Actor Laz Alonso is proof that good things come to those who wait. After taking a brief hiatus to focus on obtaining roles that better suited his talents, he landed two that put him on the fast track to leading-man status. The rising A-list actor talked to GlossMagazineOnline (GMO) about how he feels about the state of the black film industry today, making a move from Wall Street to Tinseltown and his perspective on love, relationships and faith.

With the release of her new project, Pieces of Me, Ledisi reveals a deeper understanding of herself as an artist, but more importantly, as a woman. Since the last time we spoke with Ledisi two years ago, the Grammy nominated soulful songstress spent time at the White House where she worked in a mentoring program with First Lady Michelle Obama, who regards Ledisi as one of her favorite artists. She also appeared on BET’s Black Girls Rock! and completed her sixth album.

Growing up without one parent is sometimes traumatic for any child. For Pastor Melva Henderson, living her life without either of her parents was a reality. Thanks to her grandmother who raised her, she was able to face adversity, answer her calling and push through, despite not being raised within a “normal” family structure.