We’re finally having the type of positive success on television as black women that we’ve been looking for, for many years now. Or at least, since reality television took over scripted comedies and dramas. No longer do we have to just sit and accept that there are black women on TV fighting, arguing and acting a damn fool, because we finally have the option to change the channel on any given day to watch other beautiful black women in leading and strong supporting roles on many television shows. While we lost Tia Mowry-Hardrict on The Game, we’re gaining Issa Rae soon, as she’s working with Shonda Rhimes on a new series, and we have these nine other beautiful sistas who are changing the game as we speak.

Source: CBS News

This week’s issue of TV Guide is not the first time cast members of the CBS drama “Person of Interest” graced the cover. It’s just the last time the show was featured, Taraji was not one of those said persons.

If you think back to the end of last September, Taraji wrote a not so nice Facebook post after seeing her co-stars Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson on the cover of TV Guide without her. She wrote:

“WOW!!!! TV Guide is NOT including me on the cover with my cast memebers [sic]……..I am the female lead of a 3 member cast and I’m not included on the cover!!!!!! Do you see the [expletive] I have to deal with in this business…..I cram to understand!!!!”

While Taraji had everyone feeling her omission was a not so subtle instance of racism and possibly even sexism, Debra Birnbaum, the Editor-in Chief of TV Guide Magazine, diverted the situation telling TooFab.com:

“I made an editorial decision to do a story about the relationship between the two male characters on Person of Interest and that’s who I was going to put on the cover. That has been my decision all along, ever since I saw the pilot. We’re certainly fans of Taraji Henson and her storyline on the show was never intended to be the focus of our cover story. I don’t know where there was a misunderstanding about this, but it’s been clear to everyone from the start. I don’t make decisions on who is put and not put on the cover based on race or gender.”

Fast forward to October 10 and there Taraji stands with her co-stars as the “vigilante dream team.” Inside, a feature on the hit series discusses the relationship between the characters each actor plays on-screen with Taraji discussing the relationship between her character, Detective Carter, and John Reese, played by Jim Caviezel.

“The first season, there was so much tension because she didn’t know if she could trust him, but now they’ve become really good friends,” Taraji said. “There’s a definite respect and love for each other.”

It’s good to see TV Guide is showing her some love and respect this year. And I must say that purple dress looks good on her. This issue of TV Guide hits newsstands tomorrow!

Do you think TV Guide is making up for last year’s omission by giving Taraji cover time this year?

More on Madame Noire!

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• Damn Mr. Right, I Need Mr. Right Now! 7 Signs You’re Too Thirsty For Someone To Put A Ring On It

You’d think an Academy Award nomination would open up a lot of doors for a new actress, but Taraji P. Henson says in a lot ways she still can’t catch a break in Hollywood. She covers the February issue of Upscale magazine and talks about her upcoming role in “Think Like a Man,” and being snubbed by TV Guide for their cover featuring her white male costars in the drama “Person of Interest.” She also gives her thoughts on “this Hollywood thing” which she says, “It’s my job…But by no means, defines who I am.”

Here’s a preview of the interview:

On Speaking Up About TV Guide

“I just stated a fact. And the people spoke. And then CBS pulled the whole cover. I get that all the time. Sometimes I admit I feel like, ‘Can I catch a break?’ That wasn’t the first time it’s happened and it won’t be the last. This was just one time I chose to speak on it.”

On Challenges in Hollywood

“Hollywood keeps trying to tell me that black women can’t open a film. I will absolutely prove them wrong before my career is done. I want to stretch my acting muscle and do something completely different. I’d love to play a man. Sounds weird, but I want to do something that will make me work hard. Call me kooky, but I always want to go outside my comfort zone.”

On Playing a New Type of Role in “Think Like a Man”

“You’ve never seen me play this girl. She’s a b****. And she’s the pretty girl in the film. I wanted this role so bad. I told the casting folks,’if you don’t let me get that role, I don’t need to be in this movie at all.’ They were thinking about casting a white girl for the role and I said, ‘No. I can do this.’ And then of course, when it’s time to start filming, I freaked out. I said, wait’ Maybe I should play the baby-momma instead….[LOL] I was scared because it’s so different than anything I’ve ever done.”

Are you a Taraji fan? Do you think she can pull off the bad girl role?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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As the year 2011 comes to a close, it’s only natural to look back and reflect upon the decisions that were made…by celebrities, that is!  Focusing on the lives and (best of all) the fashion choices made by people we will probably never meet is soooo much more fun than trying to remember how many times you’ve cheated on your diet this year!

We’ve gathered our top 12 female style stars – one for each month – that have embraced this years’ trends, but still managed to stay true to their personal style. Be aware, it’s quite a diverse group! Style-wise, the only thing all these ladies have in common is their love of a bold red lip. You may be surprised by who made the list and who didn’t! In no particular order, let’s take a stroll down memory lane…

You know Wendy will ask anything! So you know she was too excited to get Taraji P. Henson in the hot seat.  She asked about whether or not she’d dated, Tyrese, Drake, Common and Terrence Howard.

She did date one of those men.

Find out which one at NecoleBitchie.com.

This fall, there aren’t very many black faces in the new network broadcast line-up, so that means even fewer black women to represent.  However, there are a few shows where you can see black actors and actresses doing their thing, usually in secondary or recurring roles (sigh). So if you happened to be on the lookout, here are the new fall shows where you can find some great writing, good acting, and as a plus, a few black faces. 

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