
"My goal was 15lbs but I just hit 20lbs! It's been a journal of mental self talk... believing in my worth... knowing my son Jeffrey needs his Momma healthy & whole and wanting to live a life filled w joy."
And focusing on her health also removed her diabetic diagnosis, to the point where she's not even pre-diabetic anymore.
In the end, after a tough few years, our girl seems to have found a new clarity, the kind that you only wish on people that truly deserve it. She's healthier, happier, living for her son's happiness, and surrounded by the love she puts out.
And if anyone in the world deserves the energy that they put out into the universe in return, it is absolutely Sherri Shepherd. Happy birthday, queen!
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Featured image by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
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.
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.
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Kendrick Lamar And Whitney Alford: A Timeline Of Their Decades-Long Relationship
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford are one of those couples who like to live their lives outside of the public eye. Unlike many celebrity couples, we don’t really hear a lot of details about their relationship in blogs and social media except for when Kendrick raps about it. Whitney has even been featured on many of her fiancé’s songs, but it was his last album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, where he was the most vulnerable.
Outside of supporting her Pulitzer Prize-winning man, Whitney is also a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. The couple share two beautiful children together and seem to enjoy their privacy. From high school sweethearts to starting a family, here is a timeline of Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford’s relationship.
2001-2005?: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Meet
Whitney Alford and Kendrick Lamar at 2016 Key to the City Ceremony
Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images
Kendrick and Whitney met in high school. However, there’s not a lot of details about what year. The two attended Centennial High School, which is located in Compton, CA, and began dating shortly after becoming friends.
2009: Kendrick Lamar Raps About Whitney
In his 2009 self-titled EP, Kendrick rapped about Whitney in the songs “She Needs Me” and “Determined.” He highlighted how he can’t live without her in “She Needs Me” and shared how she’s been his rock in “Determined.”
2014: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford’s First Public Appearance as a Couple
56th Grammy Awards with Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford
Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS
Whitney stepped out with Kendrick for the first time at the 56th Grammy Awards. Kendrick was nominated for seven awards, including Best Rap Album for Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.
2015: Kendrick Calls Whitney His Best Friend
Talking to Billboard in January, the Compton rapper opened up about his love for Whitney. “I wouldn’t even call her my girl,” he said. “That’s my best friend. I don’t even like the term that society has put in the world as far as being a companion — she’s somebody I can tell my fears to.”
Whitney Appears on Kendrick’s "To Pimp a Butterfly" Album
In March 2015, Kendrick dropped his highly anticipated third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, andWhitney provided backup vocals for songs “King Kunta” and “Wesley’s Theory.”
Kendrick Confirms Engagement to Whitney Alford
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford at 2015 BET Awards
Photo by Johnny Nunez/BET/Getty Images for BET
During a The Breakfast Club interview, the Grammy award-winning artist confirmed that he and his high school sweetheart were engaged. “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I’m loyal to the soul.”
2019: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Welcome Their First Child
It was reported that the couple had their first child in July 2019. While her name wasn’t revealed at the time, fans later suggested that he mentioned her name in his song “Mr. Morale,” which is off of his fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. He rapped, “Uzi, your father's in deep meditation.”
2022: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Welcomes Their Second Child
The couple quietly welcomed a second child, a baby boy named Enoch and they made the big reveal on the cover of the Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers album. The cover features Kendrick holding Uzi while Whitney holds Enoch. Kendrick also mentioned Enoch’s name in his song “Mr. Morale” when he rapped, “Enoch, your father's just detoxed.”
Whitney Reflects on Working With Kendrick on "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers"
In May, the makeup artist reflected on working with Kendrick on the album, which she helped narrate, and thanked him in an Instagram post. “Sometimes the mirror is a harsh critic. Shit can get real ugly. Im proud of the work we’ve done individually and as a family. Honored to be a part of this album @kendricklamar. Thank you for your transparency. Healing can begin…,” she wrote.
Whitney Appears in Kendrick's "Count Me Out" Music Video
Whitney also appeared in her beau’s “Count Me Out” music video and shared a snippet on her Instagram page in December.
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Feature image by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for NARAS