Another week has passed and it was full of our favorite celebrities enjoying the good times with birthdays, vacations, and spending time with loved ones.
Does This Count as Thrifting?
Tracee Ellis Ross, on the set of “Black-ish,” hopes to snag this adorable dress from the wardrobe department.
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Instagram (@traceeellisross)
Beauty and the Books
Yara Shahidi enjoys a day at The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles.
Yara Shahidi’s Instagram (@yarashahidi)
The Best Holiday
Simone Biles grabs a drink at Big City Wings in Houston to celebrate National Margarita Day.
Simone Biles’ Instagram (@simonebiles)
Beach Day
Angela Simmons takes her son, Sutton, out for a day on the beach.
Angela Simmons’ Instagram (@angelasimmons)
Bahama Babe
Draya Michele serves a look over the waters of Nassau, Bahamas.
Draya Michele’s Instagram (@drayamichele)
Giving Back
Shaunie O’Neal participates in a day of water and food distribution in Houston following the loss of power, water and heat for many across the city.
Shaunie O’Neal’s Instagram (@shaunieoneal5)
Zoo Day!
Toya Johnson takes her friend Lena Huggs and their daughters out for a day at Zoo Atlanta.
Toya Johnson’s Instagram (@toyajohnson)
Finer With Time
Cynthia Bailey celebrates her 54th birthday in Jamaica with her husband, Mike Hill, and daughter, Noelle.
Cynthia Bailey’s Instagram (@cynthiabailey)
Starting Early
Safaree takes his daughter, Safire, out for her first ride on an ATV.
Safaree’s Instagram (@safaree)
Still independent.
We hope this story was worth your time. For over 14 years, Atlanta Black Star has stayed Black-owned and independently run. We didn't get here by waiting on ad budgets that were never built to prioritize us. Our readers did that.
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