Black Marriages Are Facing New Challenges: A Closer Look

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“I will neva stop goin in. I am my only competition.” - Rich Homie Quan

There is a growing number of people who have decided they are not upgrading their iPhones unless they absolutely have to. This trend seems to be driven by a variety of factors, including the high cost of new models, the incremental nature of recent updates, and a general sense of satisfaction with their current devices. However, Apple has revealed the iPhone 16 lineup and it is certainly turning some heads.

In today’s email:

• Breaking Down the Struggles in Black Marriages—And How to Overcome Them

• Kendrick Lamar Breaks Boundaries: First Solo Hip-Hop Headliner for Super Bowl Halftime

• Don’t Miss the Poll: We need your opinion!

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MAIN STORY

The Growing Divorce Rate Among Black Couples: What’s Behind the Trend?

“I'm not a happy hostage. I made some mistakes, just not that one." - 50 Cent on why he has never got married. Most people have heard that half of marriages end in divorce, but are Black Americans more afraid of marriage than other racial ethnicities? In 2020 only 30% of Black Americans were married compared to 48% of all Americans. African Americans are the least married of any major racial/ethnic group in America.

From 1890 to 1960, Black individuals were more likely to marry by age 35 than whites. However, by 1965, one in four Black children were born out of wedlock. Today, 70% of Black births are to unmarried mothers, and 44% of Black children live with single moms.

The struggling marriage rates among Black couples can be attributed to a variety of complex and interrelated factors. Communication breakdowns and unresolved conflicts also play a crucial role, as effective communication is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship.

• Economic stress is a significant contributor to divorce, as financial instability can strain relationships and exacerbate existing issues.

• Due to economic disparities and the historical absence of fathers due to slavery or incarceration, Black families often rely on a strong female figure as the primary caregiver, leading to a perception of "matriarchal" family structures.

• Higher education is enabling more married Black women to become primary earners reducing the historical reliance on men.

• Additionally, systemic racism and discrimination can create external pressures that impact the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, thereby affecting marital stability.

• The lack of access to homeownership and other wealth-building opportunities has resulted in a significant racial wealth gap, meaning Black families have significantly less accumulated wealth compared to white families.

Strengthening Black Marriages

Revitalizing the Black family calls for a realignment of political priorities and cultural values within the community. Central to this transformation is premarital counseling, which equips couples with essential tools like effective communication, conflict resolution, and deeper mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for stronger, more resilient marriages.

Equally important is financial education, as programs that enhance financial literacy can greatly reduce conflicts related to economic pressures, fostering more stable and harmonious relationships. Together, these elements provide a solid foundation for long-term marital success.

Additionally, community support is vital; having community role models and positive representations of Black love and marriage can inspire and reinforce the values of commitment and partnership.

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Is Anyone Having a More Dominant 2024 Than Kendrick Lamar?

Kendrick Lamar has made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. On Sunday, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced that Lamar will lead the halftime performance at the Caesars Superdome on February 9th. At this point, it feels like Kendrick Lamar simply can't lose.

Even as rap sales have slowed in recent years, Lamar remains confident in the genre's influence. In a statement, he said, "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one."

• Since Jay-Z partnered with the NFL in 2019, The Weeknd, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna have performed during the Big Game.

• According to Billboard, the 2024 halftime show featuring R&B icon Usher was the most-watched in U.S. history, with 123.4 million viewers.

• June 19, 2024 Kendrick Lamar hosted ‘The Pop Out: Ken & Friends’ which felt like a victory lap to the biggest rap feud of the summer. The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime performance will be the nail in the coffin.

Drake Fans are Going to have a Rough February

Drake once famously rapped alongside J. Cole, “big as the Super Bowl,” only to now be overshadowed by Kendrick Lamar, who is set to headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime show. This monumental event will take place just seven days after the 2025 Grammys, where Kendrick is likely to be nominated for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The writers of Empire couldn't have scripted a more intense rivalry. Soon, we may witness Kendrick Lamar take the stage and call out Drake as a "pedophile" and "colonizer" over a DJ Mustard beat, in front of a record-breaking audience. For Drake, this could mark the lowest point of his storied career.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Doechii

Doechii’s latest mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal features 19 tracks that expand on the momentum she built with her viral "Swamp Session" releases, blending captivating visuals with hard-hitting lyrics. The mixtape reveals Doechii’s extraordinary talent in its most unfiltered state, providing fans with 19 unique expressions of her distinctive creative voice.