Author of 'The Twelve Tribes of Hattie' is 'stunned' by sudden fame

On the eve of the airing of Ayana Mathis' interview with Oprah Winfrey about her debut novel, she chatted with theGrio about how the success of 'The Twelve Tribes of Hattie' has changed her life.

Belafonte: Jay-Z, Beyoncé 'have turned backs on social responsibility'

Alexis Garrett Stodghill

theGRIO REPORT - Belafonte's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement are numerous -- including financially assisting Dr. Martin Luther King, who considered Belafonte to be a close confidante. He is dismayed that today's African-American celebrities do not in his opinion reflect the same level of dedication.

Michelle Obama graces the September cover of Ladies Home Journal

Alexis Garrett Stodghill

Michelle Obama graces the September cover of Ladies Home Journal, which features an exclusive interview with both the first lady and her husband.

Who's landing the big interviews after Oprah?

David Bauder, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Since Oprah Winfrey packed up the couch that Tom Cruise jumped on and ended her daytime talk show last year, no one has truly filled her role as the top go-to person in television...

First lady talks 'American Grown' with theGrio

Sophia Nelson

theGRIO REPORT - TheGrio was the only African-American news site invited to dine in the White House kitchen garden yesterday with first lady Michelle Obama, along with some of the nation’s leading health and female-focused web sites.

Is Chris Brown taking a vow of silence in 2012?

Clutch Magazine

CLUTCH - Not only will Brown make his first appearance at the Grammy's in three years, according to Brown's manager Tina Davis, the singer won't be sitting down for any interviews in 2012...

Can Gloria Cain save her husband's campaign?

Kunbi Tinuoye

theGRIO REPORT - Until now, Cain's wife of 43 years has been largely hidden on campaign trail. Even when she appeared alongside her husband when he announced his candidacy in May, she did not speak publicly...

Obama talks economy, 'handful' of black critics

theGrio

TheGrio REPORTS -- President Obama says it's 'a handful' of black leaders who have been critical of his administration, and that some of them have been critical since he was running for president...