Black is Beautiful

Summary

ReLiving Single Podcast Episode Summary: "Black is Beautiful"

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Podcast Title: ReLiving Single
Hosts: Erika Alexander and Kim Coles

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Introduction to "Black is Beautiful"

In this episode of ReLiving Single, hosts Erika Alexander and Kim Coles delve deep into Season 1, Episode 5: "Black is Beautiful". The episode focuses on the intricate dynamics of friendship and financial struggles within the iconic show, exploring how characters navigate personal and professional challenges.

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Episode Overview

"Black is Beautiful" centers around Khadijah, who borrows money from Maxine Shaw to keep Flavor Magazine afloat. This financial strain threatens to undermine their longstanding friendship. Concurrently, Kyle and Overton face their own monetary issues, adding layers of complexity to their relationships.

Erika Alexander remarks, "This week's episode is very interesting. I kind of like it because the Maxine Shaw character gets paired up with Khadijah... and we start to see that dynamic build" (02:01).

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Character Dynamics and Development

The episode expertly intertwines the personal lives and professional responsibilities of the characters. Khadijah's decision to borrow money highlights her dedication to her business, while Maxine's willingness to help showcases her loyalty.

Kim Coles shares, "Khadijah wants to give Max her money back, right? Yeah, but you also have a B story... Kyle and Overton have been fighting about a dollar" (22:57). This interplay underscores the show's ability to balance multiple storylines seamlessly.

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Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The hosts provide valuable behind-the-scenes anecdotes that enrich their analysis. Kim Coles reveals her personal connection with Queen Latifah, emphasizing the authentic bond that the cast shares.

At 09:30, Kim Coles recounts, "Steve White... he would ad lib the name Khadijah in a thousand ways other than Khadijah," illustrating the spontaneous humor that defines the show's atmosphere.

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Themes and Cultural Relevance

The episode tackles profound themes such as integrity, self-worth, and community support. Erika Alexander and Kim Coles discuss how Khadijah's struggle with borrowing money reflects real-life challenges faced by entrepreneurs, especially within the Black community.

Erika states, "If you're an entrepreneur at any point, you are desperately, desperately in need of capital" (25:32), highlighting the universal struggle for financial stability and the impact it has on personal relationships.

Furthermore, the discussion extends to the lack of venture capital for Black women, a critical issue in today's entrepreneurial landscape. Erika emphasizes, "Black women get about 0.6% of venture capital," underscoring the systemic barriers that impede their success (48:12).

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Personal Stories and Reflections

Both hosts share personal experiences that resonate with the episode's themes. Kim Coles opens up about her early career challenges, recounting an incident where she was asked to perform in a manner that compromised her authenticity:

"I was called in to do these 10 radio spots... and they needed the person they had hired to do the jokes... So what ended up happening was I would read the copy like this... 'Hey, girlfriend, when you're at the club, don't forget when you're thirsty, you got to get your drink on.' And my soul kept leaving my body" (34:28).

This candid reflection provides a poignant parallel to Khadijah's ethical dilemma in the episode, illustrating the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of financial temptation.

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Apologies and Friendship

A pivotal moment in the episode is Khadijah's eventual acceptance of help from her friends. After initial resistance, Max steps in to support her financially, leading to heartfelt apologies and reaffirmed friendships.

Erika narrates, "Khadijah is apologizing to all the women in her own way... and she also lets them know that accepting help is hard for her" (28:57). This resolution emphasizes the show's message about the strength found in vulnerability and mutual support.

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Cultural Impact and Continuing Relevance

The hosts conclude by reflecting on the enduring relevance of Living Single, emphasizing its role in sparking essential conversations about Black wealth, generational trauma, and the dynamics of Black friendship.

Kim Coles notes, "These are conversations that we were having then, that we're having now... these relationships still matter" (47:33). This underscores the show's timeless nature and its continued importance in contemporary discourse.

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Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In closing, Erika Alexander and Kim Coles advocate for community support and the importance of helping Black women entrepreneurs. They encourage listeners to seek and provide assistance, fostering a culture of mutual empowerment.

Erika passionately states, "If you're a black woman, ask someone for help. If you aren't a black woman, help at least three black women in your life." (45:39).

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Notable Quotes

• Erika Alexander: "You can be strong, Latifah as Khadijah, but you have friends and foundation that you can relax in. We have your back." (44:20)

• Kim Coles: "Black women get about 0.6% of venture capital." (48:12)

• Erika Alexander: "Black is beautiful as opposed to the red." (30:33)

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Conclusion

This episode of ReLiving Single offers a comprehensive exploration of friendship, financial integrity, and the enduring strength of community within the Black experience. Through insightful discussions and personal anecdotes, Erika Alexander and Kim Coles illuminate the timeless relevance of Living Single and its profound cultural impact.

For those new to the series or longtime fans, this episode provides a meaningful reflection on how fictional narratives echo real-life challenges and triumphs, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and authenticity.

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Note: Time stamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided.

Transcript

[Kim Coles]

My mother taught me that if you're gonna lend money, never expect it back.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, okay. Well, then you the one to call when the rent is due.

[Kim Coles]

Listen.

[Erica Alexander]

Hello, Kim.

[Kim Coles]

I wouldn't say all that. I wouldn't say all that. Cause I really do get my money back.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh.

[Kim Coles]

Oh. Except when I loaned it to boyfriends. Ex boyfriends. Yeah. Then it would just vanish. Poof. Gone.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, that's not a loan. That's a life lesson.

[Kim Coles]

You ain't never lied.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, were you loaning the money, or were you footing the bill like a modern madam, paying for the privilege?

[Kim Coles]

Well, a little bit of both. Okay, listen, I dated a lot of lovable losers back in my day.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay? We listen and we don't judge. But. Okay, well, seriously, can I borrow a little something something? Oh, you know, just till Friday. I can't. Look, I don't have no pockets, okay?

[Kim Coles]

Okay. Well, I do. I have pocket. Let me see.

[Erica Alexander]

Is that a pocket?

[Kim Coles]

Hold on just a second. There's something in there.

[Erica Alexander]

That's a crevice.

[Kim Coles]

You reaching into your. No, there's money in here.

[Erica Alexander]

And keys.

[Kim Coles]

There you go.

[Erica Alexander]

Hey, a picture. Oh, and a money clip.

[Kim Coles]

Yes, I see. Like that. Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Hey, in 20s. We got 100 in there.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. You all right?

[Erica Alexander]

This will do.

[Kim Coles]

Am I gonna get that back, though?

[Erica Alexander]

Here, let me give it here.

[Kim Coles]

Let me get that back.

[Erica Alexander]

One. Go. Go with God.

[Kim Coles]

Okay. All right.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. Drinks on me, kids.

[Kim Coles]

Maybe we need to write a promissory note or something. Come on.

[Erica Alexander]

Amber, Kenny, y' all love us. Oh, they love me. I'm their favorite.

[Kim Coles]

Welcome back to Reliving Single, the official, unofficial, Unofficial Living Single Rewatch podcast.

[Erica Alexander]

Boom.

[Kim Coles]

Happy to be here.

[Erica Alexander]

Bravo. Okay, so this week's episode is very interesting. I mean, I kind of like it because the Maxine Shaw character gets paired up with Khadijah.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

And we start to see that dynamic build. And that's really cool. I mean, because people should know. I mean, we didn't know each other at the time.

[Kim Coles]

Still getting to know each other.

[Erica Alexander]

Still getting to know each other. And I admired Latifah. I love Latifah. We're both tomboys. She's a different type of tomboy in a way that she's city and I'm country. I'm Arizona. She's coming from Jersey, you know, Jersey. And I think we bonded a bit because, you know, we both didn't like too much hair and makeup for that reason. It was kind of cool being paired up with her.

[Kim Coles]

What's fun about the two of you is that you say that you all don't like the hair and makeup, and then you all get done. I've seen you on red carpets, and you blow everybody else out of the water. She does, too. When she's done, she's like, she looks great. Oh, yeah. Va, va, va voom. So you don't like it, but you wear it well.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, you do.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you. You clean up well.

[Kim Coles]

We're seeing them together. We know that they've since college, and so there's a special bond that's there, and we're seeing that. And then Latifah and I tell the story about how we met backstage at some awards show, but we had actually met again on the set of Essence magazine. They were doing a shoot with various celebs and their moms. And so I met Queen Latifah and her mother and my mother on the shoot of Essence magazine.

[Erica Alexander]

That's nice.

[Kim Coles]

It was really nice. And they were both teachers, and there was a lovely vibe.

[Erica Alexander]

So that's nice. I mean, and that's how. Very slow and easy, very, you know, respectful, that type of thing. So, you know, in the same way we regarded Kim Fields as somebody we had watched, I had, you know, love Queen and what she represented.

[Kim Coles]

Please.

[Erica Alexander]

Power, you know, and, you know, and that vibe of, like, respect and the way she carried herself, her shoulders set back, that type of thing. Unapologetically, Dana is what you see.

[Kim Coles]

What you see is what you see.

[Erica Alexander]

What you see is what you get. And it's not fake.

[Kim Coles]

And I related to her because Jersey girls and girls from Brooklyn, you know, there's this thing where, you know, Manhattan is considered, you know, I think, like the wizard of Oz. Like Oz, like, you know, Oz, there's this energy of expecting that we're going to make it in the big city, but not understanding that where you're from is just as important, just as powerful. And she represents Newark.

[Erica Alexander]

Well gone.

[Kim Coles]

So there we go.

[Erica Alexander]

All right, so let's get into it. Oh, boom.

[Kim Coles]

Chronic spontaneous urticaria or chronic hives with no known cause. It's so unpredictable.

[Erica Alexander]

It's like playing pinball.

[Kim Coles]

Itchy red bumps start on my arm, then my back, sometimes my legs. Hives come out of nowhere. And it comes and goes.

[Erica Alexander]

But I just found out about a.

[Kim Coles]

Treatment [e-mail] Take that, chronic hives.

[Erica Alexander]

Learn more at treatmyhives.com between client meetings.

[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

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[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

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[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

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[Kim Coles]

That'S K-I N-S-T.com Kinsta Simply Better Hosting. It's time for the rewind where we watch and relive living single with you.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay, so it's Living Single Season 1, Episode 5 In the Black is beautiful. And in this we have Khadijah. She's borrowing money from Max. She's trying to keep Flavor magazine in business but it might ruin their friendship. Meanwhile, Kyle and Overton, they are having financial challenges of their own.

[Kim Coles]

Right. And I love the way that they put the two stories together. It was really, really lovely as you.

[Erica Alexander]

All will soon see and wove it together. And we got some great guest stars. We do Steve White.

[Kim Coles]

We have the great Steve White. I love Steve White. We used to do standup together in New York playing Elmo. You know this skeevy, this skeevy guy who's an ad. He's got an ad for malt liquor. And Khadijah gets to decide whether or not she wants this ad in Flava magazine.

[Erica Alexander]

And we also got Cassie Davis. Now that's wonderful actress. She's known for being Tyler Perry's a lot of his work frankly their secret weapon.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. Love her.

[Kim Coles]

And love her especially because she was, you know, hanging out with us during those times. Come on, tell the truth. Listen, so Cassie before that ever happened she hours so she had been directed or had done a play with Chip Fields or I think Chip Feelsheard and Kim at the time. Yes. But she was there and they were roommates. Kim and Cassie were roommates. So she was part of the family. That's amazing, isn't it?

[Erica Alexander]

People need to know how, you know, interwoven we are but all how easy it was and it didn't feel like you know, we know these people now. Fantastic stars, amazing. Have always had the talent but to know that we would grew up together and when we see each other it's a different kind of, I don't know, simpatico. When you go on the red carpet and see people that you admire that you Love that you say, but we remember when, right? Yeah. So we gonna get with it. Talk about money. But I name my magazine Flavor because we have taste. Okay, you and me in a case of our brew.

[Kim Coles]

Spending the evening in a tub of suds.

[Erica Alexander]

Would that make the ad a little more tasteful?

[Kim Coles]

Let me make it plain.

[Erica Alexander]

I'm taking a class in kickboxing.

[Kim Coles]

Do you want to be my final exam? I haven't seen a suit like that since JJ went to the prom.

[Erica Alexander]

Come on. Come on now, Ms. JJ.

[Kim Coles]

There some love for JJ and his suit.

[Erica Alexander]

But that's. That suit was all silvery and slippery like an eel. And look at them big old teeth that Steve had, like, pow.

[Kim Coles]

Big smile, pow.

[Erica Alexander]

That's his secret weapon. You talk about bam.

[Kim Coles]

He understands the rhythm of what to do. And he was selling it. He was selling his product to her so that she would put it in her magazine. And selling himself, too.

[Erica Alexander]

Oops, a little bit hard. I mean, you know, that's interesting because what he wants to do is put an ad for malt liquor in Flavor magazine.

[Kim Coles]

Right?

[Erica Alexander]

And for some people and for black people. That's tricky. We've always had a tricky conversation around alcohol, especially back in the day.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

And you know, she kicks him out.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, do you ever feel like you have sold out or were sellout at any point in your career? Um.

[Kim Coles]

It'S a conversation for another day.

[Erica Alexander]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. I feel like I'm. What's that?

[Kim Coles]

That it's a conversation, you know, you have decisions to make and when you need money. And that's what we're talking about in this episode. When you need money, sometimes you make choices and you have to make those choices.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. So were you going to tell us a little bit more about your choice?

[Kim Coles]

It's something I don't like talking about.

[Erica Alexander]

But maybe I'll leave it alone for now.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, for now or forever. So the great thing about Steve White there is he's just bringing his A game. And, you know, I'll give you a little behind the scenes if you see if you remember this. He would ad lib the name Khadijah in a thousand ways other than Khadijah. So he said, hey, Caligula, hey, Camptown Races, hey, carrots and apples.

[Erica Alexander]

Everything but Khadijah.

[Kim Coles]

Everything but Khadijah. And we as the cast, we thought it was hysterical, egging them on, killing.

[Erica Alexander]

It, you know, and. But then when they came down, when.

[Kim Coles]

The, you know, the network came down, they didn't like it. And the thought Was, we're still learning about Khadijah and learning who she is. You know, this is episode five. We don't want to hear a name other than Khadijah. And as a cast member, I was mad because he was.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, we're all mad. The truth is, you're right. They spend an inordinate amount of time saying our names over and over again. I used to hate that to have to say, well, hi, you know, Khadijah or Khadijah. We always start with the name. But they're also teaching the audience who's.

[Kim Coles]

Who and what's what and who we are.

[Erica Alexander]

So we're often retreading over information, like our names or where we're from over and over again because we're teaching the rules of living single and who we are. Dang. We owe $2,000. Well, I ain't too proud to beg.

[Kim Coles]

Give me the print on the phone.

[Erica Alexander]

Hello, Roger. Yes, I know, I know, but you'll get paid. We got the money. Do you need a Q tip?

[Kim Coles]

I said we got the money.

[Erica Alexander]

We ain't got the money. So, you know, there he is. After the ad man leaves, we got Sinclair, who tells Khadijah, Wait a minute now. You maybe shouldn't have said no, because Flava needs to pay the printer, and.

[Kim Coles]

She has a decision to make that we'll soon see. And how are we gonna pay this printer?

[Erica Alexander]

I mean. Cause. $2,000. What's that, Amber in $4,400. $4,400.

[Kim Coles]

Wow. Wow.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay. That's a lot of money.

[Kim Coles]

That would hurt if you don't have it. And if you're running a business and you don't know how you're gonna get it.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Also, there's some magic happening. There's some comedy magic happening in this moment, and it's the rule of threes.

[Erica Alexander]

The rule of threes.

[Kim Coles]

And so. Hello, Roger. Yes, I know. You'll get paid. We got the money. We got the money. Do you need a Q tip? We got the money. We ain't got the money. So it's like threes, and then that extra zing at the end, it's just beautifully done.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, people don't understand that that's, you know, again, interwoven into the DNA of comedy for some reason. The rule of threes, it works.

[Kim Coles]

I'm gonna be really inceptiony here at the top of the show. I took three things out of my bosom. I took out a compact. I took out some keys, and then I took out the money. 3. You're welcome. Hey, you're welcome.

[Erica Alexander]

Y' all see? Ingenious.

[Kim Coles]

Come on, now. Listen. Come on, now.

[Erica Alexander]

We need to charge for this. Can we charge for this podcast? Can we charge for the side? You know, the side masterclass?

[Kim Coles]

Listen, maybe we'll put a little tip jar.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. Hey, can we do that, y' all Adding a tip jar to the YouTube? Come on.

[Kim Coles]

They can. Oh, yeah. There's a. Like, people can subscribe and they give a little something, something, and then maybe we'll do it.

[Erica Alexander]

Absolutely. Then I don't have to borrow your money.

[Kim Coles]

Or maybe they'll, you know, I could buy some more hair.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay, so. Yeah. All right, well, let's see the next clip.

[Kim Coles]

Next clip.

[Erica Alexander]

Where's Khadijah?

[Kim Coles]

In a funk. Something is up with her, but Sinclair won't tell me what it is. Khadijah owes $2,000 to the printer. He's threatening to cancel the next issue of our magazine. Good.

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, no. Hey, there's a lot of information in that right there. So you see that Sinclair tells Max and Regine that Khadijah is in debt and in danger of losing the magazine, despite the fact that Khadijah told me not to tell. Now I am a tattletale. Okay?

[Erica Alexander]

You are a tattletale. That's what we find out in this. That Sinclair can't keep a secret for nothing. Is that her childlike wonder you keep talking about? It is, because to me, that sounds like she got a big old mouth and she sell you down the river.

[Kim Coles]

No, she's an honest person. She has integrity. And although her cousin has said, don't tell, she knows that if somebody's gonna be like, what's going on? What's going on? She's gonna tell. And do you see the amount of relief that she has when she get it off her chest?

[Erica Alexander]

You know what? That's her job, right? I mean, she can't pay the rent, right, if they lose the magazine.

[Kim Coles]

That's right. Maybe we should bring in the village. But here's the funny moment that I'm noticing while we're watching this is that I had to stay in the moment of not talking. And I can't talk, and I'm twiddling and looking at my nails and trying to find something to do to try to hold it in. But I want to share. I can't.

[Erica Alexander]

The anticipation is building. And you're playing the anticipation beautifully, by the way. You know, we always give ourselves props. You know, I want to give myself some props.

[Kim Coles]

Give Yourself some props.

[Erica Alexander]

I walk into the room, slick and beautiful, and I sit on the couch. I want people. Yeah. You know, I was looking at it, and I saw myself sort of float in the room. It's funny because when you have an aggressive sort of personality in a character, you can kind of just do too much of that. I actually made her movements fluid.

[Kim Coles]

Mm.

[Erica Alexander]

So when I sit down. Yes. And I do my leg. And that plays against some of that.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, when I say, you know, whatever, and then I slowly bring it back in. Because that also grounds.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

The character and the audience back to the plot to just always sort of center it again and. And sort of the humanness and the drama of it. So this is the first time she's got.

[Kim Coles]

She's got her own story.

[Erica Alexander]

Khadijah.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

Dana.

[Kim Coles]

Dana, Khadijah. Her.

[Erica Alexander]

A story. Why is that important?

[Kim Coles]

Well, it's important because we know that she's driven. We know that she's built this. You know, I don't think we say it on the episode, but you get that this is something that she's built, she believes in. And we're learning about her level of integrity, and we're learning about what happens when it's not going the way she wants it to go. And as the episode unfolds, you'll see that, you know, yes, she's stubborn, and, yes, she doesn't want to take the help and how important this is to her.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. But then also, as an actor, you know, she's a lead, but this is more her a story. And I also think that, you know, I don't know this. I don't know this. That it gave her a few episodes to connect into the space, because her natural space is. But it's a different stage. She's a hip hop star.

[Kim Coles]

When she shows up is when everything begins.

[Erica Alexander]

Right. But I think that in here, it gave her time to become an actor and become part of a sitcom actor and have Kim. Kim, I think, has carried. Kim Fields has carried the Ace storyline twice. Certainly Max has.

[Kim Coles]

I think I got one.

[Erica Alexander]

You got one. And then now. So I think they gave the queen a little bit of room to breathe. And I think that was. Whether it was intentional or not was smart. Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

And give her a chance to get used to being in an ensemble in that way. Now we're at the place where we have to decide how we're gonna help Khadijah. I love that Regine says, max, loan her the money. Like, who are you to tell her to give her the money.

[Erica Alexander]

She does. Max has it.

[Kim Coles]

Max has it.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

But we know that she's like, no, that's a dangerous road to go down. So I'm not gonna do that. And I love that we come up with the idea of doing a lingerie party or Regine. Cause she works at a boutique and she can get it wholesale. And she knows that if we have this lingerie party, they can and give it. So that is the decision. That's how we're gonna save people.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, they're gonna raise the funds.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

Like an Avon party. You know what I'm saying?

[Kim Coles]

But with, you know, crotchless panties.

[Erica Alexander]

G strings. Remember G strings.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

What's the devil?

[Kim Coles]

They hurt so bad. They hurt. So I used to think that like. And certain booties can take a G string and certain booties cannot.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. African American booties swallow them things up.

[Kim Coles]

Right, right.

[Erica Alexander]

You're pulling out G strings for days. Whoever came up with that.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

That's like some sort of torture device. And what was it supposed to catch down there?

[Kim Coles]

Was not supposed to catch. Just supposed to make it so that all your silhouette. Right. Just all butt cheeks. It's all butt cheeks and no panties in the way.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, right. Some dude came up with that.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, no doubt.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, let's make men wear that. That's like them wearing those.

[Kim Coles]

Now this is pretty, but it looks a little uncomfortable. Girl, if you are in that more than five minutes, you're doing something wrong. Well, at this price, I'm leaving it on. He's just gonna have to work around it.

[Erica Alexander]

What the hell is going on in here?

[Kim Coles]

Is this the broke chick we supposed to be helping out? All right, that's it. Be up out of here right now.

[Erica Alexander]

Get up out my house. Be done.

[Kim Coles]

Kitchen. Alright. Okay. Let's talk about the magic in all the magic that was in that scene.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. The stakes are raised.

[Kim Coles]

Right. Because the printer needs has called and said neither. And so she's like, okay, I'm gonna do what I gotta do, but let's go back and let's break this down. So I would like to say for the record that. That he's just gonna have to work around it. Came out of my act. That's something I used to say. Oh, put on your lingerie. It's like, you know men. It's like, take that off. No, you have to work around this. So I love that Cassie is delivering this beautifully. And we see the little G string. It's like, it looks a little uncomfortable.

[Erica Alexander]

No. Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Then there's the magic of John Hinton coming out. And I don't. Y' all see all the dancing.

[Erica Alexander]

So caramel, so caramel. So delicious.

[Kim Coles]

You're like, he don't look half bad.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. He got a. What is it? This baseball cap, boxer shorts, and his tool belt. That's what's up.

[Kim Coles]

And if you notice, he's doing a dance. Not only do the dance and working with his nipples, but he's doing the Batman dance. There's a scene, and I know how much he loves Batman, so he does the Batusi with the thing out of the original Batman. So if you look, you'll see him doing his little add in that.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. But, you know, let's go back to them nipples. Because he's circling his nipples very suggestively as he dances. And, you know, that's really cool. And I'm nice. It's hilarious. But by the way, I have my own nipple gait, and I'm upset because they bound my nipples because they kept popping out on the top.

[Kim Coles]

You were always so cold.

[Erica Alexander]

And yet he comes out and he's stroking his nipples hardcore and doing all that. I mean, nipplegate is real. They got me bound like the Handmaid's tail. And he's out there doing all sorts.

[Kim Coles]

Of saying, enjoy the nipple. And now we learned something about John.

[Erica Alexander]

That he's a double standard.

[Kim Coles]

It's a little freaky. Sneaky.

[Erica Alexander]

It's a double standard. But don't worry, y' all, My nipples will make an appearance very soon. Despite what they. They try to bring. They will not be brought down.

[Kim Coles]

They will not be brought down.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. Back to C. So, yeah.

[Kim Coles]

So let's talk about. So Cassie's in that scene, and we had another guest star that we need to call out.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, come on. Mimi D' Souza. Melissa D' Souza.

[Kim Coles]

Melissa D. Souza.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

Who? Best man. What else? Lots of things.

[Erica Alexander]

Lots of things. I did 30 years to life with her.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, you did?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. A lifetime ago.

[Kim Coles]

That's right.

[Erica Alexander]

I love her. I'm the only one who calls her me with d' Souza, y' all Can I guess if she'll let you.

[Kim Coles]

But that's another example of folks that we've gotten a chance to play with who've gone and done their thing.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. You know. And you know what? That's the thing. And Yvette Leigh Bowser, you know, props to her because this show created a lot of Runway for people to launch their careers, but also put money in their pockets and give them their SAG card. Right. You know, you couldn't work in this town without a SAG card.

[Kim Coles]

That's right.

[Erica Alexander]

And sometime you would be elevated through doing extra work. But if you got a featured part, that meant that you could get into sag. And getting into the union meant that you could go up for union jobs. And so the whole football game. Yvette Lee Bowser. And, you know, as a producer, there's a lot of people who have their careers and launch their careers off of this show.

[Kim Coles]

You got a chance to come and play with us.

[Erica Alexander]

Love it.

[Kim Coles]

I love it.

[Erica Alexander]

I don't need your damn handout. Hello.

[Kim Coles]

This is probably a bad time to bring this up, but the printer called and he said he can see to it that Favor magazine is never printed again.

[Erica Alexander]

Enough is enough, Khadijah. It's time to push your ego aside and accept some help. I'm writing you out a check right now.

[Kim Coles]

All right, now just hold it. All right, Go ahead.

[Erica Alexander]

Max again is able to write her own check. It goes again to who Max is. You know, she may be a nuisance to y' all, but she wrote that check and she didn't blink. She talks to her.

[Kim Coles]

She took that thing and made a scarf out of it, which was a great moment. Like, here, let me come in. It was very cavalier. Let me. My briefcase. My checkbook is right here. Let's go.

[Erica Alexander]

Made a scarf out of a chiffon nightgown, Right? And then wrote that check.

[Kim Coles]

Wrote that check.

[Erica Alexander]

So then, you know, now Khadijah has to deal with that. She got the money. Let's see how she feel about it.

[Kim Coles]

Let's see how she feels.

[Erica Alexander]

I didn't bail you out to make you crazy. No, see, you didn't have to bail me nothing. You tap dancing on my last nerve. Now, maybe it'd be best for everybody if you just give me my money back.

[Kim Coles]

How would you like it?

[Erica Alexander]

In nickels and a sock? You didn't have to go there. But since you did, I will, too. I want my ducats by Monday.

[Kim Coles]

No, no, you have your grip by Friday, okay? There's so much going on, let's break it down.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, you know Khadijah, she's more uptight. Uptight? Everything ain't all right. No, it's not. Nothing's all right. No, because she now that she owes the Max the money, Max and Khadijah get into a fight. And now in the first fight, and they gonna have to give what she wants. She wants. Khadijah wants to give Max her money back, right? Yeah, but you also have a B story. That's been building too. What's been happening in the meantime that you maybe haven't seen is that Kyle and Overton have been fighting about a dollar 24, like, bowling.

[Kim Coles]

Bowling hangout.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, bowling and beer that Overton paid and that he wants his money back. So they've been having a little tiff.

[Kim Coles]

Right. And I guess Kyle just never acknowledged it or whatever. So it was almost like, well, wait a minute, we have money problems. I love that Kyle says, not in front of the ladies, man. We're not gonna do this in front of the ladies. And over to. No, I want my money back.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

And so you have this fight that's also.

[Erica Alexander]

At the same time, for one thing, Kai was also bragging that men weren't like that with money. They were much more intrepid, all this other stuff. But when it came down to it, he said, wait a minute now, wait a minute. Some money. But here, Khadijah is now flipping out.

[Kim Coles]

What happened here is that Yvette Lee Bowser built in this contrast between the men and the women, how the men handle this issue and how the women handle this issue. And there's a contra. But there's something that's still so similar, and the way the women are dealing with it is so aggressive. And the men realize quickly that it's not worth fighting anymore. And so we see two men have this moment that you think women would easily do. Like, girl, I'm sorry. There's that sweet moment that these two men, as masculine as they are, can still go, I'm sorry, bro. I'm sorry. You know, it's sweet that this.

[Erica Alexander]

Other ways, looking at it, what's real is that that's both a myth when it comes to money. Human. I mean, humans fight about money more than anything else. Let's just be real. I mean, we have toppled nations over.

[Kim Coles]

We have. And the couples fight over money, people. Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. So how this kind of works out is sweet because it does show that the men make up more quickly, especially once they see how the women are losing their friendship over.

[Kim Coles]

Right, right.

[Erica Alexander]

And they don't want to lose that. But doesn't help Khadijah.

[Kim Coles]

No, no.

[Erica Alexander]

Because she really is having a hard time.

[Kim Coles]

She is.

[Erica Alexander]

You know what, though? We always thought that Kyle had more money, but he's kind of not just cheap, you know, he don't want to give this money back.

[Kim Coles]

Of course he has the money. And maybe he. Maybe the thing is that it's like, you know, I'm gonna give it to you, you know, when you're friends with somebody, it's like, I'll give it back to you. I'll give it back. Don't worry about it. Let's keep watching the play. What's happening between the women? Like, I'm gonna give it back to you. But it became a principle that he was asking for it in.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. The bottom line is Overton got got. You hear? He got got.

[Kim Coles]

He got got.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. And so he was fighting for respect and sort of giving my money back.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

So, you know, but we all battling over friendship. We battling over money. This whole crew is kind of undone by that. And that's why I think ultimately Khadijah does not want to owe you anything. Cause she's afraid that anybody could have the power to tear down what she's worked so hard to build. And so it's a funny way to talk about this, but if you're an entrepreneur at any point, you are desperately, desperately in need of capital.

[Kim Coles]

Capital all the time.

[Erica Alexander]

All the time. To be poured into your friends. And if you do, then that's on the line too.

[Kim Coles]

Right. And also, what does it say about you that you may be part of her problem? Is what does it say about me that I lost sight of the fact that I owed this man $2,000? Or does it mean that my business is not doing well? Does it mean that it's going to fail all the way? It's just a lot going on.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. That's this feeling of self esteem and worth and humiliation. The feeling again, like, did I. If people will see me as somebody who needs something.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Nobody wants to be seen like that. It's hard to ask for help. Wow.

[Kim Coles]

Can I get my money back that you borrowed at the top of the show? No. Okay.

[Erica Alexander]

Glad to be in business with you, Khadijah.

[Kim Coles]

The hell are you doing? I just wanted you to have a picture of the moment you sold out. I can't do it.

[Erica Alexander]

My magazine and your product don't mix.

[Kim Coles]

You know, I really respect your strength and integrity.

[Erica Alexander]

I.

[Kim Coles]

And I've gotta say, it makes my nature rise. All right, that's it. I tried to be next to you.

[Erica Alexander]

Now if you don't get your sorry.

[Kim Coles]

Sleazy behind out of my office, the great Steve White makes my nature rock.

[Erica Alexander]

That's awesome.

[Kim Coles]

So Khadijah decides to invite the slimy malt liquor guy back. And ultimately she refuses him. Out of integrity, right?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

With the help of Sinclair.

[Erica Alexander]

Absolutely.

[Kim Coles]

I love that. You know, I take this picture of her. Just. I want to take A picture of the moment that you decided to sell all the way out.

[Erica Alexander]

It's hilarious the way you pull up your pants. I mean, Kim does, you know, do amazing physical.

[Kim Coles]

It's from watching all that. All the great comedians of the 70s and 80s, 60s and.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, well, you know, I mean, listen, our survival depends on making sure that our choices do the least amount of harm to our people and our communities.

[Kim Coles]

And it's kind of difficult because, you know, a few monopolies just own everything.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, they do.

[Erica Alexander]

Want to elaborate?

[Kim Coles]

Huh?

[Erica Alexander]

You keep hinting at something, huh?

[Kim Coles]

No, no.

[Erica Alexander]

You got something you want to get off your chest?

[Kim Coles]

No, I have nothing I want to get off my chest. It's not for here. It's not for me.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, you know what? Listen, that's also bravo to Sinclair's integrity.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, she represents the moral and value center of the show.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Because when she does things, she does them out of love, not out of ignorance or bumbling. She does them just pure, sort of.

[Kim Coles]

Grounded and sort of like, this is the way it should be. This is the way it should be. Protection. Right.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. Right.

[Kim Coles]

And even when she, you know, spills the beans about Khadijah's thing, it's because it's. She has integrity and honesty.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. And that's how she gives support, which is worth more than money.

[Kim Coles]

Right? Oh, yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, wow. It is. Jim. Gym drop.

[Kim Coles]

Gym drop. Gym drop thing.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

I called this meeting to apologize.

[Erica Alexander]

You were wrong for telling my business. You were wrong for getting in my business, and you were wrong for getting into business with me.

[Kim Coles]

All right, now, maybe I could have.

[Erica Alexander]

Handled this whole thing better. Can I get an amen? You said it, sister.

[Kim Coles]

Yay.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, hey. And Khadijah is apologizing to all the women in her own way. And she also lets them know that accepting help is hard for her. And. And they know that she doesn't always have to be the strong friend and that she can lean on them for support. And that's what she's learned.

[Kim Coles]

Right. And beautifully, we all kind of come. I love the apology. And then we rehearse it. And then the timing is beautiful, even to the point where, if you all see, there's a point where she says, I'd like to apologize, and then she moves into position to deliver.

[Erica Alexander]

Like, she's like the principal scolding us in her. And then, of course, the great fields goes, thank you, Khadijah. You're such a gracious lady. You know, it's lovely.

[Kim Coles]

I'm not done yet, you know, we have to receive that from her and love her enough to know that this was tough for her. The apology was tough for her. And the moment is okay. It's all gonna be well. It's all gonna be well.

[Erica Alexander]

I love it. You know, lean on me when you're not strong.

[Kim Coles]

I don't know.

[Erica Alexander]

And I'll be your friend.

[Kim Coles]

You're better at harmonizing than I am.

[Erica Alexander]

I hope you carry. Come on. What you don't. Come on now. Somebody need to give me a deal. You somebody.

[Kim Coles]

So.

[Erica Alexander]

But anyway. No.

[Kim Coles]

Okay, moving on.

[Erica Alexander]

Let's get back to you.

[Kim Coles]

Let's get back to me. Is it so, so. But, but let's. Let's look at the friendship. So we have. You helped. The support is there.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, they are.

[Kim Coles]

Right. And you helped with the money.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

And Regine did her part with the fundraising with the, with the, the lingerie show.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, that's right.

[Kim Coles]

I helped by, you know, holding that moral center line.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. I mean, so that, that's, that's, that's her foundation.

[Kim Coles]

That's her foundation.

[Erica Alexander]

She's gonna always be okay.

[Kim Coles]

That's right. Always. I love it. All right. Five seasons worth. So. So that's in the Black is beautiful.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

I really hope that people fall in love with and really appreciate the titles of the shows too, because we're telling you in the title what's gonna happen. It's in the black. Meaning, you know, that's the term for accounting, that when you're in the black.

[Erica Alexander]

It'S beautiful as opposed to the red.

[Kim Coles]

Right. And in the black as in black Sisterhood, black friendship.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, absolutely. You know, and money. That's deep stuff.

[Kim Coles]

Deep stuff.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

All right.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, we gotta talk about. Talk about it.

[Kim Coles]

All right. We got the reverb.

[Erica Alexander]

You gonna tell us?

[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

Strips out in McDonald's.

[Kim Coles]

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[Erica Alexander]

You don't need to trade in.

[Kim Coles]

When you switch to T Mobile, we'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro. Plus we'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and.

[Erica Alexander]

You still get to keep it. There's always a trade in. Not right now. AT T Mobile I feel like I.

[Kim Coles]

Have to give you something in return for karma.

[Erica Alexander]

That's okay.

[Kim Coles]

I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender. I'm good. Seriously, Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints. Really, I'm fine.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, I have raisins.

[Kim Coles]

I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec.

[Erica Alexander]

I've got cupcakes in the car.

[Kim Coles]

It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line 100 plus a month on experience beyond Finance Agreement 999.99 and qualifying ported for well qualified plus tax and 10 connection charge payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits end in balance too if you pay off earlier. Cancer CT mobile.com this is the reverb our time to reflect on the episode's themes and how they still echo throughout the culture. So as we see, you know, this whole episode is about the. This fictional conflict about Latifah's character, Khadijah, choosing not to take the money that would compromise her. Her magazine's reputation, which is huge. Right. But in real life, I think it's a little bit more nuanced than that.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. Do tell, tell, tell, tell, tell, tell, tell, Tell what? I listen and I don't judge. I'm lying. I judge. We all judge. Come on, girl, tell it. Tell it.

[Kim Coles]

Maybe you won't judge. I'll just tell the story. So early in my career, I was given the opportunity to do a series of commercials. R.A. a malt liquor company. Oh, okay, okay. And by the time we're shooting this. This episode, I had already had this experience. So this was art imitating life, more than you know. So I've never talked about this. It was champagne. Is champagne even still around?

[Erica Alexander]

Champagne.

[Kim Coles]

There was champagne. Golden champagne. And I was called in to do these 10 radio spots, I think 30 seconds each for champagne, and it was $10,000.

[Erica Alexander]

Wow. Yeah, that's not a shabby sum.

[Kim Coles]

Not a shabby sum. Do 10 spots and you'll just shoot them all in one day.

[Erica Alexander]

Because we know from the 2000 that we can just double that. That's like $20,000 in today's moolah.

[Kim Coles]

Right? Oops. And I needed the money. I mean, I was new, you know, at comedy, and so I remember going in to do the spots and, you know, trying to read the lines, you know, really read the copy really bright. Like, hey, girlfriend, next time you're in the club and you want something, whatever it was, and they were like, ok, Kim, that was great. Can you do it again one more time and just add a little bit more oomph? And I was like, oh, okay. Hey, girlfriend, next time you're in the club, stop, stop. And this went on for like, the first, like, you know, hour or so, really. And at some point, someone took a piece of paper, like a, you know, and wrote in a Sharpie B blacker, and taped it to the inside of the booth so that I could see be blacker. So what ended up happening is I would read the copy like this. Hey, girlfriend, when you at the club, don't forget when you thirsty, you got to get your drink on. And my soul kept leaving my body. What does be blacker even mean? Like, this is a big conversation. What does it mean to be blacker? But I knew what they meant. And when I did that, they were like, yes, we got it. Move on to the next one. So then what had happened was.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, God. God, Kim.

[Kim Coles]

10 commercials. And I'm trying to keep it. Cause black is many, many things. But that's. That day.

[Erica Alexander]

You were black enough for the assignment.

[Kim Coles]

I wasn't black enough for the assignment.

[Erica Alexander]

And that right there.

[Kim Coles]

Wow. Be blacker now.

[Erica Alexander]

I think my soul just left my body.

[Kim Coles]

My soul was leaving because I knew that now I was. These spots were going out to a very specific audience. And if you think about it, for show, ads for malt liquor are not up in Beverly Hills.

[Erica Alexander]

No.

[Kim Coles]

Or in Connecticut. Some of your parts of Connecticut. This was a very specific audience that they were speaking to. In a very specific audience they were selling this product to. And I vowed I would never do something like that ever again. So for me, doing ads for alcohol are. No, because I know that they're. And there's nothing wrong with having a little cocktail here and there. But this.

[Erica Alexander]

But there was no sophistication to the way you were being presented. And the fact that. Now, who put up that sign? Black or white person? Was it black ad agency?

[Kim Coles]

It was a black ad agency. And listen, it's not. They weren't making the product. They were being called in to represent and do these ads. And they had been paid to do that. And they needed the person they had hired to do the jokes, to do the copy. And I still have that piece of paper. I stuck it. I took it down. And now the tape has yellowed, you know, from where they had taped it to the inside of the booth. I still have that. I never framed it. Cause I couldn't quite put that up on a wall. But I remember the moment that I had to decide, yeah, yeah, you know what?

[Erica Alexander]

That's a piece of black memorabilia. As important as a picture of somebody in blackface. What they were asking you to do was blackface.

[Kim Coles]

I understand that now.

[Erica Alexander]

And it's important, I think. Thank you. You know, we listen and we don't judge.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you for not judging.

[Erica Alexander]

But it's funny that they asked you to do that. Because they probably saw some of that in your act and they thought you would do a character. The problem is, you showed up as Kim Coles, and that wasn't. It's like they revoked your black card that you weren't black enough. But me coming from Arizona, I faced that all the time for many years. I didn't get roles because a lot of them wanted you to come and be like, hey, Girl, isn't that. Oh, really? Oh, he crazy. Hey, you know what? And I didn't know how to be inauthentic in that way because I didn't think it was character based. I thought it was front loaded with a bunch stereotypes. And I was like, you ain't gonna get me out there. And after a while, your bank account goes low and you're finding out you're getting the eviction notices and everything. El. And people think that we. This, you know, these overbearing, spoiled people that get paid a lot and we got tons of residuals coming in. The artist's life, being a comedian, actors, you know, as we are, you get paid for that week. And you might get a little bit on the back end as things come in, as negotiated with contract, but most of the time, you spend most of your life unemployed, of course, you know, and so I see why you might have been in that position and taken that.

[Kim Coles]

Right? And it was early, like I said, it was early in my career. And to get a commercial, a radio spot was. It was 10 spots. Why wouldn't I say yes to it? Until I got in the room and I realized what was required. And I could have, in that moment, said, I gotta go, guys.

[Erica Alexander]

But you would have done that because your work ethic, right?

[Kim Coles]

And outside the context of people waiting for you, there's a whole other.

[Erica Alexander]

And you also probably felt like you were letting them down. If it's an hour and they're still asking for something, you're like, what's going on?

[Kim Coles]

What do you mean? I, I am black. I am being sassy. Or I, I, I found my way to add my own kick on it that I thought would be acceptable. And they were like, no, we need you to go all the way someplace else.

[Erica Alexander]

I understand why, but there's a lot of people who took the money and never thought about how it impacted the community.

[Kim Coles]

I took that. I understood how it impacted the community. I took that money. I did.

[Erica Alexander]

So there's a special place in hell for you.

[Kim Coles]

But promise I never wouldn't.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, I'm gonna get you out of here. You know, I'm gonna. On your behalf, I will, I will ask.

[Kim Coles]

You'll ask for what?

[Erica Alexander]

I will go and entreat the great Oz. When I get up there and say, you know, Kim didn't really mean.

[Kim Coles]

God knows my heart. I've been making up for it ever since by being excellent in everything, always. And you were excellent that day. No, I was being excellent. I made a decision. And also choosing. There's a lot of stuff I've said no to. Like, there's people who can do that so much better.

[Erica Alexander]

But you know what? A lot of people just didn't even. They didn't even come to me. Like, people are like, oh, did you get that audition? No, I think they. The sniff. I didn't pass the sniff test. They were like, erica is not the one.

[Kim Coles]

Are you grateful that you didn't pass that sniff test?

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you, Lord. Because you know what? Who knows if I had done well in something and ended up being in that position to say, should I? There's a part of us that wants to people please.

[Kim Coles]

Of course.

[Erica Alexander]

In a real sense, everybody's coming. I'm a people please. I'm people. And then they don't please anybody but themselves. Selfish, sort of motivational. They've got from their therapy, but.

[Kim Coles]

And they don't even please themselves because they know that they're not being authentic. But then there's that.

[Erica Alexander]

But a lot of actors are people pleasers because you spend your whole time saying, is this what you want? Is this what you want?

[Kim Coles]

Is this what you want?

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, that's what you want. You want me. And then suddenly you're gonna say no to that. It's a tough gig.

[Kim Coles]

It is.

[Erica Alexander]

Woo. My gosh. I mean, thank you. I mean, that's real life. Thank you. That was actually worse. Thank you for saying that. Here, too. I mean, but, you know, this is fictional. And in here, Khadijah Latifah is the strong woman. Yeah, she's a strong woman. And heavy is the head that wears the crown. You know what I'm saying? I mean, it's difficult for all of us. I mean, we've all sometime had early success, and it's difficult to have that identity. And, you know, the burden that comes.

[Kim Coles]

Of the strong woman. And I can do it all myself. And, you know, this identity, especially as black women, this identity that we feeling. This is a long conversation to have that we. That we put on. It's like, I have to be a strong woman. I have to be the strong one. And I love that she is the. She's the strong one. And we are each strong in our own way. And then we. We lift each other up and we hold each other.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. But family and friends and all these sorts of things kind of can distort the type of, you know, you. You're. You're trying to be successful, but suddenly there's jealousy, there's anger, anger. There's generational trauma that we're dealing with there's the idea that we're particularly vulnerable because so many people did their best to put us in that position.

[Kim Coles]

There's that and then there's that.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, if you're the first in your family to succeed, you can often be the target of a lot of scorn. And people don't even realize if the person who was pushed forward was successful. Everybody being held back and like, well, why them? And, you know, all the sort of weird feelings that it brings up and.

[Kim Coles]

Can you bring me along and will I get my chance or. There's a lot.

[Erica Alexander]

But there's a movement. There's a movement right now for rest and relaxation, people getting out and camping. Now there's like a turn for like, you know, say, let's get away from this. We don't have to always hold up the world. We can frolic. You seen them black men frolicking when.

[Kim Coles]

They have black boy joy and joy frolicking. There's a beautiful one with these brothers riding a bike and singing their song. And, you know, and there's a guy skipping. It's so wonderful.

[Erica Alexander]

And traveling, getting their passports and saying, hey, you know, this is an act of protest and resistance to say, we're not bound by, you know, borders.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

And the first border is getting past the ones in your mind. Ooh, Jim.

[Kim Coles]

Danger and napping as a resistance. You know about the nap ministry and rest is resistance. And it's okay to lay it down for a minute so that you can rejuvenate yourself and be stronger than ever. And then there's the conversations of the stories that we tell ourselves. And, you know, people talk about it as a woo woo and not woo woo woo, but a woo woo perspective. But the universe really does give us the opportunities to. To live the identity and create yourself anew anytime you choose and grow.

[Erica Alexander]

And so living single does its best to push against that by offering the conversation around. You can be strong, Latifah as Khadijah, but you have friends and foundation that you can relax in. We have your back. And that's the real thing, is to show how to be that foundation in a healthy way.

[Kim Coles]

You know, we're showing it on a fictional show. If you don't have it in your life, know that it's. It's possible and you can go seek that out.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, yeah, you can have that.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. So, I mean, you don't have to always do it on your own, frankly. You know what? You can't do it on your own. You're stronger together you know, stronger together.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, that's right.

[Kim Coles]

It takes a village. It's not all these phrases that we.

[Erica Alexander]

That comes from Africa. It takes a village, right? Oh, no.

[Kim Coles]

Find your tribe and talk about it. I think we, you know, this whole strong thing where we get out, we stay in our silos, and I don't want anybody to know. And just like, you know, Khadijah didn't want anybody to know. Don't tell Sinclair. Don't. Don't tell. But when you open that up, you open up the opportunity for someone to resonate and relate to you and help you in that way, and then you help each other.

[Erica Alexander]

Kim, that was a real crazy story, and I appreciate you saying it, but, you know, we gotta replace that badass with a good ad.

[Kim Coles]

You think we could do it?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, we can do it.

[Kim Coles]

Okay, let's do it. I'm ready. Ready.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay.

[Kim Coles]

If you're a black woman, ask someone for help. If you aren't a black woman, help at least three black women in your life.

[Erica Alexander]

If for some reason you're listening to this podcast and don't know three black women, make sure to share this show with 10 friends. You'll be helping at least two black women now.

[Kim Coles]

Blacker. Oh, God.

[Erica Alexander]

The fuck?

[Kim Coles]

It's time for True Blue, where we hear from our friends. And that's a cross between friends and fans. Amber, who do we have? So I was actually a late adapter to this amazing show that you guys were both on. And I want to know, like, why do you guys think it's still relevant now? Why do you guys think it's so necessary to have these conversations about, you know, black wealth? Generational wealth, generational trauma, relationships between, you know, different types of black individuals and personalities. My name is Sky.

[Erica Alexander]

Yay, Sky.

[Kim Coles]

You were live with Sky.

[Erica Alexander]

I was live with sky at the Farmer's market.

[Kim Coles]

Wow.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. She's wonderful set designer and that type of thing. Sky asks a great question. Why is it important? She's new to the show, but why is it important that her generation talk about what we were talking about now here in this episode?

[Kim Coles]

I think it still tracks. It still matters. You know, I love when people say that the show still is still relevant. And so that proves that these are conversations that we were having then, that we're having that were being had before we even started doing a show like this, and that it still tracks and still matters and that these conversations and these. These relationships still matter. And so I just think it's still.

[Erica Alexander]

It's still relevant, but it's also still happening. Let's be clear. Black women are the most entrepreneurial community in America. They're also, as in their population, their population side, the most educated and successful inside of that, despite having the least amount of venture capital.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

This is the resources. If we say that there's a big pool of venture capital going around supporting and or investing in businesses, what's the percentage you think goes to black women? Tell me. Guess. It guesstimate.

[Kim Coles]

So the resources that are out there and the resources that go to black women.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, the percentage. If there's 100%. How much of that do you think we're getting?

[Kim Coles]

2%.

[Erica Alexander]

Okay, good guess. Women overall get about 2%. Black women get about 0.5%. Not even a full percent. Maybe 0.6%. We get 0.6%. And we're the most entrepreneur and also educating degrees overall, working our butts off. And no one will invest in our ideas and our businesses and our lives. And that right there is a class action shoot. No. As far as I'm concerned, power to the people, baby. That's why you need to have these conversations so you know what you're up against. You can succeed, but not if you don't know the score.

[Kim Coles]

And do you think that if there's more education and more information and more of us who have, you know, maybe achieved another. A particular level, make sure that we go back and educate, make sure that we go back and share. Make sure that we know that there are resources available because the resources are there. I think part of it is that we don't know that we can go and ask. We don't know how to. Sometimes we don't learn how to set up our businesses in a way so that they can receive those extra funds, those extra things, and create more of a community, more of a conversation, so that people know that those resources are indeed there. So I think that's.

[Erica Alexander]

Their resources are there, but they're not coming from the wider world. Ooh, that was. No pun intended.

[Kim Coles]

Got it.

[Erica Alexander]

That's real. We are not alone. There are the Latino and the Asian and all that. But if we are pit against each other and work at things that don't matter, we don't do the fusion politics that Martin Luther King talked about. Martin Luther King talked about that when he created the poor people's campaign because he thought if we come together, we're not poor. We're very diverse communities. We're a powerhouse. And we need to get to that. That resource is the source, that unity, that extra unity that Unity. But that comes from education and also not seeing ourselves as going after too little. There's a lot there, but it starts with again, the mindset.

[Kim Coles]

Ooh, education.

[Erica Alexander]

I hope the gyms would drop.

[Kim Coles]

Do we drop a drop a gym?

[Erica Alexander]

Thank you, friends. Appreciate it. Like that word. Don't forget to send your question and comments to reliving single podcastartbeat.com.

[Kim Coles]

Well, that's the show. It was a good show. It was a great show.

[Erica Alexander]

That was a chunky show.

[Kim Coles]

Chunky and fabulous. We want to thank everybody for listening and watching and continue to listen and watch and follow us on all the socials at Reliving single podcast on YouTube and Spotify and Apple podcasts and really all the places where you get your podcasts.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, please. And friends, help us build the reliving Single community by having watch parties and posting living Single memorabilia and telling your stories on social media.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. And we want you to be true blue ambassadors. Keep sending in your questions and comments and all that and we'll see you next week. How about that?

[Erica Alexander]

Ciao. We love you.

[Kim Coles]

Reliving Single is hosted by Erica Alexander and me, Kim Coles. Reliving Single is a production of Heart Feet in association with Color Farm Media, Executive produced by Kevin Hart, Jeff Clanigan, Eric Eddings, Leslie Guam, Erica Alexander and Ben R. Nan. This show is produced by Kim Coles. Amber Watson is our senior producer. Our associate producer is Kenny Jackson. Our sound engineers are Eric Hicks and Cedric Wilson. Production supervision by Razak Boycott. Additional production support from Alex Atkins and Z. Taylor. And a Special thanks to Dr. E.J. johnson. Hi, Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.

[Erica Alexander]

Thanks.

[Kim Coles]

And here's my old phone to transfer.

[Erica Alexander]

You don't need a trade in when.

[Kim Coles]

You switch to T Mobile. We'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro. Plus we'll help you pay off your old phone. Up to 800 bucks and you still.

[Erica Alexander]

Get to keep it. There's always a trade in.

[Kim Coles]

Not right now.

[Erica Alexander]

@ T Mobile.

[Kim Coles]

I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.

[Erica Alexander]

That's okay.

[Kim Coles]

I don't really have much in my purse.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, let's see.

[Kim Coles]

Hand sanitizer. It's lavender. I'm good. Seriously. Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints. Really, I'm fine.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, I have a raisins.

[Kim Coles]

I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec.

[Erica Alexander]

I've got cupcakes in the car.

[Kim Coles]

It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile. Get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your Phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line 100 plus a month on experience beyond Finance Agreement 999.99 and qualify. Imported for well qualified plus tax and 10 connection charge. Payout via virtual prepaid card below 15 days credits and if you pay off early or Cancel, see t mobile.com hi Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.

[Erica Alexander]

Thanks.

[Kim Coles]

And here's my old phone to trade in.

[Erica Alexander]

You don't need a trade in.

[Kim Coles]

When you switch to T Mobile. We'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro. Plus we'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and.

[Erica Alexander]

You still get to keep it. There's always a trade in.

[Kim Coles]

Not right now. @ T Mobile. I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.

[Erica Alexander]

That's okay.

[Kim Coles]

I don't really have much in my purse.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, let's see.

[Kim Coles]

Hand sanitizer. It's lavender. I'm good. Seriously. Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints. Really, I'm fine.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, I have raisins.

[Kim Coles]

I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec.

[Erica Alexander]

I've got cupcakes in the car.

[Kim Coles]

It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile. Get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your Phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New models 100 plus a month on experience beyond finance agreement. $999.99 and qualifying. Boarded for well qualified plus tax and $10 connection charge. Payout via virtual prepaid card below 15 days. Credits end in balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel ctmobile.com.