America’s new sweetheart shines in a Notte by Marchesa black-and-gold frock with a head full of flowing locks (no bad hair day here) and one of her two gold medals for the glossy’s annual “Women Of The Year” issue. In the cover story “Gabby Takes Flight,” the 16-year-old opens up about her life after making Olympic history. […]

Gabby Douglas’ historic Olympic performance has turned her into America’s new golden girl. She’s on cereal boxes,murals are being painted in her honor and she’s practically BFF with First Lady Michelle Obama. Need we say more? But as die-hard fashion fans, we can’t think of a better way for Gabby to celebrate her new, shiny status than with […]

President Barack Obama is ESSENCE magazine’s July 2012 cover subject.  “I’ve always approached my presidency as a long-term proposition…I didn’t run for office just to clean up the mess I inherited. I didn’t run for office just to return to the status quo. Understanding that some of the things I get done, we may not see the […]

Mary J. Blige will be on the cover of Essence Magazine for the 12th time!! For the June 2012 issue, Mary J. Blige is not only gracing the cover of Essence but is also serving as the guest editor. Preparing for her headline performance during the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this July, Blige […]

Idris Elba covers Essence magazine’s November 2011 issue and inside, he takes off his usual photo shoot suit and gets comfy in casual wear while playing chess, laying back in his living room, and walking the city streets. Read a few excerpts below: On his 9-year-old daughter Isan: “She’s a nerd really, which I couldn’t […]

As one the few national magazines that caters to the African-American audience, Essence Magazine chose Michael Bullerdick, a white man, to serve as its managing editor — a decision many find rather dubious. Dr. Boyce Watkins questions the impact such a decision could have on Essence’s editorial content and its readers. An Excerpt Reads: This […]

Essence magazine features Amar’e Stoudemire and 3 other sexy, single Black athletes in it’s latest August 2011 issue. Inside, Amar’e speaks on his biggest passion, clothing line and how he gives back to the community, as other athletes James Ihedigbo, Curtis Granderson and Kerron Clement pose for the camera, as well. On how he gives […]

Viola Davis covers the August 2011 issue of ESSENCE Magazine as “Hollywood’s Best-Kept Secret.” The actress (of “Doubt” and “Law Abiding Citizen” fame) is currently starring in the upcoming film “The Help,” based on the best-selling book. Inside, she talks about the struggles black women face, especially as a dark-skinned woman in the industry. “As […]

Raynard Jackson Essence Magazine used to be the preeminent magazine for Black women in the U.S.  They, like many Black publications, have lost their relevance; and in the process become an embarrassment to the very group they claim to target. Essence was founded in 1968 by Ed Lewis, Clarence Smith, Cecil Hollingworth, Jonathan Blount, and […]

Beyonce covers Essence magazine’s July 2011 issue. And she’s all smiles as she talks about the year that changed her life (as promised by the headline), but the biggest bonus is that she wrote her very first cover story for the mag, titled “Eat, Play, Love.” In her own words, she reveals how a nine-month […]

Where: (click below to visit venue on Foursquare) 2121 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 When: July 4, 1995 What: The Essence Music Festival debuted in 1995 and is now the largest festival to celebrate African-American contemporary music and culture in the United States. The three day celebration has always been held in New Orleans, […]

Jennifer Hudson covers the April issue of Essence, where “the award-winning actress and singer talks about being a working mom, her wedding plans — and yes, her amazing 80-pound weight loss!” Top 10 Girl Groups In Black Music [PHOTOS] 30 More Black Women You Should Know Essence says, “With an Oscar and Grammy under her […]