​Nene and Carlos Did That

The Nene Leakes interview on Carlos King’s podcast is needed. The two hours of content are more entertaining than the last few seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Nene’s classic candidness perfectly matches the frank interviewing style of Carlos King. It’s what’s missing from the franchise: realness, openness, and transparency. Other housewives should take note. There is a way to be forthright while protecting one’s privacy. It’s a balance that Nene has perfected. 
 
It must be said that Carlos King is helping to create a level of Black reality TV commentary that doesn’t exist. I call his podcast and YouTube recaps the reality ESPN. Yes, there are many voices commenting on reality TV, but very few people have formal educational training and/or experience in media. And it shows. Carlos carves a space that’s rooted in expertise. He is not my favorite person, but I look to his knowledge, experience, and relationships—even when we disagree. 
 
Nene’s interview demonstrates that Black women in the public eye must be humble or humbled. Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Bill Cosby were all stars of their respective shows. Very few would challenge this thought. However, Queen Latifah and Tracee Ellis Ross can’t call themselves “stars” of their ensemble series. Black women must always demonstrate magnanimity. The consequence for failing to do so is subjection to a harsh form of public humbling. It’s an entrenched and unquestioned ritual that is ripe with misogynoir. The way Nene claims her success is unbecoming in the eyes of many. I love it, and I’m happy to see it. Shine on Ms. Leakes. 
 
The Leakes/King tour seems like it's a go. Hope Carlos contacts his former boss, Oprah, and gets her tour connections. Also, the first stop had better be ATL. The interview cleared up many misconceptions, confirmed some rumors, and helped Nene clarify some matters, specifically her relationship with Bryson. If the interview is any indication of the tour, it’s going to be worth seeing. Nene Leakes has done so much for everyday Black women, especially dark-skin Black women, who excel in the workplace but who are forced to conceal our strengths. I’m going to end this post with the first stanza of Maya Angelou’s famous poem:
 
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.”
 
-Maya Angelou, “Still I Rise”