What Is Juneteenth and How Can You Celebrate?

woman celebrating juneteenth

Saturday is Juneteenth (a portmanteau of June and nineteenth), also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. What's the history behind it? Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, which would liberate slaves from the Confederate South. But it wasn't until June 19th, 1865 that the last of the slaves being held in seceded Texas were finally granted their freedom.

What Is Juneteenth?

Union Major General Gordon Granger made the historic June 19th announcement in Galveston, Texas, as he arrived with nearly 2,000 troops to gain control of the state for the U.S. government. “Juneteenth" has been celebrated ever since.

Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday?

Juneteenth is now officially a federal holiday, thanks to President Biden's signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

Juneteenth becomes the first federal holiday since Congress established Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. The state of Texas officially recognized June 19 as a public holiday in 1980. With organizations like Black Lives Matter bringing civil rights back into the fore by pressuring media to broadcast the continued injustices faced by Black Americans, Juneteenth saw another huge resurgence in recent years. Change.org petitioned for Congress to make Juneteenth a national holiday and more than 1.6 million Americans were on board.

With cities across the country recognizing Juneteenth with parades and public celebrations, Juneteenth is a great occasion to work toward ensuring freedom and equality for all across the country.

Here are some ways to show your support:

Donate to Black organizations & communities tackling modern-day racism, such as the ACLU, the Black Youth Project, and The Okra Project, andColor of Change.

Shop from Black-owned businesses.

Learn more about Black history and read to kids about race.

Take daily micro-actions toward social justice.

Stream a movie that gets Black history right.

What do you do to celebrate Juneteenth? Tell us @BritandCo!

Featured photo via Anna Shvetz/Pexels.

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Black History Month is upon us yet again, and as an avid reader, I'm thinking about books by Black authors that I'd love to revisit in celebration. While I love a good book club read, I know there are so many books by Black authors — both past and present — that deserve our collective attention. If you're in the mood to read touching tales that feature romance, historical events, and family bonds, you'll love these 30 books by Black authors!

Fiction Books By Black Authors

The Color Purpleby Alice Walker

The Color Purple is a novel with a story that's full of loss, grief, and finding one's identity. It centers around Celie, a young Black woman who's separated from her sister and forced to marry a man twice her age. She silences herself throughout the duration of their marriage, but eventually finds her voice and worth after their arrival of the disruptive, yet well-meaning Shug enters their lives. From there, Celie and others go on a journey that changes the way they see themselves during a time where Black people were still faced with segregation, racism, and sexism.

Black Girls Must Die Exhaustedby Jayne Allen

Tabitha Walker has checked everything off her personal and professional goals list — something she feels proud of. However, she's forced to reckon with her life after a medical diagnosis threatens her chance to give birth. Enlisting the support of those she loves dearly, Tabitha does everything she can to reverse this. But, her relentless pursuit comes at the price of allowing herself to rest.

Waiting To Exhaleby Terry McMillan

Waiting To Exhale follows four friends as they navigate the ups and downs of their love lives. Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin each face unique situations involving men, and this threatens the consistency they crave in life. However, their friendship and revelations about themselves help them come to terms with how they truly want to live.

The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennett

Although they're identical, a set of twin sisters are leading different lives. While one sister escaped their southern town to start a new life, one of them stayed behind where she raises her young child. However, the sister who's living a new life has yet to disclose her past and ethnicity to her husband. Despite the sisters' separation, the lives of their daughters connect and thus begins the healing of a new generation.

The Sweetness of Waterby Nathan Harris

When brothers Landry and Prentiss make their way back to the plantation they were freed from, they soon come face-to-face with the man who used to be in charge, George Walker. However, George's mind and emotions are too preoccupied with the death of his son to harbor ill feelings towards them.

Still, an uneasy alliance is formed that's met with vitriol from those who are unable to let go of how things used to be during slavery. It's a novel that teeters between redemption and a stubborn desire to keep things the same.

Sassafrass, Cypress, and Indigoby Ntozake Shange

This book was gifted to me by my older sister shortly after I graduated high school and always reads like it was her way of helping guide me into womanhood. Aptly named after three sisters, Sassafrass, Cypress. and Indigo introduces readers to the magical ways siblings navigate their lives. Sassafrass uses her words and hands to make sense of the world around her while the middle sister, Indigo, uses her limbs to waft through an everchanging world. The youngest sister, Indigo, proudly embraces her southern roots and uses her gift of sight to see beyond the physical realm.

It's a beautiful novel that aims to show us how we're all gifted in some way.

The Women of Brewster Placeby Gloria Naylor

I had the pleasure of viewing the film adaptation of The Women of Brewster Place with my mom when I was younger and the seven women it revolves around still occupy my subconscious. Although they have different backgrounds, the central characters' lives are intertwined as they inhabit Brewster Place. What's meant to be a safe haven becomes filled with the struggles of each women as they work to understand love, loss, and identity in this moving novel.

Let The Circle Be Unbrokenby Mildred D. Taylor

Let The Circle Be Unbroken is more for younger children, but it's message is still powerful enough to tug at the heartstrings of adults. It revolves around the Logan family as they deal with bitterness from those who don't care to see a black family own their land instead of relying on sharecropping, growing children, and a family member whose mother wants her to live life as a white woman.

Hidden Figuresby Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures is a true story that details the way Black women helped spearhead some of NASA's most pivotal moments in history. It was because of their level of genius that men were able to safely go on space expeditions and make it back to Earth in one piece. However, these women still bore the brunt of segregation despite their intelligence and it sometimes threatened to overshadow what they were capable of bringing to the table.

Nevertheless, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden managed to move mountains at work and in space.

Black Cakeby Charmaine Wilkerson

What would you do if you learned about the hidden past of one of your parents? In Black Cake, estranged siblings Byron and Benny take it upon themselves to truly understand who their mother is after she dies. They learn to set aside their differences as they realize why their mother kept secrets and eventually forge an impenetrable bond.

When We Were Birdsby Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

Yejide is tasked with the magical gift that the women in her family have, but she'd rather ignore the very thing that caused her dying mother to be distant. In her mind, nothing is worth becoming a negative person. On the other hand, Darwin respects tradition right up until his job requires him to ignore it. He also sheds his identity and begins building a new life for himself. Somewhere along the lines of shedding tradition is when these two souls meet and it's clear that the dead knows something they don't.

The Late Americansby Brandon Taylor

Iowa City is home to those who love and agitate each other in The Late Americans. Seamus, Ivan, Fatima, and Noah are at different stages of life, but they're all surrounded by the same environment that threatens to rock their worlds. They decide to get away from it all by taking a trip that leaves them changed in one way or another. Somehow love, hurts, and lust manage to find them even as they're looking for something different.

Memphisby Tara M. Stringfellow

Violence found ways to harm Joan's family from her father's unstable temperament to her grandfather's unfair murder. To escape its stifling nature, Joan becomes a talented artist who comes to term with the ways certain things are ingrained in her. Memphis does an excellent job of showing that younger generations often carry the hopes and dreams of those who have come before us while facing whatever our time period has for us.

Perishby Latoya Watkins

Helen Jean is haunted by hearing the words "Bear it or perish yourself," during one life-altering night and, once again, we're shown how much the younger generation is affected by what happened to the their ancestors. From Julie B. to Jan, everyone is afflicted with something from the past, things reach a head when hidden secrets threaten to bubble to the surface.

The Office of Historical Correctionsby Danielle Evans

The Office of Historical Corrections is smartly written by Danielle Evans and explores how people interact with each other. With Black and multiracial characters at the heart of the book, Evans dives into topics about love, grief, and history in a way that'll make readers think.

What The Fireflies Knewby Kai Harris

What The Fireflies Knew is about young KB's journey as a young Black girl in Detroit. Shaken by the finality of her dad's drug addiction, KB and her sister Nia find themselves living with their grandfather in Michigan. Everyone around KB is hiding something from her and she navigates all of this with the shaky unease of someone who's still trying to figure things out.

Homebodiesby Tembe Denton-Hurst

Mickey Hayward is a writer with huge ambitions that lie beyond beauty and trendy news, but she can't seem to reach a point where she can write things she actually cares about. Yet, she endures with the support of her partner and everything is normal until she's promptly faced with being laid off. This inspires her to write about being a Black woman with a career in media that falls flat.

Landing back in Maryland, Mickey learns to come to terms with choices she's made so she can decide how she really wants to live her life.

The Bluest Eyeby Toni Morrison

When a young Black girl's desire to have certain Eurocentric features causes her to ignore her own, she spirals into a longing that threatens her self worth. Not only, but she finds more than she bargains in the midst of wanting to be beautiful in a way she feels she's not.

Seven Days In Juneby Tia Williams

Mom-coms exist and Seven Days In June is proof of that. It's about single mom Eva Mercy and all the ways her life changes when she encounters Shane Hall. They're both successful writers whose paths cross at a literary event and they realize the passion of their youth hasn't waned. Beyond that, their successful books have been love letters to each other all along.

The Other Black Girlby Zakiya Dalila Harris

Editorial Assistant Nella Rogers is biding her time at Wagner Books where she's the only Black girl on staff. Surrounded by microaggressions and what feels like a stalled career, she trudges through her days until another Black girl is hired. She and Hazel quickly form an alliance, and things finally feel great. But, that changes when Hazel becomes the golden girl who can do no wrong and Nella is left behind.

If that wasn't bad enough, someone begins leaving threatening notes on Nella's desk and her mind becomes filled with paranoia. It's clear that something sinister is lurking beneath the shiny exterior of Wagner Books and it's up to her to find out what it is.

Self Help Books By Black Authors

Feeding The Soulby Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown takes readers on a journey to learn more about her past before she became social media's 'Auntie.' From her days growing up in South Carolina to the viral video that changed her life decades after realizing what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, Feeding The Soul is a warm book that does what its title says.

Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing In Communityby Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D details the healing nature of having a community of friends who feel like sisters. Despite the idea that women are catty and unable to be trusted, Bradford explains how transformative a sisterhood can be. She talks about how our ideas about other Black women may shape our interactions with them and explains how we can do better collectively.

Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing And Finding Community In a Broken Worldby Minaa B., LMSW

No one is immune to facing struggles in life, but Owning Our Struggles argues that we don't have to let our lives be defined by them. It's a book that's equipped with resources to help us change the narrative we tell ourselves when things feel hard.

The Sugar Jar: Creating Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life by Yasmine Cheyenne

The title of this book should draw you in with it's mention of something sweet and that's the goal. However, the sugar in question is meant to represent our energy levels. It's another beautiful way of asking us to look at the glass half-full.

Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationshipsby Nedra Glover Tawwab

This book has been helping me to set boundaries with my own family and it's something I highly recommend anyone read. Sometimes we find it hard to tell our family members no because we're not raised to think we have to protect our time, mental health, and energy from loved ones. But, it's often necessary in order to have a fulfilled life and Drama Free outlines how we can start.

Memoirs By Black Authors

Just As I Amby Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson is a household name whose piercing work as an actress made her a quiet force to be reckoned with. In her memoir, she introduces us to her childhood and how she became the actress the world respected.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Singsby Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's captivating memoir details her life as a young girl raised by her grandmother and uncle in Stamps, Arkansas. It's there she spends time with her older brother Bailey, and the two face the painful realization of their parents' separation and being treated less than by those in a worse financial situation than them. Once Maya Angelou and Bailey find themselves living with their mom, the former faces a sexual assault that haunts her long after it happens. However, she eventually finds strength in being who she is and goes on to become the famed author, poet, and activist we know and love today.

The Mother of Black Hollywoodby Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is another household name who's career spans decades. Nicknamed 'The Mother of Black Hollywood' due to playing an electric maternal figure in movies and TV series, Jenifer shares her life's lessons with readers in this heartwarming novel. She also details her struggle with mental health and it's something that helped me start getting serious about my own healing journey.

Becomingby Michelle Obama

Before she was known as Barack Obama's wife, Michelle was a young girl who lived happily with her parents and brother in a small apartment. She then went on to become a successful lawyer who carved a name for herself at the law firm she used to work at. In Becoming, she shares the moments she realized she was meant to do something great and how Barack's presidency affected their family among other things.

Collective Books By Black Authors

Black Women Writers at WorkEdited by Claudia Tate with a Forward by Tillie Olsen

Black Women Writers at Work is full of conversations with some of the most brilliant Black authors of our time. From Alice Walker to Nikki Giovanni, these interviews are a deep dive into how one's life can influence their meaningful work.

Which books by Black authors will you read during Black History Month?

Lead images via Amazon

There are some celebrity couples that feel like a match made in Heaven. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and more recently, Shaun White and Nina Dobrev. Not only are they both gorgeous, talented, and incredibly driven people, but they're also one of the funniest celeb couples to follow along with on social media.

Here's everything you need to know about their relationship!


A Timeline Of Nina Dobrev And Shaun White's Relationship

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Dior Men

End Of 2019 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Are Introduced

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White officially met when they both spoke at a Tony Robbins workshop in Florida. Even though Shaun didn't know about anything about Nina at the time, he told People he realized she was a big deal when a bunch of people asked for pictures with her!

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

February 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend Time In South Africa

In 2020, when Nina Dobrev was filming Redeeming Love, fans started noticing that her Instagram photos and Shaun White's were taken in the same locations, even though they were making separate posts. Turns out, Nina had gotten Shaun to come visit her!

Image via Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Fresh Vine Wine

April 18, 2020 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Make Their Relationship Instagram Official

In true 21st century dating fashion, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took their relationship to the next level when they made it Instagram official. It's a pretty big step for any couple, but especially celebrities. If it's nerve-wracking telling your friends and acquaintances, imagine telling millions of fans! Instead of a regular photo, Nina posted a video that features a glimpse of Shaun's tattoo.

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

May 29, 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Quarantine Together

Like so many of us, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White had to take haircuts into their own hands during quarantine. "Adding to resume: hairdresser ✂️," Nina captioned an Instagram post of her giving Shaun an at-home haircut.

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

September 3, 2020 — Shaun White Turns 34

To celebrate Shaun White's 34th birthday, Nina Dobrev made a hilarious Instagram tribute to honor the snowboarder. "To the most untalented, humorless, least athletic, least coordinated, least gifted and my least favorite person.... happy birthday @shaunwhite," she says in the caption. "Hang in there. one day you will accomplish something. #dontgiveup"

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's age difference is two years — Shaun was born in 1986 and Nina was born in 1989!

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

Late 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate The Holidays For The First Time As A Couple

The holidays looked different for Nina Dobrev and Shaun White at the end of 2020, but they didn't let that stop them from celebrating. "I’m so thankful to be surrounded by so much love!!" Shaun says in his Thanksgiving Instagram post. "Getting older and watching my family continue to grow has been incredible. Hope everyone out there had an amazing thanksgiving!" The couple also celebrated Christmas together, with plenty of Santa hats and gifts to go around!

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

January 9, 2021 — Nina Dobrev Turns 32

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White chose wacky '80s getup to celebrate the actress' 32nd birthday. "Too bad we never have any fun together," Shaun says in his birthday Instagram post. "Happy birthday baby!"

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

February 8, 2021 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Hang Out With Her Vampire Diaries Costar

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took to the slopes alongside Paul Wesley (who starred opposite Nina in The Vampire Diaries) and his wife Ines de Ramon. "Sometimes you gotta double up to double down," Nina captioned her post of the quartet at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

February 14, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Share Their First Valentine's Day

Both Nina Dobrev and Shaun White made tributes to each other on the 'gram in honor of their first V-Day as a couple. "My favorite snow cone flavor is White," Nina says in her Instagram post. "Happy we got “stuck together” last year and stuck it out ;) happy valentine’s day to my quarantini in crime..."

"Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️," Shaun says in his caption. "I never knew I was so lickable till we met 😂... Thank you for keeping a smile on my face and being the beautiful person you are!"

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

October 31, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Wear An Iconic Couple's Halloween Costume

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White knocked Halloween out of the park with a hilarious, gender-swapped couple's costume inspired by The Queen's Gambit. Nina dressed as Thomas Brodie Sangster's Benny and Shaun went with Anya Taylor Joy's Beth. "Your move @anyataylorjoy ♟👑," Shaun says on Instagram.

Image via Clive Rose/Getty Images

February 2022 — Shaun White Competes In The Bejing Winter Olympics

In October of 2021, ahead of his involvement in the Beijing Olympics, Shaun White told People just how supportive Nina Dobrev had been for him. "Nina's incredible," he says in the interview. "What an influence on my life. Not only does she run her own show, her own world, companies she's involved in, things she's producing, all this stuff going on. She holds me to this same high standard which is so wonderful to have in a partner."

“We’ll be anxiously watching [Shaun compete] from home and cheering him on,” Nina Dobrev tells Us Weekly in early 2022. “I’m very, very excited for him. I can’t wait.”

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

March 5, 2022 — Nina Dobrev Throws Shaun White An On-Brand Retirement Party

Shaun White might have cut off his iconic red hair, but that didn't stop Nina Dobrev from using it as inspo for his retirement party! The get together was complete with red wigs, family reunions, and lots of selfies. "Celebrating the 🐐 and bringing back the 👩🦰 one last time…#RetirementPartyAt35," Nina captioned her Instagram post. Then they followed the party up with a tropical getaway!

Image via Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

May 19, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Make Their Red Carpet Debut

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White attended the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in the summer of 2022. It marked their first red carpet appearance since becoming a couple *and* gave them the chance to support their friend Miles Teller!

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

June 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Take A Vacation

Nina and Shaun went on another vacation in the summer of 2022, complete with lots of beach time and plenty of beverages. Some of Nina's Instagram captions include "When it’s so blue outside it’s impossible to feel blue on the inside" and "Coconut or cocktail? There are two types of people in the world" and the photos are so cute I could cry.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

October 1, 2022 — Shaun White Makes An SNL Appearance

During Miles Teller's run as SNL host, Shaun White joined his friend onstage. "Live from New York it’s Saturday Night!
Congrats to my buddy #MilesTeller on hosting @nbcsnl," Shaun wrote on Instagram. "Not surprised that you killed it. But I was very surprised when I arrived to support you…and they pulled me on stage to be part of a sketch 😂 Stoked to be a part of your big moment!!

"I loved being an emotional support animal 🐆 @nbcsnl," Nina captioned her post.

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

October 31, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Dress Up As Stranger Things 4 Characters For Halloween

In another iconic Halloween couple's costume, Nina and Shaun dressed up as Max and Vecna from the acclaimed fourth episode of Stranger Things 4 — with Nina as Vecna and Shaun as Max, of course. "Stranger things have happened," Nina said in her post, while Shaun admitted in his post, "not gonna lie I’ve miss the long hair."

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

January 9, 2020 — Nina Dobrev Turns 34

"What planet are you from and will you take me with you?!" Shaun asks in his birthday photo featuring Nina Dobrev in a pink wig. "Thanks for making life incredible! Happy birthday my love."

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

June 26, 2023 — Shaun White Joins Nina Dobrev At The Out-Laws Premiere

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White stunned on the red carpet for Nina's movie The Out-Laws.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

December 31, 2023 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend New Year's Eve In St. Barth's

If you ask me, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White have one of the most iconic friend groups ever. Miles and Keleigh Teller, as well as Chace Crawford, joined the couple in St. Barth's for New Year's. Can I come next time?!

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

January 9, 2024 — Shaun White Surprises Nina Dobrev With A Trip To Disneyland

I love a good surprise, especially when the surprise goes off without a hitch. For Nina's 35th birthday, Shaun (as well as a bunch of their friends like Julianne Hough) surprised Nina with a Disney trip and judging by Nina's reaction, it was just about the best present she could have asked for. The day consisted of a custom Mickey jacket, taking a party bus, roller coasters, and more!

"Happiest surprise on the happiest day at the happiest place on earth," Nina says in her Instagram post. "I have to say I am HARD to SURPRISE. I always know what’s up. But they got me good. I’m still in shock to be honest. Feeling incredibly lucky, celebrated, loved, grateful and appreciative of all the wonderful souls I am fortunate to surround myself with."

Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok

February 1, 2024 — Shaun White Calls Nina Dobrev His "Perfect Score"

At the beginning of February, Shaun White posted a TikTok of him and Nina Dobrev snowboarding together. Rather than snowboarding side by side, they're almost on top of one another as Shaun literally lifts Nina off the ground to spin them around. It's literally the cutest moment, and it makes *me* want to go snowboarding — if I have someone to snowboard with ;).

Screenshot via Nina Dobrev/Instagram Stories

February 11, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Attend The Super Bowl

Shaun and Nina shared a few flicks from their adventures before, during, and after Super Bowl LVIII on Instagram. The couple watched the game, flew over Las Vegas, together, and even sipped some Don Julio tequila to celebrate after the fact.

My favorite moments that the duo documented on social were definitely Nina chowing down on a hot dog in the stands (that's so me), Shaun dancing along to Usher's halftime show, and them sharing a kiss after the big Chiefs win!

The two just look *so* happy together, and that makes me happy.

"Can you propose to this women yet? Beautiful couple!!!😍🔥," one commenter wrote on Instagram... and I'm wondering the exact same thing!

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

March 10, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Do Date Night At Oscars Afterparty

The stars always show out for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, and Shaun and Nina were no exception to that rule! Our fave fiery couple looked amazing on the red carpet, but their best look? These two were smitten and all smiles on Nina's Instagram! Major heart eyes moment to say the least!

Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok

April 3, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Go Snowboarding (Again)

Snowboarding might not be a new thing for this "it" couple, but they still find a way to make it more fun every time they go. "Nina dropped her snowboard, so we had to go rescue it," Shaun says in a recent TikTok. In the video, he's carrying Nina while they snowboard and I am more than impressed! "Not all heroes wear capes," the caption reads.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

April 6, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate Spring

Shaun White recently posted a recap of the sweetest spring date with Nina Dobrev and it's got me dreaming of warm afternoons and sunshine! "Lil’ bit of life lately 🍑," he says on Instagram. In addition to a video of the couple singing along to the radio, my favorite photo is Shaun and Nina in their bright orange jackets with the city in the background. I cannot wait for spring!

Shaun White/Instagram

July 2024 — Shaun White and Nina Dobrev Head To The Olympics

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev are currently in Paris, France for the 2024 Olympics...along with Zac Efron apparently. The couple partied it up, but when they got back to their hotel and realized the elevator was out, Shaun climbed more than three flights of stairs with Nina on his back!

The Vampire Diaries actress is still recovering from a dirt bike accident in May, and has recently moved from crutches to a cane. We're wishing Nina a speedy recovery!

Nina Dobrev/Instagram

August 28, 2024 — Shaun White & Nina Dobrev Attend A Gossip Girl Star's Wedding, And Look Good Doing It

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev turned up in style to Jessica Szohr's (who you'll recognize as Vanessa from GG) wedding to Brad Richardson. Nina served as Jessica's Maid of Honor, and their Instagram posts have me emotional!!

"Almost two decades of friendship, there’s almost nothing we haven’t been through together," Nina says in her caption. "It makes me so happy to see you glowing with such a huge smile on your face. It’s an indescribable feeling to see your best friend marry the man of her dreams and create a beautiful (arguably the most beautiful) family together. It’s just the beginning, your life starts now. Congratulations you two lovebirds 🤍🤍🤍 i love you both so much!!!"

"You have been there with me through thick and thin for almost 2 decades… so thank you… thank you Nina for all you’ve done throughout our friendship- but especially for all the wedding events;)," Jessica's post says. "You outdid yourself … going through a surgery, had a movie coming out, redoing a house, and being such an amazing friend through everything. For real- love you more than you will ever know!"

October 30, 2024 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Announce Their Engagement

Nina and Shaun announced that they're engaged at the end of October, and in Julianne Hough's words, "made all our dreams come true!" The couple posted separate Instagram posts celebrating the news, and Nina's definitely made me laugh: "RIP boyfriend, hello fiancé."

Shaun popped the question in front of a beautiful arch decorated in white roses (with a 5-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, no biggie), and literally swept Nina off her feet. "I went into shock. I just froze and stared at him,” Nina tells Vogue. And even though she says she blacked out and doesn't remember the actual proposal, she does know "he said all the right things.” I could cry!

The proposal came after Shaun had had to reschedule a few times (once after her dirt bike accident and once after she suspected it on their Cape Town vacation) — and to make sure Nina wasn't suspicious, he sent her a fake invitation to a dinner with Anna Wintour! "He made the invite look so legitimate,” Nina says.

Check back here for the latest update on Shaun White and Nina Dobrev, and read up on Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper’s Full Relationship Timeline.

This post has been updated.

Bravo’s Summer House is trading in its Hamptons origins for The Vineyard with the premiere of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard. The Summer House spinoff will not include any of the Hamptons crew, not even OG cast member Kyle Cook and his iconic mullet. Instead, this series will feature an all-black cast of IRL friends who love to spend their summers partying in Massachusetts.

Where can I see the trailer?

www.youtube.com

Your First Look at Summer House: Martha's Vineyard! | SHMV Sneak Peak | Bravo

Don't worry Bravo fans – we’ve got the highly-anticipated trailer here.

Who is in the cast?

The new cast features newlyweds Jasmine Ellis Cooper and husband Silas Cooper, sports brand manager Nick Arrington, former Playboy model Jordan Emanuel, as well as fashion entrepreneur Bria Fleming. We’ll also see self-proclaimed “party girl” Shanice Henderson, aspiring real estate tycoon Amir Lancaster, flight attendant Jason Lyke, attorney Preston Mitchum, production coordinator Summer Marie Thomas, and creative director Alex Tyree. (We know, that’s a lot!) And of course we must mention another addition – the group’s adorable furry friend Milo.

Considering the smaller and female-dominated cast of the Hampton’s Summer House, we’re definitely excited to see how the dynamics of this larger cast work!

Why Martha’s Vineyard?

“For more than 100 years, Black vacationers have flocked to Martha’s Vineyard, an island south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and one of the first beach destinations where African Americans could vacation and purchase property,” read a Thursday, March 30, press release about the reality series. “Known for its natural beauty with pristine beaches, romantic sailboats, colorful gingerbread cottages, and cultural identity, this summertime sanctuary has become a favorite escape for the rich, famous, and politically connected.”

The stars of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard couldn’t agree more. “If you don’t know, Black excellence is Martha’s Vineyard and Martha’s Vineyard is Black excellence,” Jasmine says in the official trailer.

When does 'Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard' premiere?

You can catch all of the drama every Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo, starting May 7.

We cannot wait to tune into this new Bravo franchise, and see what shenanigans the cast gets into this summer.

Keep up with all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

Lead photo courtesy of Bravo.

The only thing better than spending two hours with your favorite fictional characters? Spending 7 hours with them! Cruel Intentions (you know, the 1999 classic starring Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Selma Blair) is turning 25 this year, and Prime Video is releasing a brand new TV show inspired by the movie. And the series has a fresh twist that will keep even the most dedicated Cruel Intentions fan on their toes. Here's everything you need to know about the show!

  • The Cruel Intentions TV show, inspired by the 1999 film, is coming to Prime Video.
  • The cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook & Zac Burgess. While Selma Blair isn't listed, "maybe there will be a cameo."
  • The series premieres on Prime Video this November.

    Where can I watch Cruel Intentions TV show?

    Cruel Intentions Release Date

    All eight episodes of Cruel Intentions drop on Prime Video November 21, 2024. That means you can watch them all in one sitting (and then watch them again...and again) or you can spread them out over Thanksgiving week. Is there anything better than watching a new TV show with a cranberry cocktail? I think not.

    Did they remake Cruel Intentions?

    Jasper Savage/Prime Video

    Cruel Intentions Plot

    Yes, the Cruel Intentions TV show is a remake of the 1999 movie! This new adaptation takes place at a prestigious college in Washington, D.C. Step-siblings Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont are determined to stay on top of the food chain — especially after a dangerous frat hazing threatens to eliminate the school's Greek Life. The best way to keep the sororities and fraternities on campus? Seduce the most unexpected sorority sister: Vice President's daughter Annie Grover.

    Who's in Cruel Intentions?

    Jasper Savage/Prime Video

    Cruel Intentions Cast

    Prime Video's new Cruel Intentions is full of standout actors, and I can't wait to see their moment in the spotlight! The cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook as Caroline Merteuil, Zac Burgess as Lucien Belmont, Savannah Lee Smith as Annie Grover, Sara Silva as Cece Carroway, John Harlan Kim as Blaise Powell, Khobe Clarke as Scott Russell, Sean Patrick Thomas as Professor Hank Chadwick, and Brooke Lena Johnson as Beatrice Worth.

    The original Cruel Intentions movie stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. While there's no word on whether any of the OG cast will return, I'd love nothing more than to see Reese make a cameo! Selma told Variety on October 24 that even though she hadn't been asked to join the series, she'd love to make an appearance. "Maybe there will be a cameo or something," she says. "I’m excited to see it.”

    Let us know on Instagram if you want to see Reese Witherspoon or Selma Blair appear in the Cruel Intentions TV show, and check out the other November TV shows you absolutely can't miss.

    While I've been keeping up with all the buzz surrounding Demi Moore's The Substance, and definitely understood it was THE feminist movie of the fall, I remember opening X in mid-October, seeing an unhinged photo of Margaret Qualley as Monstro Elisasue, and thinking to myself, Wow, apparently I do not know what this movie is about.

    If you're in the mood for a new, edgy horror movie that you can watch anytime of year, then do I have good news for you: The Substance is streaming now! Here's everything you need to know about the flick, including how to watch it this weekend because it will definitely make a great Halloween movie.

    • The Substance is streaming now, but it's also still available to see in theaters following its September 20 release date.
    • The movie follows an actress supposedly past her prime who takes matters into her own hands with a powerful serum called The Substance.
    • The cast includes Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

    Where can I watch The Substance 2024?

    The Substance Release Date

    The Substance is streaming on Mubi and is available on Fandango at Home. You can also see the movie in theaters now. The Substance premiered on September 20.

    What is The Substance movie about?

    Mubi

    The Substance Plot

    In Coralie Fargeat's new movie, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is a used-to-be A-lister who's horrified when studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid) fires her from her own fitness TV show. (The audacity!) When she learns about The Substance, a new drug that promises youth and beauty, she immediately buys in.

    A single injection and suddenly she's Sue, a twenty-something (played by Margaret Qualley) who's exactly what Hollywood is looking for. There's just one rule: you can only spend a week in each body at a time or things go very, very wrong.

    Who's in the cast?

    Mubi

    The Substance Cast

    The cast of The Substance includes all-star names like Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

    What is the meaning behind The Substance?

    Mubi

    The Substance confronts all the different pressures placed on women: to look young, to act mature, to constantly reinvent yourself. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, writer-director Coralie Fargeat explains how Margaret's Monstro Elisasue "represents the monstrous part that we try to hide so much because we feel that we can't adapt or fit."

    The end of the movie, in which (spoiler!!) Elisabeth basically melts into a pile of flesh on top of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, frees her from any and all expectations. "It’s the first moment where she’s able to love herself. It’s the moment she sees herself and it’s not disgust, but in fact it’s as if she’s seeing her true self for the first time," Coralie says. "There’s self-indulgence, tenderness. It’s the first time she looks at herself in the mirror and doesn’t criticize herself. She decides, okay, I’m going to go out there, this is me, I have my right to have my place in the world."

    Wondering what to watch next? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For!