Earlier this week, Halle Berry revealed her distant relation to former GOP Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Just days later, Aretha Franklin is coming out with information that she too could be related to the Cloud Atlas actress.

According to a press release issued Thursday, the Queen of Soul is ”investigating the authenticity” of a family member’s claim that her grandmother and Berry’s grandmother were first cousins.

Related: Star Clique

If Berry found the claims to be true, could it push the Oscar winner to star in Franklin’s long-awaited biopic? The “Respect” singer publicly expressed interest in casting Berry, stating that she reminded Franklin of her younger self. Yet Berry politely declined the offer.

In January 2011, Berry told E! News, “If I could carry a tune, I’d consider it. Someone should tell Aretha that I can’t do her justice.”

School pride will be at an all-time high this weekend as many notable historically black colleges and universities will be celebrating their homecoming. From Howard University to Grambling to Jackson State and more, students across the nations will be cheering on the home team and showing their school pride.

With many alumni making the trip back to their alma mater, we’ve highlighted a few celebrities with humble beginnings at several historically black colleges…

Phylicia Rashad, Howard University (1970)

Tidbit: Down at Howard, Rashad became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Samuel L. Jackson, Morehouse College (1972)

Tidbit: Before graduating Morehouse, Jackson co-founded “Just Us Theatre.”
Erykah Badu, Grambling State University (She left early to pursue her music career.)

Tidbit: Badu studied theater at Grambling.

Wanda Sykes, Hampton University (1986)

Tidbit: Long before she was a Hollywood star, Sykes studied marketing at Hampton.

Terrence J, North Carolina A&T State University (2004)

Tidbit: Terrence crafted his hosting skills by working at several radio stations in the area.   
Yolanda Adams, Texas Southern University (1984)

Tidbit: Adams received a degree in radio/television broadcasting, but took a job teaching after graduation.

Keshia Knight Pulliam, Spelman College (2001)

Tidbit: Pulliam studied sociology and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

When the rumor mill gets to spinning, there’s no guessing where it will go. This time around, folks are questioning whether Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert‘s marriage is on rocky or solid footing. Keep reading to find out why some folks see a divorce in Vince and Tamar’s future, and don’t forget the other celebrity couple gossip in today’s Coupled Up!

Tamar and Vince are on the cover of Rolling Out magazine and chat about keeping the spark alive in the bedroom.

Rolling Out: Although you guys argue throughout the day, it’s very apparent that you love each other  and the bond between you is strong. Tamar, how can couples prevent things from becoming dull in the bedroom and what keeps that spark alive?

Tamar: Vince and I are really good friends and we keep our lives and communication open. On top of that, I just feel like it’s important to remain a lady. I don’t think  you should always have your head in a do-rag and a scarf. You should remain the girl they saw [on] date night. There’s nothing wrong with going to bed looking pretty or just as good as you do during the day. The communication is the really sexy part of a relationship. Because when you feel like they can just talk to you, it’s very attractive. … You don’t have to dress up, but don’t go to bed looking crazy.

RELATED: Top Places Tamar Braxton Likes to Play, Lay, Par-tay and Get Pampered

OK, I do believe women should get dolled up for their mate occasionally, even if they’re just staying in for the night, but I’m pretty sure none of this is the bedroom advice Rolling Out readers expected.

A lack of excitement in the bedroom, the bickering on their reality show “Tamar & Vince,” and the selling of their $7.5 million mansion MIGHT be the reason behind separation rumors for Tamar and Vince … But then again, these rumors are most likely an attempt to get page views.

I hope Vince and Tamar’s marriage is solid.

Rihanna covers the November issue of Vogue, and was shot by Annie Leibovitz for the cover and a beautiful fashion spread. She dished on dating and Chris Brown, of course.

On dating:

“I would love to go on a date. You don’t think that? I’m a woman. A young woman, vibrant, and I love to have fun. And I have too many vaginas around me at this point.  Seriously, all I want is a guy to take me out and make me laugh for a good hour and take my ass back home. He doesn’t even have to come up. All I want is a conversation for an hour.”

On Chris:

“I don’t know if people will stop soon, but I feel like as soon as they have closure to it, they will. … But they’re not on the inside. They can’t see what I see, unless they’re sitting in my point of view. I guess I’ll learn to accept that.”

RELATED: Five Spots Where Chris Brown & Rihanna Have Reunited

Live ya life! It doesn’t surprise me that Rihanna and Chris are back together. It was bound to happen because these two have an unhealthy obsession with each other. What is surprising, however, is that RiRi doesn’t go home with EVERY man who pays her attention.

Whoa, whoa … NeNe and Gregg Leakes had dinner with their son Brentt in Beverly Hills recently. But before you go jumping to conclusions that their relationship is out of the gray area, this was probably a simple family dinner as they spend time with Brentt. Plus, notice how the restaurant is very casual.

Frank Ocean has a new love in his life, but since his recent open letter is written in his stream of consciousness style, I’d rather not waste brain cells deciphering it. See if you can tell what the hell Mr. Ocean is talking about.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

Not every married couple can work together, but Duane and Tisha Campbell Martin manage to balance family and career like pros.

Since exchanging vows 16 years ago, the Martin’s have slowly been building an empire that they will pass on to their sons, Xen, 11, and Ezekial, 3.

RELATED: Days and Nights with…Eva Marcille

Although both actors have enjoyed big and small-screen success — they recognize the importance of building wealth as a team — and recently opened their restaurant lounge, Xen, in the San Fernando Valley, which has quickly become a hotspot not only for their celebrity friends but locals.

RELATED: Days And Nights With Tamar Braxton

Blackenterprise.com caught up with the pair to discuss how they are satiating appetites, filing voids and the real-deal behind their legal woes.

RELATED: Tisha Campbell And Duane Martin Sued For $400K Over Home Loan

Continue reading at BlackEnterprise.com

By Chantell O. Black

Sammie Bush has come a long way from the ‘bottom to the top,’ and he’s still climbing. Since his debut in 1999 at the age of 12, Sammie has been in and out of the heavy spotlight, while quietly and strategically traveling the world and dropping mixtapes for his loyal fans. On a visit to New York to celebrate the release of his latest EP titled ‘Insomnia,’ the 25-year-old sat down with UPTOWN and talked about what he feels of the state of R&B music today, how sleepless nights accidentally turned into an album and why he doesn’t mind performing “I Like It,” 13 years later.

By Naima Turner

Pink–the girly girl’s favorite color, a universally flattering makeup shade, and the color synonymous with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCA). While everything in October seems to get doused in Pepto pink, this month you can show your support by simply going pink with your beauty routine. Try taking a page from our favorite celebrity darlings, Kelly Rowland, Tamar Braxton, Christina Milian and others, and snag their pink makeup looks with these BCA beauty picks.

RELATED: Breast Cancer & The Black Folks Who’ve Survived It

[Image via Shuttestock]

IMAN Luxury Lip Stain, $10

In need of a subtle pink lipstick shade, like the one Tamar Braxton is wearing? Then try the new IMAN Luxury Lip Stain in IMAN Pink! For the month of October, IMAN Cosmetics is partnering with the Intercultural Cancer Council and will donate 20 percent of proceeds from the brand new lip color. Profits will be dedicated to help establish and develop the IMAN Cosmetics Breast Cancer Screening & Educational Program, which will focus on efforts to detect breast cancer at a very early stage and assist women in diverse communities.

RELATED: How to Make Your Lady Exams More Fun

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge, $25

Or do you want to go bold like Kelly Rowland? Then, Shiseido’s Lacquer Rouge in Disco is the look for you. During October, Shiseido will donate $5 from every purchase to support the organization Cancer & Careers.

RELATED: 7 Breast Cancer Awareness Shout-Outs That Miss The Point

Pinkie Pink Nail Polish, $17.61

Looking to add a little sparkle to those nails of yours? Take a cue from Christina Milian, who went with a hot pink polish and a little glitter. For BCA month, British brand Nails Inc. has launched a “Paint Your Pinkie Pink” campaign with the creation of a limited-edition pink glitter nail polish, with $1 being donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign.

RELATED: Add These 5 Breast Cancer Fighting Foods To Your Diet

Vanessa Williams looks radiant here on the red carpet. Just because the skin-baring months have past, doesn’t mean we should skimp on skin care. Besides, well-moisturized skin is the secret to maintaining a fabulous glow year round. To that end, Palmer’s will donate 15 percent from sales of specially marked BCA bottles of lotion to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Learn more…

RELATED: Buy A Patricia Nash Handbag, Help Cure Breast Cancer

Stila Positively Pink Set, $18

We absolutely love the “rosy-cheek” smile of Jordin Sparks. So look no further than the Stila Positively Pink Set for a naturally flushed look. The Positively Pink Cheek Palette and Lip Glaze in Slendor flatters most skin tones. A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

RELATED: Guys, Here’s How to Make Your Annual Exam More Fun

Chris Lischewski–President and CEO of Bumble Bee Foods–has responded to the tragic death of employee Jose Melena. The 62-year-old employee was found dead inside a cooking device called a “steamer machine,” shortly before 7a.m., last week Thursday.

On Friday, Lischewski issued an open letter stating:

“At this point, it’s still not clear how this could have happened. We are not aware of any such accident ever occurring before with this machinery,” he said. “Most important of all, we have been reaching out and providing support to the Melena family during this very difficult time. We miss Jose very much and our hearts go out to his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. This unprecedented tragedy has been devastating for all of us at Bumble Bee.”

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health spokeswoman Erika Monterroza told the Whittier Daily News, the initial investigation indicated that Melena was “fatally injured when he was cooked in an oven.” CAL-OSHA is still trying to determine  how the man wound up in the oven and whether there were any workplace safety regulatory violations. The investigation isn’t expected to be completed for three to four months.

Apparently, Facebook is not only good for social networking but catching criminals. A British man used Facebook to track down his wife’s alleged rapist, then beat him up before convincing his wife to report the alleged crime, the Telegraph reports.

The man questioned numerous friends via Facebook to find Andrew Marsh, the 27-year-old grocer, who allegedly raped his wife in 2001 when she was in school. He then acquired Marsh’s contact information under the guise of organizing a surprise party for his wife, stating that he needed to get in touch. According to reports, he then went to Marsh’s home and beat him up.

The alleged victim, whose name has not been revealed, told Maidstone County Court that the husband presented her with a choice after beating up the alleged rapist. She says, “He told me I had to call the police. Otherwise, he would be prosecuted for assault.”

Marsh has denied the rape charge and his trial is reportedly underway.

Photo Courtesy: REX Features

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

Ninety thousand. That’s amount of hours the average person spends at work over a lifetime. Whether you decided to enter the workforce right after graduation or decided to continue on to grad school, starting a career somewhere down the line is inevitable. If you are going to spend 90,000 hours of your life working, why not enjoy what you do?

Hallie Crawford (@halliecrawford), certified career coach and founder of Create Your Career Path, gives three quick tips on finding not just a job, but making the right career move for long-term success:

Continue reading at Black Enterprise

[Image via Shutterstock]

Season two of BET’s family comedy Reed Between the Lines will premiere at the top of the year without its leading lady. But Malcolm-Jamal Warner is confident that the show’s brilliant content will pull the series through.

Related: Confessions: Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Earlier this year, Tracee Ellis Ross, who played Dr. Carla Reed, announced her departure from the sitcom after just one season. The 39-year-old actress says the reason was purely a “timing thing.”

As the show gears up for a new season, Warner is back in the saddle with a pair of roles that include acting and producing. EBONY.com caught up with The Cosby Show alum to discuss the future of Reed Between the Lines and what fans can expect the second time around.

On revamping the show without Tracee Ellis Ross…
“Well, the bulk of that work really started with Felicia Henderson. Felicia was hired to kind of redevelop the show without Tracee, so she had the biggest task. For me, a lot of it was trusting her. Because I think if there is anybody who had the biggest doubts about—not so much in terms of my ability to do the show, but just the biggest doubt of how you make the show work—it was me. The biggest response from people—whether people liked the show or hated the show or just thought it was okay—was that the best thing about the show was the chemistry between Tracee and I. So I was really skeptical. If everybody agrees that that’s the best thing about the show, you take that away, then how do you continue the show? So I think Felicia really had the biggest challenge. She is a really strong show-runner, a really strong producer, came in and was very invested in the show from day one.”

On how the series will continue to succeed…
“I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised. Like I said, I was one of the biggest doubters. I was like, how are we going to make that work? But Felicia has such a great sense of story and character. Last year, our biggest asset was the chemistry between Tracee and I think this year our biggest asset is Felicia’s sense of character and storytelling.”

Read the entire interview at EBONY.com…

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

With the debates over, the election is heading into the homestretch as President Obama and Republican Mitt Romney seek to convince Americans that they have the best plan to advance the nation. Among the big issues of this campaign has been unemployment, small business and diversity. I gained the opportunity to interview Republican nominee Mitt Romney about his “Believe in America” platform promoting limited government and tax reform.

Although polls show that his support from African Americans is almost nil, the former Massachusetts governor and ex-CEO of private equity firm Bain Capital has engaged in some activities to reach out to African American voters through his appearance at this year’s NAACP convention, the release of a targeted campaign commercial featuring African American endorsers, installation of a black political advisory group and recruitment of high-profile GOP operative and conservative pundit Tara Wall as a senior communications adviser to advance his message.

The following are excerpts from that session:

Your platform advocates immediately using executive orders to strengthen the economy. What specific measures would you put in place for small business?

Continue reading at Black Enterprise

Is that a smile we see, Mr. West?

Russell Simmons, Solange Knowles, Ashanti, KimYe and others were all in attendance Monday night for the 2012 Angel Ball at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

The annual fundraiser put on by the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation benefits medical research for leukemia, lymphoma, and related cancers of the blood. The star-studded event also honors individuals who have made significant humanitarian and philanthropic contributions in support of cancer research.

Check out the glamorous red carpet arrivals after the jump!

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

KANYE WEST & KIM KARDASHIAN

SOLANGE KNOWLES

RUSSELL SIMMONS

ANGELA SIMMONS

ASHANTI

ESTELLE

TINA KNOWLES

STAR JONES

WENDY WILLIAMS

SMOKEY & FRANCES ROBINSON

Courtesy of The Root

In a Starting Point interview with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, host Soledad O’Brien asked him about the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, and specifically about a comment by Maureen Dowd — formerly the chief strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign — that it could take some time to determine what, exactly, occurred in Libya.

“So we’re going to blame this on Bush, too?” Giuliani asked.

Continue reading at The Root

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

Timeless beauty is synonymous with Helen Folasade Adu, better known as Sade.

The smooth operating British Bombshell not only graces the world with her soulful sultry sounds, which never fails to leave an untarnished imprint in our hearts, but also her beauty. With flawlessness that stands the test of time, we are left wondering what fountain of youth she has been sipping from at a wonderful 53 years of age.

However, her musical trail, gracefulness and influence in culture not only resonates through music but in fashion. True to form, the late Aaliyah was fully aware of that considering, Sade her “soul sister.”

Continue reading and see photos of Sade at Vibe Vixen

Courtesy of Vibe

Think growing facial fuzz just consists of chucking your razor? Hairy situations take more care to master. Here are some FAQs to consider before you let it all hang out

Q: So… I want a beard. How do I know if bigger is better?
Split between five o’clock fresh or going poof like Rick Ross? Know your comfort level, and be wary of potential patchy areas (né bald spots) that could leave your James Harden-esque face fur looking spotty.

Q: What if my face is shaped like a trapezoid?
Unlike snapbacks, beard shapes aren’t one-size-fits-all. For rounder mugs, keep a wide beard, tapering your whiskers as low as your Adam’s apple for the illusion of length. If you’ve got a chiseled frame (think Lloyd Banks), rock a chinstrap crop that bottoms out along the jawline.

Continue reading at Vibe

*UPDATE: Douglas Kass, a Florida investor and guest of CNBC’s talkshow Squawkbox, tweeted to followers Tuesday:

“High above the Alps my Gnome has heard that Donald Trump will announce that he has unearthed divorce papers between Prez and his wife.”

Trump is said to be making his “announcement” on Wednesday.
________

The debates have come to a close and Nov. 6 is quickly approaching. While both presidential candidates are in the final sprint to sway voters, Donald Trump is apparently ready to pull out the big guns.

During a phone interview with Fox & Friends on Monday, the real estate mogul said he had a “big announcement” about President Obama prepped for Wednesday. Trump gave no hints on what he would reveal.

“I know one thing, you will cover it in a very big fashion,” he told hosts.

Related: Transcript of the Third Presidential Debate

When asked if the announcement would change the election, Trump simply replied, “Possibly.”

Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time The Apprentice boss tried to discredit the President.

In 2011, Trump went on a personal crusade to prove that Obama’s birth certificate was a fraud. In response, the White House released the document showing he was born on Aug. 4, 1961 in Honolulu’s Kapiolani Maternity and Gynecological Hospital.

By Aydrea Walden

So your husband’s not married to a basketball wife. That doesn’t mean people can’t think he is. And sure, you’re not a real housewife of anywhere. There’s no reason you can’t fool people into thinking you are. Not as successful as you’d like to be? No one has to know! Part of being successful is looking like you already made it. Here are some tips for fooling the folks around you into think you’re ballin’ when you’re hoping to get a bailout.

[Image via Shutterstock]

One Starbucks, Many Cups

Next time you’ve scraped together enough pennies to buy a cup of spendy joe, ask for a few extra cups. That way, you can brew your own cheap coffee at home, but pour it into a name brand vessel when you head out. No one will have any idea that you spent $4 on a five-gallon jug of Folgers instead of $5 for a cute latte.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Take Advantage of Hipsters

It’s super trendy right now to look like you just rolled out of the dumpster behind a 99-cent store. People spend beaucoup bucks to buy fashion that just looks funky. So why not beat them at their own game? Instead of actually spending a couple hundred bucks on thrift-store looking clothes, just go to a thrift store with a twenty and come out looking like a runway star.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Scarves Say a Lot

Scarves are one of those accessories that looks expensive, but since they’re just cut up pieces of straight cloth, really aren’t. Get a whole bunch of ‘em in different colors and wear them with every outfit. When you bunch up a bunch of these beauties around your neck on the regular, it looks like you have plenty of extra cash to spend on accessories. (Bonus points and extra savings for finding double-sided scarves!)

[Image via Shutterstock]

Instagram

This handy app makes any night out look like a fancy affair! The right adjustments can even turn a photo of you sitting on your couch in your jammies into a portrait of a lady in waiting. Take some pics and experiment before posting yourself in a perfect sepia’d pose.

[Image via lev radin / Shutterstock.com]

Know One Random Thing Really Well

Knowledge is power. Money is also power. If you exhibit an extraordinary amount of knowledge in one thing that no one else does, you will look powerful and thus moneyed. It doesn’t really matter if you’re randomly dropping facts about the economy in Boliva, sailing knots, Romanian cooking, or 1940s hemlines, people will be impressed at your fancy brain.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Courtesy of The Frisky

Milena Marinkovic of Serbia had a very specific dying wish: to make sure her husband didn’t look at any other women, even when she was dead.

Before her passing, Milena left detailed instructions for her husband Milan on how to carry out her final wishes. Specifically, she wanted her husband to hire a sculptor to create an exact replica of her vagina on her headstone from photographs she’d taken.

Continue reading at The Frisky

[Image via Shutterstock]

Actress Gabrielle Union turns forty next week (Oct. 29) and the “F” is for fabulous.

On Monday, the Being Mary Jane star celebrated the occasion with a private dinner presented by Gold Courvoisier at the Dream Downtown Hotel in New York City. Union was the center of attention in a simple, black jumpsuit by “5th and Mercer,” a new line from La La Anthony and celebrity stylist Jason Bolden.

Related: Star Clique

And who better to provide the birthday cake than Roblé Ali? The celebrity chef presented the delectable black and gold dessert to Union as she celebrated among friends.

Check out a few more shots after the jump!

Spotted

Larenz Tate and Nia Long certainly have a “love jones” for one another. The veteran actors will meet up once again for season two of Showtime’s comedy House of Lies.

Related: The Making Of ‘Love Jones’

Tate will play Malcolm,  Marty Kahn’s (Don Cheadle) younger activist brother, while Long will play a fellow consultant and former classmate of Marty, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The series, which premiered earlier this year, follows the intelligent and quick-witted Kaan and his team of consultants at Galweather & Stearn. In July, Cheadle picked up an Emmy nomination for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

Related: Confessions: Don Cheadle

House of Lies will make its return to television Sunday, Jan. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.