Exclusive: Will Packer And Idris Elba On Putting Black Women First
Executive producer Will Packer’s new film Beast stars Idris Elba as a widowed dad caring for his two daughters (Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries) after his wife dies. While he’s trying to build a stronger bond with his daughters, the doctor encounters a ruthless lion in a South African game reserve and his daughters’ safety becomes his number one priority.
While Idris’ character is fighting to protect his daughters at all costs even if that means putting them before himself, that same thinking also translates into his personal life. Putting Black women first is a theme shared with xoNecole's new She Comes First podcast where we hear from our faves on Black women centering themselves, self-care, and self-love in their lives. In an exclusive interview with xoNecole, Idris and Will also share the importance of putting Black women first.
“My wife, she’s a priority just based on we’re married, and we’re a partnership,” Idris said. “She’s always someone I think about first."
xoNecole Asks Idris Elba & Will Packer: "How do you prioritize Black women in your life?"
He also mentioned his daughter. The Luther actor has two kids, a 20-year-old daughter named Isan Elba and an 8-year-old son named Winston Elba. “In this film, my character is prioritizing those two girls over himself and I worked really hard for a long time but I always think about my daughter, my kids, and my wife.”
Will echoed those same sentiments as he is married as well and has two daughters. “First of all, I love Black women and I try to show that love in my personal life. Married to a Black woman, two Black daughters, that is very important, son of a Black mom,” Will said. “I just realized that Black women don’t get enough appreciation for what they bring to this world to how talented and influential they are so I try to do my part and thank the women that I personally know and show them love but then also in my work.”
“If you look at projects that I’ve been a part of, there is either Black women right at the center or integral parts to the content that I make.”
Will has produced several films starring Black women such as Girls Trip, Little, Breaking In, and many more. “And that audience has shown their appreciation to me by going out and supporting my projects in a really major way and that is not lost on me. So I continue to always showcase my sisters in any chance that I get and they always show me love and I’m appreciative.”
Beast hits theaters on August 19.
xoNecole Asks The Cast Of Beast "How do you prioritize yourself?"
Idris Elba Explains Why Representation In Storytelling Is So Important
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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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