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'The Neighborhood's' Marcel Spears Wants More Stories About The 'Tenacity' Of Black People

Name: Yes, Girl!: Tichina Arnold
Uploaded: 2017-08-24T15:30:32.000Z
Duration: 34 s
Description: Tichina Arnold sits down with editors Cori Murray, Charli Penn, and Yolanda Sangweni.

The actor spoke to ESSENCE where he dished on seeing more stories about the Black experience and what makes "The Neighborhood" special.

'The Neighborhood's' Marcel Spears Wants More Stories About The 'Tenacity' Of Black People

Photo by Timothy Kuratek/CBS via Getty Images

By Sydney Scott · Updated December 6, 2020

Marcel Spears is television’s fresh new face and one you should know. Right now, the young actor currently stars alongside Tichina Arnold and Cedric the Entertainer in the CBS comedy The Neighborhood. But he landed his first major television role in ABC’s The Mayor. Both shows give a small glimpse into the Black experience in America, whether exploring gentrification or using comedy to examine politics and race.

Yes, Girl!: Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold sits down with editors Cori Murray, Charli Penn, and Yolanda Sangweni.

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The former Prairie View A&M University student, who later attended Columbia University to pursue theater, told ESSENCE that he hopes future TV shows offer “a more diverse group of people” in an effort to prove Black people are not a monolilth. “I feel like the more that happens, the more specific you can get about the stories that we’re telling. The more we can get a clearer picture of everything,” the actor added. So what exactly are the stories that Spears would like to see more of? “This might be a little cliche, but I want to talk about the incredible tenacity of Black people in this country. The greatness of Black people, the success of Black people,” Spears continued. “I feel like, all of the things that we’ve had to endure that made us great, as people of this country, we are survivors. We survive. And we’re inventive. We’re creative.” Spears also said that although The Neighborhood features a Black cast, what makes it so special is that it appeals to everyone despite race or ethnicity. “I don’t think anything that happens in this show is a surprise to anybody — whether they be white, Black or whatever, like no matter what race,” Spears said.

The actor noted that although the show is shining a light on what happens in Black neighborhoods — “like the crotchety old Black people that are always talking about, ‘Back in my day, the neighborhood was way different.’ But, in this situation, [it] goes past that initial moment and goes into the homes of these people to sort of bridge the gap.” The CBS series, which centers on what happens when a white family moves to a predominantly Black neighborhood in Los Angeles, airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on CBS.

TOPICS: marcel spears

Kandi & Riley Burruss Share the Taste of Tradition with Coca-Cola®

Kandi and Riley Burruss are serving up more than just recipes—they’re dishing out legacy, one bite at a time.

By Essence · Updated March 26, 2025

Food is more than just nourishment—it’s history, love, and the heart of our culture. For Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Kandi Burruss, along with her daughter Riley Burruss, the kitchen is where family bonds strengthen, stories unfold, and traditions come to life.

In an exclusive sit-down, the mother-daughter duo invites us into their world to celebrate the flavors that connect generations. From the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked meals to the joy of passing down cherished recipes, Kandi and Riley remind us that food is a love language—and Coca-Cola® is the refreshing companion that makes every moment even more special.

A Legacy Served with Love

For Kandi, cooking isn’t just about the meal—it’s about uplifting family traditions and honoring the past. “Some of my best moments with family have been in the kitchen,” she shares. “There’s something special about preparing a dish that’s been in the family for years. It keeps us connected to our roots.”

Riley, who has grown up watching her mom master both the stage and the kitchen, agrees. “Food is a huge part of our family traditions,” she says. “And I love that I get to learn these recipes and carry them forward. It’s not just about eating—it’s about keeping our connections strong across generations.”

Flavors That Bring Us Home

As they prepare their favorite dishes, Kandi and Riley reflect on how cooking together is about more than just the food—it’s about togetherness and celebrating the love that makes every meal special. Whether it’s a Sunday soul food spread or a quick meal shared between busy schedules, every bite tells a story. And with Coca-Cola®’s crisp, refreshing taste, the experience is made even sweeter.

“There’s just something about having an ice-cold Coke with a good home-cooked meal,” Kandi says with a smile. “It’s been a part of our family gatherings for as long as I can remember. It’s that perfect, refreshing finish that makes every meal feel like a celebration.”

Kandi & Riley Burruss Share The Taste Of Tradition with Coca-Cola®

Bringing Culture to the Table

At ESSENCE, we celebrate the beauty of Black culture—and that includes the flavors, traditions, and stories that define who we are. Kandi and Riley’s journey through food is a reminder that our history lives in the meals we share, the joy we pass down, and the love we pour into every dish.

So, whether you’re recreating a beloved family recipe or making new memories at the table, let every bite be a tribute to the generations that came before us. And with Coca-Cola® by your side, every meal is a moment of uplift, connection, and refreshment worth savoring.

Watch the full video above and get inspired to celebrate your own family traditions!

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