Times Square Gossip

President Barack Obama In Ebony CHICAGO -- To mark the political ascent and enduring legacy of President Barack H. Obama, EBONY has published a special commemorative edition, “Hail to the Chief: Saluting Eight Years of Excellence.” This stylish, thought-provoking issue (83 pages; $10.99) is a unique collection of exclusive photographs, archival EBONY articles and hard-hitting analyses from leading African-American writers including award-winning poet, author and civil rights activist, Nikki Giovanni; MSNBC award-winning journalist Joy-Ann Reid; culturally astute critic Eric Deggans; pop culture pundit Touré; and New York Times best-selling author Baratunde Thurston. “Our readers know the utter importance of simple images of Obama and the first family in a White House that had been very literal with respect to its previous inhabitants,” says Kyra Kyles, editor-in-chief of EBONY. “But our team went well beyond the aesthetics and recruited the most sought-after Black t...

Tika Sumpter Following the release of the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed film, Get on Up, actors Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis and Tika Sumpter are now the featured cover stars on the September issue of EBONY magazine , exuding the same glamour and style depicted in the James Brown biopic. Boseman, who epitomized the legendary Godfather of Soul, exclusively tells EBONY he originally didn’t want the role that is now giving him Oscar worthy buzz. “When my manager brought me the script, I didn’t even want to read it because I knew attempting to play James Brown would just be crazy,” cited Boseman. However, once he received the role, beating out 20 actors for the part, he was completely dedicated to capturing the essence of Brown. “He was a complicated man, both good and bad. Once you understand the reasons for his dichotomy, it’s easier to grasp who he was.”

Michael Strahan Daytime television host Michael Strahan is the featured cover star on the August issue of EBONY magazine, giving readers the scoop on how he earned the title, “Mr. Entertainment.” Inside the issue, Strahan discusses his accomplishments as a football player and how he managed to transition from being at the top of the NFL to the co-host for both Live with Kelly and Michael and Good Morning America. He also sheds light on his bitter divorce from his ex-wife, Jean Muggli and how he opened his heart to love again with fiancée Nicole Murphy. “When you get divorced, people get upset, angry and say crazy things,” said Strahan regarding the ugly rumors that circulated during the end of his marriage to Muggli. “You have to take it. But it wasn’t easy. It was hard as hell.”

Magic And Cookie Johnson Power couple Magic and Cookie Johnson cover the July 2014 issue of EBONY magazine where they exclusively discuss weathering the storm around the recent controversy concerning Donald Sterling, their nonstop business endeavors, how they keep their love going as empty nesters and living a fulfilled life with HIV. Following the heels of the media frenzy brought on by Sterling’s remarks, Magic discusses when he first caught wind of the racist remarks made by the owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. “I’m glad that I was able to stand up for our people and be the voice,” said Magic regarding the situation. The Johnsons, who have been married for 22 years and dated 14 years prior, are also a couple with proven longevity. The two get intimate with EBONY on how they have made their love last. “We had our ups and downs,” admitted Cookie. “We had a period where we were about to separate. There was a point where I was ho...

Beyonce In celebration of Black Music Month, EBONY magazine pays tribute to the industry’s leaders, pioneers and game changers. Inside the June issue, EBONY honors both the present-day success stories and the giants who paved the way. The issue is presented in a four-cover series, with Beyoncé, Jay Z, Kanye West and Rihanna gracing the covers as a salute to their unprecedented impact on Black music. One of the most critically acclaimed voices in urban music culture, Kevin Powell, lends EBONY his pen and probes the connection between the ruling musical icons and how they compare with legends of the past.

**** BLACK HOLLYWOOD **** Angela Bassett EBONY magazine salute’s Black Hollywood with actress Angela Bassett gracing the cover, reveals never-before-seen images of our biggest celebrities and crowns the next generation of stars. Bassett is currently mesmerizing her fans in her captivating role as voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau, on the FX series American Horror Story: Coven, while also receiving acclaim for her role in Black Nativity during the holiday season. Many know Bassett for being strong, poised and resilient; however, the talented actress opened up to EBONY magazine and revealed that she also has moments of doubt and insecurity. However, she gives readers the scoop on how to exude the same sense of confidence that she possesses while also keeping her feet firmly on the ground. As the actress reflected on moments when it was hard to secure a role, she offers the following advice on how to keep going: “You’ve...

Berry Gordy Harry Belafonte EBONY Magazine today unveiled its annual EBONY Power 100 list, which salutes the remarkable achievements of African-Americans. Among the game changers honored this year are President Barack Obama, actress Kerry Washington, NBA legend and entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson, actor Michael B. Jordan, entertainer Nick Cannon, film director Lee Daniels, chef Marcus Samuelsson and activists Harry Belafonte and Marian Wright Edelman. Berry Gordy, founder of the famed Motown record label, music impresario and legendary songwriter will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The gala celebration will take place in New York City on November 4, 2013, at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, Time Warner Center. The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African-Americans in the country. These achievers have made noteworthy accomplishments over the past year. Our list of outstanding leaders highlights indiv...