ESSENCE

A pioneering journalist who helped establish ESSENCE as a leading publication for Black women, Marcia Ann Gillespie leaves behind a legacy that continues to influence the magazine industry. 💐 essence.com/culture/remember…

From Screams To Synths: How Horror And Hip-Hop Music Intersect essence.com/entertainment/ho…

Building something of your own takes vision. Staying true to that vision takes courage. Hanifa founder Anifa Mvuemba has built a fashion brand that continues to challenge convention while celebrating women in all their dimensions. At ESSENCE Black Women in Business presented by L’Oréal Group, we recognized her for the creativity, independence, and innovation she’s brought to the industry. Watch her full honoree speech on our ESSENCE YouTube channel. #ESSENCEBWIB

Black women have always influenced the beauty industry. Sarah Curtis Henry is helping lead its future. As General Manager of Armani Beauty and Valentino Beauty at L’Oréal Luxe USA, she's bringing nearly two decades of experience and leadership to some of luxury beauty's most recognizable brands. At the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business presented by L’Oréal Group celebration, we recognized her continued impact on the industry. Tune in to her full speech on our ESSENCE YouTube channel. #ESSENCEBWIB

Never underestimate the power of knowing your audience. Especially when that audience is shaping the culture. Ayiko Broyard has built a career connecting cultural understanding with business impact, helping brands recognize the influence of Black consumers and creators. We celebrated her leadership and contributions to advertising at the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business presented by L’Oréal Group ceremony. Watch her full speech on our YouTube channel. #ESSENCEBWIB

Creator Radar: The Black TikTok Creators Winning Halloween Makeup This Year girlsunited.essence.com/beau…

Gabourey Sidibe Says She’s A “Deeply Unserious Person,” And That’s The Secret To Her Confidence! essence.com/lifestyle/gabour…

Best New Music This Week: Megan The Stallion Channels Tina Snow With ‘Tina Tuesday Freestyles,’ Destin Conrad Releases “Chi Chi,” Ayra Starr, And More essence.com/entertainment/ne…

There's something powerful about a woman who knows the value of her own voice. Tamron Hall has built a career around storytelling, connection, and creating opportunities for conversations that matter. From award-winning journalism to hosting and executive producing her own nationally syndicated talk show, she's continued to show what's possible when Black women take ownership of their stories. We celebrated her contributions to media at ESSENCE Black Women in Business presented by L’Oréal Group. Watch her full honoree speech on our ESSENCE YouTube channel. #ESSENCEBWIB

A celebration worthy of the women who continue to move us forward. At Villa Lewaro, ESSENCE Black Women in Business presented by L’Oréal Group, honored Anifa Mvuemba, Ayiko Broyard, Sarah Curtis Henry, and Tamron Hall for their leadership and contributions across industries. From powerful reflections to moments of recognition, the afternoon was a celebration of the women creating opportunities and building legacies that extend far beyond themselves. Relive the celebration at ESSENCE.com. #ESSENCEBWIB

Gabrielle Union And Tracee Ellis Ross Are 54 And Fabulous essence.com/beauty/tracee-el…

Behind The Beauty: Aris Singleton On tgin's Legacy & Breast Cancer Awareness essence.com/hair/behind-the-…

Partner In Prime: Terrence J And Rocsi Diaz Talk '106 & Park' Nostalgia, Legacy, And Reuniting In NYC girlsunited.essence.com/ente…

A post can go viral and still be wrong. Before you hit share, check the source. On this week’s Paint the Polls Black, Damon Hewitt talks election misinformation, what to watch out for and why checking the facts matters before you cast your ballot. Visit Vote.gov to confirm your registration, check your state’s registration deadlines and options, and find official voting information. Make your plan to vote early where available or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Let’s Paint the Polls Black.

Consider this your official excuse. Game 6 of the WNBA Finals tips off TODAY at 12:30 PM ET, and we’ve got your permission slip ready! With the Golden State Valkyries leading the Dream 3–2, a championship is on the line. Will Golden State take home the title, or will Atlanta force a Game 7? Either way, we WILL be watching. Whether you’ve called in sick, blocked off your calendar, or convinced your coworkers to turn the break room into a watch party, we support your decision. Tune in on USA Network, Peacock, E! or SYFY as we show up for the women in the W. From Angel Reese to Tiffany Hayes, DeWanna Bonner and more, the girls deserve our undivided attention. So do what you gotta do. We’ve already signed off on it.

Viral 3-Year Old Prodigy, Nevada Pierre, Has Been Gifted Training Sessions From Soccer Star, Eddie Johnson essence.com/entertainment/sp…

A woman's power isn't defined by the title she holds. It's in the confidence, purpose, and vision she brings to every room. At the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business celebration, sponsored by @lorealgroupe, journalist Amanda Booz caught up with some of the inspiring women in attendance to talk leadership, self-worth, beauty, and the lessons they've learned along the way. From the wisdom they've carried throughout their careers to the rituals that help them show up as their best selves, these conversations remind us that there is no one way to be a powerful woman. #ESSENCEBWIB26

R&B Rising: John Legend On Reuniting With Pharrell Williams For New Album ‘Muse’ essence.com/entertainment/jo…

Your vote matters! Kerry Washington is backing Keisha Lance Bottoms’ bid for Georgia governor. The actress and activist spoke at a fundraiser at Atlanta’s Friendship Baptist Church. Before the gathering, Washington and Bottoms spoke with ESSENCE about the Black women whose work makes political victories possible and what they should expect in return for their support and leadership. Hear a message from the two of them and read more of our exclusive at ESSENCE.com.