

As we enter the latter half of 2020, it's safe to say that you made it, sis.
This year hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies but you've managed to block the bullshit with your head held high and if nobody has told you today, I'm proud of you. Amidst a pandemic and global protests, you're still standing––but every now and then, you need to sit your ass down on your favorite piece of lounge furniture and catch up on the all of the new Black AF titles on Netflix and xoNecole has you all the way covered.
For everything that's new and Black AF on Netflix this July, scroll below!
I Am Not Your Negro (July 1)
I Am Not Your Negro
I'ma let y'all finish, but James Baldwin was one of the greatest American orators of all time and in I Am Not Your Negro, director Raoul Peck takes an in-depth look at his last work before his death.
A Thousand Words (July 1)
A Thousand Words
We all have that friend who could stand to learn a thing or two about the solace that can be found in silence and if you don't, you're that friend. In this 2012 comedy co-starring Kerry Washington, we see Eddie Murphy as a new father, husband, and big-time industry exec who couldn't keep his mouth shut if his life depended on it.
Double Platinum (July 1)
Double Platinum
As an early 90s baby, I can admit that I was today-years-old when I learned that Brandy and Diana Ross starred in a film together and now that it's made its way onto the streaming platform, I plan to get my entire life.
Ali (July 1)
Ali
Starring Jada Pinkett and Will Smith, this 2001 biopic about one of the greatest boxers to ever live is now streaming.
Shaft (July 1)
Shaft
This 1970s blaxploitation classic starring a young Richard Roundtree will give you all the nostalgia and then some.
This Christmas (July 1)
This Christmas
Netflix just gave us Christmas in July with a 2007 romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast including but not limited to Chris Brown, Lauren London, Regina King, and Idris Elba that will put you all the way in the holiday spirit.
Only (July 5)
Only
When a viral disease kills every woman on the planet, a couple isn't far along on their quest for survival before they are met with unforeseeable danger.
A Kid From Coney Island (July 6)
A Kid From Coney Island
I may not know much about sports, but I do know that Netflix does not come to play when it comes to their documentaries, and A Kid From Coney Island is no exception. Chronicling the rise and fall of former NBA hard-hitter, Stephon Marbury, this film is proof that men need mental self-care, too.
The Old Guard (July 10)
THE OLD GUARD (2020)
Current circumstances have us all ready to open up a can of whoop-ass, and thanks to the latest Netflix Original superhero film The Old Guard, you can live vicariously through Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne as they do exactly that.
Fatal Affair (July 16)
Think Fatal Attraction. But Black. And in reverse. In a thriller featuring Nia Long and Stephen Bishop, Omar Epps gives us big stalker energy when a regrettable one night stand turns into a living nightmare.
Cursed (July 17)
Netflix
While this Netflix original series is only slightly melanated, the historical drama junkie in your life will live for this coming-of-age story starring Shalom Brune-Franklin and Devon Terrell (Barry) as a young King Arthur.
The Last Dance (July 19)
ESPN
The ESPN 10-part Michael Jordan-inspired documentary series that intimately detailed the ball player's professional journey and gave the internet memes for days is finally hitting the streaming service on July 19.
The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion (July 22)
The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion
In a documentary detailing the impact of fashion pioneers Misa Hylton and April Walker, The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion sheds light on the unsung story of how these women virtually created the art of streetwear and changed the industry forever.
Shameless: Season 10 (July 26)
Shameless
If you need a break from the real-life drama and are ready to dive into some on-screen mess, I'd strongly recommend that you pull up to the Gallagher household. Returning for its second-to-last season, this dysfunctional family TV drama is guaranteed to make you feel helluva lot better about your own life.
Seriously Single (July 31)
Seriously Single
Being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely, just ask the South African stars of Netflix's latest comedy who, after a couple of rocky breakups, are seriously about that single life.
The Umbrella Academy: Season 2 (July 31)
Netflix
Last year, the Netflix Original sci-fi drama series The Umbrella Academy took the internet by storm, and at the end of this month, our weird and dysfunctional family of teenaged superheroes are returning for a second season.
Featured image by Double Platinum.
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Legendary TLC band member Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas is known for her decades-long hits and smooth moves. Now, at 54 years old, the "Girl Talk" singer has become known for her ageless beauty. So for those wondering what's behind her youthful appearance, Chilli spills it all.
While prepping for her upcoming tour with T-Boz, the mom of one revealed her secret to good health. “I eat right. I eat clean,” she said in an interview with 11 Alive, a Atlanta local news station. Chilli doesn't do "cheat days" but rather focuses on lifestyle changes.
She also doesn't believe in diets and says it can have negative effects on the mind. “I don’t think people should say a diet because it gets in your head, and if you mess up, you’re upset with yourself,” she said. “It’s about changing slowly but surely.”
As a performer, movement plays a major part in Chilli's life and career. Her dance moves are as tight as they were when she and her bandmates came out in the '90s. But she also includes movement on her off days. “You have to work out,” she said. “I don’t care what kind of workout it is — whether it’s weights, cardio, bike, dancing — you just have to keep moving.”
Chilli also mentioned getting chiropractic adjustments, red light therapy, and acupuncture. If you're looking to include some of these practices into your routine, here's what to know about them.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Seeing a chiropractor regularly can improve mobility, ease back pain, and boost athletic performance. Healthline wrote a list of of the top 10 benefits of chiropractic care.
Red Light Therapy
Brown University's research shows that red light therapy is very beneficial for the skin. It can increase blood flow, promote skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and acne, plus more.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can aid in a lot of things, including weight loss, chronic pain, stress, and balancing qi (pronounced chi.) Johns Hopkins breaks down everything to know about this traditional Chinese practice.
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Feature image by Paras Griffin/Getty Images