Have you ever seen a movie that captures the nuances and complexities of Black love in such an authentic and captivating manner that you immediately feel compelled to add it to your favorites list? Witnessing the portrayal of our culture in a way that authentically represents our experiences on the big screen creates a sense of warmth and resonance deep within me.
As we cozy up in our pajamas and spend more time on the sofa, we can’t help but think about the go-to classics that get the job done every time. Like the way Darius looked at Nina or the way Sidney looked out for Dre, the Black love stories just feel good for the soul.
Keep reading for our top films that offer unique takes on love, culture, and connection, reflecting diverse Black experiences across time, place, and circumstance.
1.Love & Basketball (2000)
This classic tells the story of childhood friends and basketball enthusiasts Monica and Quincy, whose relationship evolves into romance as they pursue professional sports careers. Their journey reflects the highs and lows of balancing love with ambition. It’s a film that resonates with anyone who’s ever had to choose between passion and love. It’s low-key every millennial Black girl’s favorite movie.
2.Brown Sugar (2002)
Sidney and Dre share a deep-rooted love for hip-hop and each other, but neither realizes it until life's twists pull them apart. This heartfelt movie explores how passion for music can intertwine with matters of the heart. The chemistry between Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs is magnetic, adding a playful yet poignant layer to the story. As a writer and lover of music, I just connected with this film on so many levels.
3.The Best Man (1999)
In this romantic dramedy, a group of college friends reunites for a wedding, only to have secrets from the past unravel among them. The dynamics are both humorous and heartfelt, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and forgiveness. This film set the stage for the iconic sequel, The Best Man Holiday and The Best Man: Final Chapters. The way this friend group showed up for each other in all the ways always is why we stan The Best Man.
4.Poetic Justice (1993)
Chewing Gum Flirt GIF by Janet JacksonGiphyStarring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur, this road-trip romance follows Justice, a poet grieving her lost love, as she slowly opens her heart again. Set against a gritty South Central L.A. backdrop, the film is a beautiful blend of resilience, vulnerability, and romance. Maya Angelou’s poetry adds a soulful touch. To this day, the pair serves as a perfect couple’s costume.
5.Love Jones (1997)
“I'm the blues in your left thigh... trying to become the funk in your right.” In this cult favorite, Darius and Nina’s relationship unfolds in the heart of Chicago’s spoken-word scene. Their on-and-off romance explores themes of love, trust, and vulnerability in an artistically vibrant way. With its soulful soundtrack and poetic dialogue, Love Jones remains a touchstone for Black romantic cinema.
6.Think Like a Man (2012)
Based on Steve Harvey’s book, this ensemble comedy follows four couples whose love lives get upended when the women try to outsmart the men using Harvey's dating advice. The film’s witty dialogue and relatable characters make it a fun exploration of modern relationships. Its star-studded cast, featuring stars like Michael Ealy, Kevin Hart, and Taraji P. Henson, is a highlight.
7.Boomerang (1992)
This rom-com stars Eddie Murphy as a suave ad exec whose womanizing ways are challenged when he meets his match in Robin Givens. The film playfully addresses gender roles, power dynamics, and true love. With an iconic soundtrack and supporting roles by Halle Berry and Martin Lawrence, it’s a must-watch. This is one of the only films that had me like, “Damn, Eddie Murphy was actually fine!?”
8.Beyond the Lights (2014)
Pop star Noni and police officer Kaz come from two very different worlds but connect over their search for identity and purpose. This movie dives into the pressures of fame, mental health, and self-worth, set against a beautifully shot romance. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s performance as Noni is utterly captivating.
9.Just Wright (2010)
Queen Latifah stars as a physical therapist who falls for her NBA client (Common), only to realize he's infatuated with her friend. This charming movie combines themes of self-confidence, unrequited love, and second chances. It’s a feel-good story with a refreshing message about inner beauty.
10.Jason's Lyric (1994)
Set in Houston, this intense love story between Jason and Lyric offers a poetic take on love amidst the trauma and violence of their pasts. It’s a powerful tale of hope and healing, underscored by a fantastic soundtrack. Jada Pinkett Smith and Allen Payne bring raw emotion to their roles.
11.The Photograph (2020)
Mae, a museum curator, unravels her mother's love story while grappling with her feelings for journalist Michael. This movie elegantly contrasts generational love stories, exploring how family history impacts our romantic choices. With Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, it’s an intimate, visually stunning journey.
12.Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Four friends navigate love, heartbreak, and betrayal in this classic adaptation of Terry McMillan's novel. The movie, starring Angela Bassett and Whitney Houston, resonates with audiences for its honest depiction of complex relationships. It’s a celebration of friendship and resilience amid romantic ups and downs.
13.Sylvie’s Love (2020)
Set in 1950s Harlem, this visually lush romance follows Sylvie and Robert, who connect over a love of jazz but face challenges due to societal pressures. Their love story captures the nostalgic elegance of old Hollywood cinema while addressing race and ambition. Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha deliver memorable performances.
14.How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Stella, a successful businesswoman, finds romance with a younger man while on vacation in Jamaica, rediscovering herself in the process. This film is a lighthearted yet empowering take on self-love and embracing change. Angela Bassett’s chemistry with Taye Diggs makes it unforgettable.
15.The Wood (1999)
This nostalgic film weaves between the past and present as three childhood friends reflect on their lives and loves before one of them gets married. Set in Inglewood, California, it’s a heartwarming story about friendship, first love, and coming of age. With plenty of humor and sentiment, it’s relatable and timeless.
16.Two Can Play That Game (2001)
Vivica A. Fox stars as a confident woman who devises a plan to keep her boyfriend (Morris Chestnut) in check, but her scheme quickly backfires. This film humorously explores gender dynamics and dating games, with clever insights into relationships. It’s a playful reminder that love doesn’t follow a script.
17.Moonlight (2016)
This Oscar-winning film follows Chiron's journey of self-discovery and his struggle to understand his sexuality and identity. Though not a traditional romance, Moonlight deeply explores love, identity, and acceptance in powerful, poetic ways. It’s visually and emotionally stunning, resonating with audiences worldwide.
18.Something New (2006)
This romantic comedy explores love across racial boundaries, as high-powered Black lawyer Kenya finds herself unexpectedly falling for her white gardener. It’s a thoughtful exploration of love, race, and societal expectations. Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker’s chemistry makes it both charming and impactful.
19.Deliver Us from Eva (2003)
Eva’s controlling nature makes her sisters’ boyfriends hire a man to distract her, only for him to fall in love with her. This rom-com is full of humor and charm, exploring love’s unpredictability. Gabrielle Union shines as the headstrong, no-nonsense Eva, with LL Cool J adding warmth as her love interest.
20.Hitch (2005)
Hitch, a film starring Will Smith, portrays Black men as romantic partners, challenging stereotypes. It explores interracial relationships and contributes to a diverse representation of Black love in mainstream cinema. It’s one of those movies you can watch over and over because it’s hilarious and authentic. The storytelling is just too good.
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The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
The good news is if you’re someone who would prefer to take a more holistic approach to healing from the cold or flu (at least as much as you possibly can), there are some essential oils that are actually pretty effective. Since, at the end of the day, they are simply a concentrated form of plant extracts that contain antibiotic and antimicrobial properties and since they also can help to reduce inflammation, decrease stress, and so much more — before you feel a sore throat or a bout of the sniffles coming up, make sure that you have at least a couple of the following essential oils in your possession (to put into a diffuser, mix with a carrier oil to rub on your back or chest or even to sprinkle onto your pillowcases), please.
The Best Essential Oils for Colds and the Flu
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1. Cinnamon Oil for Colds and the Flu
Whenever I’ve shouted out cinnamon oil on this platform, it’s pretty much in the realm of sexual pleasure (check out “12 'Sex Condiments' That Can Make Coitus Even More...Delicious” and “10 Ways To Have An 'Extra Sweet' Vagina”); however, please believe that it can help you out in other departments too. If you want to boost your moods, improve your oral health, reduce your blood sugar levels, lower the effect that fatty meats have on your system, or even reduce the inflammation that is associated with breakouts or accelerate your hair growth, cinnamon oil is great.
Since cinnamon oil also has really powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, it’s a good ingredient if you like to make your own household cleaning products in order to keep germs at bay or if you want to put it into a diffuser in order to create an all-natural decongestant.
2. Thyme Essential Oil for Colds and the Flu
Thyme is an herb from the mint family that a lot of people like to cook with. It’s got properties in it that can do everything from help clear up acne and lower your blood pressure to speed up the healing process of yeast infections and other bacteria-related ones. Something else that’s impressive about thyme is studies reveal that it can help to decrease the volume of cancer tumors that are associated with colon cancer and it can help to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells as well.
And yes, thyme is excellent if you’re trying to treat a cold or the flu. One reason is that it’s packed with vitamins (including vitamin C) that will help to give your immune system a boost. Also, thyme can help to reduce the inflammation that can lead to coughing.
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3. Lemon Oil for Colds
Lemon oil is bomb; there’s simply no other way to put it. The properties in it have been proven to be able to ease morning sickness for pregnant women, reduce symptoms that are directly associated with depression and anxiety, kill the kind of bacteria that can lead to skin inflammation and cell damage, improve digestion issues (including relieving constipation), boost your brain power, get rid of bad breath, help to prevent cavities and so much more.
Because it is an antibacterial oil, you can use lemon oil as an all-natural disinfectant ingredient to clean your bathroom and doorknobs (you know, places that tend to carry a lot of germs), as well as wash your laundry. Lemon oil is also great for detoxing your system, strengthening your immunity, reducing cough, and soothing a sore throat.
4. Chamomile Oil for Colds and the Flu
Usually, when the subject of chamomile comes up (at least on this platform), it’s in the form of tea. Chamomile tea reduces stress. Chamomile tea soothes your scalp and helps to prevent split ends. Chamomile tea is even good for your vaginal health. Okay, but what about when it’s in the form of an essential oil? What are the ways that it can benefit you then? For starters, chamomile oil can help to reduce anxiety and depression, can bring relief if you’re dealing with something like carpal tunnel syndrome, and it can definitely help you to sleep better.
Since a good night’s rest actually helps you to prevent catching a cold or coming down with the flu in the first place (because sleep helps to keep your immune system in peak condition), that’s one reason why chamomile oil makes this list. Another is the fact that studies have proven that chamomile has a way of making the symptoms that are directly associated with the common cold easier to deal with.
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5. Peppermint Oil for Colds and the Flu
Peppermint oil is powerful. It increases blood circulation, reduces gas, eases nausea, helps to keep your skin from itching, soothes headaches, and can help to stimulate your scalp so that healthier hair is able to grow out of it. Something else that’s awesome about peppermint oil is its antimicrobial properties can help to destroy bacteria and yeast, which makes it ideal for treating things like athlete’s foot and something that I am susceptible to, tinea versicolor (a type of skin fungal infection).
If you want to heal from the flu as soon as possible, there are studies that reveal that peppermint oil contains antiviral properties, it can help to reduce any excessive mucus that may be in your system, and it can help to reduce your fever, too. As far as colds go, the menthol in peppermint oil can bring healing to a sore throat or an irritating cough.
6. Cajuput (White Samet) Essential Oils for Colds and the Flu
If you’ve never heard of cajuput essential oil before, don’t feel bad — I seriously doubt most folks have. Long story short, it’s a type of oil that’s made from the cajuput trees, which are popular in Southeast Asia and Australia. As far as its health benefits, your skin will like it because its strong antibacterial properties can help to prevent pimples. Your hair will like it because it can help to keep your scalp nice and healthy. Some people also say that it can be helpful when it comes to relieving the discomfort of a toothache or muscle and/or joint discomfort.
What particularly caught my interest about this oil is cajuput is not only used by individuals to speed up the healing process of the common cold, some studies are saying that its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties may just slow down COVID too. Listen, since COVID is known for peaking during late fall and winter, it certainly couldn’t hurt to have some cajuput oil in your bathroom cabinet.
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7. Camphor Oil for Colds and the Flu
Camphor oil ain’t nothin’ to play with. The reason why I say that is because it’s a potent organic compound known as a terpene that comes from the wood of camphor trees. The benefits that come from applying camphor oil are it can help to relieve skin irritation, treat toenail fungus, reduce the discomfort that is associated with arthritis and migraine headaches, and if you’re someone who gets muscle cramps from working out, due to its antispasmodic and relaxant properties, it can help out in that department too.
And why would you want to consider using it if you have a cold or the flu? Well, thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, camphor oil is a pretty effective decongestant; plus, it can help to decrease any coughing fits that you may have (especially during the night). Just make sure that, with this one especially, you use it with the “a little bit goes a very long way” approach.
8. Tea Tree Oil for Colds and the Flu
Wanna knock a zit out overnight? Unless it’s a blind pimple (because sometimes those are deeper beneath the surface than you might think), applying some tea tree oil to it will almost certainly get it done. What are some other ways that you can literally apply tea tree oil to your life? Since it has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (ones that are hella potent, too), this is an oil that can help to reduce dandruff, heal eczema, treat nail fungus, fight gingivitis, heal wounds, and, because tea tree oil also contains antifungal properties, it can bring relief to irritated skin that is associated with a yeast infection (so long as you dilute it first).
You definitely need this type of oil around during cold and flu season because it can be a disinfectant that kills not only the germs that cause those viruses but the coronavirus as well. That’s actually why some people use it as a main ingredient in their DIY hand sanitizer (a recipe for how to make your own is here).
9. Bergamot Oil for Colds and the Flu
Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit that grows in southern Italy. As an essential oil, it’s good for you because it helps to decrease stress levels, lower your cholesterol levels, reduce bodily inflammation and pain, is a great spot treatment for zits, and can even destroy the bacteria that is associated with food poisoning. Aside from all of this, bergamot oil is also known for helping to soothe psoriasis and reduce abdominal fat, and it provides an all-natural alternative if you’re looking for a way to treat insomnia.
As far as the flu and even COVID goes, you definitely need some bergamot oil in your life. The potent antiviral properties that it contains can be therapeutic for when you inhale the vapors from the oil. Just make sure to keep in mind that since the oil is so powerful, you don’t need a ton of it. Thinking that less is more is wise.
10. Eucalyptus Oil for Colds and the Flu
And finally, eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil smells like…the woods-meets mint-meets a medicine cabinet. That’s why I personally wouldn’t recommend it as a fragrance; however, if you want something that will kill bacteria, heal cold sores, level out your blood sugar levels, ease joint pain, or cause your breath to be fresher — this is the essential oil that you want.
And definitely, now that the cold and flu season is here,get some eucalyptus oil in case you need to break up congestion, decrease your cough, or simply don’t want to struggle so much to breathe out of your nose. It’s a signature oil that will make healing these types of viruses easier…so that you can enjoy all that fall and winter have to offer, y’all.
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