The February issue of Ebony is rocking my world just a little bit. First, as the press release below says, the issue “celebrates black love.” I never knew there was such a thing. Does that mean there is white love and Chinese love? I know about Eskimo kisses. Is it like that but different?
Second, the February issue carries three covers, each one a different notable black couple. On one cover, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey. Check, I know who those folks are. On another, Carmelo Anthony and La La. I confess that I did not know Carmelo’s wife’s name was La La and that she enjoys sex. But obviously I know Carmelo is one of the reason the Knicks aren’t very good because he’s a volume shooter who doesn’t understand the concept of team basketball. The third cover features Tamela and David Mann, of Dallas. Who? What?
I even asked Zac, who is my pop-culture sensei. Whenever something like this comes up, I bow to Zac and say, “Please, master. Enlighten me.” Nope. Zac didn’t know either. So that’s it. We’re already 13 days into January, but I’m adding a resolution to my list. See more Tyler Perry movies. Wikipedia, by the way, will tell you what you need to know about Tamela and David. Well, except for her secret to 24 years of marital bliss, which she describes thusly: “I pray and ask God to keep my heart and my eyes burning only for David Mann. I speak his name in my prayers, because I want the desire to stay, so when he touches me, I get chills.”
EBONY Celebrates Black Love in the February Issue
The magazine also pays homage to the legendary Nelson Mandela
CHICAGO — To usher in Valentine’s Day, EBONY magazine is showcasing the love among three African-American power couples in its February 2014 issue. Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, Carmelo and La La Anthony and David and Tamela Mann will each have their own cover,and inside the magazine, readers can learn about the spouses’ love stories, how they knew they had found “the one,” and what they do keep the fires burning.
This is the first time each of the celebrity power couples will grace a magazine cover with his or her spouse and offer exclusive insight into their relationship. The photo layouts show Nick and Mariah up-close and sexy as never seen before, and the same can be said about Carmelo and La La as they reveal their intimate and sensual sides. David and Tamela give readers a peek at how sweet and playful they are with each another.
When asked what ignites their love and how they maintain the passion in their relationships, the following responses were given:
“It was early on when I found out how spiritual she was, and we had conversations about kids and how to live life. For her to share these values, it instantly let me know this is the person I’ve always wanted.” –Nick Cannon
“Having babies definitely strengthened our bond because all the love that you have for each other is manifested into these two incredible beings.” –Mariah Carey
“There were people coming in and out of my life, and I didn’t really know whom to trust. She was one of the people who stood by my side through thick and thick. Even to this day, she’s always right there.” –Carmelo Anthony
“…We knew no matter what, we wanted each other. We needed [to be] in each other’s life, and that’s what’s been able to sustain this relationship all those years.” –La La Anthony
“Stay in love because when you’re in love, it covers a multitude of fault. Our relationship wasn’t based on good sex or having a lot of money. It was based on just straight friendship. That’s what has kept us.” –David Mann
“I pray and ask God to keep my heart and my eyes burning only for David Mann. I speak his name in my prayers, because I want the desire to stay, so when he touches me, I get chills.” –Tamela Mann
The issue also features a special editorial tribute to Nelson Mandela. Inside, readers will find:
· Reflections on the life of Mandela
· Exclusive photos from the EBONY archives
· Stories of Mandela’s experience in prison
· An account of the anti-apartheid protests in America
· Articles on Mandela as a revolutionary, a hero and a legend by notable figures such as Michael Eric Dyson and the Rev. Jesse Jackson
