Studies were conducted in 2014 that revealed an extremely low percentage of black and Hispanic employees at top tech companies in Silicon Valley.  After several discussions were had on the issue around the country, USA Today discovered new information on minority tech employment statistics, as well as difficult experiences from the few blacks within those firms.

Data revealed blacks are the least-employed at three tech giants, Yahoo, Google, and Facebook, while white and Asian men dominate each staff. This applies not only to tech jobs but also in upper management and non-tech ‘professional’ positions such as sales, marketing, accounting, and legal. Blacks make up 2 percent of management at all three companies combined, and blacks and Hispanics together make up a measly 5 percent of the three firms’ total ‘professional‘ workforce.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson met with Silicon Valley

“The data tells the whole story,” Rev. Jesse Jackson said during a meeting with Microsoft this year in which his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition addressed the need for more minority employees in Silicon Valley. “There are talented blacks and Latinos who can fill well-paying non-tech jobs in the tech industry. Let’s not limit the debate to computer science and engineering positions.”

For the few black employees who do find themselves as being virtually the only employee of their race at work, the reality can be challenging.  One unnamed former employee at one of the three major Silicon Valley tech companies said that blacks were generally kept out of management positions.  An executive at one of the firms stated that co-workers would often feature him in business-related photos in an attempt to make the firm appear diverse.

Kara Smith, a 36-year-old product manager at Xtime in Redwood Shores, California admitted that while she has become used to being the only black person in the room at work, she sometimes considers whether being an extreme minority at the company is a hindrance.

“If you are going to feel intimidated by that, this is probably not the industry for you,” said Smith, who earned an MBA from Northwestern University. “Do I think this leaves me behind sometimes or that I am not reaching my full potential? Possibly. But I try not to focus on it.”

After these racial statistics revealed the lack of diversity within technology companies, executives and hiring managers have reportedly begun training methods meant to eradicate unconscious racial bias.

Kenya Barris, creator of the hit ABC comedy “Black-ish,” called out director Judd Apatow on his “strangely obsessive” tirades against recently maligned Bill Cosby.

Apatow has been actively maligning Cosby on Twitter in regards to the numerous rape allegations that have been coming out against the comedian. Tweeters and news outlets took note of his pointed vitriol.

so @Centre_Square – are you really going to let Bill Cosby perform on your stage January 7?

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 27, 2014

You too @BudGardens Jan 8? Is Cosby only popular in Ontario Canada at this point? Do people still find him delightful after 30 accusers? — Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 27, 2014

I think one in a Hundred thousand people support Cosby. I am gonna stop responding to them so often. It is just maddening though. So cold.

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 28, 2014

.@JuddApatow had some tweets for Bill Cosby and his apologists this weekend: http://t.co/u4gKG05sdV — New York Magazine (@NYMag) December 29, 2014

That was only a small sampling of all the comments Apatow has made.

Barris used Twitter to criticize Apatow for his selective outrage on Tuesday.

Barris also took the time to chastise Apatow for his one dimensional portrayal of black characters in his films.

However, Barris makes clear that he still respects him and ended on a self=deprecating note.

His tweets have since been deleted from his page, but he did take the time to retweet New Yorker TV critic Emily Nussbaum who made a reference to his remarks:

I do get Kenya Barris’ arguments against them, which were sharp & interesting, but I can’t help being sympathetic to JA’s intensity.

— emilynussbaum (@emilynussbaum) December 30, 2014

Apatow responded to Barris’ critique by trying to humorously find some common ground.

I don’t know if his criticism of me is accurate. I just hate rapists. But we look like the exact same person! pic.twitter.com/U7QzLZ0CDp

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 31, 2014

Cultural insensitivity and political incorrectness were not hard to find in 2014. People let their true racial feelings fly, and while some backtracked in their statements, many were unapologetic. But without a doubt, some of the most racially-charged comments of the year allowed for dialogue on issues that are far too often taboo.  Here are 10 Culturally-Insensitive Moments of 2014 that had the country talking.

Former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was the name on everyone’s lips when his girlfriend V. Stiviano released audio of the two having a conversation, in which the 80 year old told her not to associate with Black people or bring Black guys, such as Magic Johnson, to his team’s games.  The billionaire was fined $2.5 million, forced to sell the Clippers, and was banned from the NBA for life.

We all thought Raven-Symoné could do no wrong until she was featured on the OWN Network’s “Where Are They Now?” special and told Oprah that she did not like labels and didn’t want to be called African-American, but was fine with being called American. Many Black people felt the actress’ comments meant she was ashamed of being Black, but Raven-Symoné released a statement disputing that assumption.

Shock jock Anthony Cumia of SiriusXM’s “Opie and Anthony” radio show went on a long, racist rant over Twitter, in which he called a Black woman who reportedly grew angry after catching him taking a picture of her an “animal bitch,” among other things. After refusing to apologize, he was fired.

Television show creator Shonda Rhimes was labeled an “angry black woman” in a New York Times article. The “How to Get Away With Murder” creator responded, saying, “In this world in which we all feel we’re so full of gender equality and we’re a postracial [society] and Obama is president, it’s a very good reminder to see the casual racial bias and odd misogyny from a woman written in a paper that we all think of as being so liberal.”

Comedian Artie Lange is no stranger to pushing the envelop with his comedy, but many thought he went too far when he tweeted about having sexual fantasies in which ESPN host Cari Champion is his slave. ESPN banned him from the network.

Pop singer Justin Bieber was reportedly blackmailed for years over two videos of him at 15-years-old making racist “jokes,” such as changing the words to his hit song and singing “one less lonely nigger.” After the videos finally surfaced, a few of his celebrity friends came to his defense, including his mentor Usher and boxer Floyd Mayweather, and the scandal was basically swept under the rug.

Some Essence readers were up in arms when the two white male stars from the hit film Think Like a Man Too weren’t included on the Black magazine’s cover page. But the missing cast members, Gary Owen and Jerry Ferrara, didn’t make a fuss about it.

Typically, a private racist remark is not willingly released to the public by the culprit, but this wasn’t the case with Atlanta Hawks owner Bruce Levenson, who reported one of his old emails to the NBA in which he stated he wanted less Blacks attending his games and more whites. In September, Levenson was reportedly seeking to sell his team, but there hasn’t been any word on when that will happen.

When the Country Music Awards aired in the usual slot of ABC’s new sitcom “Black-ish,” co-host of the night and country music star Brad Paisley made a joke about it, and said “I hope you’re all enjoying ‘white-ish’,” referring to the majority-white music program. Critics were on the fence about whether the “Accidental Racist” singer’s joke was racist or simply pointing out the obvious.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban sparked some controversy when he said that if he sees a “black guy in a hoodie” or a bald-headed “white guy,” he will cross the street. Many agreed that since some Blacks in the country have been facing deadly racial discrimination, his comments came at a poor time, but were not necessarily illogical.

Sheree and Duriel Edwards
September 21st, 2013
Detroit

Jamal and Octavius Terry-Sims
Los Angeles
January 26, 2014 (officiated by Queen Latifah)

Rajiah and Kevin Leong,
New York City
July 5, 2014

Iman and Daniel Riedel,
Chicago,
September 13, 2014

Angelique and Videll Wilks,
Brooklyn, NY,
2014

 Sylvia and Jamile Gray,
Long Island City, NY,
August 25, 2014

This time of year is all about drawing near to loved ones.  And the same is true for celebrities. Some famous families have grown this year, thanks to extravagant weddings and precious bundles of joy. And looking ahead, there are a few more changes in store. Here are a few celebrity weddings and babies to look forward to in the new year.

In early December rumors began swirling that Usher and manager-girlfriend Grace Miguel were engaged after the latter was spotted with a huge rock on her ring finger.  As the year draws to a close,  sources close to the couple confirm that the two are engaged and are planning a small, intimate ceremony next year.

Everyone’s favorite funny man, Kevin Hart proposed to his “rib,” Eniko Parrish earlier this year. Since then, the two have been promoting his latest wedding-themed movie, and even posing in bride and groom onesies. So this wedding will definitely be a hot ticket in 2015.

Hollywood it-couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have always smoldered together on the red carpet. But when Blake began showing off her baby bump in slinky, plunging neckline gowns, they proved just how sexy that pregnancy glow can be. We’re excited for their first little bundle of joy in the new year.

WNBA players Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson made history in 2014 as the first openly gay professional athletes to be engaged to players on rival teams. And this year same-sex marriage became legal in both of the states where they play (Ariz. and Okla.), so we’re crossing our fingers that these two will wed soon.

For Ciara and Future, this engagement could really go either way. The musical pair gave birth to their first child together early in 2014. But months later, they reportedly called off the wedding plans amid cheating rumors. Rumor has it they are working things out for their son, which could mean wedding bells next year.

This year, New York Giants’ wide receiver (and style notable) Victor Cruz popped the question to his longtime girlfriend Elaina Watley during prayer at their daughter’s baby dedication ceremony. And if their wedding is anything like the proposal, go ahead and get your tissues ready now.

While appearing as a guest on “The Queen Latifah Show,” Vanessa Williams confessed that she’d said yes to boyfriend Jim Skrip, a real estate broker she met while vacationing in Egypt. The 51-year-old actress has been having quite a banner year, and hopefully she’ll follow it up with a walk down the aisle.

Ludacris committed to longitime girlfriend Eudoxie Agnan with a milehigh proposal this weekend. The couple were en route to a Costa Rican New Year’s getaway when the rapper prodded the Gabonese stunner to peek outside the window of their private jet. Thousands of feet below, in a field of blue letters was the question, “Eudoxie, Will You Marry Me?”

Story by Satchel B. Jester | Photography by James Anthony

With its sublime scenery lapped by azul waters and lush landscaping, the Diamond Award-winning Sandals Emerald Bay was the perfect location for this cover shoot. The resort, located in Great Exuma, Bahamas, possessed all of the makings for a perfect beginning to always and forever.

Our motivation: classic elegance and relaxed sophistication marked with a sliver of jet-set edge, and with its ornate landscaping, hidden nooks and bevy of eateries—from the posh French fare of La Parisienne to the Italian offerings at Il Cielo—Emerald Bay delivered. Spanning 500 acres, the resort boasts 249 rooms and suites, oceanfront villas and a beach house—many with accompanying butler service.

While shooting, we temporarily forgot we were only staging a wedding while gathered in the ceremony garden, flanked by a gorgeous reflecting pool amongst labyrinthine shrubbery. Songstress Chrisette Michele’s newly minted wedding classic “A Couple of Forevers” set the vibe, but the backdrop of softly crashing ocean waves reigned supreme, providing the true soundtrack. The magic of Sandals Emerald Bay continues after the knot is tied and the broom is jumped as the luxury all-inclusive resort then hosts your honeymoon.

Dance the night away on the beach or in the grandeur of one of the well-appointed ballrooms. Whatever your pleasure, take it slow and enjoy it all—from water sports to the acclaimed Greg Norman-designed golf course and beyond (suggestion: reward the loyal wedding party with a quick jaunt on a yacht via the 17-acre, deep-water, world class marina). Emerald Bay, a favorite vacation haunt for celebs like Celine Dion and Garcelle Beauvais, frames luxury and tropical beauty like a timeless photographic keepsake.

Vivienne Westwood Sweetheart Strapless Sheath Gown and Gold Leaf Headband from Kleinfeld Bridal; Katherine Lincoln Golden Bar Chain Necklace; Truly Zac Posen Platform Pump for David’s Bridal; Vera Wang LOVE 14K Ct Oval Cut1 Ct TW Double Frame Engagement Ring $4,499.99


Truly Zac Posen Organza Mikado Fit and Flare Gown Exclusively for David’s Bridal, $1450; Katherine Lincoln Collarbone Choker Necklace; Vera Wang LOVE 14K CT Oval Cut CT TW Double Frame Engagement Ring, $4,499.99; Katherine Lincoln Collarbone Choker Necklace

Vera Wang Chantilly Lace A Line Ball Gown with Horsehair Trim, $1798; Paula Mendoza Toledo Choker, $1150 (Him) Isaia Mens Tuxedo and Shirt; Bar II Ryker Suede and Wool Dress Shoes; Mng by Mango Wool Fedora Hat; Tie Bar Satin White Clip Suspenders; Vera Wang LOVE Collection Men’s 1 CT. T.W. Mens Diamond Wedding Band in 14K White Gold, $2499.99

Temperly London High Neck Sheath Gown With Applique Embroidery From Kleinfeld Bridal, $4900; Hadria Tunic Stone Spiked Bracelet; Anna Cuff; Lisa Bondage Ring; And Fabi Open Stack Triple Ring; Vera Wang Love 14K Oval Cut CT TW Double Frame Engagement Ring

BHLDN Flora Silk Chiffon and Lace Gown, $800; Katherine Lincoln Labradorite Lace Chandelier Earrings

Lanvin V Neck Accordion Pleat Silk Gown from Kleinfeld Bridal, $10,900; Vera Wang Blusher Veil; Katherine Lincoln Horse Love Cuff Bracelet, Sawtooth Ring and Serpent with Garnet Eyes Ring; Hadria Alexandra Ring, V Midi Ring and Wing Bracelet; Vera Wang LOVE 14K CT. Oval Cut CT TW Double Frame Engagement Ring, $4,499.99; Osklen Black Sandals

Crystal Halo Headpiece by Mallace Henderson, $2,850

Mara Hoffman Horizon One Piece Swim Suit and Sarong; Hadria Madeline Bracelet; 2Xist Mens Check Ibiza Swim shorts and NYC watch; Katherine Lincoln Long Shark Tooth Pendant Necklace; Standard Baldwin Hat; Bobby Roache Sunglasses

Red Carter Mesh One Piece; Katherine Lincoln Vertebrae Cuffs

Styling by Hope Misterek | Hair & Makeup by Merrell Ho l l i s | Produced by Isoul Harris, Darryl Brown | Models: Madisin Bradley, Dominique Hollington | Location: Sandals Emerald Bay Resort, Great Exuma, Bahamas

By Joane Amay

As a card-carrying member of the look-at-me generation, one would think that the model and singer/rapper Kilo Kish—who burst onto the scene with the genre-bending mixtape Homeschool and followed up with her acclaimed Across EP earlier this year—would have a constantly upgrading arsenal of gadgets. Instead, the bi-coastal multi-hyphenate (she’s also an in-demand DJ) mainly limits herself to a smartphone, USB mic and and a retro camera. “My iPhone records great voice notes that can be imported into songs,” says the FIT graduate, who designed a travel-themed capsule collection for fashion label Maison Kitsuné and stars in the fall/winter 2014 campaign. Kish’s carefully edited collection of devices helps her stay one selfie ahead of the pack, but the 24-year-old is diligent about setting boundaries. “I try my best to make life more simple by disconnecting from technology for as many hours as the day permits.”

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution, $249

“When my pores are clogged and I really need to exfoliate, I always feel like it’s a good move.”

Audio Technica Limited Edition Professional Monitor Headphones, $259

“I have a lot of headphones that I use for diff erent purposes, but these are all-around awesome for recording on your MacBook.”

MINOLTA X-370 camera, from $25 ebay.com

“When I’m out in Cali, I love using this oldschool film camera. It takes beautiful images.”

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Samsung Level Over Bluetooth headphones, $350 samsung.com

Finger swipe the earpiece to adjust the volume or skip tracks.

Impossible Vintage Polaroid SX-70 Starter Camera, $360 urbanoutfitters.com

For the vintage buff : a carefully refurbished camera from the mid-70s.

Foreo Luna Mini Facial Brush, $139 sephora.com

Transdermal sonic pulsations allow for deep, yet gentle, cleansing.

General Motors Co. has issued three new recalls, citing ignition systems and faulty horse clamps. GM expects that fewer than 500 vehicles will be affected by the ignition switch defect, as no crashes or injuries were reported in the latest round of recalls involving 83,572 SUV’s and pickup trucks.

In the primary recall announced on New Years Day, the outsized ignition lock actuator could lead to the ignition key getting stuck in the “start” position. If the vehicle is driven that way and experiences a “significant jarring event,” the ignition lock cylinder could move into the “accessory” position, affecting engine power, power steering and power braking.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks are also included in the recall for malfunctioning horse clamps. The third covers 152 of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC 1500 pickup trucks over concerns the rear axle shaft could fracture while the vehicles were being driven.

For GM, the nightmare began last February, when they recalled 2.6 million older cars for a bad ignition switch that could cause vehicles to stall and air bag failure in a crash. The defect has been blamed for 42 deaths and 58 injuries, launching a number of investigations, including a congressional inquiry.

Two West Virginia police officers were injured Thursday in a shootout with two suspects who were transporting the bodies of an elderly North Carolina couple.

Around 4:00pm, cops pulled over a SUV with North Carolina license plates that was listed as stolen, when a man pulled up in a red Chevrolet truck and shot at the officers. Police returned fire, shooting the driver of the truck in the leg. One officer, who was wearing a bullet proof vest, was wounded in the ribs, and the other was grazed. The cops, who’s names has been withheld, were treated at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, and is listed in stable condition.

After the shooting, the shooting suspect fled, but was soon captured by authorities. The driver of the SUV hid behind a guardrail, but eventually turned himself in.

During a search of the SUV, two recently deceased bodies were found under a mattress. The bodies were identified as Jerome Faulkner, 73, and wife, Dora Faulkner, 62.

Sheriff  Brindell B. Wilkins Jr. told news that the two suspects burst into the Faulkners’ home near Oak Hill Thursday morning, set the house on ablaze and kidnapped the couple and their SUV. Wilkins said it was not immediately clear why the two were targeted or whether they were killed in the initial attack or sometime later.

The unidentified suspects are charged with malicious assault and attempted murder of a police officer.

According to a new study, “African American” and “Black American” are worlds apart, with opposite definitions, with one carrying a negative perception.

The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology published research that discovered whites characterize a “black” person as belonging to a lower socioeconomic status, being less competent and having a less pleasant personality than an “African-American” person. And this difference in perception exists everywhere from the criminal justice system to job field.

Emory University led multiple studies where different groups of white people evaluated individuals and groups in hypothetical scenarios. In one of the experiments, subjects were given a brief description of a man from Chicago with the last name Williams.

To one group, he was identified as “African-American,” and another was told he was “Black.” With little else to go on, they were asked to estimate Mr. Williams’s salary, professional standing, and educational background.

The “African-American” group estimated that he earned about $37,000 a year and had a two-year college degree. However, the “Black” group put his salary around $29,000, and guessed that he had only “some” college experience.

This isn’t the first study that discovered similar results regarding perceived differences in the two terms. City University of New York researcher Gina Philogène also found the term “black” is associated with more negativity than “African American” in a 2001 study.

Actor Taye Diggs and actress Idina Menzel have officially signed papers. According to TMZ, the couple of nearly ten years have finally made their looming divorce official, closing a chapter that ended a long time ago.

The divorce doesn’t come as a shock to many fans, seeing as though the two theatre-stars have been officially separated for over a year now. Taye and Idina confirmed that they were heading to splitsville back in December 2013. Updates on the divorce remained mum until this past November when Diggs finally filed for a divorce petition in New York. Last month on December 3rd, the two finalized their divorce privately.

It’s sad to hear that yet another celebrity couple has become victim to the seven-letter word, divorce. Just last month Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock announced that they were filing for divorce after 19 years of marriage. Like Taye and Idina, we surely hope Chris and Malaak are able to keep their divorce private, peaceful and amicable, especially for the sake of the children.

Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel have a five-year-old son named Walker Nathaniel Diggs.

Blue Ivy has more stamps in her passport than any toddler I know, but that comes as no surprise. When you’re the offspring of two of the world’s most powerful celebs, Bey and Jay, world domination pretty much comes with the territory. This holiday season, Beyoncé and Jay Z took baby Blue to Thailand to ring in the new year. From the looks of things, the Carters had an unforgettable trip.

Take a look at some of the memorable moments from the Carter’s 2015 trip to Thailand.

Beyoncé and Jay Z watch as two-year old Blue Ivy feeds a baby tiger. She doesn’t look afraid at all, but Jay not so much!


The king and queen celebrate the New Year Thailand style. Bey looks absolutely gorgeous in this extravagant golden headpiece.


Beyoncé and Jay Z share a laugh while lounging beachside in Thailand.


The two lovebirds are on the run in Thailand, speeding through the streets on a scooter.


Beyonce looks happy as she holds on tight to Jay while they ride through the streets of Thailand.

Famed ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 49. According to ESPN, his long battle with cancer was the cause of his death.

The prominent sports anchor,  known for his quirky catchphrases like “Boo-yah” and the infamous “Cooler than the other side of the pillow” line took a  fresh urban take on sport’s coverage, ultimately making him renown in the field. He enlivened the sports arena once he joined ESPN2 in 1993 as the host of “SportsNight”. Eventually he hit star-status as a regular on “Sportscenter”, making a name for himself in the pop and urban world for his continual support of hip-hop culture.

Stuart learned of his cancer back in 2007. Since finding out his diagnosis, Stuart has been dedicated to the fight, demonstrating both strength and resilience.

During the 2014 ESPY Awards, Scott was honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. While giving his acceptance speech, Scott shared an inspirational message about his battle with cancer saying,

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

Watch Scott’s full acceptance speech below.

There’s no doubt Stuart lived a fulfilling life, leaving a mark on the lives of others. RIP Stuart Scott. You will be missed.

In an effort to promote her upcoming album, Rebel Heart, pop icon Madonna has ended up offending more than a few. On Friday the singer posted altered images of legendary black leaders in hopes to draw attention to her forthcoming project.

The cover art of Madonna’s next project features a close up of her face with a black cord tightly wrapped around her. Over the last few days, Madonna has been posting similar images of leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley with the same black string over their face.

This ❤️#rebelheart had a dream! pic.twitter.com/PIwcwosS2G

— Madonna (@Madonna) January 2, 2015

This❤️#rebelheart fought for freedom! pic.twitter.com/7OxGT28TuY

— Madonna (@Madonna) January 2, 2015

Unfortunately for Madonna the reception to her “message” was not very positive. Many folks on Twitter called her out for being offensive, inappropriate and some went as far to call her a downright racist.

Of course Madonna responded to all of the hate via Facebook saying,

“I’m sorry
I’m not comparing my self to anyone
I’m admiring and acknowledging there Rebel Hearts
This is niether a crime or an insult or racist!
I also did it with Michael jackson and frida khalo and marilyn monroe
Am I saying I am them
NO
I’m saying they are Rebel Hearts too.
And
I didn’t do it
My fans did
And I just re posted those photos
My fans aren’t racist either
If they put me in the same category as these other people
Thank you. I’m very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1 100th of what those people accomplished.”

What do you think of Madonna’s Rebel Heart message? Offensive or harmless? Let us know in the comments.

Matthew Knowles has put himself back in the spotlight once again. Just last month we were talking about his DC garage sale where he sold memorabilia from Solange and Destiny’s Child’s glory days in order to make a few bucks. And only a few weeks ago, he made the news for being involved in the Sony hack. His name came up in emails of him pitching a Destiny’s Child biopic for Sony execs. Luckily for Knowles, Hollywood’s biggest movie production company was actually interested in the project.

Mr. Knowles has finally addressed all these Destiny’s Child rumors by doing an interview of his own. He sat down with Wall Street Journal‘s Lee Hawkins and discussed his management of the group and the future of a Destiny’s Child biopic.

Take a look at what he had to say below.

On the future of Destiny’s Child

“Most people don’t know that I still officially manage Destiny’s Child… Some people use the words ‘broke up.’ Destiny’s Child has never broken up officially. So don’t be surprised one day if there’s a new record or a tour because the group never officially broke up.”

On the Destiny’s Child Biopic

“Their story, which starts when they were nine or 10 years old in Houston, it’s a story that really engages you. It talks about their challenges, their successes, their failures… I would also want the ladies of Destiny’s Child to be involved and engaged with it and get their support. That would be important as well. That story is very special to us and we want to make sure and ensure that we get the right screenwriter, that we build the right team around it and that we have the right network.”

Interested in more of what Matthew had to say, watch the full interview below.

As my wedding day approached, I was humble enough to recognize I was in over my head when it came to the finer points of marriage and finances. As a relationship expert, I’d interviewed thousands of married people and hundreds of experts and read plenty of books, too. But for all the tips and the theories, I knew there was nothing that would compare to being in the actual trenches of managing money with my husband. I had good cause to be worried. Earlier this year, Money magazine polled 1,000 married adults over age 25 and with household incomes above $50,000 to find out how couples manage their finances once they’ve jumped the broom. The results of the 2014 survey found that 70 percent of couples argued about money more than household chores, togetherness, sex, snoring and what’s for dinner. Yikes! As always, I focused on the bright side. Thirty percent of couples were managing their finances well enough that the subject was on the back burner of their conflicts. I sought those couples out and gathered their unconventional tips as much to share with you as to implement them in my own union.

Take Turns Paying the Bills

It’s often suggested that one spouse be responsible for handling the finances, but Shevvi Crowley, an IT manager in Minnesota, and her husband of 21 years share the “burden” of paying bills. “Every few years we switch which one of us is responsible for paying the bills and keeping up with our investment accounts so that no one’s familiarity with the specifics is too out of date,” says Crowley. “The spouse responsible for the monthly bill paying is the enforcer of our level of discretionary spending.”

Watch Your Language

Sharea Farmer, LSW, a 36-year-old human service consultant and professor of social work in Philadelphia, and her husband found it easier to communicate about their finances once they changed their vocabulary. “I am in a partnership with my husband; we don’t use language that makes the other feel devalued in their role,” says Farmer. They eliminated words like “allowance,” “mine” and “yours,” swapping them for “we,” “us” and “ours.” Adds Farmer: “This helps reinforce our individual strengths surrounding money and goal setting.”

Debt Is Not A Requirement

“We had to get rid of the myths about money,” says Lakia “LB” Brandenburg, a wife coach, who prepares ladies on what to expect before and after “I Do.” “We had to understand that money is a tool to help us build wealth and discover the best way to create a healthy relationship where money worked for us, not against us,” says Brandenburg. Married for five years, she and her husband underwent what she calls “plastic surgery” on their wallets. “We went from using debit/credit cards to spending cash,” says Brandenburg. Every month, they divide money into pre-labeled envelopes (e.g. groceries, gas, clothing, entertainment, etc.) “Once the cash is gone, we can’t pull money from any other envelope,” she adds. “This again helps us not to overspend yet feel in control of our money.”

Tamera Mowry-Housley announced via Instagram that she and husband Adam Housley are expecting their second child. The “Sister, Sister” twin’s baby social media announcement was sponsored by Clearblue Easy. This begs the question: Which came first, the pregnancy or the Clearblue Easy sponsorship? Either way, we’re happy for Tamera and Adam.

The actress and 42-year-old Adam were married in May 2011 and welcomed son Aden in November 2012. Aden is 2 years old now.

Tamera is currently a co-host of daytime show “The Real,” and Adam is a senior correspondent at Fox News.

RELATED: 8 Celebrity Weddings & Babies We’re Looking Forward To In 2015

Early this morning, Teresa Giudice, of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” reported to Danbury, Conn. to begin serving her 15-month prison sentence. In 2014, Giudice pleaded guilty to tax fraud.

Giudice arrived at the Federal Correction Institution, Danbury an hour earlier than she was due to report at 3 a.m., after a 90-minute car ride from New Jersey to Connecticut, said her attorney James L. Leonard Jr. to ABC News.

“I think she was anxious to get in, get this thing started, get it behind her, and get back to her family. Her four girls are her primary focus,” Leonard said.

Giudice reportedly prepared for her prison stint by communicating with recently released female prisoners of the Federal Correction Institution, Danbury. They told her to remain “friendly but guarded” and to cherish the moments with her four daughters, husband Joe Giudice, and other relatives.

Giudice’s family may visit as early as this coming weekend, said Leonard.

Her husband will begin serving his 3.5-year prison sentence when she has been released.

rev·o·lu·tion·ary: adjective : constituting or bringing about a major or fundamental change

Yesterday morning, when I woke to the news that Stuart Scott had passed away, I was immediately filled with sorrow – a grief that I snapped out of the very next minute. His death immediately seared the image into my mind of loving kids losing their father, an ex-wife losing her former lover and co-parent, a supportive girlfriend losing her rock, a family losing a loved one and close friends/colleagues losing a man of monumental stature. But, “losing” to cancer was NOT how Stuart Scott wanted to be remembered. He told us all, that thriving while surviving throughout his long battle with cancer was the true victory, and he was absolutely correct.

Over the next few hours, I watched the many beautiful tributes done for him, as well as taking in all of the accounts of his magnanimous and captivating life from close friends such as Rich Eisen, Hannah Storm and Robin Roberts, to name a few. Everyone collectively agreed that Scott brought a funk to sportscasting that had never been seen, attempted or pulled off by anyone in on any TV station anywhere in North America. But, as amazing as those reflections on his impact were, they stopped short at announcing his real impact on modern American society: He was a young, Black revolutionary figure that brought the country together, racially and socioeconomically, in a way that politicians, journalists and many activists never could.

First, let’s set the scene that Stuart Scott walked into. Sports is not a hobby or a pastime in the United States – it’s a serious and all-encompassing lifestyle. Whether you like it or not, the average American is more educated on the name of the leading scorer on their city’s team than their mayor’s political party. Americans will recognize a coach before they can spot the speaker of the house. And sports commentators live in a special lore that many serious news anchors never reach. For many people, sports anchors are more of a regular, everyday staple of their routines than some of their close friends and family members. To a great number of people, the job of a sportscaster, and how it’s carried out, truly matters.

But the U.S. is also a country with a deep racial divide. Saying America has had problems with race relations is like saying Michael Jackson had a slight discoloration. As Malcolm X once famously said:

“If you stick a knife nine inches into my back and pull it out three inches, that is not progress. Even if you pull it all the way out, that is not progress. Progress is healing the wound, and America hasn’t even begun to pull out the knife.”

That is the United States in a nutshell. A country based in an intense racial divide, unwilling to even acknowledge that its present, except when it flares up in overt and polarizing circumstances. And before Stuart Scott sat behind the ESPN anchor desk in 1993, racial animus in sports was at an all-time high.

1993 was the year the Fab Five rocked bald heads, long shorts and black socks as they attempted to make it back to the NCAA men’s national championship game. A team routinely called thugs and gangsters in the media, and far worse in everyday society. Their hip-hop swag was not seen as an example of a multicultural society, but rather as an affront to respectability, class and appropriate diffidence.

1993 was the year Allen Iverson was arrested for his alleged role in a race-based brawl that took place in a bowling alley in his hometown of Hampton, VA. That incident reopened many racialized wounds in that community, which persist today.

1993 was the year many schools all over California began outlawing Los Angeles Raiders gear because it was seen as a statement of gang affiliations, instead of organizational support. Starter also introduced their pullover hoodie line, which led to widespread robberies, covered by the media in a manner which many feel was racially-tinged, if not overt.

Simply put, in the early to mid-nineties, rap was an expletive. Of course, there were a few cuddly stars that the mainstream would embrace (i.e. the Fresh Prince, MC Hammer, etc.) but everyone else was relegated as being too risqué for a “respectable” place like ESPN. Our stars, our music, and our slang was collectively persona non grata. In a year where suburban, middle-class parents were trying to steer their children away from rap albums like Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle”, Cypress Hill’s “Black Sunday”, and 2Pac’s “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z”, Stuart Scott decided to bless the building in Bristol, Connecticut with his raw and unapologetic Blackness.

Before Scott stepped one foot inside the building, there was no color in the commentating like there is today. If you are under 30, there’s a small chance that you truly understand and recognize the stuffy air of “professionalism” that engulfed sports anchors. They were supposed to be entertaining yet demure, funny yet far from bombastic, energetic and simultaneously evanescent – all things that didn’t rock with Scott’s natural flair and charisma. And that all changed when Stuart Scott graced the SportsCenter screen.

When Stuart Scott was on screen, he didn’t announce the highlights to you, he spoke directly to you, with equal parts energy and authenticity. But, more importantly to ME, he spoke right to young, Black folks who were unknowingly desperate for his style of communication. He used the lingo that we used every Saturday morning in the barbershop when we talked about a dunk Michael Jordan did the night before. He used the vernacular we used in the classrooms, playgrounds and street corners with our friends. He wasn’t just a Black man in a high place – he was US – bold, proud, and courageous. Man, he didn’t just show us that we CAN – he showed us that we CAN in OUR way TOO.

But, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that he faced a lot of detractors for his flagrant and unrepentant Blackness. His style was considered by many to be “ghetto”, “unprofessional” and “unbecoming” of an elite news anchor. He received hate mail that ranged from antiquated lectures of respectability, to downright racist diatribes. And not once did he ever consider switching his style up to appease his detractors, even when it might have felt like he was all alone.

A few years ago, a study by two Indiana University professors analyzed how television impacts the self-esteem of children from different racial backgrounds. The study found that Black girls and boys both experienced a decrease in self-esteem, while white males experienced an increase. The study found that children are negatively affected when they don’t see themselves positively represented on screen. And it’s that result in mind that propels Scott from a talented sports anchor, into a symbol of revolution for young Black people. He represented success, intelligence and excellence in a non-code-switched package that was inclusive of Black folks of every socioeconomic class. And that legacy changed how sports, an everlasting, important American institution, has sounded for the last 20 years, and how it will sound until the day we all die.

Besides the love he showed his family, the legacy he will leave us is as a powerful revolutionary. He changed how sports SOUNDED. He changed how sports was REPORTED. He gave hope to people who never felt they could ever be represented on TV. Young, Black journalists (such as myself) were emboldened by the new reality that a place for our unique and unabashed viewpoints had been forever established through his trailblazing. He fought cancer bravely, just like many of our family members and friends do. He loved his children, just like many of us do. He was many things to many people, but I selfishly will remember him as the man, whose mere presence on my TV screen, boldly stated that I could do it too, whatever I wanted “it” to be.

My condolences to his daughters, Taelor and Sydni, his ex-wife Kimberly, his girlfriend Kristin Spodobalski, and everyone who was blessed to be his friend. There’s only one fitting sentiment I can think for a man who so bravely battled cancer:

Rest In Power.

Photos: Twitter, ESPN

In an unprecedented move, Paramount Pictures announced Jan. 1 that Selma citizens will be able to see Ava DuVernay‘s SELMA for free. This is the studio’s way of thanking the Alabama city in which the pivotal film was shot.

“With deep gratitude to the people of Selma, Alabama, we are proud to share this powerful film depicting the historic events that took place there 50 years ago,” said Oprah Winfrey on behalf of the film’s producers. “I hope generations will watch the film and share their stories of remembrance and history together.”

SELMA will play for free at the Selma Walton Theater in the city of Selma beginning January 9.

The film has been nominated for four Golden Globe awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).

The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought to secure equal voting rights for Blacks against violent opposition from racist whites and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Citizens of Selma can get more information and showtimes here.

SELMA stars David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr.