
These Celebs Made A Powerful Statement With The Golden Globes Black Out

In 2017, women's voices came under the spotlight in a tremendous way. And thanks to movements like TIME'S UP, they continue to.
TIME'S UP is a movement created by a bunch of badass women in Hollywood that wanted to take action against the influx of sexual harassment cases and give voice to the women who were affected by the issues at hand by raising awareness for, and working to dismantle, the systemic inequality that is present in the workplace. Women involved with TIME'S UP, including Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, and Lena Waithe, plan to improve laws and policies in the workplace, increase the diversity of roles in boardrooms, and enable more access to the legal system. It's been a time of union for women to come together and raise awareness.
With the rise of TIME'S UP, women in Hollywood are taking a stand together and using fashion as their choice of rebellion. During tonight's Golden Globes Awards, women (and the men that support them) have chosen to wear black attire on the red carpet as a symbol of solidarity in the protest against sexual misconduct, gender inequality, and violence against women. Black creates visibility - and the nonverbal saying "I am with you."
Many people have made remarks about the amount of black on the runway to be looked at as a funeral parlor rather than a celebration of accomplishments. Actress Issa Rae feels that that's the point and the black symbolizes a death that has come, but is needed to move forward with the new. She said:
"In a good way, it just feels like the death of old Hollywood. Being an African American woman, I can't help but think about our funerals, which are kind of lit. Obviously, there are points of grieving, but afterwards it's like a celebration of life, and you kind of turn up, and I feel like that's what this will be. It's like a celebration."
The end of old ways, the death of a tragic and problematic issue at hand, is only an open door to bring in a celebration of new systems, perspectives, and ideas. Along with Issa Rae, Uzo Adoba and Kerry Washington have also solidified their participation in wearing black on the red carpet and their involvement with TIME'S UP. Uzo Adoba spoke on the beauty of the TIME'S UP movement as a community and its impact as a whole.
"I think that's what's really exciting about TIME'S UP is the connectedness of this community; that this opportunity has brought so many women from across not just our industry. We're seeing the alignment and the solidarity that exists between every industry be it this farmer's union, nurses, teachers, people in entertainment, lawyers."
TIME'S UP just launched but its power is exceptionally palpable. One of the collective's objectives was to raise money for their legal fund, which would extend its reach to women who are fighting a legal fight against sexual harassment allegations and need financial support. In little to no time, the collective reached its $15 million dollar goal with the support from over 300 award-winning actors, directors, and producers, including Ava DuVernay, Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain and Shonda Rhimes.
The Golden Globes is the pin-pointed event where the support is evident and dressed elegantly; not only is it a funeral of old regimes but a celebration of the community, support, and revolution that is happening right before our eyes. Issa continued:
"There's a new resolve, and it feels like even with the action points that we have with the legal defense fund, and making agencies employ more women in positions of power, that it feels like this can actually get done. So it's more than just a color. It's more than just wearing black. We're about that action."
About that action, indeed. Issa, along with other strong women, have reminded us of the power in the color black. Here are a few photos of some of the women (and men) we love on the red carpet, dressed in black to show their solidarity:
Tracee Ellis Ross
Via ELLE:
"I wear black today as a 'we' not as an 'I,' as a celebration of our collective power as women, as an embodiment of sisterhood, solidarity and the work being done to create structural change. We wear black for equity, parity and inclusion across all industries. We wear black to join with the voices of ALL women, particularly women of color, LGBTQX women, disabled women and all other women who have been disproportionately affected by sexual violence. TIME'S UP on discrimination, harassment and abuse."
Ava DuVernay
Susan Kelechi Watson
Caleb McLaughlin
Common
Daniel Kaluuya
Kerry Washington
Lena Waithe
Naomi Campbell
Issa Rae
Samira Wiley
Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe
Octavia Spencer
Zoe Kravitz
Zuri Hall
Halle Berry
Mariah Carey
Who stole the show for you tonight? Let us know in the comments down below!
All images via Getty Images
Tracee Ellis Ross
Via ELLE:
"I wear black today as a "we" not as an "I", as a celebration of our collective power as women, as an embodiment of sisterhood, solidarity and the work being done to create structural change. We wear black for equity, parity and inclusion across all industries. We wear black to join with the voices of ALL women, particularly women of color, LGBTQX women, disabled women and all other women who have been disproportionately affected by sexual violence. TIMES UP on discrimination, harassment and abuse."
Ava DuVernay
Susan Kelechi Watson
Caleb McLaughlin
Common
Daniel Kaluuya
Issa Rae
Samira Wiley
Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe
Octavia Spencer
Zoe Kravitz
Zuri Hall
Olivia Jade is a writer and creative engineer, intersecting wellness, culture, womanism, and self-development. She waters the flowers in her mind so others can recognize their own internal garden. Link up: @akaoliviajade (Twitter and IG) oliviajade.co
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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