Whitney Houston's New Documentary Is A Reminder That We Are Not The Mistakes Of Our Past
Thank God I don't look like what I've been through, because I'm sure it would be hard to look at. Despite the mistakes I've made and the obstacles that I've overcome, I'm grateful that today I have an opportunity to start over and do things differently if I choose to without remorse of the past or regret for having stumbled. Celebrities aren't offered this same grace.
When a star finds themselves in the middle of a messy situation, they're forced to relive their trauma again and again via tabloid and social media. This daunting fact leaves stars to face a tragic end that is as highly publicized as the pain that they suffered. High profile figures will forever be associated with the wrongs of their past, because somewhere along the line, we forgot that a person's mistakes do not define them.
Whitney Houston is arguably one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century, and now, the only thing associated with her name is drug use. When you think of the lives of artists like The Beatles, or even Elton John, who were reportedly avid drug users, you don't automatically associate their music with their struggle, but Whitney's case, despite her immense talent and influence, is quite different.
In the past, networks like Showtime have sought to retell her narrative in a way that does her legendary career justice, but July 6, we will get a look at Whitney's life in a way that critics say will reframe everything we think we know about the singer.
Singer Whitney Houston photographed in February 1982 when she was a senior in high school.Jack Mitchell/Getty Images
Anyone who has dealt with or known someone struggling with substance abuse understands that the drug isn't really the source of the addiction. There is usually an underlying source or trigger that causes a person to use drugs as a bandaid, but until deep-seated issues are confronted, the wound never really heals and the addiction can never come to an end. The movie explores the pressure that weighed on the iconic singer, that originally stemmed from her broken childhood, riddled with infidelity and mistrust that was later reflected in her own family life as an adult.
The movie reveals the story behind the legend's rise to fame, and promises to answer many of the questions that we've had since her tragic death in 2012. The movie promises to answer many of the questions that all of us have had since that day. Whitney features commentary from the people that were closest to her during her lifetime, including her sister, who admits to giving the singer drugs at an early age, her brothers, who were stealing from her, and Bobby Brown, who is often blamed for her downfall.
The singer struggled with many of the same issues that burden many other women of color, including insecurity, infidelity, and molestation, except Whitney's battle was on a displayed on a public platform.
Throughout the movie, we will see the disintegration of both the voice and the identity of a woman who brought the world so much magic. It is my hope that the film will humanize the singer and allow people to understand that Whitney was no different from you, me, or our sisters and mothers.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Whitney Houston was a woman of color who carried the weight of the world to no avail, and then one day it got too heavy. Giving an intimate account of the trials and trauma that Whitney endured should help us keep in mind that her missteps do not take away from the gift of love that she once had to offer this world through her incomparable talent.
Her former publicist agreed, and said:
"I hope after watching this, people are going to have more empathy toward Whitney, and not think she was this foolish girl who squandered her life. I hope they know there was something going on in her, behind everything, that explains it all."
In our hearts, you will forever be our fairy godmother in the sky. Whitney will debut in theatres July 6. If you haven't already, watch the trailer below:
- Lifetime's Whitney Houston Biopic: What the Critics Are Saying ... ›
- Will The New 'Authorized' Whitney Houston Documentary Be Better ... ›
- Whitney Houston Documentary Gets Release Date – Variety ›
- Whitney Houston's Family Slams Lifetime Over Biopic - Rolling Stone ›
- Whitney Houston film trailer: Biopic reveals all in HEARTBREAKING ... ›
- Whitney (2018) - IMDb ›
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.
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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage