![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
!["Love Is..." Actor Will Catlett Talks God's Timing & The Power Of A Black Woman's Love](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODEwMTA0My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTczMzA1MDMxOX0.vIn70MO2iVNeBSOX5UlkqYjqgCcQ_YIRKFnZhtfkGP8/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C188%2C0%2C479)
"Love Is..." Actor Will Catlett Talks God's Timing & The Power Of A Black Woman's Love
Graciously entering his third interview of the day, Will Catlett is warm and inviting in his greeting. Courteously assuring me that this interview would be the best one of his day, our conversation immediately took off on the heels of positivity.
You see, Will Catlett gives off the kind of vibes that make you feel as if you've known him for years instead of mere minutes. His demeanor is one that is laced with intentionality and authenticity. You can feel the undertones of gratitude, empathy, and awareness in his voice that speaks to the fact that he understands the present moment is not one that should be taken lightly.
And why would it? Just the night before, he had met Oprah for the first time in his life. But it was a year ago that Catlett questioned whether or not his moment and the dream inside of him would ever come to fruition.
"I remember sitting on the floor in my apartment having a conversation with the Lord. I was essentially asking Him to help me stay the course. You can look at other people's journey for inspiration, but you can't compare yourself. The time that you take your eyes off your path, you get out of alignment."
IMDB
"The time that you take your eyes off your path, you get out of alignment."
"So I kept saying 'I know what's in me, I know you didn't give me these dreams for nothing.' But you know, we as actors and artists and people, we go through things and complaining is one the first things that'll come up. But that can lead you into this downward spiral and I didn't want that. There's no honor in that."
It would then be that continuous dedication towards honoring the process that would eventually lead him into landing the lead role of Yasir on OWN's highly anticipated show Love Is__, set to make its debut this June.
Will with Oprah and 'Love Is...' co-star Michele WeaverGetty Images
It's a show inspired by the true love story of Salim and Mara Brock Akil, creators behind classic shows like Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane, and as of late Black Lightning, the latter of which Will was also a part of. "I waited on that opportunity, I just literally laid there in it and waited. And when it came with Salim and Black Lightning, I went into it clearly ready to add onto what they were already doing. I think that's the drawing line between Salim and myself, and even as Yasir on Love Is__. We all just needed that one shot. And when we got it, we never wanted to look back."
Now, with this new venture, Catlett was granted the opportunity to work with both Salim and his wife, not only to help paint a portrait of their love story onscreen, but to unknowingly improve the lens in which he viewed his own as well. "You know, going through this process of filming Love Is__ specifically, it made me aware of some things that I thought I had dealt with. Character things that I thought I had gotten past, it was like, 'Well no, we have to dig deeper into that.' And I think when you try to put love in the mix and showcase that, it's always going to teach you about you. Love will always teach you about you. But I wouldn't have never came to those conclusions had I not gotten this opportunity."
"Love will always teach you about you."
And an opportunity, it seems, was all he needed. However, when I asked about his own personal love story with his wife RonDi Luz, he made it abundantly clear that she played a major role in his success as well. Much like Mara Brock and Salim Akil, Catlett's own ascension to bigger and better things was directly related to having a good woman, the right woman by his side.
"A lot of things took off for me when I got with my wife. And sometimes men miss that point that we can't get past a certain level because we're not with the right woman. She can get into places that we could never get into, she can pray into things that we could never get to because she is that side. She is that part of God that you need. You know, sometimes we as men think we have to have it all together, like we have to have all our ducks in a row before we approach a woman. But we forget what the raw essence of a woman is, she's a multiplier. We can't get to the next level as a man without linking up to that part of ourselves and that woman is the missing part."
"We forget what the raw essence of a woman is, she's a multiplier. We can't get to the next level as a man without linking up to that part of ourselves."
And that essentially is what love is. Two kindred spirits recognizing, reverencing, and respecting the innate abilities, character traits, strengths, weaknesses, and everything else in between. That is what makes life worth living.
To have love and to give love is one of the greatest privileges we as human beings could ever possess. The journey to not only have love but finding it is one that's littered with missed chances, leaps of faith, and boundless opportunities. But above all else, it is a journey paved for you and you only. It's a road map to which only you have the compass to.
IMDB
And according to Will Catlett, it's a path to reconnection, not just to others but to the very heart of who we are as a people. "Love is— a joint effort. Love is a vibration, love doesn't care about rules, and we need to see that love, that Black Love. We do so much giving out, we love everybody else without loving ourselves first. We build up other communities instead of building ours first. People seeing black love on television, that's a good vibration. We need this love to get back to the realness of us and then we can venture out and hug and love on everybody else."
For more Will, follow him on Instagram.
Featured image via Will Catlett/IMDB
- Love Is___: Meet Yasir, Played by Will Catlett | Love Is___ | Oprah ... ›
- TV Stars To Watch: Sarayu Blue, Will Catlett, Michele Weaver, Joy ... ›
- Will Catlett | Black Lightning Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia ›
- 'Love Is___': Michele Weaver & Will Catlett To Star In OWN Series ... ›
- OWN Drama 'Love Is___' Casts Michele Weaver, Will Catlett as ... ›
- Will Catlett (@chillwillbey) | Twitter ›
- About — Will H Catlett ›
- William Catlett - IMDb ›
- Will Catlett (@willcatlett) • Instagram photos and videos ›
Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images