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. ========The award-winning 🖤Black Love Podcast Network🖤 is back with✨ BRAND NEW ✨episodes! Since its launch in 2021, the Black Love Podcast Network has been the premiere destination for thought-provoking conversations on topics ranging from parenting and relationships to male wellness and sisterhood. As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

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.========The award-winning 🖤Black Love Podcast Network🖤 is back with✨ BRAND NEW ✨episodes! Since its launch in 2021, the Black Love Podcast Network has been the premiere destination for thought-provoking conversations on topics ranging from parenting and relationships to male wellness and sisterhood. As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter 

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! ========The award-winning 🖤Black Love Podcast Network🖤 is back with✨ BRAND NEW ✨episodes! Since its launch in 2021, the Black Love Podcast Network has been the premiere destination for thought-provoking conversations on topics ranging from parenting and relationships to male wellness and sisterhood. As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

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. ========The award-winning 🖤Black Love Podcast Network🖤 is back with✨ BRAND NEW ✨episodes! Since its launch in 2021, the Black Love Podcast Network has been the premiere destination for thought-provoking conversations on topics ranging from parenting and relationships to male wellness and sisterhood. As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

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.========The award-winning 🖤Black Love Podcast Network🖤 is back with✨ BRAND NEW ✨episodes! Since its launch in 2021, the Black Love Podcast Network has been the premiere destination for thought-provoking conversations on topics ranging from parenting and relationships to male wellness and sisterhood. As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

“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. ========The award-winning 🖤Black Love Podcast Network🖤 is back with✨ BRAND NEW ✨episodes! Since its launch in 2021, the Black Love Podcast Network has been the premiere destination for thought-provoking conversations on topics ranging from parenting and relationships to male wellness and sisterhood. As always, our community is the cornerstone of our content and we continue to want to connect with you! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @blacklove and you can send us an email at podcasts@blacklove.com.BLACK LOVE, INC. is the premier Black-owned & operated media company for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love. Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

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.========Join us in Los Angeles on November 12th for a day of Black joy and Black love you won’t forget at the 5th Annual Black Love Summit. The Summit is about DATING, PARTNERSHIP, WELLNESS, and COMMUNITY. From conversations with Nina & Russell Westbrook to Naturi Naughton & hubby Two Lewis and so many more, we are curating a special day for you and a night of fun with our RnB House Party family and Coco Jones! Tickets to the 2022 Black Love Summit are available now! Visit BLACKLOVE.COM/SUMMIT for more info.

“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 Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes our original series Couch Conversations!  This season Kevin and Melissa Fredricks are bringing their 18 years of marriage experience, rawness, and friendship to Couch Conversations Season 4✨, now streaming on the Black Love+ App Black Love’s #CouchConversations is presented in partnership with @Target!Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

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.  Toxic masculinity. What is it? Is it really an issue or is it some buzzword? We brought in two brothers to have a conversation about masculinity in all forms, but especially centered around being Black men: Karega Bailey, artist, educator, and angel father, and King Jay Barnett, author, speaker, and mental health therapist. Perhaps more important than the question of what is toxic masculinity is “how do we acknowledge behavior that is toxic that seems to be consistently perpetrated by men”? Honestly, there are so many questions and points asked that this is only one piece of the framework necessary for healing. But we have to start somewhere, and this is a great start with two phenomenal men.Make sure you show Karega and Jay love on ig @karegabailey and @kingjaybarnettHave suggestions on who David should go Man to Man with next? Connect with him @wasicki ========Black Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes our original series Couch Conversations!  This season Kevin and Melissa Fredricks are bringing their 18 years of marriage experience, rawness, and friendship to Couch Conversations Season 4✨, now streaming on the Black Love+ App Black Love’s #CouchConversations is presented in partnership with @Target!Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

“When you love someone and decide to spend your life as one, your dreams and goals are now shared, so when an injury or hardship comes, it hits you both.  But if you focus on your love, you’ll find a way to get through, and, if need be, create new goals together.” – Shevon NietoWhen 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.========Black Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes our original series Couch Conversations!  This season Kevin and Melissa Fredricks are bringing their 18 years of marriage experience, rawness, and friendship to Couch Conversations Season 4✨, now streaming on the Black Love+ App Black Love’s #CouchConversations is presented in partnership with @Target!Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

When Kevin first laid eyes on Melissa in on the first day of 11th grade in Ms. Chapman’s U.S. History class he knew he wanted to shoot his shot.  He didn't, but he did at least start a friendship, and they've been in each other's lives ever since. They were dating before the end of the school year, went to college together, and married before they had their degrees. It all seemed so easy for them. It wasn't until a fundamental shift in Melissa's family dynamic changed her entire outlook on marriage paired with Kev's rising comedy career, that the couple found themselves on a new marriage journey themselves.  In this 2019 interview for Black Love Doc Kevin and Melissa share what love lessons they have learned in their 20 year relationship journey.========Black Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes our original series Couch Conversations!  This season Kevin and Melissa Fredricks are bringing their 18 years of marriage experience, rawness, and friendship to Couch Conversations Season 4✨, dropping on the Black Love+ App Tuesday, September 27th!Black Love’s #CouchConversations is presented in partnership with @Target!Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

Some might say that Kathy and Luther's love journey started after a chance meeting in a food court in 2014, but it isn't exactly that simple. It wouldn't be until after a divorce and a re-kindling that these to would start their life’s purpose together. Listen in to this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc as Luther and Kathy discuss what they purpose meant to them, how they navigate life love, and business together, and what they hope is coming on the horizon. ========Black Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes rewatching all your favorite episodes of #BlackLoveDoc. catching our original series Couch Conversations and Men's Roundtable, or find your new favorite podcasts on the Black Love Podcast Network! Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

David and Julie first met at a party of a mutual friend, but one could say it was on from there. They were engaged one year later in 2002. Married in 2003. Pregnant in 2004, Welcomed their first daughter in 2005. Pregnant again in 2006, and welcomed  their second daughter in 2007. And as they would tell it then the hard part began! David was juggling marriage, family and his day job of being a nurse and his dream of being a comedian. Julie was a working mother, dancer,  and they were struggling! In this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc, David and Julie share why they didn't give up on each other in the touch times with the truth humor and honestly that only these two can.========Black Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes rewatching all your favorite episodes of #BlackLoveDoc. catching our original series Couch Conversations and Men's Roundtable, or find your new favorite podcasts on the Black Love Podcast Network! Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

Codie and Tommy's love story begins at the Toronto Film festival while she was a working as a camera rep and he was presenting his feature film debut. We're not going to get into the details of who was hitting on who or who Googled who (that's why y'all gotta listen to the interview!) but the two hit it off and from there things moved FAST.One month after Codie met Tommy, they discussed this idea  to create a place where Black love stories live. That was fall 2013 and they started filming Black Love in fall 2014. They were engaged. They married in 2015, and in this 2016 interview for Black Love Doc they were about to become first time parents!Listen to not only where they stood at this point in their marriage journey, but in their partnership as entrepreneurs, business partners, and filmmakers.========Black Love is Forever! While the docuseries has taken its final bow you can still find all things Black Love on the Black Love+ app This includes rewatching all your favorite episodes of #BlackLoveDoc. catching our original series Couch Conversations and Men's Roundtable, or find your new favorite podcasts on the Black Love Podcast Network! Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

Raise your hand if you found the love of your life at a "Love Lockdown" party! Okay we didn't really know what exactly a Love Lockdown party was either, but apparently they were big in  2009 and it's where DeWanda and Alano's love story begins. In this 2017 interview for Black Love Doc, the couple share just how that first meeting would end in a marriage just three (!) months later. What does a relationship look like once you've said I do after such a short period of time? Plus, what other famous Black couple have they been compared to?======This month the groundbreaking series Black Love Doc is back for one final season. Black Love means the world to us and we are honored that so many couples have so vulnerably shared their highs and lows and lessons with us so we can bring them to you. Make sure you join us every Saturday at 10p/9c on the OWN Network or for free on the Black Love+ app presented by Target to celebrate and say goodbye to #BlackLoveDoc.Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

When Starr first heard about Bart it was while she was on a date with someone else. When that date didn't go as planned, she was quickly set up with Bart. But look, she was 19, good looking, and wasn't trying to waste her time. So when 18 year old Bart came to the door the first thing Starr said asked is if he was ugly, cause she wasn't going to open the door if he was ugly.  Needless to say, Starr opened the door, and from that moment Bart knew that she was going to be his wife. However, the road to love wasn't just that simple. Bart was unfaithful. A lot. And even as his star started to rise and he thought he was ready to rise with it, he wouldn't. How did their marriage make it through every instance of turmoil? Listen as Star and Bart share their journey in this 2018 interview for Black Love Doc. ======This month the groundbreaking series Black Love Doc is back for one final season. Black Love means the world to us and we are honored that so many couples have so vulnerably shared their highs and lows and lessons with us so we can bring them to you. Make sure you join us every Saturday at 10p/9c on the OWN Network or for free on the Black Love+ app presented by Target to celebrate and say goodbye to #BlackLoveDoc.Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

When Tony first met Brittany in November 2011 he joked that she would be his wife. It was a weird joke coming from the Navy man who was heading out on an 8 month tour, but he seemed pretty sure of it. While he was right, it sure wasn't a direct shot to the wedding alter for these two. It would be two years (!) before they would even begin to date, and even then their relationship would be anything but traditional. Listen to this 2017 interview for Black Love Doc as Brittany and Tony share how they met, how they ended up engaged before they were even in a relationship, and how faith and friendship has been the cornerstone of keeping their love strong. ======This month the groundbreaking series Black Love Doc is back for one final season. Black Love means the world to us and we are honored that so many couples have so vulnerably shared their highs and lows and lessons with us so we can bring them to you. Make sure you join us every Saturday at 10p/9c on the OWN Network or for free on the Black Love+ app presented by Target to celebrate and say goodbye to #BlackLoveDoc.Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

When Terry first met Rebecca she was a single mom and he was a sophomore in college. She thought he was a little corny, and he wasn't sure he was all in to be the man in her life. So how did this lead to 29 years of marriage? Well, it wasn't without its struggles. Terry was struggling. He was battling a secret addiction that almost tore them apart. Listen to this 2019 interview for Black Love Doc to hear their love journey, and how their love for each other, and their trust in God kept them together.======This month the groundbreaking series Black Love Doc is back for one final season. Black Love means the world to us and we are honored that so many couples have so vulnerably shared their highs and lows and lessons with us so we can bring them to you. Make sure you join us every Saturday at 10p/9c on the OWN Network or for free on the Black Love+ app presented by Target to celebrate and say goodbye to #BlackLoveDoc.Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

There's just something special about 35+ years of marriage, and Wendell and Paula are the perfect example of this. Having met in high school and going from strangers to married with a newborn in the span of a couple years, Wendell and Paula's love story is a whole journey.  What is it like to go from teenage sweethearts to a  military family? Are there any regrets or changes they would have made in retrospect? In this 2019 interview for Black Love Doc, Wendell and Paula share what it was like for them figuring out this love thing, and what they have learned about themselves and their relationship along the way.======This month the groundbreaking series Black Love Doc is back for one final season. Black Love means the world to us and we are honored that so many couples have so vulnerably shared their highs and lows and lessons with us so we can bring them to you. Make sure you join us on July 23rd at 10p/9c on the OWN Network or for free on the Black Love+ app presented by Target to celebrate and say goodbye to #BlackLoveDoc.Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter

When Mike and Debbie first met in the mid 70s in Philly, they were 14. He and his brother would come around and play rough and Debbie didn't care for any of it. However, Mike was persistent, he kept coming around and the two young lovebirds dated. That was short lived as they split and Mike enlisted in the military. From there, the two would once again find their way back to each other and into the MOVE organization. After an encounter with police, Mike and Debbie would find themselves in prison for what would eventually be 40 years.  How did they find their way back to each and how did they keep their love going through it all? Mike and Debbie share those stories and more in this 2019 interview for Black Love Doc.======This month the groundbreaking series Black Love Doc is back for one final season. Black Love means the world to us and we are honored that so many couples have so vulnerably shared their highs and lows and lessons with us so we can bring them to you. Make sure you join us on @OWNtv on July 23rd at 10p/9c and the next day on the Black Love+ app to celebrate and say goodbye to #BlackLoveDoc.Connect with us:@blacklove on Instagram@blacklovedoc on Facebook@blacklovedoc on Twitter