Similar to the year that came before it, 2017 gave us a year of black women doing what they do best: shining and making caping look effortless as ever.
It was a year of notable wins, even against some of the most seemingly insurmountable odds and staking their claim in the sea of all that greatness was none other than multihyphenate Gabrielle Union. Being magical ain't easy. She was proof that real G's move in silence as she ushered in business moves and mastered work-life balance, making for one helluva year for the 45-year-old actress.
What makes Gabi so special is her way of making the impossible seem possible. Between her activism, her TV show Being Mary Jane, and altogether slayage of life, Gabrielle Union deserves all our praise and black girl magic. Roll out the red carpet because it looks like Gabrielle Union's best life is here to stay.
Keep on a'scrollin' for more reasons why we are crowning Gabrielle one of the reigning queens of 2017 and beyond.
1.She Is Serving Wife & Life Goals
'Cause if Pops ain't feelin on Ma by the end of the night, you ain't doing it right.
If you don't follow BOTH Gabrielle Union and her hubby Dwayne Wade on the gram then you're wrong. You're so. damn. wrong. First of all, I watch their wedding handshake everyday… you don't get to judge me. Their Halloween costume this year was the background on my phone until yesterday, and I HIGHLY suggest it. But let me just get real for a second, I am SO happy for my girl Gabi in her relationship. The way she talks about her hubby and their kids is a beautiful example of love and sets the standard so much higher. If they wanted to adopt me, I'd say yes. You think I'm too old, but that's none of your business.
2.She Is Making Textured Hair Flawless Hair
"As a woman with textured hair, the search for a hair brand that meets all of my needs has been nearly impossible. That's why I created Flawless hair."
It seems like just yesterday Gabrielle Union was rocking the sleek cheerleader look in Bring It On. Now Gabi is on to a more Flawless look. Earlier this year, Gabrielle Union launched her hair brand "Flawless Hair." In order to solve the problem of underserved curly haired communities, Gabi took it into her own hands to change the way women with textured and curly hair feel and think about their hair. I can personally thank Gabrielle for her service. And not to hype her up on Instagram too much but her deals and discount codes are lit! Find her hair products here.
3.Her Real AF Voice in the #MeTooMovement Was SO Needed
Gabrielle Union has always been incredibly candid about her experience with violent crime and rape, but in 2017 she came correct. She told The New York Times:
"The floodgates have been opened for white women. I don't think it's a coincidence whose pain has been taken seriously. Whose pain we have showed historically and continued to show. Whose pain is tolerable and whose pain is intolerable. And whose pain needs to be addressed now."
It breaks my heart hearing her talk about it, but even more so it inspires me and millions of other women affected by sexual assault to share stories, and find the courage to move forward. What makes Gabi stand out is that her voice stays consistent and unwavering about the topic. She also keeps it real when it comes to telling the stories of women of color, and putting emphasis on empowering and believing black women when they speak up. As long as we continue to have women like Gabrielle Union giving us a voice, we can rest assured at night.
4.She Showed Love To The Next Woman
Speaking of uplifting women and their voices, Gabi notably stepped up when word about criticism a Dallas News anchor was receiving went viral on social media. The reporter in question was Demetria Obilor, and critics thought it was okay to body shame her and give unwarranted comments about her physical appearance. Demetria handled the negativity with grace and Gabi sought to let her know that she was everything and hook her up with a wardrobe too.
In her Instagram post, she wrote:
Sending love, light and support to Dallas News Anchor Demetria Obilor who was recently body shamed online. YOU are the real life Mary Jane… A go-getter news anchor who dresses DOPE and doesn't give a s*** what everyone else thinks. Keep on kicking ass and taking names queen. We love you just the way you are! And since you slay everything you wear, I'm sending you a bunch of pieces from my @nyandcompany collection and some credit for extra pieces!
Yessss Gabi!
Sidebar: Her WCW choices are usually incredible as well and further exemplify how much she is a champion for women.
5.She Became a New York Times Best-Selling Author
To top this year off, Gabrielle Union released her bookWe're Going To Need More Wine and shook the New York Times Best Seller list in her first week and won all sorts of awards. Trust me when I tell you that this book is something you MUST read. The thought-provoking collection of personal essays are candid, beautiful, and (might sound cliché) feels like you're talking to your oldest friend. There's a way about the words that made me feel at home, and I bet you'll feel the same.
And with that, I think my new year's resolution is to be a little bit more like Gabrielle Union. Maybe all of ours should.
Featured image via Gabrielle Union/Instagram
RELATED
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
