Branded Content

Maryland Vice-Principal Discusses the Challenges and Triumphs of Teaching

“Anitra Washington stumbled into a career as an educator. As a biology undergrad major, Washington believed she’d pursue an occupation within the medical field, dismissing the fulfillment she’d felt when working with teenagers during after school programs.“I’ve always loved science. In my mind I thought OBGYN work would give me a chance to do something that made me happy,” Washington said during a Zoom conference. “Who doesn’t want to help women in medicine? Who doesn’t want to deliver babies? T...

Lovers Rock: The Respite and Romance for Young Black Brits

Lovers rock doesn’t ask for your permission. When the music saunters through the speakers, your shoulders give way to an easy sway before the rest of your body notices. The groove then takes hold and, just like that, you’re caught. It isn’t a deceitful or manipulative capture; the music has always been direct about its pull and purpose and rarely does it ever miss the intended target: you.Often cited as the U.K.’s Motown, lovers rock gave people the feels and proved to be one of the most immacul...

Desus & Mero’s Limited-Edition Timberland Collab is a Childhood Dream Come True

There are some collaborations that make so much sense you have to wonder if the partnership wasn’t always a thing or are you just late to the party. Timberland linking up with Desus Nice and The Kid Mero for a limited-edition boot is one of those “Yeah, that works” kind of collabs.Known for its simplicity and durability, Timbs have long been a staple within New York culture. During their ascent from online to Showtime, Desus & Mero have represented the Big Apple in a similar way. More than just...

Christian Louboutin Gives The ’90s Its Flowers With This New Astroloubi Sneaker

The ’90s were a special time. Bursting with creativity, culture, and entertainment, the decade helped define a generation and became a blueprint for future generations. The ’90s were also when fashion stopped playing by the rules. It was no longer about doing what was “acceptable” and became the era that encouraged doing what was comfortable for you. Authenticity was the name of the game—this was especially true for professional basketball players.The athletes of yesteryear set the bar high. Win...

Peacock's ‘Fight Night ’Taps Artists and Businesses to Bring ‘70s Energy to the 404

Chicken Man, Cadillac Richie, JD Hudson, Vivian Thomas, and of course, some dude named Frank. Why? Well, isn't there always some guy named Frank?These are a few of the players in Peacock’s new original limited-series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. The show is executive-produced by Will Packer and Kevin Hart, who also stars as the lead protagonist, Chicken Man. Viewers are transported to the 1970s in Atlanta, Georgia, on the evening of Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight. Set against a backdrop...

Lexus BHM: Lorenzo McCloud is Doing Good Business

Black creativity is the bedrock of American culture. To celebrate this legacy, Lexus and Complex partnered to create The New Guard: a three-part editorial series highlighting the new visionaries engineering a future we’ve yet to see—but will no doubt benefit from. For Lorenzo McCloud, his secret sauce to becoming one of the sport industry's most trusted names is in his “old-school” approach. For McCloud, honesty, integrity, and decency aren’t just his personal virtues; they’re also how he does b...

Hulu’s ‘Washington Black’ Explores the Power of Imagination and Resilience

If you want to catch your dreams, you must chase them. That noble pursuit requires more than putting your right foot in front of your left. It demands a commitment to the goal, an unwavering belief that you can accomplish what you’re setting out to do, and the ability to envision yourself crossing the finish line. These attributes become lifelines when you’re the first or only one in your immediate environment with the gumption to try. And it’s these themes of imagination, resilience, and curios...

Mr. Flower Fantastic Created a Custom Sneaker Decanter

You learn a lot about an artist by the tools they covet most. While some opt for a canvas, paint and paint brushes others may choose film and camera. For Mr. Flower Fantastic, he’s always chosen to express himself through more natural outlets.As his name suggests, the Queens-native made something of himself by employing rose buds and garden scissors as his instruments of choice. “The scissors that I use come from different areas of the world, some from Japan, some from Brazil, some from Africa,...