Who is Gizelle Bryant? The Potomac 'Wife Has a Lot of Famous Connections
The #RHOP mom is about to make a name for herself in a major way.
The Real Housewives of Potomac cast is full of movers and shakers in the community. That's especially the case with Gizelle Bryant, who grew up in a prominent family before marrying her high-profile now-ex-husband.
Now as one of the 'Wives of the upcoming Real Housewives series, Gizelle seems ready to flaunt that independence and make a name for herself. Once you get to know Gizelle, you'll see why.
1. She Was a Preacher's Wife
Gizelle was married to Jamal Bryant, the well-known high-energy founder and pastor of the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore who also recently and briefly ran for Congress. After seven years together, the couple filed for divorce in 2008, which was partially caused by an extramarital affair on Jamal's part. These days, however, the two seem to be on good terms, perhaps even better terms than you would expect after a divorce.
2. She Has Three Kids
Gizelle keeps busy raising her three daughters with Jamal: Grace and twins Angel and Adore. From all of the cute pics Gizelle shares of her girls on social media, it seems like she believes she has the best job in the world.
3. Her Dad Is a Big Deal
Since Potomac is located so close to Washington, D.C., it's no surprise that Gizelle comes from a prominent political family. Gizelle's father Curtis Graves served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1967 to 1973, the first African American person to have that post since 1899. After his tenure there, Curtis went on to work at NASA for 30 years and is now a fine arts photographer. It's no wonder Gizelle is a #ProudDaughter.
4. She Bumps Into a Lot of Famous Faces
Gizelle sure does know how to keep good company. If you scroll through her Instagram feed, you won't get far before you stumble upon a familiar face. Gizelle has rubbed elbows with the likes of Gayle King, ballet dancer Misty Copeland, and Thicker Than Water's Britney Tankard all within the past year. That's not too shabby considering the fact that RHOP hasn't even premiered yet.
5. She's a Real Housewives Fan
Gizelle is no stranger to The Real Housewives. In fact, she has been watching some of the series for years, including The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of D.C. Gizelle is even friendly with RHOA's own NeNe Leakes.
6. She Also Has Top Chef Connections
Apparently, Gizelle is a lean, mean baking machine. She used to sell her baked goods under the name "Sweet Gizelle" Bryant in the restaurant of Top Chef contestant Timothy Dean. With that kind of endorsement, it sounds like Gizelle knows how to make one tasty treat.
7. She Was in a Sorority
Gizelle should hold her own on RHOP this season because she's used to being in a big group of strong women. As a student at Hampton University, Gizelle was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and clearly, she is not afraid to continue to show her pride for the organization today.
8. She's All About Philanthropy
Gizelle has dedicated her life to working on several philanthropic projects, including working with the Birmingham City Council to help with environmental advocacy and redevelopment of the Alabama city and dancing to support actor Hill Harper's Manifest Your Destiny Foundation. It's always nice to see a 'wife give back.
9. She's Got a New Makeup Line in the Works
On top of all of this, Gizelle has started a new business venture. She is working on a makeup line geared toward women of color that is scheduled to launch next year. There aren't many other details about Gizelle's company available as of now, but since a 'Wife has never been shy about plugging her latest project on TV, we should all expect to hear more soon enough.
How will Gizelle get along with her fellow RHOP ladies? You'll have to tune in to the series premiere on Sunday, January 17 at 9/8c to find out.
