Essence Communications Inc.

Dear New Orleans, Your Vieux Carré streets were reclaimed by Black women, boasting all our shades and shapes, sashaying in colorful, silky sundresses, two-piece linen sets, and hoochie-mama shorts. With our singin’ and sanctified! It felt like I’d arrived in Black heaven. Watching thousands sway together, our spirits intertwined, I realized then that something special lived here—not merely in Frankie Beverly and Maze’s music, but in your essence, New Orleans. Without our ancestors, there would be no New Orleans. This country tries to hide the truth of our genius, but your existence reveals what it means to build, resist, and remember. The scent of fried fish and creole dishes, seasoned to perfection and reminiscent of Haiti, wafts from the food trucks and sidewalk set-ups that offer staples like red beans and rice. Whether we walk these streets as locals or as visitors, we must acknowledge that ESSENCE Fest would not be the haven it is without the heart-posture of Black New Orleanians. We Love You, We Love Us! For our July/August issue, we are celebrating 30 years of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture and paying tribute to the people of New Orleans with a love letter to the city that has become our home! Get your copy on newsstands on 6/25! Read the cover story here: https://lnkd.in/gi7fWf-T The Credits: Writer: Stevona Elem-Rogers  Photographer/Director: Edward Buckles, Jr.   Assistant Director: Marcus Brown  Photography Assistants: J. Alejandro Moreno, Peter Philips, and Val Dagrain  Gaffer: Cyr Eugene  Production Assistant & Movement Director: Ammara Khalid  Retouching: Molly Solorzano    ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: Corey Stokes ESSENCE, Senior Content Director: Nandi Howard ESSENCE, Visual Director: Michael Quinn ESSENCE, Design Director: Anthony Bryant

Black Women Win, AGAIN! For the first time in history, three Black women swept the medals for the Floor Exercise, all while competing to Beyoncé songs, proving that they’re all THAT GIRL. Congrats, Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, and Jordan Chiles! 📸: Getty Images

Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred has won the gold medal in the Olympics Women’s 100-meter race. Alfred won with a time of 10.72 and beat out American Runners Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson, who won the silver and bronze medals. This is the first Olympic medal of any kind for St. Lucia. Congratulations, Julien, we are beaming with pride!

Sha’Carri Richardson is officially an Olympic medalist! Sha’Carri won silver in the women’s 100-meter final at the Paris Olympics, three years after she was barred from competing in the Tokyo Games. The best revenge is standing on that podium, and we are so proud of you!

The term “DEI” has become a buzzword to weaponize and discredit those who have fought hard to get to where they are. During our “Paint The Polls Black” Town Hall, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett broke down exactly who benefits the most from DEI and how we can take the term to help communities. If you missed the town hall, don’t worry—you can watch the entire event at ESSENCE.com.

Last night, ESSENCE hosted “Paint The Polls Black,” a very special town hall that discussed the importance of voting. During the town hall, Congresswoman Shontel Brown educated us on Project 2025 and its predecessor, Project 2017. If you missed the town hall, don’t worry—you can watch the entire event at ESSENCE.com.

Vice President Kamala Harris has gained the majority of pledged delegates for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, officially making her the party’s presidential candidate. The formal nomination will make her the first woman of color to lead a major party presidential ticket in America’s history. She will be voted in as the official Democratic nominee at their National Convention later this month.

Now, that’s how you make an Olympic debut! Sha’Carri Richardson’s long-awaited Olympic debut came during the women’s 100m preliminary round today, surpassing her competition in heat 1 of the Women’s 100 to win first place with a time of 10.94. Welcome to the Olympics Sha’Carri!

Coming Together. Taking Action. Join us tonight, August 1, at 8:00 PM EST for a very special town hall as we discuss the issues on the ballot that directly affect us and future generations. Please tune in to our live pre-show with D-Nice, followed by our virtual town hall featuring politicians and experts on this election. Let's ensure our voices are heard and our rights protected. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gpntuxA9

The G.O.A.T. 🐐 We can end all the debates right here! At this point, Simone invented gymnastics! Simone Biles is the gold medalist in the women’s gymnastics individual all-around final for the second time in her career, making her the only American to achieve this feat twice. Congratulations, Simone, we are proud of you! 📸: Getty Images