Kerry Washington Covers Essence Mag's March 2012 Issue.

“I think it’s a really special time to be a woman of color in this business. The landscape of who has the power is changing,” she told Essence. “We are in more influential positions and are able to have a say in the stories that are told. I feel very lucky to be in the business now…”

WATCH: Esperanza Spalding's "Black Gold"

What a beautiful video. Esperanza Spalding's "Black Gold" featuring soul singer Alegebra Blesset is an inspirational tune that speaks of the storied history of Africans in the diaspora. Just in time for Black History Month, Algebra sings of ancient and powerful Africa kings and queens and reminds the youth that they are “black gold.” “Black Gold” is the lead track from Spalding’s latest album, Radio Music Society, due out March 20. 
 
Get Esperanza Spalding's  Radio Music Society on Amazon below:
 

PETA's Newest Spokesperson: Penelope Cruz

Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz is the latest star to appear on a billboard as part of PETA's ongoing anti-fur campaign. 

The 37-year-old actress condemns the use of animal fur for clothing in a billboard ad that went up Wednesday in New York's garment district near Penn Station. 

The unveiling comes just ahead of New York Fashion Week, which begins on Feb. 9.

Don Cornelius September 27, 1936 - February 1, 2012

via TMZ: Don Cornelius -- who famously created "Soul Train" was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning ... and law enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide. We're told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.

We're told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. "Soul Train" changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006. Officials have notified Don's family. Cornelius was 75. Watch "Why Don Cornelius Matters" on NPR.org..

Don Cornelius and wife Victoria.

Don and wife Victoria were divorced in 2010. Sources close to Don tell us ... the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years ... including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery. 

It's Official: Adele to Perform at the 2012 Grammys

It’s official: Adele will perform at the 2012 Grammy Awards on February 12, her first live performance since undergoing throat surgery in November. The singer said in a statement on Tuesday, “It’s an absolute honor to be included in such a night and for it to be my first performance in months is very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all.”

I heart her as an artist. Her voice is like butter, but even more than that, I'm jealous of anybody who can pull off wearing huge, glam eyelashes as a daily look. 

WATCH: Game Change (Movie Trailer)

I like political dramas, the most recent one I saw was "The Ides of March" with George Clooney and Ryan Gosling. I thought it was good, it showed the more cut throat side of politics even though it was fictional, which is why I'm excited for "Game Change" There will be cut throat politics, but it's going to be based on true events. If you remember the 2008 campaign season here in the U.S., it was an exciting time, it was high octane from the time Barack Obama emerged as a frontrunner for the Democratic party in Iowa. So even though this story will be told from the GOP side of things, I'm sure political junkie/nerds like me can't wait to check this movie out (Julianne Moore looks chillingly close playing Sarah Palin). Watch the trailer below:
 

Designer Rachel Roy to Launch Shoes (August 2012)...

Rachel Roy, a favorite designer of Michelle Obama, is venturing into the footwear business with a brand new line of shoes. The new collection, hitting store in August, will include pumps, booties and flats, although it's some of the sexier styles Roy is excited about. The designer told Women's Wear Daily, "I don't want shoes unless they are strong and sexy. [...] My collection is just that -- strong and sexy. It represents the woman I want to be." Continue reading about this HERE.

LINK: 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet

Zoe Saldana wore a white Givenchy Couture Spring 2012 drop-waist gown with crystal embellishments on the sleeves and neckline to the 2012 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. CLICK HERE to see more pics from the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Red Carpet. CLICK HERE to see the winners from the 2012 SAG Awards.

SPOTTED OUT: Celebs Getting Political...

Julianne Moore, America Ferrera (who is looking great btw!), and Gabrielle Union were at NYC's W Times Square Friday for the event Playing Politics With Women's Health: The 2012 Election And Why It Matters.

WATCH: Levi's Spring 2012 Collection...

 
  Levi's