By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D, BlackPressUSA Newswire’s Culture and Entertainment Editor

In the realm of real estate and television, few duos embody the spirit of collaboration and love quite like Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, the hosts of HGTV’s “Married to Real Estate.” Their journey is not just about flipping houses; it’s about flipping narratives and creating a legacy that resonates deeply with their audience.

Egypt’s path to real estate was somewhat circuitous. Initially starting her career in radio, she was always surrounded by the world of real estate, thanks to her uncles, who were brokers and investors. “It was in my DNA,” she reflects. After experiencing the empowerment of flipping homes, Egypt realized that real estate was her true calling.

Mike’s path to real estate was also in his DNA. “I’ve always been drawn to building and creating,” says Mike. “As a kid, if I wasn’t on the road touring and homing in on my DJ chops, I was on a construction job site with my grandfather and uncle, sharpening my builder skills, which later in my life turned into a career in construction and renovation.” Mike became a successful general contractor, securing his future in construction. Initially, not sure of a career in real estate, he decided to give it a try after Egypt made it more intriguing with the possibility of working together. “Watching my wife flip homes and seeing the impact she had on people’s lives made me want to be a part of it,” Mike explains. “She encouraged me to get my license so we could keep everything in-house, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. ‘Married to Real Estate’ came from us living this life every day—we just invited the cameras in.”

The invitation was productive, with the power couple building a following and reputation for great work and great television. “Married to Real Estate” is a show that aims to inspire others by showcasing the beauty of homeownership and the collaborative journey of building a life together as a couple and family.

In its fourth season, viewers tune in on Wednesdays to see Egypt and Mike hard at work making real estate dreams come true.  Complementary strengths make Egypt and Mike’s on-screen chemistry compelling. Egypt brings a creative vision and emotional storytelling, while Mike provides structure and calm craftsmanship. Their genuine respect for one another shines through, making their interactions relatable and authentic. “We bicker, we laugh, we get the job done—but most importantly, we respect each other,” Egypt shares.

Balancing business, marriage, and parenting has not been without its challenges. The couple emphasizes the importance of faith, grace, and mutual support. “We remind ourselves often: this is bigger than us. We’re building a legacy, not just a brand,” Mike adds. Their journey is a testament to the idea that love and business can coexist beautifully, even amidst the chaos of life. “Egypt’s the visionary—she sees the finished product before we even start. I’m more technical. I make sure the structure is sound, the permits are in place, and everything meets code without compromising design,” he offers. “That’s the balance we bring. And being a couple, there’s a trust that runs deeper than business. We know how to push each other and also when to pull back. Our relationship sets the tone for how we show up on set and with our clients.”

Through “Married to Real Estate,” Egypt and Mike aim to convey that wealth, love, and legacy can be built while having fun. They want their audience to understand that a home is more than just a transaction; it’s a place where stories unfold. “We hope everyone sees themselves in us,” says Egypt, highlighting the importance of representation, particularly for Black families who have historically been underrepresented in media.

For couples considering working together, it’s not for the faint of heart. Egypt offers sage advice: “Know your lane and respect each other’s gifts,” she advises.  “Clear communication and defined roles are crucial but so is making time for each other outside of work to maintain a healthy relationship,” she adds.  Finding balance in their busy lives involves setting boundaries and being intentional about family time. “Our kids keep us grounded,” Egypt explains, emphasizing the importance of emotional check-ins alongside logistical ones. “Marriage takes work, and so does self-care.” Mike agrees. “We’ve had to be intentional about checking in, communicating openly, and protecting our peace,” he explains. “The wins are great, but the real triumph is still liking each other at the end of it all. That takes work.”

Looking ahead, Egypt is excited about launching her Indigo Road home collection in JCPenney stores and continuing to support women entrepreneurs through her nonprofit, 1000 Women Owned. Meanwhile, Mike is focused on expanding his renovation company and mentorship programs. “I’m focused on growing Jackson Draper Renovations and creating a space where I can mentor young men in construction,” says Mike. “I want to create more apprenticeships, more opportunities, and more representation behind the walls—not just on camera. I also have a few projects in development that highlight skilled trades in a way that’s never been done before,” he adds. Together, the entrepreneurs and community servants are committed to building meaningful projects, both on and off the screen.

Being part of HGTV has provided Egypt and Mike a platform to inspire others. “It’s one thing to renovate homes—it’s another to inspire people to see what’s possible for their own lives,” Egypt states, highlighting the responsibility they feel as role models. “We hope ‘Married to Real Estate’ continues to inspire people around the world through the streaming platforms for years to come,” adds Mike.

The success of “Married to Real Estate” involves family, business, celebrity, industry, and many moving parts. At the core of their endeavors is a commitment to purpose. “Success isn’t just about what you have—it’s about who you can bring along the way,” Egypt concludes. Through their work, they aim to help others build lives rooted in purpose, proving that love, legacy, and community can indeed flourish together.

As “Married to Real Estate” continues to inspire viewers, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson remind us that home is not just a place; it’s a journey filled with love, laughter, and limitless possibilities.

“Married to Real Estate” airs Wednesdays at 9/8c p.m. on HGTV and MAX.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., editor-at-large for NNPA and founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire.

A Spiritual Wonderland for All to See

The BlerdBinder covers nerdy news for the Black nerds of the world. We welcome all as we talk about subjects ranging from Movies to Music and Tech to Toys.

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is showcasing some unique and exciting films. One of these superstar films is Sin La Habana. It seems commonplace for films set in the diaspora or located in the South-American Esque countries to have themes of escapism or a pseudo (or perverted) version of Manifest Destiny. Sin La Habana does not differ from this. Sin La Habana follows a young Afro-Cuban Couple Leonardo (played by Yonah Acosta) and Sara (Evelyn O’Farrill). Leonardo is an aspiring ballet dancer while Sarah is a determined lawyer who is striving for greater things. When it becomes apparent that their quality of life isn’t improving, they decide to enlist the help of one of the tourists who come to Leonardo’s dance lessons while on vacation to help them obtain immigration rights in Canada. Nasim (Aki Yaghoubi), an Iranian-Canadian who is trying to escape an abusive husband back home.

Director Kaveh Nabatian creates a magical atmosphere filled with creative camera movements and an ethereal score that transports you to a truly magical reality filled with the complexities and tragedy of life. Leonardo’s lonely excursions through the cold metropolis of Montreal are mixed with glimpses of Cuban spiritual activities. The three leads give outstanding performances in the three primary roles. In the midst of this rather dramatic situation. The emotion that these three give is truly palpable while remaining unattainable.

This remarkable journey is one that you won’t to miss. Especially if you are spiritually inclined. Leonardo and Sara of Sin La Habana represent a large number of people who are now living in Cuba and wanting to find a way out. The people are willing to take severe measures to escape political persecution, harassment, and significant economic suffering, no matter how difficult it is. This film’s examination of this event is heartbreaking and depressing, but he counteracts the film’s gloomy tone by showcasing the colorful culture of music and dance that Cubans first fell in love with and the reason they chose to call it home.

The film is still playing at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival so don’t forget to check it out along with their other films playing from February 16-27. 2022

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D, NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

Andre Léon Talley, a trailblazing figure in fashion journalism has died. Talley was born in Washington, DC and raised by his grandmother Bennie Frances Davis in Durham, NC. According to his memoir A.L.T.: A Memoir, Talley’s grandmother worked as a housekeeper for Duke University. To escape the oppressive climate of the segregated American South and the sexual abuse and bullying he experienced as a child, Talley would escape into the pages of Vogue which he would purchase on the “white” side of town. Coupled with the fashion influences of the Black church, Talley would develop his signature style as he grew into an adult. Talley graduated from Hillside High School in 1966 and North Carolina Central University, an HBCU, where he majored in French literature in 1970. Talley also earned a M.A.  degree from Brown University and moved to New York for an apprenticeship at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

Introduced to trailblazing fashion editor Diana Vreeland by a classmate, Talley would meet Andy Warhol, which is how he began work at Interview Magazine. Talley also worked for Women’s Wear Daily as their Paris Bureau Chief and briefly at the New York Times, before landing at American Vogue, where his career and status as a pioneering and influential fashion journalist was cemented. Talley would work closely with legendary editor Anna Wintour, serving as Creative Director and editor-at-large for the iconic publication.

A force, Talley wrote two memoirs (A.L.T. and The Chiffon Trenches – May 2020), books on fashion and played a major role in advancing the careers and opportunities for African American models and photographers.

Talley also worked closely with Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs.

Talley starred as a judge on America’s Next Top Model and wrote an influential 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post entitled, “The Historic Blackness of Tyler Mitchell and Beyoncé’s Vogue Cover.” At the time of his death, Talley had been involved in a protracted legal battle over a home he had rented since 2004 from George Malkemus, the former CEO of Manolo Blahnik and his partner.

Vogue is reporting Talley died of a heart attack. He was 73.