Black Love: The Interviews

From meeting at Howard Homecoming in 1997, to dating by 1998, to marriage in 1999, and their first child in 2000, love hit Kenny and Jessica fast. As they will tell you in this 2019 interview for Black Love Doc, it wasn't always easy, but it has turned into over 20 years of love and growth. Now as parents and partners in business these two have ALL the wisdom to share about building a beautiful legacy with your spouse.

From MySpace to power couple, Chris and Mattie James have been rocking with each other since the early digital age, but they weren't always in each other's Top 8. While the two started off just as friends, they quickly found themselves as something more, and when a prophet foresaw their marriage, Chris knew it was time to propose. However, after a miscarriage, to having a child, and battling the dynamics of depression in a relationship, the communication and foundation was no longer there and the two separated. What brought these two back together? In an amazing story of love, faith and family, this 2018 interview with Chris and Mattie shares the gamut of the highs and lows that come with building a life together and is a true testament to Black Love.

It all started in an acting class in the late 90s. Kristen and Bill always ran in the same circles, but they never really talked. However the moment that changed, both of their lives changed forever. How does that spark evolve from a chance meeting to a 19 year marriage with two children? In this 2020 interview, Kristen & Bill Bellamy discuss how they both knew that their friendship felt like something more, what it's like trying to navigate a relationship when there are careers involved, and what the couple thinks about the term "SUBMISSION". Plus what does the family unit look like when both parents are following their dreams? Get ready to take notes, because Bill and Kristen have some tips to keep us all sane!

From kickin' it with mutual friends at house parties to catching flights across the country to spend romantic nights together. In this 2014 interview, Jack and Tené Manning discuss how their platonic friendship reconnected and blossomed into the start of a beautiful black love story.

When James first spotted Lori they were both driving around in Maryland. He didn't know her name. He just saw two cute girls in a car and made a mental note. How did that turn into a 40 year love story? In this 2015 interview for Black Love Doc, Lori and James share the lessons they've learned through dating, marriage and parenthood as they reflect on just how their journey, the ups and the downs, has been worth it all.

“People look at you and think, ‘Oh you got 30 years of marriage. You’ve figured everything out.’ No, there are some things that we are still trying to figure out.”

David and Tamela first met when they were in their teens, but it was NOT in a relationship capacity. They were just friends, homies, pals. Clearly that didn't last, but it wasn't as simple as friends turned to lovers. In this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc, David and Tamela share how they went from friends to partners to parents and even business partners with the love and humor that they are known for.

Quan and Will's love story begins at dorms of Howard University. Will, returning to school after Hurricane Katrina changes his plans needed some cash on his laundry card, and well, he sort of took Quans... It was a misunderstanding! But from there, the journey begins. Quan and Will's story at face value seem like a tale of "opposites attract" but it's really about compromise, communication, support and love. Listen in to this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc to hear how Quan and Will have made their love truly about partnership and valuing each other.

“We really figured out a way to compromise and be the strong people that we are without having to control each other.”

When Dondré and Salli first met, they were work friends. They were actors and Dondré had suggested Salli for a role. Plus they were both in relationships. Honestly, there were a lot of reasons as to why they wouldn't get together. Which is why when this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc came to be it all seemed meant to be. Salli and Dondré had been together for over twenty years and married for 17 of them, so they have A LOT of advice for those of us trying to find our way in this love game. Listen in as they share how they have found how to make it work for them, how manhood and roles shaped their relationship, and how talking about sex keeps them engaged with each other.

Black men, it's time to get real with each other. Wellness, self-love, finance, nutrition; these are just a few topics Black Love Inc General Manager David Wasicki will be bringing to the forefront in Man to Man: A Black Love Wellness Series. Each week the topics will change, but the insights & lessons gained from Black men of all walks of life will remain constant. Man to Man serves as a platform for men to get real-life insight directly from notable, successful men who lead with the honesty and vulnerability that Black Love is known for.

When Shavon first encountered Jaime it was at a track meet. They were both Olympians and he had just won his heat and she thought he was cute. Fast forward 4 years later to another track meet at UCLA and Jaime would ask Shavon out to dinner. They were inseparable ever since. It wouldn't be until years later when a terrible accident would put their love to a test. Listen in to this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc as Shavon and Jaime share what they learned about love through hardships, shifting one's goals, and how love truly is the foundation to it all.