Black love is always a beautiful thing, but nothing beats the type that’s lasting. Like the marriages that have stood the test of time and managed to make it for 15 years, 20, 25, even 40. It’s not easy, but many of your favorites have managed to go the distance for those many years. They’ve built families, become philanthropists, created legacies, doing amazing things with their significant other by their side. Check out a few of our favorites, who’ve been happily married for years upon years.
01
Omar and Keisha Epps
The former Total singer and her actor beau have been married for more than 15 years. They live in California with daughter K’marie, who was born in July 2004, and their son Amir, born December 25, 2007. Epps has a daughter Aiyanna Yasmine from a previous relationship.
02
Morris Chestnut and Pam Byse
Morris Chestnut and his wife married in 1995. “I have been with my wife for a number of years now and the number one thing that keeps us strong is a mutual respect; that is first and foremost,” he once told ESSENCE about the secret to their success.
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03
Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett
Dynamic actors and lovebirds Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance were college sweethearts who met while students at the Yale School of Drama. They married in 1997 and welcomed twins in 2006.
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04
Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington
The Washingtons tied the knot on June 25, 1983. Denzel met his leading lady on the set of his first screen work, the television film Wilma. The couple have four children together.
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05
Spike Lee and Tonya Lee Lewis
Spike Lee and Tonya Lee Lewis met during the congressional Black caucus weekend in D.C. They were married a year later in a private ceremony in New York.
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06
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts
TV journalists Al Roker and Deborah Roberts have two decades of marriage under their belts. Roker has a daughter, Courtney, from his first marriage and Roker and Roberts together are parents to daughter Leila and son Nick.
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07
Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete
The actress and the famed former footballer have been in wedded matrimony since 1995 after he proposed during an episode of Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper! The Peete’s have four children–twins Ryan and Rodney Jr. and two other sons Robinson and Roman. Their son Rodney Jr. suffers from Autism, a diagnosis their family has openly embraced and discussed.
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08
LL Cool J and Simone Smith
Ladies Love Cool James and so does his wife Simone! They married in 1995 and have four children.
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09
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon
The Oscar-winning actress and her husband have been married since 2003. They have an adopted daughter named Genesis, whom they welcomed in 2011.
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10
T.D. and Serita Jakes
T.D. and Serita Jakes have been married since 1981! Look at what marriage and ministry can do!
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11
Debbie Allen and Norman Nixon
Our favorite legendary dancing machine has been happily married to husband and former NBA player, Norman since 1984. They have three children together.
12
Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker
Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker met and fell in love on the set of the Soul Food TV series. It was love at first sight. The pair married on May 21, 2005 in Gundelfingen, Germany and have two beautiful children together.
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13
President Barack and Michelle Obama
We already know the former president and First Lady’s romantic love story well, but it has to make this list. They tied the know in 1992 and have been Black love goals for plenty of people around the world. Bravo!
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14
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada met Will Smith in 1994 on the set of Smith’s television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and began dating in ’95. On New Year’s Eve in 1997, they became husband and wife. They have two (equally famous) children together, Jaden and Willow, and Jada is stepmother to Trey Smith, Will’s son from a previous marriage.
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15
Magic and Cookie Johnson
In 1991, NBA star and business executive Magic Johnson married his love Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly in a small wedding. The couple have one son, the very fierce EJ, and an adopted daughter, the beautiful Elisa.
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16
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson
LaTanya Richardson Jackson and hubby Samuel L. Jackson met when she attended Spelman College and he was over at nearby Morehouse College. It was love sweet love and the pair tied the knot in 1980 and have one child.
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17
Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff
The rapper and BIG3 owner has been married to Woodruff since 1992. Together, they share Shareef Jackson, Karima Jackson, Deja Jackson, Darrell Jackson and O’Shea Jackson Jr.
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18
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus
Snoop Dogg and his high school sweetheart Shante first married in 1997. They’ve almost called it quits before, but they’ve since made it work and renewed their vows in 2008. The pair have three children, Corde, Cordell and Cori Broadus.
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19
D.L. and LaDonna Hughley
The comedian and his wife have been married since 1986. Together, they have three children. That includes two daughters, Ryan and Tyler, and a son named Kyle.
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20
Grant Hill and Tamia
The former NBA star and the singing sensation were introduced by singer Anita Baker in the 90s. After a three-year courtship, Grant and Tamia were married in 1999. The couple has two daughters, Myla and Lael.
