Essence Communications Inc.

In this pivotal election, Black women everywhere could, for the first time, see a reflection of our grandmother’s dreams as Commander in Chief. This moment isn’t just about casting a ballot; it’s about claiming our space, our rights, and our future. That isn’t lost on Vice President Kamala Harris. She knows where she stands, firmly at the intersection of freedom and power. We’re not just voting; we’re shaping a legacy of freedom for generations to come. The stakes are high, but so is her spirit. In a very special Chief -to- Chief interview filmed at the 30th ESSENCE Festival of Culture, ESSENCE Ventures CEO and President Caroline Wanga sat down with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss what inspired her to enter politics, her plans as President, and the potential impact of the upcoming election on everyone. This is our special, Collector’s Edition September / October subscriber cover. Read her cover story here: https://lnkd.in/eB-8TDCd

We had two cover images in our hands and couldn't choose one. So it's only right that One iconic model gets Two iconic covers! Tyra Banks graces our March/April Beauty Issue, proving that beauty, power, and resilience only get better with time. Want to be on top of the mailing? Subscribe and get this special edition subscriber cover sent to your home! Read her cover story here: https://lnkd.in/gcUxhsvP

Tyra Is Back! The walk that changed the industry. The face that broke barriers. One of the last Supermodels. Few people in this industry can be identified by saying one name, and you know exactly who they're talking about. Say "Smize," and you immediately squint your eyes and raise your eyebrows. Say the phrase, "I only have one photo in my hand," and you know the exact place you sat rooting for your favorite model. Ladies and Gentlemen, its: TYRA. After a hiatus from the modeling industry she is putting back on her heels and is ready to hit the runway. “I am going to model again, officially. I’m gonna sign with an agency in Sydney. I’m gonna have agencies in Paris. I’m going to be in New York. Like, I’m just gonna do this” In our March/ April Beauty Issue, the first lady of fashion and beauty talks about America's Next Top Model, menopause, and her plans to return to the runway. Grab your copy on newsstands March 18th and read her cover story here: https://lnkd.in/gcUxhsvP Talent: @tyrabanks Writer: @brooklynrwhite Photographer: @knngrm Stylist: @edemdl Hair: @richi_grisillo Makeup: @justinhenrybeauty Nails: @cindyvellisnailstylist Set Design: @mariskalowri Tailor: #JuliHerlihy Post Production: @onehundredberlin Location: @bakerstreetstudios Executive Production: @themorrisongroup Local Production: @c.cproduction ESSENCE, VP, Content: @itsnandibby ESSENCE, Visual Director: @_mq______ ESSENCE, Senior Designer: @so.lit

The power is in YOUR hands! ESSENCE and Diet Coke are celebrating Black Women in Hollywood with the ESSIES’ Choice Award—and we need YOU to crown the winner! This year’s nominees are Dominique Fishback, Emayatzy Corinealdi and the Cast of Tyler Perry’s SISTAS are redefining the game and changing the face of Hollywood. Who’s taking home the honor? That’s up to YOU! You can vote once every hour, so set those reminders and make your voice heard. Ready to show love to your fave? Click the link and let the voting begin! https://lnkd.in/gnKWbz_8 #DietCokeESSIES #ESSIESChoiceAwards #DietCoke @dietcoke

After more than 20 years of stellar stage, TV, and film performances, Anthony Mackie is stepping into the spotlight to play the superhero of all superheroes—but in a new way. ? Anthony Mackie is Captain America. After appearing in six Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Sam Wilson, aka Falcon, the actor is putting on the notoriously heavy shield of the superhero as the star of February’s Captain America: Brave New World. The moment is epic for comic book fans, and it’s also a win for proponents of representation on the big and small screen. Read Anthony Mackie’s Of The ESSENCE cover story here: https://lnkd.in/grTktPZc Credits: Talent: @anthonymackie Photographer: @christiansoria_ Stylist: @jasonrembert Barber: @directorscutinc Grooming: @jessica_o_ Nails: @ajackdannie Set Design: @jennykcorrea Tailor: @mariadelgreco Post Production: @onehundredberlin Location: @splashlightstudios Production: @themorrisongroup ESSENCE, VP, Content: @itsnandibby ESSENCE, Visual Director: @_mq______

Calling all creatives! ESSENCE Hollywood House is back with a powerful tribute to resilience, honoring those impacted by the California wildfires. ESSENCE Hollywood House: To Altadena, With Love will honor the perseverance and camaraderie of Black communities devastated by the recent crisis — offering a space of inspiration, connection, and support for creative professionals in the film and television industries. Join us on February 28, 2025, from 10 AM to 6 PM PST for a day of thought-provoking panels, a community resource hub, and meaningful networking opportunities — all with a renewed focus on creativity and compassion. Don’t wait! Register for FREE via the E60 App and find more information about the event at https://lnkd.in/gB5TkbxW #ESSENCEHH2025

And the Honorees Are — The 18th Annual Black Women in Hollywood honorees have mastered both the scene and the unseen—delivering powerhouse performances and breaking barriers behind the lens. From the spotlight to the shadows, their impact is undeniable. Get ready to celebrate the women who make Hollywood shine in every way! This year, we honor the careers and outstanding achievements of: Emmy, Grammy, Tony winner, and 3x Oscar nominee actress and singer Cynthia Erivo. Multifaceted award-winning actress, singer, Creative Director, and Producer Teyana Taylor. Emmy-nominated creator, writer, and executive producer of Reasonable Doubt Raamla Mohamed. Emmy-nominated actress, producer, writer, and living legend Marla Gibbs. Hosted by producer and star of Prime Video’s number 1 hit series Cross, our leading man Aldis Hodge. Please mark your calendars for Black Women In Hollywood, which will air on March 3rd, 2025. Our pre-show will start at 7:00 pm EST, and the ceremony will follow at 8:00 pm EST, only on the ESSENCE YouTube channel. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gMspTK-b

Beauty and the Ball No one is turning heads on and off the court like Kysre Gondrezick, rewriting the narrative that beauty and athleticism can’t coexist. Growing up with basketball legends in her bloodline, Kysre’s journey of self-discovery and the determination to own her greatness were embedded in her as a child. Kysre’s tunnel looks redefine beauty standards in the WNBA and show that ballers can do more than dribble. She’s not just playing basketball; she’s changing the rules. In our latest Of The ESSENCE digital cover story, she opens up about finding her voice, her go-to beauty routine (spoiler alert: Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love is definitely playing in the background), and why 2025 is about to be her “sexy” year. Read her Of The ESSENCE cover story at here: https://lnkd.in/gdBHtjgp The Credits: Talent: @kysrerae Photographer: @mylesloftin Stylist: @______sharifa Hair: @ataylorrr_ Makeup: @shea_mua Nails: @adonaynailedit Production: @themorrisongroup Post Production: @noahshakoor Location: @northhoustonstudio ESSENCE, VP, Content: @itsnandibby ESSENCE, Visual Director: @_mq______ ESSENCE, Design Director: @anthonybones_ ESSENCE, Senior Designer: @so.li

Standing in Solidarity with New Orleans The tragic events on New Year’s Day remind us of the strength, resilience, and unity of New Orleans, a city that has inspired us for over 30 years. New Orleans is home, and we remain committed to standing with this remarkable community during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families and express our gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and courageously. As New Orleans begins to heal and rebuild, ESSENCE is dedicated to deepening our engagement and visibility in the city we love. Here’s how you can help: https://lnkd.in/g9JDR273 With love and in solidarity, ESSENCE Ventures #WELOVEUS

In an exclusive ESSENCE interview, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sits down and opens up about his journey to NFL stardom. From the field to the tunnel looks, the youngest quarterback to win MVP reflects on his career and the impact he aims to leave both on and off the field with @lamarjacksonentertainment and @forever8dreamers. This is one Christmas gift you don’t want to wait to unwrap! Watch our one-on-one with Lamar Jackson here: https://lnkd.in/gidqvbMA