Black love, particularly Black romantic love, is a robust celebration of resilience, pleasure and connection that transcends the hardships confronted by our communities. It’s a good looking tapestry woven from shared historical past, tradition and experiences that affirm our existence and energy.
For our individuals, showcasing Black love—together with the LGBT+ group—serves as an important reminder that love is multifaceted and deserving of visibility. It highlights the significance of illustration, permitting us to see ourselves within the tales and relationships that form all our narratives that problem stereotypes, dismantle societal norms and encourage future generations to embrace their identities unapologetically.
In a world that always tries to erase us, celebrating all types of Black love isn’t just an act of defiance; it’s a solution to honor our fact and foster a way of belonging for everybody inside the spectrum of our wealthy, numerous identities.
Meet the 9 {couples} gracing EBONY’s February 2025 Love In Shade Challenge, captured by photographer Tayo Kuku Jr.
Ashley & Anthony
Age: 34 and 36
Relationship standing: Married
Anthony Prince, movie director and photographer, and Ashley Cimone Leslie, proprietor of Ashya, a bag model, didn’t begin with some grand, rom-com worthy second. It was a vibe, a sense, an power that pulled them collectively throughout a crowded room throughout Style’s Evening Out. The creatives are often the most effective gown couple within the room, they usually have distinctive vogue senses that gentle up any room they step foot in.
“I actually noticed her nostril ring twinkling,” Anthony recalled, laughing. “She was simply glowing, the happiest individual within the room. I instructed my pal, ‘Yeah, I gotta speak to her.’” And identical to that, a decade-long journey of affection, partnership and development started.
For them, Black love isn’t nearly romance—it’s about exhibiting up for one another in each approach. “Love is a verb,” Ashley mentioned, emphasizing that it’s about motion, not simply phrases. She expresses her love by way of unwavering assist, ensuring Anthony feels seen and uplifted in all points of his life.
And Anthony? He listens; he takes notes—actually. “She’ll be scrolling on-line, saying, ‘Ooh, I want I had this,’ and I’m like, ‘Famous,’” he mentioned. “Then, growth—birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, it’s hers.” However past presents, he holds it down in on a regular basis methods, calling himself “Mr. Clear” for the way in which he retains their house so as. “I ebook the physician’s appointments, fold the garments—no matter she wants, I acquired her.”
To them, Black love in full coloration is all in regards to the particulars—the unstated care, the small moments, the within jokes, and even the stuff you received’t see in films. “Like her taking out my ingrown hairs,” Anthony joked. “The place’s that illustration in Black love tales?” Ashley agreed, “Love isn’t simply the large moments—it’s within the day-to-day, in the way in which we present up for one another, time and again.” And after 10 years, they’re nonetheless exhibiting up, nonetheless rising, nonetheless loving—loud, proud, and in full coloration.
Lellies & Kris
Ages: 29 and 36
Relationship standing: Companions
In a energetic change stuffed with laughter, Lellies Santiago, from North New Jersey, and Kris Kasanova, from Mattress-Stuy, Brooklyn, recounted the stunning spark that ignited their relationship. “We met at a pal’s celebration, and actually, it felt just like the worst first assembly ever as a result of Kas [Kris] was completely lit,” Lellies recalled with a chuckle, reminiscing in regards to the chaos of that night time. Kris added, “I used to be making an attempt to play matchmaker for my dude, however I ended up simply appearing a idiot as an alternative!” Regardless of the rocky begin, their capability to navigate the awkwardness in the end led to Kris sliding into Lellies’ DMs and asking her out. “I used to be intrigued from soar,” Kris confessed, flashing an enthralling grin, whereas Lellies playfully remarked, “He knew how one can impress me with meals, so I used to be like, ‘Okay, he can feed me!’”
Their first date turned out to be an unforgettable journey that took them from having fun with Miss Lily’s scrumptious delicacies to a energetic rock present the place Kris launched Lellies to his trade connections. “It was wild! Assembly artists backstage and vibing out within the studio with Jerry Surprise? Speak about a vibe test!” Lellies exclaimed, reflecting on the spontaneity that characterised their time collectively.
Kris famous how simple it was to attach with Lellies, saying, “What I liked was how down she was for no matter.” The laughter that echoed by way of their dialog made it clear that their chemistry was simple. As they playfully declared, “the remainder was historical past,” it grew to become evident that generally essentially the most chaotic beginnings can pave the way in which for one thing actually particular.
It’s obvious that Lellies and Kris unfolding story isn’t just redefining their love but in addition reshaping the narrative of Black love in a world that always distorts it. “To me, Black love is like this unshakeable pressure,” Lellies expressed passionately, her eyes shining with conviction. “It’s that uncooked, unapologetic vibe you see when a Black couple radiates pleasure collectively. It’s resilient, constructed on overcoming private traumas and discovering magnificence in sudden locations.”
Kris nodded in settlement, including, “Precisely! It’s about making a protected house for one another, like after we relax with some seafood and a horrible film, simply to snicker it off collectively. It’s greater than romance; it’s a bond that carries us by way of life’s chaos.” Their love story serves as a reminder that Black love isn’t just about wrestle but in addition a celebration of pleasure, authenticity and resilience, superbly coloured by their distinctive experiences collectively.
Aïssata & Ali
Age: 31 and 30
Relationship standing: Married
Ali Camara and Aïssata Diallo’s love story is a testomony to the magic of Black love—unapologetic, deeply rooted and filled with intentionality. The couple, now based mostly in Atlanta however without end repping the Bronx, first crossed paths at a marriage proposal, although their preliminary encounter wasn’t precisely a fairytale second.
“He was simply giving bizarre vibes,” Aïssata admitted with fun, recalling the second. Ali approached her desk asking for a serviette, just for her to mistakenly provide him a handshake as an alternative. “I used to be like, ew, no serviette?” Ali joked, including that regardless of the awkward first impression, it didn’t take lengthy for his or her connection to flourish. And whereas Aïssata playfully insisted she didn’t instantly fall for him, Ali confidently reminded her, “Then you definately slid in my DMs.”
For Ali, Black love is about overcoming obstacles which have traditionally tried to maintain Black {couples} from thriving. “Particularly in America, the system crashes down on {our relationships}, on our economics, on every thing,” he defined. “And for us to nonetheless discover love? That’s essentially the most highly effective factor.” She echoed the sentiment, describing Black love as “highly effective, resilient and carrying legacy.” Their love isn’t just about them—it’s a mirrored image of one thing greater, one thing historic, one thing sacred. “It’s holy,” Ali added. “It’s us.”
The way in which they present up for one another in love is each grand and intimate. Ali’s love language is safety—praying over Aïssata, main spiritually, guaranteeing she at all times feels protected. “Since I met her, she believed in me and always tells me I can do higher,” he mentioned.
Aïssata, however, finds pleasure within the little issues. “He doesn’t even know, however after we used to dwell in an condo, I might ship the elevator again down for him so he wouldn’t have to attend,” she shared. Love, in all its coloration, is within the particulars—the unstated gestures, the understanding glances, the way in which they stroll right into a room collectively, realizing they belong. “Individuals see us, they usually know one thing’s completely different,” Ali mentioned. “Black love at its highest stage is unapologetic.” And that’s the actual flex.
Doquan & Edvin
Age: 34 and 32
Relationship standing: Companions
For 2 homosexual Black Jamaican males, their love is at all times in coloration! Black love is a alternative. A alternative that Edvin Thompson Jamacia-born designer and Doquan Hines New York native and health and vogue guru makes each single day with intention and pleasure. The couple, who first linked on social media, has constructed a relationship rooted in authenticity, communication and unwavering assist.
“Limitless,” Doquan mentioned when requested to outline Black love. “Transformative,” Edvin added. Their love isn’t nearly romance; it’s about exhibiting up, sharing goals, and making time for one another regardless of life’s calls for. “Spending time collectively is so vital, particularly when life will get busy,” Doquan emphasised. The pair work collectively on Edvin’s clothes model Theophilio, which is rooted in coloration and love for his or her heritage. Nonetheless, love extends past house—it’s skilled in new locations and adventures, from Palm Heights in Grand Cayman to swimming in Mexico’s hidden caves.
However love isn’t simply in regards to the highs; it’s about navigating challenges with grace. Their secret? “Talk, talk, talk,” Doquan burdened. “Sit down, have a dialog, and be respectful.” In a world the place Black love is commonly misrepresented, they make a degree to be intentional about how they love. “We present our love in a really sincere approach,” Edvin shared. Whether or not it’s in individual or on social media, the 2 aren’t afraid to loudly present their love for each other, regardless of the world and a few individuals from their heritage not understanding. They accomplish that effortlessly and look good whereas doing so.
At its core, their relationship is about presence and power—feeling seen, supported and celebrated. “Black love is magical,” Edvin declared. “Stunning,” Doquan added. And as they proudly proclaim, “And we’re right here with EBONY,” it’s clear their love is each—a testomony to the facility and sweetness of selecting one another each single day.
Asiah & Gerald
Age: 31 and 38
Relationship standing: Married
For Gerald and Asiah James Cannon, Black love is extra than simply romance—it’s a basis, a motion and a dedication to constructing one thing actual. “It means every thing,” Gerald shared, reflecting on his upbringing and the significance of setting an instance. “We have to present that being with your individual, rising with your individual, is highly effective.” For Asiah, it’s about deep connection and shared expertise. “Being in love with somebody who pertains to you on so many ranges? That’s a good looking factor,” she mentioned. “All love is vital, however Black love? It’s acquired just a little further spice.”
Their love story began at Topshop—again when it nonetheless existed—and what started as a piece connection was one thing deeper. Now, as newlyweds, their relationship is a mixture of romance, practicality and on a regular basis acts of service. “Gerald’s love language? Acts of service,” Asiah laughed. “He’s at all times doing the little issues, like steaming my garments or stunning me with ice cream.”
Gerald added, “And Asiah? She makes positive I’m on high of life—emails, physician’s appointments, every thing. She’s my rock.” Their model of Black love isn’t in regards to the wrestle—it’s about deliberately selecting one another, day after day, and placing within the work to construct a life collectively.
However what does love in coloration imply to them? Gerald saved it easy: “Black individuals simply being. Joyful, entire and at peace.” Asiah took it a step additional, acknowledging the stereotypes about Black relationships within the media. “Individuals love to point out our love as wrestle, as if we’re at all times simply surviving one thing. However Black love isn’t nearly making it by way of—we’re out right here thriving, rising and creating legacies,” she mentioned. After 11 years collectively, they’re not simply working by way of one thing; they’re working in direction of one thing. And that love story is price telling.
J’nelle & Arthur
Age: 37 and 42
Relationship standing: Companions
As soon as upon a time, a princess from Queens, N.Y., fell for a prince from Nashville, Tenn. And it actually was love at first sight. EBONY’s Government Director of Editorial J’nelle Agee and her associate, company government Arthur Butler, have been collectively since assembly at a sorority get together in 2023. In March 2025, they’ll welcome their first baby.
The couple has let go of the trail usually anticipated by others. “Watching my mother and father, the way in which that they liked, the way in which that my grandparents liked, I believed that that was the trail that I needed to go on,” Butler shared as he was beforehand married which ended divorce.
Instead, they’ve created a union that’s genuinely their very own. “Being in a relationship the place you are feeling cared for, and guarded, and you’re feeling like the one that you’re with is simply purported to be your individual,” Agee says of the energy of their connection. The couple additionally mirrored on societal norms and following the timelines of their friends. “We’re about to have a child, however our definition of Black love is what makes us really feel snug and what we get pleasure from doing and having fun with one another’s firm collectively,” Agee mentioned.
Butler will get much more granular, based on his definition. “Black like to me is basically sacrifice with out remorse,” he declared. “It’s additionally J’nelle.”
Communication and honesty are the keys to their love staying alive, as they create a brand new legacy of Black love that doesn’t observe anticipated outcomes. As an alternative, it’s serving them their very own fortunately ever after.
Jannah & Kiyanna
Age: 38 and 35
Relationship standing: Married
Destiny will at all times discover a solution to deliver the fitting individuals collectively. Jannah and Kiyanna Useful grew up in the identical Brooklyn, N.Y. neighborhood, however didn’t join till working at a college campus in New Jersey. “We grew up about 600 ft from each other, so we in all probability met within the cornerstone in a bodega someplace,” mentioned Kiyanna.
Co-owners of Blk Classic Market in Brooklyn, these first buddies have watched their love blossom over their 13-year relationship, by way of work and play. “We’ve each developed and grown into our maturity. Being a household, and that being a verb, is exhibiting love by way of, exhibiting up for each other frequently, acts of care, acts of service and consideration, I feel that that’s actually vital,” she continued.
The reflection the 2 see inside each other additionally bolsters their love. “The factor I like essentially the most about my associate is that she is a mirrored image of me in her Blackness in her womanness and boldness. We get to simply kiki for a lifetime, and so I like that,” Jannah exclaimed. “We are saying on a regular basis that we’re equally yoked, and I discovered someone who’s simply as a lot of a sensible ass as I’m, so I like it.”
Now the couple is standing up for love in coloration in all its varieties. “I take into consideration youthful me, being a tomboy again within the day and not likely seeing lots of queer illustration of Black queer ladies in fruitful relationships, in marriages and long-term commitments,” Jannah mentioned, “For us, it actually grew to become a aware and intentional option to be the entrance and the face of our enterprise, as a result of we all know it’s vital for the way vital that illustration is.”
Kiyanna concluded, “Black love means every thing to us. We descend from Black households. We’re elevating and creating and cultivating Black households as effectively. It’s the cornerstone of the Black group, and if we aren’t taking care of each other and deliberately caring for each other in tactile methods, who else is gonna do it?”
Jamila & Ali
Age: 36 and 43
Relationship standing: Married
If love is a big gamble, Jamila and Ali Wright are its largest winners. Ali, a Brooklyn native, met his Georgia peach, Jamila Wright, at a mutual pal’s celebration celebration in Atlantic Metropolis, N.J. They nerded out over books, Black information and the Black Panther get together and have been collectively ever since that fateful night time over 10 years in the past.
As co-owners of Brooklyn Tea in Brooklyn, N.Y., this couple has brewed up a definition of Black love that speaks to all.
It’s a “declaration that on this loopy world [where] we will usually be uncared for as individuals…that we will discover one another and we will discover solace and safety,” mentioned Jamila. “A must see his Black pleasure shine by way of, to see my pleasure shine by way of. There’s a dedication to make that occur.”
Their love can also be linked by their historical past and heritage. “Being with somebody who’s so shut associated to your tradition is simply actually cool,” mentioned Ali.
As they develop in love, so does their appreciation for what every brings to the desk. “He’s so curious in regards to the world that we dwell in and that his perspective isn’t the one one,” Jamila mentioned. “It’s compelled me to be extra curious and stroll this life being much less opinionated. I’m grateful for that.”
Together with the understanding that theirs is a love grounded. “Two individuals going to work, coming house, giving hugs, dancing in the course of the lounge, cooking collectively, like simply common on a regular basis issues collectively…Which may not make for good salacious TV,” Ali shared. “However I feel it makes for good stable foundations for household and residential.”
S. Princess & Bahir Jessie
Age: 42 and 45
Relationship standing: Married
For S. Princess and Bahir Jessie, love started of their adolescence. “We had been boyfriend and girlfriend early on in highschool,” Bahir mentioned. Whereas they went their separate methods for school and the beginning of maturity, the Holy Spirit and a visit to Chilly Stone Creamery introduced them again collectively.
“I’m strolling out [of the store] and [the Holy Spirit] mentioned, ‘No, no, no. Sit proper right here and face that approach.’ I sit down and I begin consuming my ice cream, and right here [S. Princess] comes. I say, ‘Hey, attractive.’ And it was the most effective factor that ever occurred to me. We’ve been collectively ever since.”
Their joint beliefs have constructed their stable basis of Black love. “Whenever you’re settled in who you might be, after which God sends you what you ask for. And whenever you’re in a spot of being prepared to obtain it, it’s safety,” S. Princess exclaimed. “It’s sacred. It’s enjoyable. It’s wrestle. It’s understanding. It’s rising. I do imagine Black love is rising. Black love is stable. And I really feel that it is rather in vogue.”
The occasions planner and company government have made it a private mission to raise Black love in essentially the most constructive gentle, leaving the negativity and hurtful stereotypes behind. “It’s vital to have the suitable view,” Bahir declared, “rising as a tradition just isn’t permitting it to persist and exhibiting all of the fantastic issues that Black love has to supply, as EBONY is doing.”
S. Princess added, “That’s the entire dope factor about good Black love; you symbolize for everyone who needs to get some. And I do suppose it’s attainable. You gotta have a good time it.”