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Resilience

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Respectability Politics and the Making of a Menopause Justice Movement

After generations of silence, menopause has entered mainstream conversation with remarkable speed, thanks in part to Gen X’s insistence and the emergence of older millennials navigating perimenopause. People are finding language for once-isolating experiences, and researchers and clinicians are payi

Ms. MagazineSep 23, 2026

resilience

RAISEfashion’s Penthouse Edit Centers Marginalized Founders While Redefining Luxury

Shoppable luxury fashion moments often feel unapproachable. In an era where fleeting aesthetics seem to trump the construction of products, RAISEfashion’s Penthouse Edit served as a welcome disrupter. The non-profit, dedicated to advancing marginalized designers, created an immersive marketplace tha

EssenceSep 18, 2026

resilience

For Black Hollywood, The 2026 Emmys Were A Night Of Almosts

Awards season has never been a perfect measure of great work, but the Emmys remain one of television’s clearest signals of what the industry chooses to celebrate. Each year, the ceremony brings together the shows and performances that drove the conversation, while offering a snapshot of who Hollywoo

EssenceSep 15, 2026

resilience

The Case for Online Dating

Fewer people are logging onto dating apps. But is the problem the sites or how we use them? When someone asks my close friend Yukon how she and her partner met, she cheekily responds: “The old fashioned way—Tinder!” Long before Match.

Rewire News GroupSep 11, 2026

resilience

There Are No Trans Women in the WNBA. That’s the Point. (Podcast)

There are no trans women in the WNBA, and no known history of them ever having played in the league. So how did Sophie Cunningham and Enes Kanter Freedom become the faces of a movement to “protect” women’s sports? Imani Gandy follows the manufactured panic to the fight underneath it: who built the l

Rewire News GroupSep 10, 2026

resilience

Gloria Steinem Lit a Revolution. The Torch Is Ours Now.

This week, Gloria Steinem died at the age of 92, peacefully at her home in New York City and surrounded by people who loved her. We will miss her at Ms. I will miss her personally. There were parts of Gloria’s childhood that mirrored my own.

Ms. MagazineSep 5, 2026

resilience

Jordan Chiles Sets Her Sights On A Third Olympics At LA28

Jordan Chiles has her sights set on a third Olympic Games. The 25-year-old gymnast announced Wednesday that she plans to return to elite competition with hopes of representing Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

EssenceSep 3, 2026

resilience

How Candice Hoyes Is Preserving Black History And Beauty With New Album ‘Expecting’

“I started writing a few years back,” vocalist and composer Candice Hoyes tells ESSENCE. “It was a really challenging time for me.” Unconstrained by genre, Hoyes’ high soprano voice reaches from classical and jazz to opera and house. Yet, at the time, she was struggling to find a seat at the table.

EssenceSep 2, 2026

resilience

Is Throwing A Breakup Party For Your Friend Helpful Or Harmful?

If you’re lucky, you’ve been through life without a single heartbreak. Most of us won’t be that lucky because pain is a part of the human experience. When going through romantic heartbreak, in particular, it can be debilitating.

EssenceAug 25, 2026

resilience

Inside The Obama Presidential Center Museum

On Chicago’s South Side, the Obama Presidential Center is now open to the public, ending a journey years in the making. Set on 19.3 acres of Jackson Park, the campus sits near the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago, with the neighborhoods closely connected to Barack and Mic

EssenceAug 25, 2026

resilience

Turmeric is good. That doesn’t mean you need supplements.

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our menopause newsletter . A few months ago, I was at an event when a woman came up to me with a request for this newsletter: “Will you please write about turmeric?” ( You, too, can assign me topics to write about! ) She had seen a flurry of content on Insta

The 19thAug 25, 2026

resilience

Black Motherhood: Navigating My ‘COVID Baby’ Starting First Grade

While I was pregnant with my son, I was an executive at Spotify . I was traveling so much [while] pregnant. Like even the time in which you’re not supposed to be traveling, I was flying and because I knew I had to get it in before I was going to give birth.

EssenceAug 24, 2026

resilience

Get Ready With Kahh Spence To Celebrate One Year Of Samir Grey

One year ago, Kahh Spence pivoted from hairstyling celebrities, like Kelly Rowland and Cardi B, to building his fragrance and personal care brand, Samir Grey , from the ground up. Now, he’s celebrating the very first anniversary of his award-winning brand and inaugural fragrance, One Perfume , with

EssenceAug 24, 2026

resilience

Mary J. Blige Gets Candid About Occasionally Questioning Her Child-Free Choice

Your favorite rich auntie , Mary J. Blige, sometimes wonders about her decision to be child-free. While on the IMO podcast in August, hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, Blige opened up about moments that made her realize motherhood could be a rewarding path.

EssenceAug 20, 2026

resilience

The Silence I Learned to Carry: Real Talk From a Male Survivor of Sexual Abuse

Roughly one in six men in the United States experience sexual abuse before age 18, yet many never disclose their abuse because of stigma and rigid expectations about masculinity. As a survivor, I learned early that being a boy, and later a man, meant burying fear, sadness and vulnerability.

Ms. MagazineAug 20, 2026

resilience

In The Chair With: Fantasy Hair Braider Kayra Theodore

“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 they’ve learned from their clients, and their top glam tips.

EssenceAug 19, 2026

resilience

Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week Returns For Its Third Year

The Bay Area’s Black art community will receive a regional showcase this fall when the Museum of the African Diaspora presents the third year of Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week . Beginning September 30, the five-day event will bring museums, galleries and independent artists into a shared program

EssenceAug 19, 2026

resilience

Viola Davis, Solange And Black Millennials Remember Hayden Panettiere

For a generation of Black millennials, Hayden Panettiere was simply always there. Long before she became the indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet on Heroes or the complicated country star Juliette Barnes on Nashville , Panettiere had already become a familiar face in the movies that lived in our

EssenceAug 18, 2026

resilience

Salli Richardson-Whitfield On Making Emmy History And Opening Doors For Black Women

Salli Richardson-Whitfield never planned on becoming a director. Now, she is making history as one— again . For much of her career, audiences knew Richardson-Whitfield from in front of the camera. Her résumé stretches back to the early 1990s, with roles in A Low Down Dirty Shame , Eureka and I Am Le

EssenceAug 18, 2026

resilience

Black Women In Sports: Claressa Shields Unclenched

With a success streak etched in history, a bravado bridging boxing and “The Culture,” and a persona positioning her as one of the most polarized figures in sports, it’s fair to contend Claressa Shields is one of the most dominant and misunderstood athletes in modern history.

EssenceAug 17, 2026

resilience

10 Books By Black Authors We’re Excited About This August

Black authors are brilliant at offering a wide spectrum of literary options and this month is no exception. A range of scribes, from veterans to newbies have created books for a plethora of tastes for August.

EssenceAug 14, 2026

resilience

7 Inspiring Black Teachers You Need To Follow On Instagram

Back-to-school season is officially here, and ESSENCE has your official Parent Playbook ! Even if you’re not a parent of a school-aged child , this post is for you. Studies show that Black teachers have a lasting impression on their students of all races! Representation matters.

EssenceAug 13, 2026

resilience

The Ritual Report: How This ‘Girl Dinner’ Helped Me Reclaim My Feminine Health

ESSENCE Senior Beauty & Style Editor Akili King believes ‘glow’ is more than skin deep. In The Ritual Report , she shares personal healing practices—from acupuncture for skin and grounding benefits to ‘dopamine dressing’—designed to inspire readers to find creative ways to soothe their nervous syste

EssenceAug 13, 2026

resilience

How Black Heart Association Is Bringing Heart Health And Community Care To New Orleans

In New Orleans, celebrations of Black freedom have long been rooted in culture, connection, and showing up for community. This Juneteenth, that spirit of service took on an added focus on health equity as the Black Heart Association (BHA) expanded its work in the Crescent City, bringing heart health

EssenceAug 12, 2026

resilience

How to talk to your kids about body image — without toxicity

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our menopause newsletter . We’re once again in a cycle of headlines that feels acutely focused on celebrity and weight and eating disorders. And unfortunately there will likely be more tomorrow and the next day and on and on.

The 19thAug 11, 2026

resilience

The Ritual Report: The Healing Powers Of A Generational Girls Trip

ESSENCE Senior Beauty & Style Editor Akili King believes ‘glow’ is more than skin deep. In The Ritual Report , she shares personal healing practices—from acupuncture for skin and grounding benefits to ‘dopamine dressing’—designed to inspire readers to find creative ways to soothe their nervous syste

EssenceAug 10, 2026

resilience

Celebrate Black Joy: This Week’s Best Uplifting Moments

These days, it is easy to feel like the world is on fire: all of our bills are too high , we’re somehow still at war with Iran , the government is…well, you know how stressful politics is right now. Our news cycle usually feels like one sad or depressing story after another.

EssenceAug 10, 2026

resilience

9 Jewels From A$AP Rocky About Family, Fatherhood And Loving Rihanna

Rakim Athelston Mayers, known to most of the world as A$AP Rocky , might be unfamiliar to someone who grew up with him on the streets of Harlem in the early aughts. A lot has changed in NYC since then. MetroCards have been phased out from the city’s transit system, The NY Knicks are the NBA Champion

EssenceAug 7, 2026

resilience

We’re hiring four new roles at The 19th

The 19th has launched a hiring sprint to fill four new roles across audience, creative, people and operations functions. These roles grew out of our work to align our structures with the strategic plan we launched last year.

The 19thAug 7, 2026

resilience

Would You Take A Family Trip With Your Co-Parent?

There are far too many stories of people, of the everyday and public figure ilk, quarreling with the mother or father of their child. Be it over child support, visitation, new partners, or parenting choices, having a healthy relationship with the person you choose to have a child with isn’t as commo

EssenceAug 6, 2026

resilience

In The Chair With: Ricky Wing

“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 they’ve learned from their clients, and their top glam tips.

EssenceAug 5, 2026

resilience

‘Girlfriends’ Cast Reunites To Support Tracee Ellis Ross On Broadway

Tracee Ellis Ross had plenty of supporters in the audience for her Broadway debut, including the women who helped make Girlfriends one of television’s most beloved comedies. Ross opened Every Brilliant Thing at New York City’s Hudson Theatre this week, with former castmates Persia White, Golden Broo

EssenceAug 3, 2026

resilience

August 2026 Reads for the Rest of Us

Each month, Ms. rounds up some of the most exciting new books by writers from historically marginalized communities—authors whose work too often gets overlooked in a publishing landscape still dominated by white, cisgender, heterosexual men.

Ms. MagazineJul 31, 2026

resilience

5 Reasons The Nolan Wells Case Angers Me As The Mother of A Black Son

Somebody knows something. Someone knows what happened to Nolan Wells , the 18-year-old Mississippi college student who ventured to Horn Island with his “friends” on July 4, 2026, and never returned home. At the very least, (much) more is known than what has currently been revealed.

EssenceJul 31, 2026

resilience

Therapy IRL: Unmasking Black Women’s Mental Health

A photo of Bernita Bowlding made the rounds on the internet earlier this month. Most people commented about how clearly the photo, the woman sitting on a D.C. Metro train on July 4, surrounded by masked white supremacists, showed Black people’s experiences in America: consistently dodging and dealin

EssenceJul 30, 2026

resilience

From rural Virginia music teacher to the nation’s top teachers union leader

Princess Moss couldn’t help but to cry as she discussed her journey from growing up in rural Virginia to leading the nation’s largest labor union — the National Education Association (NEA). “There were so many emotions running through me,” Moss recalled of the moment she won the four-person race on

The 19thJul 30, 2026

resilience

The Hardest Part Of Chronic Illness Was Learning To Trust My Own Body Again

I rehearsed the doctor’s visit in my head before I even got to the parking lot. I knew exactly how I was going to describe the numbness in my hands, the exhaustion that sleep never seemed to touch, the strange moments when my body felt like it belonged to someone else.

EssenceJul 29, 2026

resilience

Op-Ed: What Do We Do With Cheyenne Bryant?

Cheyenne Bryant is once again making headlines, and the internet remains deeply divided. The embattled motivational speaker and self-described relationship expert has faced mounting questions about her academic background for weeks, with continued public debate surrounding the doctorate she has refe

EssenceJul 27, 2026

resilience

Black Girl Vitamins Releases Film Exposing Impact Of Medical Neglect

In just 5 short years, Black Girl Vitamins —the groundbreaking Chicago -based wellness brand—has taken the medical, health and lifestyle industries by storm. Countless Black women who were plagued by anemia, vitamin D and iron deficiencies, plus other quality of life impacted health issues suddenly

EssenceJul 26, 2026

resilience

Here’s How To Get Michelle Williams’ Chiffon Look For Less

Michelle Williams stepped out for the Crystal Renee Hayslett Foundation’s inaugural event, where she was honored with the Voice of Healing Award. For the Destiny’s Child singer, the recognition carried deep personal significance.

EssenceJul 24, 2026

resilience

Unboxed: Antoinette Wooden Wants Black Women To Find Wellness Through Archery

For 34-year-old Columbus, Ohio native Antoinette Wooden, a practice that was initially meant to temporarily soothe during a time of unexpected change ended up shifting her future in the best way. It all started when she was laid off from her work in human resources.

EssenceJul 22, 2026

resilience

How ‘Wounds To Wisdom’ Turned Honest Conversations Into A Documentary

For several reasons, Black men have often been expected to carry life’s burdens without complaint. Wounds to Wisdom , a new documentary premiering at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival , asks what happens when they finally have the space to put those burdens down.

EssenceJul 22, 2026

resilience

We Didn’t Outgrow ESSENCE Festival—We Grew With It

There is something extraordinary about watching history unfold, not from the front row as a spectator, but as someone who has faithfully shown up year after year. For seven women from New Orleans , ESSENCE Festival has never simply been an event on the Fourth of July weekend.

EssenceJul 22, 2026

resilience

Entergy highlights women leading the future of the utility industry

It has been said that nothing happens without electricity. From industry to small mom-and-pop businesses, to households across America, the utility industry provides the power people need to live their lives, enjoy their pastimes and make things happen.

EssenceJul 21, 2026

resilience

Anna Malaika Tubbs Makes Memory a Method of Resistance

Anna Malaika Tubbs, Ph.D., was expecting her first child while writing her debut book. The subject matter for The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation was excerpted from the biographies of the nation’s most consequential civil rights

EssenceJul 20, 2026

resilience

What It Means To Be Seen: A Black Woman’s Journey To The World Cup

My journey to the World Cup was about more than soccer. I have learned to travel with a level of preparation most people never have to consider. Before I leave home, I calculate distance, timing, energy, accessibility, and what I will do if something does not go as planned.

EssenceJul 19, 2026

resilience

Ciara’s World Cup Style Is the Ultimate Inspiration for the FIFA Final

If there’s one celebrity whose World Cup wardrobe has been just as exciting as the matches themselves, it’s Ciara’s . Throughout the tournament, the singer has delivered a series of standout looks that prove sports style can be equal parts effortless and fashion-forward.

EssenceJul 17, 2026

resilience

Can’t Orgasm? How Couples Can Have Mutually Gratifying Sex

Does sex seem more satisfying for your partner than it does for you? Do you give pleasure, but not receive it? You may be a victim of the orgasm gap—snappy branding for a shabby situation. The disparity between orgasm frequency in American women and men was first observed in a 1953 Kinsey Report cal

Rewire News GroupJul 17, 2026

resilience

This AI Chatbot Pushes Conversion Therapy on Trans Users

Editor’s note: This story contains sensitive content, including depictions of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and transphobic extremism, conversion practices, and discussions of suicide. If you or a loved one need mental health support, you can call or text one of these hotlines .

Rewire News GroupJul 15, 2026

resilience

An Ode To Monica: Her Brilliance Has Cemented Her R&B Legacy

Few teenaged talents have emerged on the scene with the presence, voice, and staying power of Monica. With a career spanning decades, the musical alchemist has solidified herself as an industry titan, transforming raw emotion into powerful performances, relaying narratives of heartbreak, true love,

EssenceJul 13, 2026

resilience

Men found ‘Love Island.’ Then they started betting on it.

“Love Island” is the rare dating show that offers a cash prize at the end, and with brand deals and commercial spots, the contestants can hope to make even more money after leaving the villa. Now, the audience can also cash in.

The 19thJul 10, 2026

resilience

WerQFest Is Back For Year Seven, And JT, Onya Nurve, And Infinite Coles Are Headlining

WerQfest, St. Louis ‘s premier Black queer arts and culture festival, is back for its seventh year, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be its biggest yet. On July 11, the festival returns to The Atomic Pavilion by Jamo with a headlining lineup that brings together some of the most exciting names

EssenceJul 8, 2026

resilience

‘Gilmore Girls’ Takes Reproductive Justice Seriously

Gilmore Girls is a tale of reproductive justice. I’ll die on this hill. Where many see just a perfect, cozy show to watch in the fall, my many, many rewatches have shown me something deeper about this 2000s-era TV hit.

Rewire News GroupJul 8, 2026

resilience

I Did ESSENCE Festival Solo Again, And It Gave Me Everything

For the third year in a row, I packed a bag and headed to New Orleans for the ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Going solo has become my tradition, and this year gave me every reason to keep it. I walked into the Convention Center on Friday and felt it right away. Longer lines. More people.

EssenceJul 6, 2026

resilience

New immigration rules require evidence many abuse survivors can’t access

In March, Michigan attorney Ruby Robinson received a denial notice for legal status for his client — an immigrant woman suffering physical abuse from her husband. Her husband had choked her, Robinson said. Shoved her. Forced unwanted touch. Controlled the finances.

The 19thJul 6, 2026

resilience

ESSENCE Festival Headliner Cardi B On How She Grew Grow-Good Beauty

Back in April, Cardi B officially entered the beauty business with the launch of her first-ever haircare line, Grow-Good Beauty . But, going from Grammy Award-winning rapper to brand owner didn’t just work overnight (even though her hair masks do!) “I was tired of having chopped up hair,” she told T

EssenceJul 4, 2026

resilience

Black Hair Is Revolutionary At Essence Festival’s ‘Between Us Curls’ Panel

“We all kind of share the same story,” said panelist Ava Pearl . On the live taping of Pearl’s Between Us Curls podcast at this year’s ESSENCE Festival , “there wasn’t a lot of representation growing up,” she told panel host and ESSENCE Senior Beauty Editor Akili King.

EssenceJul 3, 2026

resilience

Wale Dishes On BET Awards Grooming & His Secret Haircare Brand

Nominated for Album of the Year at this year’s BET Awards, Wale’s eighth studio album Everything is A Lot. is his most personal yet. “ It’s one of my best bodies of work and the recognition from a Black institution is important to me,” he tells ESSENCE exclusively.

EssenceJul 1, 2026

resilience

‘We the People’ Is America’s First Promise. Who Gets to Belong?

For much of my life, I thought belonging was something you found: a place, a community, a passport, a home. Now I believe belonging may be something we build together. That realization took me 30 years—and not because I lacked an identity. I arrived in the United States carrying one.

Ms. MagazineJul 1, 2026

resilience

Court rules that law enforcement’s use of “geofence warrant” was a “search”

Updated on June 29 at 3:50 p.m. The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that when law enforcement officials used a “geofence warrant” – a warrant that instructed Google to provide location data for cellphone users who were near a particular place during a specific time period – to obtain evidence used to

SCOTUSblogJun 29, 2026

resilience

Kendra Anderson Is Making Caviar For The People

In 2023, Kendra Anderson did something that should have been simple, but changed everything: she searched Google for caviar. She was sitting on her couch in Chicago during COVID, craving something she’d once accessed fairly easily through wholesale suppliers.

EssenceJun 26, 2026

resilience

What To Expect At Essence Festival’s New Unbothered & Well Stage

Don’t miss out on Essence Festival of Culture—tickets here: Get Tickets In just one week, New Orleans will be a hotspot for the city’s biggest family reunion of the year: the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture . But, even the healthiest family members can use a little more healing.

EssenceJun 25, 2026

resilience

Megan Thee Stallion Brings Hot Girl Summer Energy To True Religion

When it comes to confidence, style, and setting the tone for summer, no one does it quite like Megan Thee Stallion . The Houston native has built an empire around the Hot Girl philosophy. One rooted in self-assurance, authenticity, and showing up as your fullest self.

EssenceJun 23, 2026

resilience

5 Beauty Content Creators On The Importance Of Juneteenth

Juneteenth may have begun in Galveston, Texas, but its significance is widespread. The holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in Texas (on June 19, 1865), became nationally recognized in 2021 thanks to the efforts of many Black people.

EssenceJun 20, 2026

resilience

Beauty Brand Founders On What Juneteenth Means To Them

Juneteenth is a day for us to commemorate Black freedom and honor our ancestors. Since June 19th, 1865– when it was declared that enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas were free– we’ve become college graduates, CEOs, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

EssenceJun 18, 2026

resilience

I’ve Spent My Life Caring for Others. Who Cares for Caregivers?

Front & Center amplifies the voices of Black women navigating poverty—highlighting their struggles, resilience and dreams as they care for their families, build careers and challenge systems not built for their success. Now in its fourth year, Front & Center is a collaboration between Ms.

Ms. MagazineJun 18, 2026

resilience

No Equality Without Paid Leave

The United States remains one of the only wealthy nations without a national paid leave program—and that failure has profound consequences for women’s economic security, caregiving responsibilities and ability to participate fully in public life.

Ms. MagazineJun 18, 2026

resilience

In The Chair With: Kinaya Haug

“In The Chair” spotlights the incredible hairstylists, nail and makeup artists in our community who are giving us major inspiration. Each week, they discuss their personal beauty and career journeys, what they’ve learned from their clients, and their top glam tips.

EssenceJun 17, 2026

resilience

Op-Ed: Can Patrick Ta Regain Black Women’s Trust?

Yesterday, Patrick Ta sat down on the podcast Aspire with Emma Grede for an episode titled “The Accountability Conversation.” In the hour-long episode, the beauty brand founder opened up for the first time about his recent controversy with makeup artist Ngozi Esther Edeme (also known as Painted by E

EssenceJun 17, 2026

resilience

In anti-LGBTQ+ Idaho, an Episcopal camp offers queer Christians a haven

This piece was copublished with FāVS News , America’s only digital newsroom devoted exclusively to local religion journalism. The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, Washington, has maintained Camp Cross—a 130-acre property on the west side of Lake Cœur D’Alene, Idaho—for more than a century.

The 19thJun 16, 2026

resilience

Josh Hart’s NBA Finals Braids Were A Love Letter To New York

It’s the fifth game in the 2026 NBA Championship. The Knicks are playing on the San Antonio Spurs’ home court, yet the air is full of love for New York—and so are Josh Hart’s braids. The buzzer hits zero, the Knicks are up 4-1, and the guard just clutched his first-ever finals trophy, the first for

EssenceJun 15, 2026

resilience

They Never Left Pulse Behind. They Just Learned to Carry it Differently.

This story was originally reported by Brooke Migdon of The 19th , and republished through Rewire News Group ‘s partnership with the 19th News Network. Ten years ago July 12, a man armed with a semi-automatic rifle and semi-automatic pistol opened fire at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Rewire News GroupJun 15, 2026

resilience

Alissia Has Already Shaped The Sound Of Modern R&B. Now She’s Making Her Own.

Check the credits of your favorite records from the last few years and you’ll see Alissia’s name everywhere. Whether it’s the bounce of Kaytranada or the raw soul of Mary J. Blige, the Swiss born, Italy raised multi-instrumentalist has quietly become one of the industry’s most trusted secret weapons

EssenceJun 12, 2026

resilience

’90s Fine: Classic Black Couples Who Are Still Going Strong

The ’90s gave us iconic fashion, unforgettable music, and some of the most enduring Black love stories in Hollywood. If you were lucky enough to grow up during this era, you witnessed yearning, Love Jones-inspired romance and plenty of early #couplesgoals.

EssenceJun 12, 2026

resilience

How I Became a Feminist Historian, and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

In August, the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas at Austin will close. I joined the department last year after leaving the University of Iowa’s Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies department, which also closed this year.

Ms. MagazineJun 9, 2026

resilience

Topicals’ Olamide Olowe Sparks Transparent Conversation Around Bread Beauty Acquisition

“I’m the founder of Topicals and the launch of my new brand ‘Bread’ flopped,” read one of Olamide Olowe’s latest TikTok videos with over 100,000 likes. In April of last year, the founder announced her new holding company Cost Of Doing Business (CODB) with haircare brand Bread Beauty Supply as their

EssenceJun 8, 2026

resilience

Invest in Education and Justice to Strengthen Rule of Law

Click to expand Image A teacher speaks to students during a lesson at a public school in São Paulo, Brazil on October 18, 2021. © 2021 Patricia Monteiro/Bloomberg via Getty Images A new UNESCO report illustrates how education can empower children and their communities to access their human …

Human Rights WatchJun 8, 2026

resilience

How Jela Lanier Turned Normal Culture Into A Miami Swim Week Mainstay

Thomas Concordi/Getty Images By ESSENCE Editors · Updated June 4, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… It’s the 10 year anniversary of Normal Culture at Miami Swim Week and founder Jela Lanier is taking a moment to reflect on a journey that began with just a few products and a vision

EssenceJun 4, 2026

resilience

In The Chair With: Chloe Bailey’s Loc Stylist Fesa Nu

By India Espy-Jones · Updated June 4, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… Raised by her father, hairstylist Fesa Nu learned earlier than most how to do her own hair. “I spent plenty of hours practicing on myself,” she tells ESSENCE.

EssenceJun 4, 2026

resilience

In Our Own Voice Releases Narrative Demand™, New Research Exploring What Stories Black Women Say are Missing from Media and Culture

Qualitative research reveals emerging insights about the gap between dominant narratives and the stories Black women want and need to see NATIONWIDE — Today, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda released new qualitative research introducing Narrative Demand™ , an emer

National Black Women's RJ AgendaJun 3, 2026

resilience

What My First PGA Championship Taught Me About Golf’s Black History And Its Future

B002 By ESSENCE Editors · Updated May 28, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… Prior to a few months ago, my knowledge of golf was limited to Tiger Woods, the Masters Tournament, the brothas from Eastside Golf , and a few social organizations based locally here in Washington, D.C .

EssenceMay 28, 2026

resilience

Pam Grier Talks ‘Jackie Brown,’ Soul Flix, And The Legacy Of Black Cinema

By Okla Jones · Updated May 26, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… “It’s always nice to share what you’ve learned on your journey with everyone because it’s so vast,” Pam Grier says. “I’ve learned so much and there’s so much abundance that we all have.

EssenceMay 26, 2026

resilience

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 24, 2026

resilience

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 22, 2026

resilience

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 22, 2026

resilience

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 21, 2026

resilience

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 20, 2026

resilience

Barney Frank, first member of Congress to come out as gay, dies at 86

Former Rep. Barney Frank, the most prominent out gay politician in the United States for over a decade, died Wednesday after entering home hospice care for congestive heart failure. At 86, the Massachusetts Democrat continued going on cable news and speaking with reporters, friends and former collea

The 19thMay 20, 2026

resilience

A’ja Wilson Solidifies GOAT Status With Historic 45-Point Night

A’ja Wilson just did what no other WNBA player has ever done. The 29-year-old Columbia, South Carolina native scored 45 points in a 101-94 win over the Connecticut Sun on the evening […] The post A’ja Wilson Solidifies GOAT Status With Historic 45-Point Night appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 18, 2026

resilience

Feeling Invisible, Many Disabled Caregivers Also Need Support

This story was originally reported by Sara Luterman of The 19th , and republished through Rewire News Group ‘s partnership with the 19th News Network. Helina Josephson retired from a career in university administration in 2017 due to autoimmune disease and chronic pain.

Rewire News GroupMay 18, 2026

resilience

Hip-Hop Has Always Addressed Mental Health, And These Songs Prove It

“See, to live, is to suffer—but to survive, is to find meaning in the suffering.” I first heard DMX speak those words in November of 1998. “Slippin’” was the lead […] The post Hip-Hop Has Always Addressed Mental Health, And These Songs Prove It appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 13, 2026

resilience

Solange’s Hair Stylist Jacob Aaron Shares Top Tips

“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 Solange’s Hair Stylist Jacob Aaron Shares Top Tips appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 13, 2026

resilience

White Men Are Finally Catching a Break: Opinion

Hi, journalist John Q. Whiteman here, and I wrote this op-ed about diversity hires. (Yes, this story is satire, but it's based in reality—and Imani Gandy thinks there’s nothing funny about pretending reverse racism is real.

Rewire News GroupMay 13, 2026

resilience

Feeling invisible, many disabled caregivers also need support

Helina Josephson retired from a career in university administration in 2017 due to autoimmune disease and chronic pain. She has ice pick headaches, which are exactly what they sound like — sudden, stabbing pain in her head. She has arthritis in her hips.

The 19thMay 13, 2026

resilience

On The ‘Real Housewives,’ Wealth Is Never Enough

The Real Housewives franchise has always been about the performance of wealth—aspirational, excessive, and just believable enough to keep us watching. When The Real Housewives of Orange County debuted in […] The post On The ‘Real Housewives,’ Wealth Is Never Enough appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 12, 2026

resilience

The Best Black-Owned Vacation Dresses To Shop This Summer

All products featured on Essence are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. When I’m planning a […] The post The Best Black-Owned Vacation Dresses To Shop This Summer appeared first on Essence

EssenceMay 12, 2026

resilience

A Century After the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Fight for Greenwood Continues

ThinkGreenwood is my gift to every Black town, neighborhood and community in this country where people seek to repair past harms and give themselves and their children a fair chance at a better life. It’s a blueprint for Black Power in the modern era that any group can use to build the same indomita

Ms. MagazineMay 12, 2026

resilience

Unboxed: How Fiber Artist Chelsea Billingsley Weaves Black Stories Into Fine Art

Some people pivot onto new paths later in life. Others just know that an unconventional life is what they’re meant for. Chelsea Billingsley, 29, has always been drawn to art. […] The post Unboxed: How Fiber Artist Chelsea Billingsley Weaves Black Stories Into Fine Art appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 11, 2026

resilience

Ivy Coco Maurice On Styling Her Mother Sheryl Lee Ralph

“I’ve known fashion pretty much my whole life,” stylist Ivy Coco Maurice tells ESSENCE over the phone. She’s in Jamaica working on a research project, which is the Island she […] The post Ivy Coco Maurice On Styling Her Mother Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 10, 2026

resilience

How Being A Dog Mom Is Offering Black Women An Alternative Motherhood

The realization that I wanted to be a mother—and that motherhood, in this world, might be one of the worst things I could ever subject myself to—hit me within seconds […] The post How Being A Dog Mom Is Offering Black Women An Alternative Motherhood appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 9, 2026

resilience

What a Daughter Learned About Leadership Watching Her Mom Hold Everything Together

“I know that sometimes it was a struggle for my mom to support me all the time in my dance classes,” Tamya writes in the second installment of the Ms. miniseries, The Kids of Magnolia Mother’s Trust . “Uniforms, traveling fees, parade fees—these all add up.” A high school senior in Jackson, Miss.

Ms. MagazineMay 9, 2026

resilience

Moments of Joy This AANHPI Heritage Month

Welcome to AANHPI Heritage Month! To celebrate, some of NWLC’s AANHPI staffers wrote about recent moments of joy related to AANHPI communities and cultures. Enjoy! Vibha Jain Miller: Though this memory occurred some years ago, remembering it still brings me joy.

National Women's Law CenterMay 8, 2026

resilience

Black Women Are Making Space For Joy, One LEGO® Brick At A Time

Sponsored by the LEGO Group Being both Black and a woman is an ethereal experience. But at times, it can also feel like a constant battle to justify your existence. […] The post Black Women Are Making Space For Joy, One LEGO® Brick At A Time appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 7, 2026

resilience

EXCLUSIVE: Aleshea Harris Brings Her Acclaimed Play ‘Is God Is’ To The Big Screen

In Is God Is, what began as a stage play evolved into one of the most talked-about theater works of the last decade, eventually earning Obie Awards and captivating audiences […] The post EXCLUSIVE: Aleshea Harris Brings Her Acclaimed Play ‘Is God Is’ To The Big Screen appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 7, 2026

resilience

‘Create To Heal’ Is Reviving The Salon’s Role As A Space For Community Care

On a rainy April day in Los Angeles, Ms. Carolyn Smith decided she was ready to release decades worth of grief. The longtime Altadena resident and survivor of the Los […] The post ‘Create To Heal’ Is Reviving The Salon’s Role As A Space For Community Care appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 6, 2026

resilience

In The Chair With: Geoff Cathcart

“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: Geoff Cathcart appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 6, 2026

resilience

‘Heart & Hustle: Houston’ Season 2 Turns Up the Drama

In a city where ambition moves as fast as the traffic on 610, OWN’s Heart & Hustle: Houston returns with a second season that digs deeper—past the picture-perfect versions of […] The post ‘Heart & Hustle: Houston’ Season 2 Turns Up the Drama appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 5, 2026

resilience

The Only Place to Report Police Sexual Violence Is the System That Causes It

Nearly one in five New Yorkers have experienced sexual violence—and a new report finds that 12 percent have also faced sexualized behavior from NYPD officers, ranging from unwanted flirting and requests for phone numbers to catcalling. Across the U.S.

Ms. MagazineMay 4, 2026

resilience

These Two Black Moms Help Black Families Afford And Enjoy Elite Private Schools

Black parents never have an easy road. This especially applies to educating our children. Choosing a school for your child as a Black mother or father is tough. These days […] The post These Two Black Moms Help Black Families Afford And Enjoy Elite Private Schools appeared first on Essence .

EssenceMay 1, 2026

resilience

Who gets to speak for mothers of autistic children?

Self-described “MAHA moms” — who embrace the Make America Healthy Again movement — spoke about unsubstantiated treatments for autism and discredited theories this week as part of a key government advisory committee.

The 19thApr 30, 2026

resilience

What ‘The Pitt’ Got Right and Wrong About a Major Pregnancy Risk

The Emmy award-winning medical drama The Pitt closed its second season with a storyline about a parient with preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy most identified through high blood pressure and protein in urine.

Ms. MagazineApr 30, 2026

resilience

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Reimagines John Creasy In Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’

In the new series Man on Fire, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as the well-known (and conflicted, to say the least) character of John Creasy. The show itself revisits A.J. Quinnell’s […] The post Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Reimagines John Creasy In Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 29, 2026

resilience

Sex Workers Remember Victims of Gilgo Beach Killer: ‘Our Sisters’

Opinion: The media portrays sex workers as a plot point in Rex Heuermann’s story. But we know violent men, and public conversations should center our voices. The post Sex Workers Remember Victims of Gilgo Beach Killer: ‘Our Sisters’ appeared first on Rewire News Group .

Rewire News GroupApr 29, 2026

resilience

Black Hair Takes Center Stage In The ‘Doodle For Google’ Contest

A Washington high school student is celebrating the beauty and power of Black hair on a national stage. Thanks to her illustration that centers Black identity through a personal lens, […] The post Black Hair Takes Center Stage In The ‘Doodle For Google’ Contest appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 28, 2026

resilience

Book bans and culture wars came for libraries. They’re still standing strong.

Sarah DeMaria still remembers how close she came to resigning from her role as a school librarian. It was the summer of 2023, and after a year of vicious personal attacks, politically motivated book challenges and police reports to flag so-called pornographic content in the library, DeMaria had enou

The 19thApr 24, 2026

resilience

Jasmine Tookes Stars In Victoria’s Secret Mother’s Day Campaign

Back in October, veteran angel Jasmine Tookes opened the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. But, it wasn’t just her silky, sexy hair our jaws were dropped for. It was also her […] The post Jasmine Tookes Stars In Victoria’s Secret Mother’s Day Campaign appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 23, 2026

resilience

Erica Campbell Can Celebrate Love While Sister Tina Navigates Divorce

Why can’t Erica Campbell be excited that she’s set to celebrate 25 years of marriage? If you’ve been paying attention, the singer and First Lady has been spreading the word […] The post Erica Campbell Can Celebrate Love While Sister Tina Navigates Divorce appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 23, 2026

resilience

Inside the DC Jail Debate Team, Women Find Their Voice

“I know of a woman who spent most of her first prison sentence in isolation. She had no access to programs to help her heal from childhood trauma, abuse, neglect or depression,” Chelsee Wright wrote in remarks prepared for a February debate.

Ms. MagazineApr 22, 2026

resilience

Tina Knowles And More Star In Elisa Johnson’s Mother’s Day Campaign

Elisa Johnson is slowly becoming the it-girl of eyewear. See: everyone from Lori Harvey to Quenlin Blackwell rocking her shades. As for her latest Mother’s Day campaign? She tapped her […] The post Tina Knowles And More Star In Elisa Johnson’s Mother’s Day Campaign appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 21, 2026

resilience

On ‘Real Housewives’ Performance Comes At A Price

The Real Housewives franchise has always been about the performance of wealth—aspirational, excessive, and just believable enough to keep us watching. When The Real Housewives of Orange County debuted in […] The post On ‘Real Housewives’ Performance Comes At A Price appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 21, 2026

resilience

For Women Leaving Prison, Education Can Be a Way Out

Standing at the bottom of the steps at Tulane University, waiting for her name to be called, Stephanie King took a deep breath. At 63, after nearly three decades in prison, she was about to receive her college diploma—something she had never imagined possible.

Ms. MagazineApr 21, 2026

resilience

The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Planning The Perfect Solo Traincation

Everyone says Black women should experience a solo trip at least once. But I take it a step further to say every Black woman should experience a solo train trip […] The post The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Planning The Perfect Solo Traincation appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 21, 2026

resilience

7 Black Women–Owned Cannabis Dispensaries You Should Know

The United States legal cannabis industry is projected to reach approximately $30.5 billion in revenue in 2026, according to a March 2026 report by Whitney Economics. According to Flowhub,legal cannabis is expected […] The post 7 Black Women–Owned Cannabis Dispensaries You Should Know appeared first

EssenceApr 20, 2026

resilience

How Otis Redding’s Family Protected His Name, Music, And Money For Decades

“I have magic in this building,” Karla Redding-Andrews, the daughter of Otis Redding, says on a cozy April afternoon in Macon, Ga. Speaking to a full hall of friends and […] The post How Otis Redding’s Family Protected His Name, Music, And Money For Decades appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 20, 2026

resilience

Therapy IRL: The Season Changed—So Why Hasn’t Your Mood?

I was scrolling through IG the other day and whew! Homie in my Harlem neighborhood nailed it. Here he was, frolicking about in his yellow shirt, embodying the feeling scrolled across […] The post Therapy IRL: The Season Changed—So Why Hasn’t Your Mood? appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 20, 2026

resilience

We’re hiring a contract LGBTQ+ reporter

Role details Scope of work The 19th is seeking a full-time contract reporter to report, write and produce coverage of LGBTQ+ issues, focusing on the intersections with politics and elections. This six-month contract position is for up to 32 hours a week from June to November.

The 19thApr 17, 2026

resilience

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shares Her Mindset On Recovery, Growth, And Los Angeles 2028

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has spent much of her career redefining what’s possible on the track, but her focus right now reaches beyond records and race times. In a conversation with ESSENCE, […] The post Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shares Her Mindset On Recovery, Growth, And Los Angeles 2028 appeared

EssenceApr 16, 2026

resilience

Op-Ed: What ‘You, Me, & Tuscany’ Is Really Saying To Black Girls

She’s wearing someone else’s lingerie when we meet her. Credit cards are nearly maxed. No real plan. Still grieving. Still becoming. And somehow, against every unspoken rule about who deserves […] The post Op-Ed: What ‘You, Me, & Tuscany’ Is Really Saying To Black Girls appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 15, 2026

resilience

Azzi Fudd Selected No. 1 By Dallas Wings In 2026 WNBA Draft

Everybody’s favorite Huskie just became a Dallas Wing. The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night in New York […] The post Azzi Fudd Selected No. 1 By Dallas Wings In 2026 WNBA Draft appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 14, 2026

resilience

Law, memoir, and the mystery of Justice Anthony Kennedy’s writing

The Supreme Court justice memoir, so lucrative for its authors, tends to be a less than illuminating genre. Justice Neil Gorsuch’s A Republic, If You Can Keep It reiterated the […] The post Law, memoir, and the mystery of Justice Anthony Kennedy’s writing appeared first on SCOTUSblog .

SCOTUSblogApr 10, 2026

resilience

Dawn Staley Finally Gets A Real Apology From Geno Auriemma Because You Spoke Up

Malcom X proclaimed that the most disrespected person in America is a Black woman. More than 60 years after he made this assertion, it still resonates, even during a 2026 […] The post Dawn Staley Finally Gets A Real Apology From Geno Auriemma Because You Spoke Up appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 8, 2026

resilience

Curl Specialist Candace Witherspoon Shares Her Top Tips

“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 Curl Specialist Candace Witherspoon Shares Her Top Tips appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 8, 2026

resilience

Angel Reese Is The First WNBA Player To Star In A Victoria’s Secret Campaign

Leave it to Angel Reese to make history. Last year, she became the first WNBA player to walk a Victoria’s Secret show runway—showcasing how Black women can do it all…and […] The post Angel Reese Is The First WNBA Player To Star In A Victoria’s Secret Campaign appeared first on Essence .

EssenceApr 7, 2026

resilience

Victoria Monét, Angel Reese Highlight The Life-Changing Impact Of HBCUs

Celebrities are going viral as they speak openly about their desire to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This week, Grammy Award winner Victoria Monét surprised the Spelman College […] The post Victoria Monét, Angel Reese Highlight The Life-Changing Impact Of HBCUs appeare

EssenceApr 7, 2026

resilience

California DOJ Investigates West Altadena Fire After Survivors’ Push

After California’s Eaton Fire destroyed neighborhoods across Los Angeles County, fire survivors from the historic African American community of West Altadena spent the last year demanding accountability for the negligence […] The post California DOJ Investigates West Altadena Fire After Survivors’ P

EssenceApr 7, 2026