January 30, 2020

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

No matter what your romantic scenario is, Aries, this week you are electing to remain blind so that you can choose love. Perhaps you know on some level that your partner has done something hurtful to you -- maybe even something that can damage your relationship. If this is the case, you are simply not equipped to face reality just yet. Early in the week, for your own self-protection, you must focus on forgiveness and compassion. Fortunately, by the end of the week this intentional blindness can soften you enough to support a healing outcome.

 

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

You and your sweetheart can easily feel as if you both have found a dream come true in one another this week. On Monday, a gorgeous Venus-Neptune conjunction will land in the area of your chart ruling your greatest hopes and wishes. This signals the most beautiful potential for that grand romantic fantasy of yours to actually happen. This bond goes way beyond anything physical, so it's possible that you and your partner won't even need to touch one another to feel that depth of connection. It all seems too good to be true, and yet, it isn't.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

Your partner might not be a good source of support this week when it comes to your career goals. If you have an important decision to make, using your mate as a sounding board may only confuse you rather than help you figure things out. Another possibility is that you might have a dream-come-true career opportunity that comes your way, but it will require a major sacrifice in terms of time and attention you can give to your mate. It'll be a major adjustment for both of you, but the money seems too good to pass up.

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

If your faith in love has been shattered, Cancer, this week it's likely to be restored. Talking to a mentor, life coach, spiritual advisor, or even psychic might help you remember that any wall you've put up out of self-protection is only keeping you from the love that is meant to be yours. No one likes feeling betrayed or getting their heart broken, but if you continue to keep yourself closed off to romantic opportunities, you are only missing out on the potential to experience a stronger, wiser, and deeper love with someone. Happily, your perspective may shift in a powerful way thanks to that discussion with someone you hold in high regard. You'll be grateful.

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

There is a big difference between having sex and making love, Leo, and this week, you're going to experience the very best of both of these worlds. Finally, you're able to open yourself up enough to be vulnerable and sentimental with the person you have fallen madly in love with. Having sex is a physical act filled with passion and release, but making love is a combination of the physical leading to emotional fulfillment and deep soul-bonding with someone. You might very well have the best sex of your life this week, Leo. Why? Because you've decided to choose love. Lucky you!

  

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

Although you and your partner might not see eye to eye on a domestic matter, it doesn't seem to be a deal-breaker in your relationship this week. In fact, you are more optimistic than ever about your lover and all the potential in your connection. You've invested your heart and soul into this relationship and, once you've poured yourself so deeply into someone, it's not easy to remain unattached. Fortunately, the bond you share with your mate is one that restores your faith in love and, because of this, you're more than willing to overlook the small imperfections.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

A conversation with one of your colleagues about your love life might not be such a smart move. There is a possibility that this person will gossip about your personal life to someone else, leaving you disappointed about ever choosing to confide in them. You might also experience a certain amount of disappointment in your partner if you are frustrated about any imbalance in chores or other jobs you must take care of together. If you feel as if you're holding all the weight in your relationship and your mate is disappearing when you need help, then it's time to address it.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

Venus and Neptune will embrace in your true love sector this Monday, setting up the perfect opportunity for you to experience inspiring fairytale romance. If you are dating someone, then you will surely feel this energy as you recognize that you are suddenly more open to love than ever before. There is no way you can resist this person because he or she has a way of melting your heart, disarming you, and softening those rough edges. If you're in a committed relationship, then your mate could do something this week that restores your belief in unconditional love. If single, there is the potential to meet someone new as you attend an art, film, or musical event.

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

You have so much sexual energy this week, Sagittarius -- that's the good news. Now, for the bad news. It seems as if something related to a home or family matter will suck up all of your focus and attention, leaving little to no opportunity for you to actually put that libido to good use. There seems to be a real timing issue between you and your lover this week. You both want each other, so that isn't the problem. Finding a way to actually connect physically this week might seem impossible, however. Fortunately, it's temporary. You'll get through the sexual frustration.

  

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

There is a great deal of power and inspiration in your mind this week when it comes to love. By choosing to look at the positive, rather than any negatives, in your love life, you are making a declaration to the universe to choose love over anything else. Venus and Neptune will embrace in your message sector this Monday, making it easy to have soft, compassionate, and healing conversations with your mate. Then, by Sunday, Venus will be at a perfect angle to Pluto, now in your sign. The power of love knows no limits. You are certain of this truth.

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Your sweetheart will have a way of inspiring you to be a better person. It's not that you're not already filled with humanitarian ideals and compassion for your fellow man, you certainly are! It's just that this week, there is something about your partner's behavior that will inspire you to dig a little deeper and give a little more than you usually do. You might find it touching to see how they do something extremely kind and sacrificial for someone who can never repay them back. You'll want to aspire to this level of charity.

 

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

Venus and Neptune will align perfectly in your sign this Monday, making you the most romantic soul on the planet! Believing in that fairytale romance is not nonsense for you, it's the food that will sustain your soul. If there is anyone who can feel that "love conquers all" vibe this week and make it work, it's you. You might also feel like channeling this remarkable healing and compassionate energy into soothing the pain and suffering of others in an extremely charitable way. Love knows no limits this week. Your heart will prove it.

January 23, 2020 

By Betti Halsell 

Contributing Writer 

 

With a clear mission to plant seeds of imagination and cultural creativity, phenomenal actress Kimberly Hebert Gregory gave birth to an acting gymnasium celebrating the innate gifts and talents of African American artists. The Black Rebirth Collective had their first annual fundraiser this past weekend, appropriately entitled “ Reaching higher and higher.” The event received limitless energy around the impact the BRC will have in the entertainment community.

 

Kimberly Hebert Gregory is the founder of the Black Rebirth Collective. Divine origins of the idea were encapsulated in passionate emotion of velvety curtains being drawn back, beckoning her presence to the center stage in the house of theatre. There has always been a deep infatuation for the art mirrored in her performances. Kimberly has been nominated Drama Desk Award in 2012; she expressed a passion for theatre that never left.

 

Even through her gradual expansion into movies and television; starring in HBO’s “Vice Principals” and guest star appearances in multiple shows like “ Law and order” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Kimberly credits her polished acting form to her roots in theatre, it gave her the feeling of the sky being the only limit. Her goal is to funnel that feeling to the raw talent found within the black community.

 

The first Black Rebirth Collective fundraiser was held at the Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 18th. Upon arrival, one could feel the tides of passion for the arts wash over them as they walked into the venue. Great minds from Broadway, vetted playwrights, and other red carpet arrivals came together creating an aura of creativity.

 

Hosted by TV/Film phenomenons: Yvette Nicole Brown, Kelly Mcreary and Kimberly herself, set the tone for an enchanted evening that showcased their combined talent and elegance.

 

There was a tribute performance for R&B legend Jackie Wilson. Broadway’s finest, Chester Gregory performed “Eve of Jackie” displaying undeniable talent. The night was neatly wrapped with a silent auction and post show mixer, the buzz of shared laughs and discussion of the movement that the BR collective is bringing filled the night sky as the event came to a close.

 

The proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the goals of The Black rebirth collective which is to create a safe place for artists of color, nurture unapologetic narratives of talent and self-discovery, and towards the production needs to curate high quality set performances, readings and educational programs.

 

Listening to the  words Kimberly used to describe her experiences on stage explained the blueprints for the BRC existence. The  purpose is to break through pillars of fear; establishing a place where one can build their chops with encouragement. It is home to the future greats in comedy, acting, and writing. She stated, “Theatre gave me the feeling that I can do anything.” She imagines the BR Collective an entity that projects a limitless air of art and molds the raw talent that is found deep within black culture.

January 23, 2020 

By Stacy M. Brown 

NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent 

 

When Beyoncé married Jay-Z in 2008, the skeptics were as loud as the audience at a sold-out Destiny's Child concert.

 

At its worst, critics expected that the marriage would be Bobby and Whitney all over again – a hip-hop bad boy meets a sexy songstress with a squeaky-clean, all-American image.

 

Some of those critics believed the marriage would only last as long as the union between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley – an odd and uncomfortable 20-month marriage that ended with Elvis' daughter filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

 

After a dozen years, hundreds of millions of records sold — and one infamous elevator fight at a Met Gala between Jay-Z and Solange Knowles, (Beyoncé's little sister) — Hollywood's preeminent power couple are still "dangerously in love."

 

"I believe Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been successfully married as a Hollywood power couple for so long because they can see beyond the wealth, fame and materialism that comes with a Hollywood lifestyle," stated hip-hop artist and activist Sean XGL Mitchell.

 

"The music business can be brutal so artists and couples who are grounded, in touch with reality and are consciously aware of who they are, have the keys to success and longevity," Mitchell noted.

 

"In particular, when you watched Beyoncé's Super Bowl performance a few years ago, she paid tribute to the Black Panthers while performing her new hit' Formation. Their costumes and choreographed dance routine, which included a fist in the air, was a true sign of self-knowledge and pride," Mitchell added.

 

"It was equally apparent in Jay-Z's lyrics in the song the 'Story of O.J.' When you have two people who are more than just artists, who can transcend power, you have the making of a successful partnership and marriage," he said.

 

According to medium.com, the average divorce rate of Hollywood celebrities is 52 percent, slightly higher than that of the general public. The length of celebrity marriages can be as short as hours, while the average is about six years, the website reported.

 

That Jay-Z and Beyoncé have doubled that time and are still going strong, doesn't exactly surprise experts who've followed their careers and relationship.

 

Dr. Fran Walfish, a Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist and regular expert child psychologist on CBS-TV's "The Doctors," said it's no secret the power couple has overcome big problems in their marriage.

 

At a Met Gala event in 2014, cameras caught Solange hitting and kicking Jay-Z as Beyoncé watched quietly. Later, it was revealed that Solange confronted her brother-in-law over cheating rumors, and things quickly escalated.

 

"The critical key is that they hung in together with a solemn commitment to each other and the couple ship," Walfish stated. "Today, it seems, they are doing better than ever and are parents to a 7-year-old daughter and two-year-old twins."

 

In a 2017 interview with The New York Times Style Magazine, Jay-Z opened up about his infidelity and the near demise of his marriage.

 

"You know, most people walk away, and like the divorce rate is 50 percent or something because most people can't see themselves," Jay-Z told the Times. "The hardest thing is seeing pain on someone's face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself. So, most people don't want to do that. You don't want to look inside yourself. And so, you walk away."

 

Walfish stated that Jay-Z's interview with the Times was telling.

 

"The hardest part for him was seeing the pain on his wife, that he caused," Walfish said.

 

"That is accountability and owning up to a huge mistake. Beyoncé, on the other hand, had to be open to forgiveness. Her love and non-judgmental character, along with probable therapeutic help, allowed for repair in the relationship. The secondary gain is that this type of relationship deep repair can bond a couple even more strongly together than before," Walfish added.

 

Born Sean Carter in Brooklyn, NY in 1969, Jay-Z has won 22 Grammy Awards with hits that include "Hard Knock Life," "99 Problems," and "Run this Town." 

 

With a net worth of more than $1 billion, Jay-Z also has produced several films, and he owns the streaming service, Tidal, and other companies.

 

Born in 1981 in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé rose to fame with the singing group "Destiny's Child" in the 1990s. Her solo career took off in 2002 with the release of the album, "Dangerously in Love," which included a collaboration with Jay-Z.

 

Beyoncé has won 23 Grammy Awards and owns and operates Parkwood Entertainment, a company that includes various brands of music, movies, videos, and fashion. Forbes Magazine has placed Beyoncé's net worth at approximately $500 million.

 

"These two powerhouse moguls understand the nature of engagement that is vital in a marriage," stated Dr. Allana Da Graca, a psychologist, and self-styled persistence expert.

 

"I think they both understand the arduous journey to fame that can also blur lifelines of meaning and authenticity amongst themselves. They hold one another accountable and maintain the muse of each other," Da Graca said.