Power Platform Black Couples Edition

Now, we all know that Angela Bassett and her physique are an I’m a Whole Mood feature all by itself, but that’s another story, literally. Where do I start with Courtney Vance and Angela Bassett? They met at Yale University, where they were both pursuing their master’s degrees. Angela had already earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale, and Courtney had earned his bachelor’s degree at Harvard University. Did I mention that Angela now has an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Yale, too? Both have been acting since the 1980s and their work includes everything from drama, action, and horror on the big screen to Broadway. And together, they cowrote a book about their romance titled Friends: A Love Story. But what I love most about Angela and Courtney is what they stand for and what they represent as a couple. They are both socially and politically involved. In fact, Angela, who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, where she also recognized survivors of the 2015 shooting at Emanuel A.M.E. in Charleston, S.C. With personal ties to the Boys and Girls Club, the couple actively supports this organization and Courtney has been inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Courtney also sits on the board for The Actors Center, which provides resources and opportunities for aspiring performers in the DC area, and Angela is an ambassador of UNICEF for the U.S. There’s so much more that I can mention, but in short, they stay killin’ it!  

Come on, you can’t have a Power Platform black couple list without Jay and Bey! Regardless of how you feel about them, their music, or their personal lifestyle, you cannot deny that this couple has leveraged their platform to both impact and help shape the culture as we know it! Let’s start with Jay, who doesn’t shy away from his background and all of the detours he has had along the way. He’s committed millions to relief funds for natural disasters, has used his money to benefit the families of victims of police brutality, and has even helped bail out activists and protestors against police brutality. I will just ditto all of that while discussing Beyoncé and then throw in her contributions to causes that support mental health, black-owned small businesses, women’s and girls’ rights. And collectively, the couple has contributed to movements like Black Lives Matter, the Dream Defenders, and Hands Up United. Most recently, they have done ample work to assist in Covid-19 relief. And what I love most about this couple is that they are all about legacy building and encouraging others to pursue generational wealth. There’s so much that I didn’t mention in this short blurb that ranges from their business ventures to their influence through music. Like the aforementioned couples, it’s just too much to capture in one post!

I remember when Addison found out how much I love T.D. and Serita Jakes. He used to laugh at me for getting T.D. Jakes mailings thanking me for love gifts and talking about conferences – but listen! I will forever love me some Pastor and Lady Jakes! When I’m strength training, running on the treadmill, or making breakfast on Saturday mornings, if I’m not catching up on messages from our church pastor, I’m watching a message or Bible study from T.D. Jakes and have done this for at least six years. What I love about this couple is that, although deeply committed to their walk with God, they are realistic in their approach to life and unashamed of how their own setbacks and issues have helped to strengthen and shape them into who they are. Their church has five campuses and has a global ministry that does mission trips in Kenya. They also oversee leadership and business development programs, have a STEAM academy for children, and partner with their children to address issues that impact those within the communities they live and pastor such as domestic violence, unemployment, loss and grief, and mental illness. T.D. Jakes has also engaged political leaders and officials to address mass incarceration and created programs that provide pathways for former inmates to reduce recidivism. When I think about a powerful black couple from humble beginnings that has truly done the work to develop people to not only know and love God, but also thrive in this life and walk in their purpose, they are always at the top of my list.

Speaking of humble beginnings – Have any of you read Barack’s latest book, A Promised Land? Our son, Bryce, bought it for Addison for Christmas and he’s been telling me about it as he reads it. Look, Michelle Obama will forever be a Black Girl Magic Boss in my book because Sis is a whole movement by herself. Undergrad at Princeton University, law school at Harvard, has practiced law, served in executive positions for a number of agencies and organizations, and is a bestselling author. And all of that is without the First Lady title. But to add to this phenom that is she, she’s married to Barack Obama, the 44^th President of the United States! I remember going to see Southside with You with Addison while we were dating. It was so personal for me because I connected with Barack in a sense that, I know all too well what it’s like to stretch those 15 cents into a dollar and make those ends meet just so you can do what you have to do and get to the next level – all while staying “on”, helping other people get theirs, and trying to maintain some sanity. And what’s made me love Addison so much through our journey is that, while he didn’t know me when I was on the REAL struggle bus (he’s seen a little struggle, but not much), he could feel it when I told him the stories, and he could see it come through in how hard I grind (probably more than anyone else besides my mom) and the passion that almost seeps out of me at times to make sure that my children never have to ride the same struggle bus I rode. And watching that movie and seeing the evolution of their connection as their first date evolved, I can imagine that Michelle could almost feel that same grind and passion coming from Barack that day. It’s beautiful to watch, honestly. And what’s even more beautiful about their story is that even after the Princeton and Harvard graduate married the Columbia and Harvard graduate who would someday become POTUS, they still got on and off the struggle bus at times while trying to build a life together and advance Barack’s political career. Fast forward to now. The Obamas have leveraged their platforms – in and out of office – to advance healthcare reform, champion women’s and LGBTQIA rights, support nutrition and wellness, and develop leaders among boys and young men of color – all while being fabulous at all times and raising two beautiful daughters. I am definitely a forever fan.