xoNecole was in the Dolby Theater for our parent company Will Packer Productions' making history as the first all-Black producing team in the Oscars' 94 years--and yes, the moment was shocking and confusing, with guests reacting much like those at home, wondering was the presumed Best Actor Will Smith doing a bit when he walked onto the stage and open-handed slapped Chris Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith's bald head? It was quickly clear that it wasn't, with those of us up in the theater's rafters looking to Twitter for a replay of what exactly went down.
But we should not forget some truly amazing moments in Black history that went down at this year's Oscars.
xoNecole was on the red carpet talking to your faves about what this moment meant for Black people, Oscars host Regina Hall, Best Supporting Actress Aunjanue Ellis, Oscar winner H.E.R., Oscar winner Ruth E. Carter, presenters Chloë x Halle and more:
Oscar Winner Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson celebrates his Oscar with Denzel Washington
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
At The Academy's Governors Awards the night before the Oscars, Denzel Washington presented his peer and friend Samuel L. Jackson with this year's honorary Oscar. The 73-year-old acting veteran has been on our screens for most of his life, alongside Washington and Spike Lee. After being nominated for Supporting Actor for his role in Pulp Fiction, Jackson now has his first Oscar!
Blue Ivy Gave The Opening Performance
Baby, Blue Ivy was MOVING, okay? Dance moves on point. An icon. A legend. We didn't deserve it, but I'm so glad Blue Blue let her mom sing background for her debut performance at the Oscars. She can add this accolade to her illustrious Emmy, Grammy and literary awards.
'The Queen of Basketball' Received Best Documentary Short
One of the early, exciting moments from the pre-taped show was when The Queen ofBasketball won for best documentary short (just as I predicted!). The floor vibrated as the family of Lucy Harris, the first woman to ever play in the NBA, celebrated the Oscar win in her honor. Sadly, Lucy passed just months before the nominations were announced, so she never got to see how her pioneering story would reach international acclaim. "Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!" Her family and loved ones shouted out from the rafters above and behind me in the Dolby Theater. Their energy and joy were electric! And Director Ben Proudfoot ended his acceptance speech with an appeal: "President Biden, bring Brittney Griner home!" A Black history moment and icon we should never forget. Watch the Oscar-winning documentary short below:
Ariana DeBose Won Best Supporting Actress
The first award of the (televised) night went to Ariana DeBose for Best Supporting Actress in West Side Story, (as predicted) making her the first Afro-Latina, openly queer woman to win the award. Quoting her famous musical in her acceptance speech, she said "So to anyone who has ever questioned your identity, or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: there is indeed 'a place for us.'"
Megan Thee Stallion Is The First Female Rapper To Perform
One of the more pleasant surprises of the evening was seeing Megan Thee Stallion performing the hit song from Encanto by Lin Manuel Miranda, "We Don't Talk About Bruno." While you may remember the famous performance from Oscar winners Three-Six Mafia of "Hard Out Here For A Pimp," Megan's performance was the first-ever by a female rapper in Oscars history. Keep doing it big for the Hot Girls, Meg!
A Disabled Black Woman Was Defended Against Ableism and Misogynoir
WILL SMITH, JADA PINKETT SMITH
THE OSCARS® – The 94th Oscars® aired live Sunday March 27, from the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT on ABC in more than 200 territories worldwide. (ABC)
For too long, comedians like Chris Rock have built their entire careers on mocking how Black women look, talk, dress and act and we're always expected to take it because it's "just jokes." I'd wager that part of what seems to be so offensive to people in the aftermath of the Slap is not that Chris Rock got popped in the mouth for mocking a Black woman's appearance, it's that this violent, ableist, misogynoiristic 'joke' is supposed to be acceptable. Open season on the most unprotected and disrespected people in America, the Black woman, is assumed, and how dare Chris Rock face consequences for it? Alopecia is an autoimmune disease. Jada Pinkett Smith is disabled. A Black disabled woman was defended against ableism and misogynoir in front of the world on Sunday night. While we'll have to wait for Jada to speak specifically on how she felt about the offense or the defense, I hope more 'comedians' think twice before mocking Black women for a white audience's laughter and actually try to be funny next time.
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I was elated at the opportunity to experience this firsthand at their newest all-inclusive resort, Secrets Playa Esmeralda in Miches, Dominican Republic. It was there that I realized that everything I’ve learned so far on my mindfulness journey had been worth it.
From listening to world-renowned mindfulness expert and author Deepak Chopra, M.D., speak to swinging on top of a mountain. I was able to tap back into who I am and relish in the person I’m becoming. Here are a few takeaways from my three-day trip.
London on the balcony of her suite at Secrets Playa Esmeralda, Miches, DR
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Luxury Is My Birthright
There’s nothing like living in the lap of luxury and Secrets Playa Esmeralda provided that and more. Once I arrived at the sprawling resort, I was greeted with champagne. Then I was whisked away to my deluxe suite and it was more than I expected. It was spacious, yet comfortable. It sat right on the beach giving me unobstructed views of the white sand and crystal blue waters.
I could hear the ocean waves in my room, which was really nice during bedtime. I had a butler who assisted me with whatever I needed and I took advantage of the turn down service every night. I spent time in the pool, on the beach, and at the spa. It was magical.
Yoga at Secrets Playa Esmeralda, Miches, DR
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Digital Distractions Are Real
Every evening, our group met for dinner with the option to put our phones away. This was in line with the theme of being present and while I didn’t mind giving my phone away, it was odd not having it with me. I know I’m not alone in saying I use my phone a lot. Whether to look something up, to take photos, or to mindlessly scroll in between conversations.
However, it wasn’t until my wrist started buzzing that I realized I was wearing my Apple Watch. Further proving how much we rely on electronics and need a break from it. While my Apple Watch is also considered a digital distraction, I wasn’t as tempted to check it as I would my phone.
London visiting Montaña Redonda in Miches, DR
Courtesy
Being Present Is A Must
It was an honor to sit across from Dr. Chopra, the man who teaches on the very things I’ve been learning about these past few years. His presence was magnetic and I was excited to hear him speak live for the first time.
He joined Hyatt’s Wellbeing Collective Advisory Board and created an exclusive AI, DeepakChopra.ai for the resort. Before our intimate conversation with the author of The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success, he led us into meditation.
From there, he dropped a lot of gems, particularly as it relates to being present. “Presence is divine,” he told us. He also shared some advice on how to stay present. “Periodically, ask yourself, ‘Am I here?’ When you ask yourself, you will be present,” he said.
I often go on exciting trips, but what made this one special was the emphasis on being present. Thanks to the constant reminder, I was able to really sit back, relax, and soak in the picturesque resort. Not to mention, I also got to explore other parts of the island like a Cacao farm and Montaña Redonda, a mountain with jaw-dropping views.
This trip came at a crucial time in my life where I was trying to figure out what to do next in my career and it allowed me to sit still and embrace the unknown.
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