empowerment

How Ellaé Lisqué Founder Maxie J. Rebuilt Her Fashion Brand With Women At The Center

Echoing Queen Latifah‘s hit “Ladies First,” the phrase has become more than a cultural reference for Maxie J. It is the guiding principle behind Ellaé Lisqué, the luxury fashion e-commerce […] The post How Ellaé Lisqué Founder Maxie J.

By Shelby Stewart February 25, 2026 1 min read

By William Thompson ·

The post How Ellaé Lisqué Founder Maxie J. Rebuilt Her Fashion Brand With Women At The Center appeared first on Essence.

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Chad: 10 Years On, Habré Conviction Inspires Global Justice

Click to expand Image Hissene Habre during his trial in 2015. © Courtesy of Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS) <p>(Nairobi) – The 2016 conviction in Senegal of former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré was a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for atrocity crimes, Human Rights Watch and th...

Human Rights WatchMay 25global

Remembering War’s Impacts on Women and Girls on Memorial Day

As we pause to mark Memorial Day on Monday, I’m thinking about the women affected by war—whether they’re fighting on the front lines, working in the service as nurses, or civilians saddled with the consequences of wars started by men living in far-off lands who barely know they exist.

Ms. MagazineMay 24choice

Prevent And Protect: Now Is The Time To Get Get Ready For Menopause

Every time I learn something new about women’s health, I feel a profound sense of grief. At the center is always rage. Why did I not know this before? I […] The post Prevent And Protect: Now Is The Time To Get Get Ready For Menopause appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 24resilience

Documentary ‘Ask E. Jean’ Is a Funny, Moving Portrait of a Fearless Woman

Director Ivy Meeropol on the challenges of making a film about E. Jean Carroll, Trump’s most formidable legal adversary. This film review and interview was originally published by The Contrarian. Ask E. Jean, the poignant yet entertaining documentary about E.

Ms. MagazineMay 24safety

Celebrate Black Joy: This Week’s Best Uplifting Moments

By Bridgette Bartlett Royall · Updated May 25, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… These days, it is easy to feel like the world is on fire: all of our bills are too high , we’re at war with Iran , the government is…well, you know how stressful politics is right now.

EssenceMay 23politics

Black Women, Beauty Politics and the Power of Rage in ‘Is God Is’

In one of the film’s most surreal scenes, the twins at the center of *Is God Is*—Racine, “the Rough One,” and Anaia, “the Quiet One”—pretend to be strippers for a room full of men. But while Racine is welcomed, Anaia is rejected because her scarred face disrupts the men’s fantasies.

Ms. MagazineMay 23global

K. Michelle Says Her Husband Cheating Isn’t A Dealbreaker—But Giving Women Money Is

Singer K. Michelle is a notorious conversation starter these days, but this time it’s about what fidelity looks like inside of her marriage. During a recent appearance on Club Shay […] The post K. Michelle Says Her Husband Cheating Isn’t A Dealbreaker—But Giving Women Money Is appeared first on Esse...

EssenceMay 22empowerment

Shamon Brown Jr. And Mike V. Epps Reflect On The Final Season Of ‘The Chi’

After eight seasons, The Chi is preparing to say goodbye. Since premiering in 2018, Lena Waithe’s Chicago-based drama has become one of the defining Black television series of its era. […] The post Shamon Brown Jr. And Mike V. Epps Reflect On The Final Season Of ‘The Chi’ appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 22resilience

After Historic SNAP Cuts, America’s Hunger Emergency Is Already Here—and Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Make It Worse

Even as communities across the country grapple with the fallout from last year’s devastating SNAP cuts, the White House’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget threatens to deepen an already escalating hunger emergency.

Ms. MagazineMay 22global

National Abortion Federation Joins Lawsuit to Block Trump-Vance Administration’s $1.776 Billion Slush Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:May 22, 2026Contact: naf@berlinrosen.com Lawsuit Challenges Taxpayer-Funded Payout Scheme Alexandria, Va. — In the most comprehensive case of its kind, the National Abortion Federation (NAF) is joining a broad coalition of organizations and individuals harmed by the Trump-Vanc...

National Abortion FederationMay 22choice

Tulsi Gabbard is the latest woman to leave Trump’s Cabinet

Tulsi Gabbard, the nation’s chief intelligence official, is the latest woman to leave President Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Gabbard is resigning to care for her husband, Abraham, who has been diagnosed with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer” and “faces major challenges in the coming weeks and mont...

The 19thMay 22resilience

Naomi Campbell’s Beauty Evolution

For the past 56 years, Naomi Campbell’s face card has never declined. The London-born supermodel, known for her witty grin, killer eyes, and gorgeous pout, has a look (and prowess) […] The post Naomi Campbell’s Beauty Evolution appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 22activism

‘Ms. Book Club’ Miniseries: Four Must-Listen Conversations on Black Women, U.S. History and the Law

Our podcast platform Ms. Studios has launched a newly updated miniseries: Ms. Book Club , examining the last 250 years of U.S. history through a feminist lens and asking what the nation’s founding ideals have meant in practice for women, Black Americans and other historically marginalized communitie...

Ms. MagazineMay 22empowerment

Iowa Restricts Access to Abortion Pills, HPV Vaccines

Plus, a woman gives birth in a Brooklyn courtroom and veterans sue Trump administration over VA abortion ban. The post Iowa Restricts Access to Abortion Pills, HPV Vaccines appeared first on Rewire News Group .

Rewire News GroupMay 22choice

An ESSENCE Editor’s Guide To Vintage Shopping In New Orleans

The Essence Festival of Culture 2026 is happening July 3 – July 5. Don’t miss out—tickets here: Get Tickets If you’re a vintage lover like me, you know that visiting a […] The post An ESSENCE Editor’s Guide To Vintage Shopping In New Orleans appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 22global

A history of Supreme Court leaks

Last month, The New York Times published a major scoop : the inside story of the Supreme Court’s 2016 order blocking then-President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan, an environmental initiative intended to address climate change, on its interim docket.

SCOTUSblogMay 22politics

Balloon Pants Are The Elegant Trend Taking Over This Summer

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your summer wardrobe, the ultimate way to make your outfits pop is with the pants of the season. No, denim shorts are […] The post Balloon Pants Are The Elegant Trend Taking Over This Summer appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 22activism

What ‘Special Needs Mommy’ Influencers Get Wrong About Parenting Disabled Kids: Opinion

Oversharing about your child’s disability has become a lucrative trend on social media. For disability justice advocate Rebecca Cokley, these videos look an awful lot like a modern-day version of the old circus “freak show.

Rewire News GroupMay 22resilience

Americans overwhelmingly oppose data centers. Women most of all.

As data centers rapidly emerge at unprecedented rates across the country, they are being met with increasing opposition — particularly from women, according to a recent Gallup poll. More than two-thirds of adults oppose the construction of the massive and costly complexes used to power artificial in...

The 19thMay 22politics

Beyond American Exceptionalism: What the Success of the Green Wave Can Teach U.S. Abortion Activists

While the idea of the U.S. as a bastion of moral superiority has always been a myth—evident, for example, in efforts to shield Jim Crow laws from scrutiny in the founding of the United Nations—the overturning of Roe v.

Ms. MagazineMay 21choice

Ms. Global: From Ukraine to Lebanon to Sudan, Women Are Bearing the Brunt of Escalating Global Conflict

Around the world, escalating armed conflict, political repression and humanitarian collapse are reshaping daily life for women and girls—often with devastating consequences. From drone warfare in Sudan, to internet blackouts in Iran, to attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Lebanon and Gaza, women...

Ms. MagazineMay 21global

Women’s Health Is a Democracy Issue—and a Midterm One

It is critically important to keep reproductive health and the chaos at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) front and center in the headlines. Why? Two words: midterm elections. Last week, within 48 hours of each other the Supreme Court issued an emergency stay pausing the Fifth Circuit’s attempt...

Ms. MagazineMay 21choice

Anti-trans amendment puts women’s history museum on pause

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum has been years in the making — and now, transphobia is threatening to derail the whole thing. A bill to approve building the museum failed to pass on a 204-216 vote, after House Democrats voted in opposition.

The 19thMay 21politics

The Frisco Test: What Happened in One Texas Suburb Signals a National Shift

Earlier this month, an Indian slate ran for Frisco City Council and school board: Sreekanth Reddy, Vijay Karthik and others. Every one of them lost. As it turns out, in America, you can be the most educated demographic in America and still watch a sitting member of Congress call your religious tradi...

Ms. MagazineMay 21global

PRH Fellows Correct New HHS Site, Moms.gov

On Mother's Day, the Department of Health and Human Resources published moms.gov. We invited LTA Class of 2026 Fellows to call out the mis- and disinformation. The post PRH Fellows Correct New HHS Site, Moms.gov appeared first on Physicians for Reproductive Health .

Physicians for Reproductive HealthMay 21choice

The Trump Administration Wants More Trad Wives (Podcast)

Conservatives have launched a campaign to redefine motherhood in culture and the law. The post The Trump Administration Wants More Trad Wives (Podcast) appeared first on Rewire News Group .

Rewire News GroupMay 21choice

Conservative Justices Resurrect the Comstock Act, Threatening Abortion Access Nationwide

On May 1, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the mailing of mifepristone, one of the most widely used abortion medications in the country, threatening access for patients already facing a shrinking number of clinics nationwide.

Ms. MagazineMay 21choice

Court puts off deciding whether to consider $5 million verdict against Trump – yet again

When the justices meet for their private conference on Thursday, there is one high-profile petition for review they will not consider, even though it has been fully briefed since late January: an appeal by President Donald Trump seeking review of the $5 million jury verdict entered against him in th...

SCOTUSblogMay 21activism

Moms.Gov and the Return of State-Sponsored Pronatalism

Moms.gov may present itself as a resource for “new and expecting mothers,” but its deeper message is unmistakable: motherhood as patriotic obligation, reproductive autonomy as suspect, and declining birth rates as a national crisis.

Ms. MagazineMay 21choice

Male Supremacism and Misogyny Was Central to the San Diego Mosque Shooting. Why Did So Much Coverage Miss It?

Despite the extensive misogyny in both shooters’ manifestos, much of the reporting on the San Diego mosque shooting overlooked how male supremacism intersected with xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and white supremacist ideology.

Ms. MagazineMay 21global

How Francesca Lake Weaves Culture Into Garments

It’s 2 PM London time when I hop on a video call with Francesca Lake. Even through the pixelated display, Lake has a distinctive air about her. Her hair is […] The post How Francesca Lake Weaves Culture Into Garments appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 21resilience

How we’re celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day

The 19th’s mission is to give women and LGBTQ+ people — specifically those excluded from the promise of the 19th Amendment by their gender, race, ethnicity, class or disability – the information they need to fully participate in our democracy.

The 19thMay 21global

Pap smears are designed to screen for cancer. Why are people afraid to get them?

What’s worse: A cold rod inserted briefly inside your vagina or cervical cancer? The former is a key part of a pap smear, the cancer screening recommended every 3 to 5 years for people with a cervix under the age of 65. Pap smears — which can be uncomfortable and even painful for some — […]

The 19thMay 21breakthroughs

May 21 Virtual Event: Tackling Patriarchy and Power (With Anna Malaika Tubbs, Aisha Becker-Burrowes and Danielle Robay)

The Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. have partnered with Women's Foundation California to invite you to a national virtual conversation with Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs that turns our attention toward the system that has kept us from achieving true democracy for the last 250 years: patriarchy.

Ms. MagazineMay 20empowerment

Daubert dust-up and AEDPA angst

The Relist Watch column examines cert petitions that the Supreme Court has “relisted” for its upcoming conference. A short explanation of relists is available here . Since our last post, the Supreme Court has continued its one-in, one-out approach to the relist rolls.

SCOTUSblogMay 20activism

In The Chair With: GlossBoss J

“In The Chair” spotlights the incredible hairstylists and makeup artists in our community who are giving us major inspiration. Each week, they discuss their personal beauty and career journeys, what […] The post In The Chair With: GlossBoss J appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 20resilience

Why is successfully prosecuting sexual assault so difficult?

Six years ago, Jessica Mann took the stand for the first time in a New York City courtroom to publicly detail allegations that Harvey Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. That trial resulted in Weinstein being convicted of raping Mann, as well as committing a criminal sex act again...

The 19thMay 20safety

The Dangerous Overlap Between Incel Culture and Trad Wife Politics

When people hear the words “incels” and “trad wives,” they might think of very different images. While “incels” are thought of as lonely, radicalized, or dangerous, “trad wives” might invoke associations with being soft, natural, or motherly.

National Women's Law CenterMay 20breakthroughs

States Already Enacting Harmful SAVE Act Policies, Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote

Congressional Republicans are once again prioritizing the SAVE Act, legislation that would force Americans to show documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. The House has already passed yet another version of the bill, but so far it has stalled in the Senate.

Ms. MagazineMay 20politics

When she didn’t grow up seeing herself in books, she became the librarian she never had

In the lead-up to our country’s 250th anniversary, Errin Haines is writing a series of columns to contemplate the complicated expansion of our democracy. Subscribe to The Amendment newsletter. Cassie Owens Moore’s students used to say that her classroom felt like a library; she never hesitated to le...

The 19thMay 20resilience