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THE ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE ISSUE

SUMMER FUN GUIDE

SCREEN KINGS

• ROAD TRIPS + SOLO ESCAPES • BACKYARD BLISS • SIZZLING FILM + TV

STARRING: YAHYA ABDUL-MATEEN II DON CHEADLE MARLON WAYANS OMAR SY AND MORE

WHY HAVING LESS IS LIBERATION

Jazmine Sullivan On Holding Space for Black Women INTERVIEW BY ISSA RAE

VISIT ESSENCE.COM JULY/AUGUST 2021

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J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 5 2 | N 0 . 2

CONTENTS. 68 Jazmine’s Tale When Issa Rae sits down with singersongwriter Jazmine Sullivan, it’s all about love and sisterhood

74 Summer Screen Kings Our sizzlinghot leading men are supremely worth your time

By Bbande Victobian

84

Get Out of Your Own Head It’s time to move beyond Impostor Syndrome

By Victobia Uwumabogie

86

The Woman in the Garden Actress Wunmi Mosaku knows exactly what she wants

By Abamide Tinubu

92

The Martha’s Vineyard Black Business Collective Preserving our rich legacy on the island

By Kimbebly Wilson Yahya Abdul-Mateen II dazzles on-screen in Candyman.

96

BR AD OGBONNA

How to Travel (Safely) This Summer

Cover photography

by Brad Ogbonna.

For styling information and clothing details, see Noted, page 14.

As the world reopens, Metanoya Z. Webb, Kimbebly Wilson, Dwight Bbown and Shebyl Nance-Nash offer itineraries and tips for your excursions

ON THIS PAGE Yahya wears a Paul Smith jacket, Polo by Ralph Lauren tank, Emporio Armani pants, Cartier watch and his own necklaces.

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CONTENTS. 17 24

Viral sensation Ziwe rules late night on Showtime.

Shine with Gypsy

by Knature’s “Goddess of the Moon” earrings.

style.

17 / ZIWE POES IT With her self-titled series, this Nigerian-American is now the reigning queen of late-night television

By Nandi Howard

22 / REAG FASHION CONFESSIONAGS New York designer LaQuan Smith reflects on his 2021 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund grant and shares how he navigated the pandemic

By Nandi Howard

24 / SUMMER STAPGES Bring the hot-weather sparkle with these Black women–owned brands

By Jamila Stewart and Nandi Howard

26 / COUPGES’ COSMETIC THERAPY

30 / IN THOSE GENES It’s past time for a frank discussion about inner and outer beauty across the decades By Blake Newby

32 / CONQUERING BAGANCE Meet the talented teams creating distinctive hair and fashion moments for the Black women leads in Run the World, STARZ’s spring debut series

By Blake Newby

44 / QUESTGOVE’S SUMMER OF SOUL IS BIGGER THAN BGACK WOOPSTOCK

culture.

Some 50 years after this landmark event, the revolution that was the star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969 is finally being televised

By Veronica Wells

37 / GET MARGON WAYANS BE GREAT The youngest of one of Black comedy’s most prolific families takes on a starring role in the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect

By Brande Victorian

48 / FROM THE BOPEGA TO THE BIG TIME

42 / EPITOR’S PICKS

Desus and Mero have conquered one popculture arena after another— all while staying true to their eponymous brand

By D’Shonda Brown

Whether you’re still social distancing or heading back outdoors, this summer brings the good times to you

By Brande Victorian ESSENCE.COM

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50 / FIRST-TIMERS GOING FOR THE GOGP These eight African-American Olympic hopefuls are gearing up to make the U.S. proud at the 2021 Games

By Adena Jones

52 / FREEPOM SUMMER With Independence Day beckoning us out to beaches and parks, take along one of the season’s exciting new book releases.

The selections in our summer roundup are sure to captivate, inspire and inform

By Kenrya Rankin

E ARRINGS , COURTESY OF BR AND. ZIWE, HE ATHER STEN .

Following their partners’ lead, Black men are leaning into treatments, with no shame in their game

By Blake Newby

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CONTENTS. 86 British actress Wunmi Mosaku is calling her own shots in Hollywood.

110 Beneath Your Mask Polish Detoxifying Body Scrub is sheer bliss.

power.

55 / THE FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE Buying a home is a tried-and-true path to building Black generational wealth. Here’s what you need to know to make the dream your reality

By Kimberly Wilson

58 / 6 BLACK-LED VC FUNDS TO KNOW NOW Black venture capitalists are launching their own funds, to create greater access to start-up capital for diverse founders

By Brittney Oliver

60 / FIGHTING FOR PROGRESS

62 / DO COPS MAKE US SAFE? A year after Black Lives Matter protests filled the streets, public-safety advocates offer insights on solving the problem of overpolicing in communities of color

By Malaika Jabali

64 / 10 THINGS WE’RE TALKING ABOUT The latest news you should know By Rachaell Davis

110 / MAKE YOURSELF

thrive.

AT HOME As you head to vacation spots for some long-overdue R&R this summer, these carefully curated products ensure good vibes

By Charli Penn

103 / LESS IS MORE Christine Platt, aka the Afrominimalist, reflects on why we cling to “stuff” and invites us to let go of the clutter—and breathe

By Charli Penn

112 / THE

108 / ALTERNATIVE

BREASTFEEDING CONVERSATION WE NEED TO HAVE

Explore three holistic modalities that can help to heal past trauma and restore us to physical and emotional health

By Olivia F. Scott

Experts share some good reasons to consider this method of nourishing your newborn, citing health benefits that extend to both mother and child

By Victoria Uwumarogie

HEALING

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in every issue.

13 / CONTRIBUTORS 14 / NOTED ESSENCE Deputy Editor Cori Murray muses on summer’s sweet sounds

114 / HOROSCOPE 116 / A PLATE FULL OF PARSLEY ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga offers insightful soul food for thought

SCRUB , COURTESY OF BR AND. WUNMI, AMANDL A BAR AK A .

Candidates Mckayla Wilkes, Nina Turner and Odessa Kelly are running for Congress, with sights firmly set on bringing real change for their constituents

By Malaika Jabali

“EFOC is like the ultimate Black family reunion— everybody’s there and feeling good!

I live for the lovefest that is casually bumping into college friends, former colleagues and folks I haven’t seen in ages. It’s such a treat for the soul!”

We asked our staffers what they love most about Essence Festival of Culture.

DEPUTY EDITOR Cori Murray SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Allyson Brown

EDITORIAL “This will be my first! But I’m a longtime fan of New Orleans, and I’m so happy that ESSENCE has made a home in a city so rich in all of our culture—from food and music to history and Black spirituality.”

C R E AT I V E CREATIVE DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL Nia Lawrence DESIGNERS Sophia Little, Imani Nunez FRONT END DESIGN DEVELOPER Victoria L. Sumner CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTORS Becky Eaton, Elsa Mehary

LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR Charli Penn SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Brande Victorian SENIOR MONEY & CAREERS EDITOR Kimberly Wilson SENIOR NEWS & POLITICS EDITOR Malaika Jabali SENIOR EXPERIENTIAL EDITOR Rachaell wavis STYLE & BEAUTY EDITOR Blake Newby LIFESTYLE EDITOR Victoria Uwumarogie CONTRIBUTING EDITORS w’Shonda Brown, Kenrya Rankin, Regina R. Robertson EDITORS-AT-LARGE Rosemarie Robotham, Mikki Taylor

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Joseph Colucci CONTRIBUTING PRODUCERS Lori Cervone, Valerie Thomas PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Raphael Joa COPY CHIEF Grace White CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORS Pamela Grossman, Angela Watford RESEARCH EDITOR Bridgette Bartlett Royall CONTRIBUTING RESEARCHERS Christine Coppa, Lee Anna Jackson, Coco McPherson, Sheryl Nance-Nash CONTRIBUTING DIGITAL DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION Steven Psyllos

GIRLS UNITED LEAD Rechelle wennis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Brooklyn R. White ASSOCIATE FASHION FEATURES EDITOR Nandi Howard

PHOTO

VIDEO

PHOTO EDITOR Michele Brea CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR/PRODUCER Sinikiwe whliwayo

SUPERVISING PRODUCER Yazmin Ramos CONTRIBUTING PRODUCERS Tabitha Corley, Marissa wuhaney “EFOC has been on my vision board for years, and I finally have the opportunity to be part of the big event. It’s the perfect place to dance like nobody’s watching and eat traditional NOLA food. The whole experience is a vibe.”

“My most memorable moment was being on the floor of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, feeling the energy and excitement of over 150,000 people singing ‘Before I Let Go.’ ”

SOCIAL MEDIA “What I love most about EFOC is simply seeing other Black women getting all dressed up, feeling free and enjoying themselves. Plus, I can’t forget about the downright delicious food and drinks NOLA has to offer.”

DIRECTOR Charisma weberry CONTRIBUTING SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS Kory Jarvis, Stephanie Smith “I always feel at home in New Orleans at festival time—like it’s where Black women belong.”

ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Caroline Wanga CHIEF STRATEGY & ENGAGEMENT OFFICER Latraviette Smith-Wilson CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Avani S. Patel

P R & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

D I G I TA L S T R AT E G Y & O P E R AT I O N S

DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS Sheila Harris

VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT & INNOVATION Andy Toh DIRECTOR, TECHNICAL OPERATIONS Mukti Sharma SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER Kara Cahoon TECHNOLOGY & PLATFORM LEAD James Toothman

FINANCE

“I love that I can attend EFOC with my mom and friends! We had a blast the year Mariah Carey and Charlie Wilson performed— they are two of our faves!”

SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE Josie Whitman FINANCE ANALYST Chalay Walker ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER Norma P.R. Levy

R E V E N U E O P E R AT I O N S SENIOR DIRECTOR, DIGITAL REVENUE OPERATIONS Jake Vaysman AD OPS SALES TRACKER Naajiah Cole AD OPS CONSULTANT Alexis Gwynn

SALES PARTNERSHIPS Kehinde Akiwowo, Angelica Amos, Katie wevine, Tahjma Hall, Sonia Martinez, wana Storm Santiago SALES COORDINATOR Ashley Jamison

MARKETING

EXPERIENTIAL VICE PRESIDENT, EXPERIENTIAL, BRANDED CONTENT & VIDEO Stephanie wunivan EXPERIENTIAL DIRECTOR & GROWTH LEAD Carmen Jones SENIOR MANAGER, EXPERIENTIAL Calune Eustache

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N SENIOR CORPORATE COUNSEL Mechelle Evans CORPORATE COUNSEL Cody Alongi CONTRACTS & COMPLIANCE MANAGER Rachelle wavenport PEOPLE & CULTURE DIRECTOR Ashley Oliver HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST Akela Johnny PROGRAM MANAGER Vanda Glanton EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CEO Tania Baron EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CSEO Lynette Bethea

MARKETING DIRECTOR Felicia Martin-Hill ACCOUNT MANAGERS Jean-Marc Petite, Xenobiah Williams ACCOUNT MANAGER, DIGITAL Lisa Nwoye PROMOTIONS MANAGER Whitney Carlyle

ESSENCE.COM

“The energy at the Essence Festival of Culture is unmatched and so powerful. Imagine going to a city like New Orleans and feeling as if you’re being embraced by a half million people.

There’s nothing like it!”

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CONTRIBUTORS. RACHAELL DAVIS

MERRELL HOLLIS (@merrellhollis) saw his career explode when he became the grooming consultant and makeup artist for the entire roster of Bad Boy Entertainment. This led to decades of iconic looks in videos for the likes of Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and Usher.

He’s also responsible for highlighting the beauty of celebs such as Yara Shahidi, Naomi Campbell, Regina King, Jennifer Hudson and Wendy Williams. For this issue, he was the makeup artist on “Ziwe Does It” (page 17) and the groomer for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in “Summer Screen Kings” (page 74). The forwardthinking creative has also partnered with doctors at Luvanya Beauty on a vegan skin-care line—in keeping with his passion for healthy, flawless skin.

(@Yacho29), our Senior Experiential Editor, is all about transforming innovative storytelling concepts into compelling cross-platform content and thought-provoking programming. She believes in the power of the arts—and in the role they play in shifting global cultural dynamics for the better. The proud grad of an HBCU, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, penned her regular Top 10 column (page 64), highlighting topics that should be on our radar, even as she’s focused on coverage of this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture™.

BRAD OGBONNA (@bradogbonna), a celebrity photographer, proudly notes on his website that he was “born and raised in the Twin Cities, Minnesota (where Prince is from).” Now based in Brooklyn, when he’s not working for publications such as Vogue, GQ, People, Billboard, Fortune, The New York Times and Rolling Stone, this avid adventurer, cook and wine guy is busy as ever. His assignment for us this month had the gifted lensman capturing beautiful images of not one but both of our cover stars. He clearly joins the Purple One in the posse of talent coming out of the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF SUBJECT; ROBERT ECTOR; @SNNTRAVELS; JABARI JACOBS; COURTESY OF SUBJECT.

ISSA RAE

SHERYL NANCE-NASH

(@issarae) is no stranger to ESSENCE. With her unique flair and infectious sense of humor, Rae first caught our attention with her award-winning web series and the accompanying New York Times best-seller, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. She created and stars in the HBO hit Insecure, for which she has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe noms. Rae made her film debut in the acclaimed drama The Hate U Give, and in 2020 she starred in Netflix’s rom-com The Lovebirds and the HBO drama Coastal Elites. We’re grateful that despite having so much on her plate, she found time to interview Jazmine Sullivan for “Jazmine’s Tale” (page 68). Not so awkward after all.

(@snntravels), a freelance journalist, loves to write about the intersection of travel, history, wellness, art and culture. This happy wanderer feeds her adventurous spirit with cool excursions, from jumping off a cliff into a blue hole in The Bahamas to soaring in a hot-air balloon in the Arizona desert to parasailing in Maui. In “Hit the Road” (page 100), she offers tips for making your next family getaway enjoyable and hassle-free. Her work has appeared on cntraveler.com, Fodor’s, The Daily Beast, newsweek.com and Global Traveler, among others.

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NOTED. Summer Sounds

During a recent morning walk, I listened to the Still Processing podcast as it honored “Before I Let Go,” by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. A flood of memories came rushing in as I thought about the Black brilliance of this block-party staple. Over the years, I’ve seen throngs of Black folx dance to the anthem at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola in New Orleans. This year, EFOC returns virtually for two jam-packed weekends—allowing audiences to revel from the safety of their homes. Cover star Jazmine Sullivan headlines from her Philadelphia hometown. Other performers include DJ Khaled and friends, Ne-Yo, Michelle Williams, Kirk Franklin and D-Nice, with appearances by Mary J. Blige, Angela Yee, Big Freedia and more.

For those of you who are vaxed, waxed and ready for a faraway adventure, look no further than our “Know Before You Go” travel safely guide (page 96) for everything you need to satisfy your wanderlust. Plus, we have tons of getback-into-the-street style ideas, from must-have essentials by Black women–owned companies (page 24) to color-popping looks from latenight TV host Ziwe (page 17) and British star Wunmi Mosaku (page 86).

One more thing I’m ready for as public events continue to open: watching a blockbuster in a movie theater. While horror flicks are normally a hard pass, I’m shoring up my nerves for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Candyman. The New Orleans– born, Oakland-raised leading man is our summer box-office king (page 74). He reigns alongside a few other fellas who will keep us glued to our screens. Get me a fan quick, so I can cool down from their collective heat!

CORI MURRAY Deputy Editor Twitter: @corimurray Instagram: @corimurray

JAZMINE SULLIVAN is white-hot in this Cong Tri zebra blazer and taffeta mesh pants with Lagos pearl hoop earrings.

Photography, Brad Ogbonna Stylist, Joiee Thorpe.

Hairstylist, Dhairius Thomas/Factory Downtown. Makeup artist, Marita Salmon.

Manicurist, Sunshine Outing.

YAHYA ABDUL-MATEEN II makes green look good in this Hugo Boss suit and Matthew Reisman Collection shirt.

Photography, Brad Ogbonna.

Stylist, Jason Rembert. Groomer, Merrell Hollis using Bevel/Crowd MGMT. Barber, Chaz Hazlitt of Stache Barbers.

Manicurist, Dawn Sterling/ nailglamproductions.

Location: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

W H AT I ’ M L O V I N G N O W

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READING After streaming 80 episodes of the 2015 series Celia on Peacock, I became obsessed with the Afro-Cuban legend Celia Cruz. Up next: this captivating memoir of her life.

VISITING I’ve vacationed in Haiti since 2007, and I discover something new each time. In July, my family and I will revisit the historic sites of Citadelle and SansSouci Palace in Milot.

SIPPING Just in time for warm nights, I was gifted a box of vinos from Black-owned brands, and the first bottle I’m opening is La Fête du Rosé.

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MURR AY, K ARL FERGUSON . BOT TOM FROM LEF T: HARPERESPAÑOL; LUCAS OLENIUK / TORONTO STAR VIA GET T Y IMAGES; COURTESY OF L A FÊTE DU ROSÉ.

2021 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE Wi-Fi cables secured? Screens cleaned?

Speakers charged? Then you’re all set for the EFOC virtual experience—happening June 25–27 and July 2–4, and streaming on Essence Studios. During these back-to-back weekends, artists, celebs and voices you love and respect celebrate culture and community through a series of interactive sessions and performances.

When you see this logo in the issue, you’re getting a sneak peek at who’s participating and performing. For more updates, visit essencefestival.com.

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STYLE.

Ziwe DOES IT Meet the new additimn tm late-night televisimn— and it all started with Instagram Live

BY NANDI HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER STEN

Fall Pastels As we emerge frmm the pandemic blues and step intm a new seasmn, bright, refreshing palettes lead the way—even intm autumn.

Ziwe sports a soft green Max Mara cotton gabardine trench coat, paired with Pamela Love earrings.

»

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FA L L F O R WA R D

Knit Cutouts STYLE

While some of us enjoy the outdoors, others have become used to the coziness of home, where knitwear is an allday affair.

It’s the essential thread of every season. Is there truly a time when you can’t wear knits? We’ll answer that: Nope.

On Ziwe: an Anna Quan cutout mididress stunner.

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During the pandemic, 29-year-old NigerianAmerican Ziwe (née Ziwe Fumudoh) found her way into the news feeds of several thousand fans through her hilarious YouTube series, Baited with Ziwe, and her equally funny Instagram Live videos. The videos were an almost instant success. Shortly after they went viral, the comedian landed her own self-titled Showtime series, which debuted in early May. “This has been such a weird time to be alive and to witness global events shift world history,” Ziwe says. “I was lucky to be able to create art for a living and to share that with the world—so it’s a privilege. I feel very blessed.” With her commentary on social media and her fresh, fun fashion (her IG is a runway of retro hairstyles and bright, head-turning makeup), Ziwe is becoming a household name. More important, she’s

helping to diversify the narrative of late-night talk-show hosts.

A former intern at Comedy Central and a writer for Showtime’s Desus & Mero talk show, the content creator became notorious for asking her white guests hard-hitting and often uneasy questions about race and politics—usually leaving them sputtering with embarrassment. “We have to have these uncomfortable conversations—and in the process, create what is meaningful to us,” she says.

The native of Lawrence, Massachusetts, not only serves as a testament that there’s no straight and narrow road to success, she’s also an example of what can be accomplished when one takes unflinching ownership of their personal brand. For Ziwe, it’s her superpower.

Elevated Loungewear Comfy clothes are always a win, and Ziwe has mastered looking chic while wearing what some would consider pj’s.

As we get accustomed to new fashion trends, our bedroom attire is no longer relegated to our living quarters, but can also be seen on the avenue. Here, Ziwe’s cerulean LaPointe ensemble is doing all the talking.

»

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FA L L F O R WA R D

’80s Inspo STYLE

The 1980s gave us some pretty incre.ible fashion moments.

Just ask Ziwe, who lives for that throwback style.

Is your fall wardrobe ever complete without a trench in the mix?

Didn’t think so.

Ziwe showed off her legs in a rose-water LaPointe parka number paired with classic Albright hoops.

Stylist, Pamela Shepard.

Hair, Cheryl Bergamy/ Exclusive Artists Management.

Makeup, Merrell Hollis/Crowd MGMT. Manicure, Trenna Seney.

Set design, Sayoko Osada.

Art director, Elsa Mehary. Producer, Sinikiwe Dhliwayo.

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D E S I G N E R TO K N OW

R E A L FA SH ION Confessionals When Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion or Cardi B need a look that steals the sho-, they look no further than a-ard-inning designer LaQuan Smith

BY NANDI HOWARD

L LaQuan Smith

MANEUVERING THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES: “This pandemic flipped everything upside do-n, and -e -ere all in survival mode. It -as about taking action, taking responsibility and focusing on -hat -as important. I had my o-n hiccups -ith my business, but I’m also one of the fortunate ones, because during the pandemic my business actually soared.

That -as interesting to observe in the crazy times that -e -ere in. I’m from Queens, a Ne- York native, and -e have this organic hustle -here -e’re used to starting from the ground up, so it felt like being back at square one.”

WHY HE STARTED HIS BUSINESS: “I -as really intimidated at the thought of sho-casing at Ne- York Fashion

Week. There -as still that fear of being rejected because I didn’t study at the Fashion Institute of Technology or Parson’s. The first question I -ould be asked for editorial inclusion -as, ‘Where did you study?’ or ‘Where are you sold?’

I didn’t have an ans-er, because my grandmother taught me ho- to se- and I -asn’t sold in any retail stores—so it felt discouraging. I channeled my energy into building a solid foundation and a strong business, so I could speak to an audience and they -ould actually listen.”

PUSHING THROUGH INDUSTRY STANDARDS: “To be a creative is also to be in a very vulnerable state of mind. You -ork for a fe- months conceptualizing and putting together a portfolio or a ESSENCE.COM

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body of -ork, to then previe- it and open it up to critique. It’s not al-ays going to be -ell-received in the industry, so you have to be very comfortable in your skin and really confident in -hat you’re putting out.

If I -asn’t going to be a part of the CFDA at the time, or if publications didn’t -ant to support me, I had to figure it out on my o-n, -hich I did.

I think you have to be sort of selfish in a -ay, and say, ‘These are the lists of goals I -ant to accomplish, these are the people I -ant to -ork -ith and this is ho- I am going to do it.’”

FINANCING HIS WAY UP: “Money is not al-ays going to be at the top of mind -hen you’re a creative. Sometimes talking about

THIS PAGE: GREG SWALES . OPPOSITE, CLOCK WISE FROM TOP: GET T Y IMAGES (4), SHUT TERSTOCK (2).

Less than a decade after LaQuan Smith started his eponymous fashion label, the designer is a household name—-ell, in the households of the rich and famous. His garments, -orn by Normani, Jennifer Lopez, Sa-eetie and more, are kno-n for their curve-hugging divineness. That’s al-ays been Smith’s objective. “The existence of LaQuan Smith is all about celebration of form,” he says, -hile lounging at Soho House in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. “In the times that -e’re in, I feel like I’m filling in a -hite space. I am speaking to a demographic of -omen -ho love their bodies.”

In April, the designer -as announced as one of the 10 recipients recognized by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, an honor that talents like Kerby Jean-Raymond, Telfar Clemens and Christopher John Rogers have garnered in the past. “I don’t ever think something happens too late or too early,” Smith says about the a-ard. “Everything happens -hen it’s supposed to happen.”

finance, infrastructure, business planning and projections can be stifling to the creative process. That’s why it’s good to have a solid business partner, because you can’t do it all by yourself.”

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RECOGNIZING THE NUANCES OF BEING A BLACK DESIGNER: “Creatives of color become so pigeonholed—because every time there is a feature, or there is consideration of inclusion in any editorial, or on any platform, it’s always centered around, ‘How does it feel to be a Black designer in fashion?’ After a while, you just become exhausted with the topic. I am not going to stop being Black, but what I can emphasize is pushing boundaries as a creative of color, expanding my partnerships and creating things that make women unapologetically beautiful.”

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I am speaking to a demographic of women who love their bodies.”

—LAQUAN SMITH

4 6 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1. Beyoncé in custom LaQuan Smith for the OTR II tour in 2018.

2. Winnie Harlow closes out the LaQuan Smith NYFW Spring/Summer 2019. 3. Halima Somali debuts the designer’s western-inspired wear.

4. Duckie Thot walks the runway. 5. Im Moving Out jumbo bag at NYFW Fall/ Winter 2020. 6. Normani poses on the red carpet in LaQuan Smith in 2019.

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SUMMER STAPLES Style essentbals from Black women–owned brands to add to your wardrobe ASAP

BY JAMILA STEWART AND NANDI HOWARD

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

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This motherdaughter duo leverages family ties to create striking pieces. Daughter Akua Shabaka, a graduate of the New School’s Parsons School of Design, in Manhattan, is pursuing her fashion dreams through collaboration with her business partner and mother, lawyer Rebecca Henry.

As cofounders of House of Aama, the two design garments with nostalgic references inspired by history, sustainability and storytelling.

COURTESY OF BR ANDS ( 10)

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Rebecca Henry (l) and Akua Shabaka

1. FE NOEL “Bloom Again” embroidered pants, $788, fenoel.com. 2. TAYLORNIKOLE “Sade” earrings, $56, taylornikole.com. 3. CHELSEA PARIS “Queen” boots, $595, chelseaparis.com. 4. MIITRA “Peace” silk scarf, $155, miitra-studio.com. 5. HANIFA “Nova” top, $239 (sold as part of set), hanifa.co. 6. AVNU blazer dress, $374, avnuofficial.com. 7. HOUSE OF AAMA “Paprika” silky halter top, $160, houseofaama.com. 8. GYPSY BY KNATURE “Goddess of the Moon” earrings, $44, gypsybk.com. 9. BROTHER VELLIES “Tyla” sandals, $385, brothervellies.com.

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STYLE

HOUSE OF AAMA

BEAUTY NEWS

Couples Cosmetic Therapy It’s no secret our men care deeply about their looks.

Today, many are seeking out cosmetic procedures as a means of bonding and beautifying

BY BLAKE NEWBY | ILLUSTRATION BY AUTUMN KEIKO

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381%

RISE IN BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR MEN BETWEEN 2000 AND 2018

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MAN-FRIENDLY FAVORITES These are five treatments that the experts say are gaining popularity among the guys

Laser Hair Removal: Given that Black skin is more predisposed to the adverse effects of shaving, many brothers are ditching their razors and finding a permanent solution with laser hair removal.

“One of the main issues that Black men are concerned about is razor bumps and crosstextured skin because of shaving,” says Alabama-based dermatologist Corey L. Hartman. “Lasers help even out skin tone and eliminate the need for shaving.”

Radio Frequency Microneedling: Skin tightness is a priority for both men and women. “We want to make sure we maintain or achieve that strong jawline and chin,” Hartman says. “Radio frequency microneedling can firm up skin on the neck and face, keeping it nice and tight.”

Hair Treatments and Transplants: It’s been rumored that some Black male celebrities have received hair transplants to restore hair loss at the crown. According to Michelle Henry, a dermatologist in New York City, their influence has encouraged others to do the same. “A lot of Black men are seeking out hair treatments, hair transplants and platelet-rich plasma [PRP] treatments to restore their hair,” she says. “It’s one of the top things that they come in for.”

Dermal Fillers: Adding volume to the face, dermal fillers can help to create a more manly appearance. “Men might realize that they’re not as masculine on the lower half of the face as they may like,” Henry says. “I’m seeing some men getting work on the lower areas of the face, for a more chiseled or symmetrical look.”

Botulinum toxin type A: Known as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, it’s the most popular injectable. This easy treatment dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily weakening or paralyzing the muscles in the treated area.

“They call it the gateway drug, because it really does open your mind to the possibilities of what injectables can do,” says Hartman.

“It’s also a very simple procedure that can be done conservatively.”

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STYLE

W

When the topics of plastic surgery and minimally invasive beauty procedures arise, the conversation is usually among women. But the scales have begun to tip, with men becoming more comfortable leaning into in-office cosmetic improvement—and less reluctant to share their experiences.

Regardless of who’s playing it coy and who’s not, numbers don’t lie.

According to a Plastic Surgery Statistics Report conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, comparing information from 2000 and 2018, among men, there was a 433 percent increase in lip augmentations, a 133 percent increase in malar or cheek augmentations, a 381 percent rise in botulinum toxin type A injections (including Botox, Dysport and Xeomin) and a 250 percent increase in laser skin resurfacing. And that’s just for starters. More invasive procedures, such as abdominal etchings, breast reductions, tummy tucks and thigh lifts have also soared among this demographic, revealing that men are becoming more invested in making aesthetic changes.

Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, references a celebrity like Deion Sanders as a trailblazer of sorts in demystifying the once-taboo topic. In 2017, the sports icon shared that he had begun routinely undergoing Botox to target frown lines and crow’s-feet from aging. The revelation, Hartman says, encouraged many men to consider doing the same thing.

Experts suggest that Black men, specifically, are increasingly stepping forward for cosmetic procedures, many of which are already familiar to other demographics. “Breakthroughs with cosmetic procedures occur in other populations first,” Hartman explains. “Often, we’re just the last to acknowledge the trends and partake.” A lack of knowledge plays a major role in the disparity. Hartman also notes that there’s so much “bad work” out there. “We’re often put in the position of having to educate men, because they have preconceived notions of what these treatments will make them look like. Think of all the people walking around after cosmetic surgery looking SOURCE: PLASTIC SURGERY ridiculous. Unfortunately, those are the stoSTATISTICS REPORT ries that make the headlines.”

Board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, M.D., founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, has observed the same reluctance in Black men. “We see a hesitancy in skin of color in general,” she says. “There’s a large concern about whether the person who’s treating them can understand their skin type. To add to that, there’s a misconception that cosmetic treatments aren’t something we do, because ‘Black don’t crack.’ ” Experts note, however, that the greater willingness of Black men to consider undergoing aesthetic procedures is due in large part to the support and encouragement of their partners. Indeed, the foremost catalyst behind the rise of Black men seeking these procedures seems to be their significant others. “I’ve seen so many men come in not only feeling more comfortable about discussing these cosmetic options, but also coming in with their partners and having treatments done together,” Hartman states. “It turns out that the best way that women can lead the co nve r s at i o n i s by s u cce ss f u l l y u n d e rg o i n g t h e p ro ce d u re s themselves.”

So whether your partner is warming up to the idea of cosmetic augmentation or you’re the one who’s considering treatment, based on what the experts say (and the statistics reveal) you’re both in good company.

It just may be a matter of time.

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L E T ’ S TA L K A B O U T I T

STYLE Forever itspired by these three geteratiots of beauty: Adriette Batfield-Norris (left) with gratddaughter Willow Smith atd daughter Jada Pitkett Smith, who were photographed for Aquasper sperspen magnihic tem nobis earum nit aut ommos est vennant.

CaeMarch in ESSENCE’s 2019 issue.

In Those Genes Discover the secrets of ageless beauty by tuning into honest discussions about how to stay forever young

BY BLAKE NEWBY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WARWICK rAINT

T

The relationship that Black people have with growing older is often different than in other communities. While thoughts of aging are dreaded and avoided by some, others embrace the long-standing belief that like fine wine, we get better with age. But growing older gracefully involves so much more than what occurs on the outside.

Ideally, we also advance in knowledge and wisdom, heighten our levels of selfworth and self-love, and gain a better understanding of the complicated world in which we live.

Even so, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that we live in a media environment that is committed to making us believe that getting older should be feared. The beauty industry is flooded with products and advertisements that undoubtedly stigmatize the aging process, while social media continues to perpetuate the idea that we must reach certain milestones by specific ages in

order to feel fulfilled and accomplished.

The pressure from all angles can be difficult to overlook. That’s why at this

Prepare to hear words of wisdom and sage advice that will serve as a powerful reminder that beauty has no age.”

—BLAKE NEWBY, STYLE & BEAUTY EDITOR

year’s ESSENCE Beauty Carnival stage, which will be held virtually, we’re uplifting and honoring ageless beauty through the lens of influential women across several generations; all of them ESSENCE.COM

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have different and valuable lessons and journeys to share.

In intimate conversations on June 25 and July 2, a select group of beloved and notable Black women in Hollywood will be joined by the incredible moms and guardians who raised them. The powerful dialogue will encompass their triumphant stories of self-love; beauty tips they’ve learned along the way; hair, makeup and skin-care faux pas they wish they could forget; plus so much more. We’ll explore deeply how representation in beauty has evolved over the years; the pressures they feel aging, even gracefully, in the spotlight; and how they inspire global glamour trends.

Prepare to hear words of wisdom and sage advice that will serve as a powerful reminder that Black is beautiful and beauty has no age.

BEHIND THE SCENES

STYLE

Conquering Balance On STARZ’s latest hit, Run the World, the synergy between the series’ fashion and beauty team ensures that these characters’ head-to-toe looks take center stage

BY BLAKE NEWBY

S

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RUN THE WORLD’S (from left) Corbin Reid, Andrea Bordeaux, Amber Stevens West and Bresha Webb. BELOW: COSTUME DREAM TEAM Tracy L. Cox (right) and Patricia Field work their magic behind the scenes.

adding that as with the hair, the costuming had to adequately embody the distinct personalities of each of the protagonists.

“This information about the different personalities was beautifully presented to me by Yvette Lee Bowser, the showrunner and executive producer,” Cox says. “We chose ‘happy clothes,’ as I consider each of the ladies a positive character, rooted in values learned from their upbringing.”

FROM TOP: COURTESY OF STARZ (2). PRODUCTS , COURTESY OF BR ANDS .

Scripted series that cast a light on the multifaceted friendships of Black women have captured hearts—and ratings—for decades. Living Single left us laughing hysterically, while Girlfriends showed us that maybe our man problems weren’t so bad. Now, the STARZ original series Run the World, created and written by Leigh Davenport, is revealing the importance of hustle and loyalty.

And while the friendship dynamics on these shows may be vastly different, one thing has remained consistent: the breathtaking beauty and fashion moments that blow us away week after week, especially when it comes to Black women’s hair. With an accomplished crop of talent now working behind the cameras on Run the World, that trend continues. If you’ve tuned in to the show yourself, then you know the looks they create are worthy of applause.

“It was great coming up with the looks from scratch,” says Nakoya CAMERA-READY Yancey, Head of Hair for PRODUCTS the pilot episode, who DESIGN first had to identify each ESSENTIALS character’s hair personalSleek Edge Control ity. “I’m such a Sex and the Maximum City fan, and this show is Hold, $12, like an upgraded, Black sallybeauty .com. woman’s version of that.”

Y.S. PARK The tone set by Yancey Professional was advanced by Tarsha 108 Super Stainless Steel Marshall, who took over as Pin-Tail Comb Head of Hair for the rest of costume designer. “As 8.8", $24, the season. She expanded such, I followed my ysparkusa.com. upon a variety of looks inspiration in presenting that further enhanced the the style for Run the stories of Ella, Whitney, World—an elevated GOLD ‘N HOT 24K Gold Sondi and Renee. “We wardrobe, which I feel is Professional Spring want to show that Black congruent with what I Curling Iron, $35, women don’t have just see every day.” target.com. one way of doing our hair,” Cox had help from the Marshall says. The same incomparable Patricia approach was taken Field, costume designer with the fashion. “Black for movies such as Sex women’s style has always and the City and The caught my attention, and Devil Wears Prada. “Run the four women are very the World highlights ORIBE Free Styler Working different individuals,” four very different Black Hairspray, $42, notes Tracy L. Cox, lead women,” Field states, oribe.com.

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C U LT U R E .

“I realized that as Africans, we have an idea of what we think the experience was like for the Black body in America at that time...but we have no idea,” says Thuso Mbedu.

THE YEAR THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Activists, journalists and artists on being Black, witnessing history and championing freedom

THE YEAR THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Activists, journalists and artists on being Black, witnessing history and championing freedom

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by Bisa Butler

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by Bisa Butler

A New N A R R AT I V E

VISIT ESSENCE.COM MAY/JUNE 2021

As the first South African woman to have a lead role in an American TV series, Thuso Mbedu sheds new light on the stories of the enslaved

VISIT ESSENCE.COM MAY/JUNE 2021

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C U LT U R E .

As the leading man in the new Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, a year after his mother’s death, Marlon Wayans is determined to show what he’s made of.

Let Marlon Wayans B E G R E AT ST YLIST: UGO MOZIE

The baby of one of the most renowned families of Black entertainers is ready to take center stage

BY BRANDE VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES DIMMOCK

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ROLE CALL

Y C U LT U R E

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “Don’t let the baby face fool you,” but when it comes to Marlon Wayans, the sentiment is more than a funny saying. At 49, the youngest of the famous Wayans entertainment clan is playing the role of Ted White, the troubled lead man in the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect. And with the beard he grew for the role, he finally looks every bit like a writer, a producer and an actor with 44-plus film and TV credits to his name. to develop the franchises Scary Movie “I’m at the point in my career where and A Haunted House, as well as I want to do great work with great peotwo successful sitcoms, The Wayans ple on great projects,” Wayans says.

Bros. and Marlon. “The beautiful thing “You’ve got to surround yourself with about all that I’ve done is that it’s just like minds, like-minded spirits, and the beginning,” he says. “My best challenge yourself against other peoyears are ahead of me. My legend ple’s greatness.” This is the approach years are coming.”

Wayans brings to his star turn alongside Wayans’s self-assurance is the result Academy Award–winning actors of years of sharpening his skills as a Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whitaker in multifaceted entertainer—but last the Liesl Tommy–directed film, opening year, the passing of his mother, with August 13. While fans of Franklin are whom he shares a birthday, ignited likely aware of the tumultuous nature of what he calls “a desperation” for the her first marriage, Wayans was clear world to see what he can do. “Now I that he “didn’t want to play a villain.” have a pain in me that I never had After reading the script, Wayans before,” he reflects. “Losing my mother says he told the director, “I want to play a damaged man who loves a damaged woman and starts doing damaging things because he becomes insecure.”

Wayans is a self-proclaimed romantic. During quarantine he wrote and sold a buddy action rom com to —MARLON WAYANS Netflix; he describes it as Bad Boys meets When Harry Met Sally. “I wanted to be the romantic lead in an action movie, so I wrote one,” he explains casually.

Nothing about the creative’s career has been incidental. Wayans followed the guidance of the late director John Marlon Wayans stars opposite Singleton, running with his advice that Jennifer Hudson if he wanted to work as an actor, he in Respect. needed to write. That insight led him

gave me a depth; it broke me. It forced me to reinvent myself as a human.”

As he processed his loss, Wayans tapped into his artistry even more deeply. Creating has always been what saved him when coveted roles weren’t coming in or others fell through, like the opportunity to play Richard Pryor.

“I just said, You know what, this is God. Stop worrying about playing a great. I want to be great.”

As his personal form of therapy, Wayans began doing stand-up again, not so much to prepare for a part but to tap into his own creative potential.

Now, with this leading role under his belt, he’s already writing his next— and along with it, the second act of his career.

“I just want the opportunity to be great. At some point in my career, to be ‘the guy,’” he says. “And ‘the guy’ is the guy who gets the best scripts first, with the best directors attached, with the biggest budgets, a big marketing plan and a huge audience that comes to see it. Everything I’ve done up until this point has all been practice for what’s coming. And I’m ready.”

I just want the opportunity to be great. At some point in my career [I want] to be ‘the guy.’ ”

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QUANTRELL D. COLBERT

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IF NOT FOR

MYGIRLS

hen three incredible women get together to cultivate conversations over a cool, refreshing beverage, what do you call it?

Gratitude and sisterhood. ® and oca- ola’s If Not For My Girls™ tells the real and authentic stories of women who support, uplift and cheer each other on through it all.

If Not For My Girls™

&

For eason 1, we were joined by close friends, Keri Hilson, LeToya Luckett, and udoxie Bridges who discussed topics from the importance of celebrating Black women to conquering fear and establishing a faith-based foundation.

IF NOT FOR MY GIRLS

Then our eason 2 crew, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, stelle, and Melanie Fiona came together to tackle the everyday topics and discussions that queens have behind closed doors.

In the meantime, head over to www.essence.com/if-not-for-my-girls/ to binge-watch easons 1 and 2, and stay tuned for our eason 3 launch.

This year, we are back for Season 3, and cannot wait to reveal our new set of girlfriends.

EDITOR’S PICKS

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

C U LT U R E

When Janicza Bravo first read the 148 tweets that would eventually become the movie Zola, she immediately knew the story was made for the big screen. “I forwarded it to both my agent and my manager, and I said, ‘I don’t know how this works, but I want this,’” she recalls.

As the director of the film—set for release June 30—Bravo wanted to bring the same comedic suspense that captivated

Twitter users when, in 2015, Aziah Wells relayed her tale of a waitress and a sex worker embarking on a wild cross-country adventure. To stay faithful to the story, Bravo asked herself one guiding question: “If I were going to retell one of the most upsetting but exciting parts of my life, how would I cast my narrative?”

The answer was, by honoring the art of storytelling while

acknowledging the trauma that underscored the lived experiences a young Black woman chose to share with the world. “This movie is so rooted in my DNA,” Bravo says. “When I read those tweets that night and felt this story was mine to tell, it was because I felt so much like Aziah. I thought, If I found myself in this story, this is who I would be in it. This is how I would retell it.”

Director Janicza Bravo

Summer Sizzles Whether you’re still social distancing or you’ve started wearing less and going out more, this season promises to be an entertaining one

IN THOSE STREAMS Not ready to be in the streets? Live vicariously through these flicks Vacation Friends

Resort to Love

The Suicide Squad

1

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Vacation Friends

Resort to Love

The Suicide Squad

(Hulu) This raw and raunchy comedy stars funny faces Lil Rel and Yvonne Orji.

The pair’s rowdy dealings with a rambunctious couple, whom they meet while celebrating their engagement at a Mexico resort, continue long after they return home to their quiet lives.

(Netflix) This rom-com about an aspiring singer (Christina Milian) who ends up performing at the wedding of her ex-fiancé (Jay Pharoah) will definitely keep you laughing. You just might end up with a little more appreciation for all those Zoomceremony invitations you’ve received, too.

(HBO Max) Corto Maltese may be different from the islands most of us think about visiting this time of year—but the fictional South American locale is the site of The Suicide Squad, which is sure to be this summer’s top blockbuster.

Catch Viola Davis and Idris Elba in this superhero flick.

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USHER IN RESIDENCY U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D will be live in concert during the hottest months of the year—appropriately so. Beginning July 16, you can catch your favorite R&B singer at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he’ll belt hits from his nearly 30-year career.

General admission starts at $59; from each ticket sold, $1 will go to Usher’s New Look, Inc. organization, which funds programs for underserved youth.

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BY BRANDE VICTORIAN

C U LT U R E The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival took place over six weeks and featured acts like Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, B.B. King and Mahalia Jackson.

COURTESY OF SE ARCHLIGHT PICTURES . © 2021 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (4)

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DOCUMENTING HISTORY

Questlove’s Summer of Soul is Bigger than Black Woodstock The revolution that once could not be televised is finally coming to screens

BY VERONICA WELLS

MICHAEL BACA

A

A moment in Black music history might have been lost forever, had the musician, historian and now documentarian Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson not stepped in.

Footage from 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival had been collecting dust in a widow’s basement for nearly 50 years—but in 2016, an opportunity fell into Thompson’s lap when David Dinerstein and Robert Fyvolent asked for five minutes of his time.

As the two men told him details of the festival, which had featured musical greats like Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone, Thompson figured there was no way he wouldn’t have known about such a monumental event.

“Instantly I called BS,” Thompson recalls. “I’m like, ‘I was YouTube before YouTube existed. There are no concert factoids that I don’t know about first.’

I thought that these two dudes were trying to flex on me.”

They weren’t. The festival took place over the course of six weeks, in Mount Morris Park, during the last summer of the ’60s; it was attended by nearly 300,000 people. Recognizing the importance of the moment, a man named Hal Tulchin filmed it, hoping to sell the footage. But he couldn’t, and Tulchin died with all that film still in his basement. And before Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, most people had never heard of the event.

Though Thompson was “enraged” that this piece of entertainment history had been kept from the world, he still didn’t know how involved he wanted to be in the project. He

thought Dinerstein and Fyvolent were asking him to produce, as he had with the Broadway musicals Fela! and Hamilton. But they actually wanted him to direct.

“Besides a video for Common, I’ve never directed anything in my life,” Thompson says. “Why me? This is too historically important for you to give it to a first-time driver behind an 18-wheeler to go cross-country.”

So Thompson dodged Dinerstein and Fyvolent for seven months as he

For me, the subtitle is the stronger statement—because that’s the proverbial middle finger that says, Yes, this magic moment happened, and it was not allowed to be amplified.”

—QUESTLOVE ESSENCE.COM

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dealt with his Impostor syndrome.

Eventually he signed on to direct— before Tulchin’s widow disposed of the footage.

When Thompson finally committed to the project, he and his producing partners had every intention of calling the film Black Woodstock. Though the Harlem Cultural Festival began weeks before Woodstock, one festival became a household name, while the other faded into obscurity. “Black Woodstock” was how Tulchin referred to the historic footage 50 years ago, as he struggled to find a buyer.

But the deeper Thompson and his team dug into the material, the more they recognized the title didn’t fully serve the story.

“This was bigger than Black Woodstock,” Thompson explains. “It was disrespectful to call it that. For me, the subtitle (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is the stronger statement—because that’s the proverbial middle finger that says, Yes, this magic moment happened, and it was not allowed to be amplified.”

Now, more than five decades later, the Harlem Cultural Festival is getting just a fraction of the recognition it always deserved. Thanks to a fateful series of events, Summer of Soul streams on Hulu beginning July 2.

“Because of what we’ve been going through with the protests this year, and the killings of unarmed men and dealing with poverty, it’s so important that the story resonates with everyone,” Thompson says. “Whether you were there and you know these people or you weren’t there, this is for everybody.”

B R O TA I N M E N T

C U LT U R E

From the Bodega to the Big Time Desus and Mero have taken their Timbs all the way to the top with their talk show

BY D’SHONDA BROWN

D

Followers enjoyed watching the two interact on social media. The positive response from their community and fans encouraged them to start their eponymous podcast. “We just took off,” says Desus, 40. Despite their early success, Desus and Mero knew that navigating the entertainment business as Black men wouldn’t necessarily be easy. “We were in a position that, statistically, we were not supposed to be in,” explains Mero. “We were like, we got this opportunity—let’s make the most of it. Let’s just show and prove.

The pressure was obviously there, but I was feeling kind of—not lucky, but like we deserve this. It’s rare to get this look in entertainment.”

In 2015, Desus and Mero started the Bodega Boys podcast. A year later their television show Desus & Mero launched on Viceland, and in 2019 Showtime picked it up as a late-night talk show. As they’ve created one popular series after another, Desus says the duo’s biggest challenge over the years ESSENCE.COM

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has been countering the notion that a show hosted by two Black men is solely for Black audiences. “Just because it’s two people of color doesn’t mean you can’t watch the show and relate to what we’re talking about,” he says.

Guests have ranged from politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Stacey Abrams to actors and musicians such as Glenn Close, Issa Rae, Missy Elliott and the late Chadwick Boseman.

“We dress in what we’d wear regularly,” Desus adds.”The other late-night hosts, they wear suits. That little difference sets our show apart from other shows.”

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, the pair took a brief hiatus, but they soon returned to host the show from their respective homes. While the location had changed, their tradition of hilariously dissecting pop-culture news and current events remained the same. “The fact that Mero is on the same wavelength and bandwidth with me,” Desus says, “that’s the secret in the sauce.”

ROBBY KLEIN/GET T Y IMAGES

Desus Nice and The Kid Mero have flipped the late-night talk show scene on its head. Born Daniel Baker and Joel Martinez, respectively, the Bronx natives started their first podcast, Desus Vs. Mero, in 2013. Since then, they’ve proven that two hardworking, culture-shifting brothers are better than one—and that you don’t have to change who you are to make it big.

“We hang our hat on authenticity and our natural chemistry when we get together,” says Mero, 38.

Interestingly enough, when the two first met it wasn’t an automatic bromance. Though they attended the same summer-school program for a summer in high school, they only occasionally ran into each other. It wasn’t until they reconnected on Twitter years later that the former acquaintances began to form a friendship, reminiscing about shared experiences as first-generation New Yorkers—Desus being the son of Jamaican immigrants and Mero of Dominican immigrants.

They look ferocious, but inside they’re just chicken raised with no antibiotics ever.

®/©2021 Tyson Foods, Inc.

SPORTS

First-Timers Going for the Gold These Olympic hopefuls are training for a chance to compete at this year’s games

BY ADENA JONES

A

{ Track and Field

A year ago, the Olympic future for hundreds of athletes hung in the balance as the world tried to protect its citizens from the COVID-19 virus.

Sports seemed like the last thing on anyone’s mind as the Tokyo Olympics faced uncertainty and were eventually postponed.

This summer, the games will go on— but with a different format than previous years. Spectators from abroad will not be allowed to attend the international multisport event, which takes place July 23 to August 8 in Japan.

Despite the unusual circumstances, athletes who saw their dream deferred in 2020 won’t have that happen again as they get ready to compete as part of Team USA. Meet eight Black women—all first-time Olympic hopefuls—whose goal is to make America proud at the Summer Games.

ALIPHINE TULIAMUK The Kenyan-born marathoner is crushing stereotypes by having her first child less than seven months before the games. Tuliamuk, who placed first at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials for Marathon, had planned to start a family after competing. When the games were postponed, she formulated a new plan that involved training during the first eight months of her pregnancy, running six to nine miles at a time.

SAMARRIA BREVARD As her sport makes its Olympic debut, Brevard, a native of Riverside, California, has been labeled “the Serena Williams of skateboarding.”

Winner of the 2014 Kimberly Diamond championship in South Africa, she became, three years later, the first African-American woman to win a medal at the X Games. In 2018, she was also the first female skateboarder ever to compete in the X Games Real Street contest.

KELSEY STEWART

MICHELLE MOULTRIE

Since her game-winning walk-off hit against Japan in the World Championship, Stewart has been front and center as softball makes a return to Olympic play. In 2020, the utility player from Wichita, Kansas, joined her Scrap Yard Fast Pitch team in a walkout to protest a controversial tweet by their general manager, who seemed to criticize athletes who kneel during the national anthem.

Moultrie has been waiting for her Olympic window since she joined Team USA in 2011, while still in college. Softball had been dropped from the Olympics at the time, and though it was reinstated for this summer’s games, it may not make another return until 2028. Now, the veteran outfielder from Jacksonville, Florida, heads into Tokyo as a first-time Olympian ready to seize her moment.

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{ Skateboarding

CLOCK WISE FROM TOP: KE VIN C . COX /GET T Y IMAGES; STE VEN PASTON/PA IMAGES VIA GET T Y IMAGES; TAK ASHI AOYAMA /GET T Y IMAGES (2).

{ Softball

{ Freestyle Wrestling JORDAN CHILES

C U LT U R E

In 201-, Chiles left her hometown gym in Vancouver, Washington, to train in Spring, Texas, at the World Champions Centre (the same training facility used by Simone Biles, the mostdecorated gymnast in World Championship history). The move paid off, as this year, the long-standing senior team member scored a firstplace all-around finish at the 2021 Winter Cup. Her performance on the mat offered an exciting sneak peek at her final Olympic form.

TAMYRA MENSAH-STOCK Named 201- United World Wrestling Women’s Wrestler of the Year, MensahStock has had her eyes on the games since 2016. The Katy, Texas, native won the U.S. Olympic trials in 2016, but didn’t qualify to compete in Rio. A three-time Senior World Team member, Mensah-Stock took home the bronze medal in 2018 and claimed the championship one year later. Now it’s time for her Olympic medal.

CLOCK WISE FROM LEF T: JAMIE SQUIRE /GET T Y IMAGES; HARRY HOW/GET T Y IMAGES (2); MARK R ALSTON/AFP VIA GET T Y IMAGES .

{ Artistic Gymnastics

JACARRA WINCHESTER Though an injury took away her 2016 Olympic wrestling dreams, a 2021 debut was all but written for Winchester. The 201- Senior World Champion has won at every level of her career. In 2010, the Oakland native was the California Interscholastic Federation Girls state champ; in 2015, she was the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association National Champion for Missouri Valley. She was also the 2018 and 201- U.S. Open champ.

{ Basketball A’JA WILSON One of the WNBA’s most dynamic personalities, with the game to match, Wilson is ready to add Olympic medalist to her list of accomplishments. The pride of her hometown of Hopkins, South Carolina, Wilson was the 2020 WNBA MVP, the No. 1 Draft pick and Rookie of the Year in 2018, and the 2017 NCAA Champion. For the 2021 Olympics, she will join Hall of Fame Team USA coach Dawn Staley, who also coached her at the University of South Carolina.

{ Wrestling

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BOOKS

Freedom Summer Independence Day may .e upon us, .ut these new releases remind us that true li.eration comes from within

BY KENRYA RANKIN

SUNNY DAYS

C U LT U R E

Nichole Perkins’s Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be (Grand Central Pu.lishing, $17.99) is summer reading at its finest. Equal parts juicy joy, plaintive longing, vulnera.le honesty and “It’s funny ’cause it’s true” moments, this lyrical essay collection is the perfect companion for fruity-drink–fueled afternoons .y the pool. Nothing is off-limits as Perkins recounts the evolution of her relationship with God, sex, her mental health and—most importantly—herself. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll root for her as she discovers her own strength.

CHASING FREEDOM

Historical fiction and fantasy join forces to tell the story of the Orïsha, known as Yemaya in Shallow Waters: A Novel (Atria Books/Black Privilege Pu.lishing, $26). Anita Kopacz settles into the role of ritual storyteller, reimagining the ocean-ruling deity as a 17-year-old mermaid separated from her family. She traverses the Middle Passage and follows the Underground Railroad to save the man who once rescued her. Along the way, she comes into her powers—from healing to manipulating the elements—and learns the true value of .eing free.

REBIRTH

LEGACY

Vanessa Riley pulls readers into the story of Dorothy “Doll” Kirwan Thomas from the first page of Island Queen: A Novel (William Morrow, $27.99). Urgency underscores every action of our protagonist, who .orrows her name from the real-life woman whose journey took her from enslavement to a life as one of the wealthiest people in the West Indies. Whether she was purchasing her mother’s way out of .ondage, fighting for financial freedom for Black women or .uilding her own entrepreneurial legacy, Doll knew that power was a crucial component of li.eration.

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At once a.surd and shot through with startling reality, Chris Stuck’s Give My Love to the Savages (Amistad, $25.99) will rattle around in your head and your heart long after you finish reading it.

The sharply drawn characters in his searing short stories move through the world as only Black men can. The opening tale uses a second-person point of view to put readers in the shoes of a man reliving every time he’s .een called “nigger.” Another story features a .illionaire who wakes up one autumn morning to find he’s .een magically transformed into a six-foot-tall penis, which su.sequently makes him a .etter man. In the titular work, a .iracial college student lands in L.A. to visit his white father minutes after a jury acquits killer cops and the city erupts. (Don’t worry, he finds a .ittersweet kind of redemption in the streets.) Come for the laugh-out-loud satire, stay for the uncomforta.le truths it exposes a.out Black manhood and the power it holds and wields in today’s world.

COURTESY OF PUBLISHERS (5)

From .aptismal pools to fishing holes to white women’s tears, water permeates the pages of Kendra Allen’s de.ut .ook of poetry, The Collection Plate (Ecco, $26.99). Within the compilation, the author loops together personal history, Black folks’ shared American narrative and aspects of pop culture. The poems examine how religion and hierarchy inform the spaces Black women and girls inha.it—and how we .low past those .oundaries, swimming toward the horizon even as the undertow threatens to pull us in another direction.

MANHOOD

HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

UNMASKED. Don’t lit housing discrimination git covirid up. “ When I went looking for an apartment, I wore a mask. But they could still see I’m Black. I was told that they wouldn’t rent to me because they heard Black people were disproportionately getting COVID-19.”

COVID-19 inequity is real, and it shouldn’t be made worse because of housing discrimination. If you suspect housing discrimination because of your race or national origin, file a complaint with HUD or your local fair housing center so we can investigate it.

For more information, go to: hud.gov/fairhousing or call 1-800-669-9777 Federal Relay Service 1-800-877-8339 FAIR HOUSING: THE LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE. A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in cooperation with the National Fair Housing Alliance.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability.

POWER.

THE F I R S T-T I M E

I SK YNESHER /E+/GET T Y IMAGES

HomeOwner’s Guide What to know, how to prepare and why now is the time to invest in real estate

BY KIMBERLY WILSON

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THE FIRST STEP Many make the same mistake when buying a home: getting excited about the process and enlisting a realtor to help them in their search. That’s not actually the initial approach ESSENCE.COM

to take. “The first step is to make sure you identify a trusted adviser,” says Barkley. “I would recommend a lending specialist or a credit adviser who can help you get prepped and prepared for homeownership. The first thing to do is figure out what you can afford. Understanding your ability to repay is important, as well as what your debtto-income ratio is. What you want is to make sure you don’t start looking for a house that is twice the amount you can afford comfortably—because the goal is to sustain homeownership.”

When they grant you preapproval, mortgage lenders simply want to make sure that you can afford your loan and that you are likely to repay it as agreed. A lending or credit specialist will also help you to determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be, and to assess how much you’ll need from the lending institution.

Along with the down payment, other closing costs can include loan origination fees, title insurance, surveys, taxes and credit report charges.

If you’re not sure where to begin your search for a trusted adviser, Barkley recommends starting with your banking institution. “They’ll let you know if you’re almost ready or not quite ready financially, and help you come up with a savings plan to get ready,” she says.

FINDING A REALTOR Through social media, it’s easy to locate real estate agents as they show off their listings and share their success stories with clients. But it’s important to ensure that you find the best fit for you. Often that means taking a step back to determine the relationship you want to have with your agent and how they will best suit your overall needs. “You want to ask the realtor what their priorities are and how they would work with you,” says Barkley. “And you obviously want references.

If you discover that people are doing a great job at delivering for clients, you obviously want to go there.”

Adds Hart: “The realtor should be more than familiar with the areas in which the buyer is looking. Their awareness of that particular market is paramount. Their knowledge of and familiarity with the contracts and accompanying

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So you want to build Black wealth? You think you’re ready to go from renter to owner? Is beginning a prosperous new chapter for your future next on your to-do list? Buying your first home will achieve all that. In addition to the ability to create generational wealth, in the long term, homeownership is often a cheaper alternative to renting. However, for African-Americans, the dream of buying a home has historically been particularly daunting, due to persistent social and economic inequalities and systemic racism, including student loan debt, redlining of Black neighborhoods and predatory lending practices.

Thankfully the tide is ACCORDING TO turning. An analysis by the LEISA HART, HERE National Association of IS WHAT YOU SHOULD Realtors released last NovemBE ASKING YOUR ber showed that AfricanPOTENTIAL REALTOR: American homeownership rates for millennials increased sre you a full-time realtor? in the first three quarters of Do you specialize in the 2020. While still small in area where I am looking? comparison to White homePlease describe your owners, it’s a step toward experience in the real improvement of the racial estate industry. homeownership gap between What should I expect Black and White households from you in terms of communication, and that has ranged between 20 what are your hours? and 30 percent for more than How do you plan to 100 years. A new report from communicate with me—by the National Community voice mail, email, text or Reinvestment Coalition, for some other way? example, calls for setting a Can you explain the home goal for 60 percent of the Black buying process to me? population to own their own homes over the next 20 years.

We’ve enlisted the help of two real estate experts to break down everything you need to know to get you into your first home: AJ Barkley has over 20 years of experience in financial services at Bank of America. Having helped numerous firsttime buyers achieve their homeownership dreams, she’s especially knowledgeable when it comes to affordable housing. Barkley recently led Bank of America to expand its affordable homeownership initiative from $5 billion to $15 billion through 2025, helping some 60,000 people purchase homes. And Leisa Hart has been an award-winning realtor in Washington, D.C., and Maryland for more than 20 years.

Whether representing sellers or buyers, Hart uses her vast experience to the utmost advantage on behalf of her clients.

RESEARCH Once you’ve been preapproved and have connected with both a trusted adviser (lending specialist) and a realtor, then comes the fun part: the search. But before you look for homes through popular real estate listing sites like Zillow, Redfin or Bright MLS, you need to determine a few key factors. First, what type of residence will best serve your needs? And what can you comfortably afford? You have a number of options when purchasing a residential property: a traditional single-family home, a duplex, a townhouse, a condo or a co-operative, so you’ll also need to determine the purpose of your home. Is it an investment property? A rental? Or are you planning on living in the home? Obviously each option has its pros and cons, but your decision will ultimately depend on your greater needs and how the home will help you reach your goals.

THE OFFER The real estate market is extremely competitive right now, so your realtor will need to present every scenario possible for you to win against other offers. That includes deciding how much money you want to offer for the house, along with any conditions you want to ask for. And if you want sellers and their agents to take you more seriously, it helps to have a preapproval letter in hand.

“In a fast-paced market, it’s easy for a buyer to become discouraged,” cautions Hart. “Buyers must keep open communication with their realtor.” On occasion, as a strategic tactic, your realtor may even ask you to write a heartfelt letter to the seller expressing why you’re interested in that particular home.

Your agent will then present the offer to the seller’s agent, at which point the seller will either accept or issue a counteroffer.

Though your realtor will guide you to the best deal possible, you want to make sure it aligns with what’s right for you. For example, if your agent suggests you waive the inspection—having a trained professional do an inspection of the property to determine its quality, safety and overall condition—and you agree to buy the house “as is,” you may be risking unexpected headaches in the form of needed repairs. This will have you digging deeper into a financial hole. If you do end up waiving this inspection by the seller, it’s worth paying to have an independent inspector assess the property on your behalf, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

CLOSING The seller has accepted your offer, and now everything will be smooth sailing. Aha! Not so fast! The final stages of the closing process may also present a few hitches, though it ESSENCE.COM

will be easy to get through them if you’re properly prepared.

First, you’ll need to put down a deposit to show you’re serious about purchasing. The money won’t be deposited until after the seller has accepted your offer and is usually kept in an escrow account until then. When the sale closes, you can keep the cash or apply the money toward the purchase.

Though you may have gotten an initial preapproval letter from your lending institution, they now must comply with government regulations requiring proof that they have evaluated you lawfully. They’ll require lots and lots of paperwork to verify that you are who you say you are and that you’ll be able to pay what you say you can. It’s best to start compiling this information in advance so as not to hold up your loan processing. The necessary documents might include pay stubs covering at least a month of work; your last two years of W2s; at least two years’ business tax returns (if you own a business); an explanation letter for any employment gaps; two months of bank statements for checking and savings accounts; two months’ of statements for investment and retirement accounts; documentation for real estate already owned (use, income, if it’s on the market, estimated value, mortgages and so on) and more.

Once your paperwork is in and everything is completed, you’ll still need to wait for the home to be appraised (mortgage companies require this to protect their interest in the house) and for the results of a title search, to make sure no one else is staking a claim to the property you just made an offer on. A closing on the sale is typically scheduled for anywhere from 30 to 45 days after the offer has been accepted. Then it’s time for the final step: the closing table! This is where a real estate lawyer will guide you through each document—explaining what it means, where to initial and where to sign— before handing over the keys to your new home.

You’ll need to bring a government-issued ID, as well as any remaining settlement fees that have been requested of you. The actual dollar amount will be communicated from the settlement statement prepared in advance by the title company.

Once all the documents have been signed and all the money is disbursed, you will have successfully closed on your first property. Welcome home!

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addenda is equally important, because although buyers are responsible for the offer they sign and submit, it’s the realtor who needs to advise the buyer as to what the offer terms mean and how they affect the buyer.”

M O N E Y M OV E S

6

- -FUN-S TO K N OW N OW

Only 3 percent of venture capital investors in the U.S. are Black—but keep an eye on these Black-led funds that are changing the narrative on investing in underrepresented founders

BY BRITTNEY OLIVER

MAC VENTURE CAPITAL Left to right: Marlon Nichols, Michael Palank, Charles D. King and Adrian Fenty.

MAC VENTURE CAPITAL In 2019, Marlon Nichols, Adrian Fenty, Michael Palank and Charles D. King merged their companies to form MaC Venture Capital, which recently raised the most significant first fund by a majority Black-led VC firm. The partners, known for their expertise in government, entertainment, technology, finance and business, came together to invest in technology start-ups and to leverage shifts in cultural trends and behaviors. Their current portfolio of companies ranges from space technology to children-centric social media platforms. “With our inaugural $110 million seed-stage venture capital fund, we aim to shape the world to the form we’d like to see—by investing in likeminded exceptional entrepreneurs who are building category-leading technology companies,” says Nichols. MaC Venture Capital has funded companies across the U.S. as well as four operating in Mexico, Kenya and Nigeria.

COLLAB CAPITAL Collab Capital seeks to increase ownership within the innovation economy, disrupting the wealth gap and setting the foundation for economic prosperity for the Black community. Jewel Burks Solomon, Barry Givens and Justin Dawkins founded Collab Capital in 2018 as members of the Gathering Spot in Atlanta. The founders each have a background as a technology entrepreneur; they have built several ESSENCE.COM

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INCLUDE VENTURES Clockwise: Keith Spears, Taj Eldridge and Bahiyah Yasmeen Robinson.

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OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM LEF T: FE ARLESS FUND, JIM COT TS , PHILIP VUKELICH

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Less than 1 percent of $150 billion in venture capital funding was distributed to Black start-up founders in 2020. The reason: Black founders have limited access to capital, due to the lack of diversity in not just the venture capital industry but tech as a whole. When there are more Black VCs at leading firms and in decision-making seats, Black founders can reap the benefits. However, according to the second edition of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA)-Deloitte Human Capital Survey, only 3 percent of investment partners are Black—making Black access to start-up funds all the more challenging. The need to disrupt the VC industry and create a better ecosystem of Black equity is tremendous; and it has inspired the emergence of a few majority-owned, Black-led funds. These leaders are raising money to pour back into our community, and they’re making their mark as they do so.

COLLAB CAPITAL Left to right: Justin Dawkins, Jewel Burks Solomon and Barry Givens.

HARLEM CAPITAL Left to right: Brandon Bryant, Gabby Cazeau, Kelly Kopchik Goldstein, Henri Pierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle.

FEARLESS FUND Left to right: Arian Simone, Keshia Knight Pulliam and Ayana Parsons.

businesses over the last decade. The fund was inspired by their experiences when raising money. Together they operate an early-stage investment fund focused on high-growth companies addressing the future of work, care and learning.

fund include PayPal, Bank of America, Costco and Mastercard, which announced an undisclosed multimillion-dollar investment. “Our mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for women of color founders,” states Simone.

INCLUDE VENTURES

HARLEM CAPITAL

Bahiyah Yasmeen Robinson founded VC Include in 2018 in Henri Pierre-Jacques, Jarrid Tingle and Brandon Bryant New York City. The VC Include platform was created to founded Harlem Capital in December 2015. Their Harlem roots accelerate investment opportunities and training for emergare represented in the maroon color of their logo, an ode to ing women and BIPOC-led asset-management firms. the brownstones of the legendary neighborhood. Harlem They recently launched a first-of-its-kind Capital invests in U.S.–based tech-enabled fellowship for BIPOC fund managers in start-ups founded by women and people MEET TWO FUNDRAISING Venture Capital. In 2021, Robinson joined of color. “We are looking to diversify every UNICORNS Taj Eldridge and Keith Spears to launch aspect of the venture industry, from Include Ventures, the company’s investTope Awotona grew frusfounders to investors to LPs to operators ment arm, made up of a $250 million fund. trated one day, following and angels,” explains Pierre-Jacques.

With offices in Los Angeles and San Frannumerous back-and-forth “We believe that equity and ownership is cisco, it’s one of the first Black woman–led e-mails trying in vain to the fastest path to closing the wealth firms to focus on diversity and climate coordinate a meeting. Congap.” In April 2021, the company raised change. The investment is split in half: One vinced there was an easier $134 million for its second fund. portion focuses on integrating environway, he was motivated to mental, social and governance (ESG) best start Calendly—which he FOUNDERS FIRST CAPITAL practices into private and public market bootstrapped before PARTNERS funds managed by women of color; the recently closing a $350 Serial entrepreneur Kim Folsom launched other concentrates on direct investments. million investment. The Founders First Capital Partners in 2015 “Our goal is to change the narrative around appointment-scheduling in San Diego. Folsom noticed the lack of ownership of capital, best in class asset platform is now valued at service-based businesses led by women managers, Black-and Brown-led technolomore than $3 billion. of color—and has reached more than $5 gy-enabled companies, and the health of Toyin Ajayi is part of the million in annual revenue, with 50 or more our communities,” says Robinson. trio that founded Cityblock employees. She established the firm to Health, a provider that focus on diverse founder-led, serviceFEARLESS FUND offers affordable healthbased and revenue-generating small busiThe three founders of Fearless Fund met care. The company, which nesses. “We provide them with expansion more than 20 years ago, through their caters to Medicaid and training, direct funding and advisory supHBCU and sorority ties. Ayana Parsons, lower-income Medicare port, to help them become the largest Arian Simone and Keshia Knight Pulliam beneficiaries, completed a premium-wage job creators in their cominvest in women of color–led businesses $192 million Series C extenmunities,” she says. Her goal is to fund and seeking pre-seed, seed-level or Series A sion funding round, bringgrow 1,000 diverse, founder–led mainfinancing. The fund focuses on supporting ing its fundraising total to street businesses by 2030. The company companies within the consumer packabout $500 million since just closed on a $9 million Series A, with aged goods, food and beverage, and fashits launch in 2017. investment from Surdna Foundation and ion and beauty industries. Investors of the the Rockefeller Foundation.

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FOUNDERS FIRST CAPITAL Kim Folsom

POLITICS

I want to help create an America, and a world, as good as its promise.”

—NINA TURNER, CANDIDATE, OH-11

Nina Turner

Mckayla Wilkes Odessa Kelly

For three progressive Black women running for Congress—Mckayla Wilkes, Nina Turner and Odessa Kelly—challenging the Democratic Party’s status quo isn’t just politics. It could mean the difference between life and death for their constituents

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BY MALAIKA JABALI

The coronavirus pandemic brought to light what many Black women already knew: Our communities have endured generations of inequality, and it manifests in every segment of society. In the past year, Black Americans acutely felt the pain of a weak social safety net, governmental neglect and business interests eager to “get back to normal,” often at the expense of public health. But “normal” isn’t the priority for a group of congressional hopefuls with their sights on joining the House of Representatives. Meet three Black women aiming to be the real change America needs.

In 2014, Mckayla Wilkes, the executive director of Schools Not Jails, was several months pregnant with her daughter and made repeated trips to the hospital to treat chest pain. The hospital staff dismissed her symptoms, concluding she was having a panic attack. But doctors finally discovered she had blood clots behind both knees. “I had health insurance that didn’t want to pay for my medicine, even though I was pregnant,” she says. “To me it felt like they were just going to let me die.”

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FIGHTING FOR PROGRESS

It’s so hard for us to get a $15 minimum wage, because you have corporate lobbyists who make money off the oppression of someone.

Unfortunately, it’s always Black and Brown people.”

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This experience pushed Wilkes to advocate for better “Fight like hell for other people. I want to help create an health care, through Medicare for All, as she campaigns to America, and a world, as good as its promise.” represent Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. “For me, Many residents in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District, which making sure that everyone has free, public health care is spans the majority-Black neighborhoods between Cleveland important,” she says. In a 2018 audit, the Department of Health and Akron, have yet to see this promise realized. Cleveland is and Human Services expressed concern that some insurers, America’s poorest big city, according to data analysis by the by denying care, may be acting more in their financial interests Cleveland-based think tank the Center for Community than in the interest of patients. Wilkes believes this sort of Solutions. The area’s poverty, Turner observes, is painfully corporate practice could have ended her life. The pandemic juxtaposed with a legacy of exorbitant wealth. has also illustrated the dangers of tying health insurance to Economic inequality has only grown more entrenched in the employment—as Black women and Latinas have suffered a past 40 years, and Turner insists that “systemic problems higher rate of job losses than any other demographic since deserve systemic solutions.” For her, this demands a progressive February 2020, according to a Pew Research Center study. platform that, like Wilkes’s, supports transformative policies— Wilkes stresses that having public health such as instituting Medicare for All and cancelcare independent of employment, through ing all student-loan debt. “Black women hold Medicare for All for example, could address the greatest amount of student-loan debt in that gap. “When we talk about universal the country,” says Turner. “If you want to talk health care, we must discuss medical about a racial-justice measure that would racism,” she adds, suggesting that substanhave immediate positive impact for Black dard care led to her initial misdiagnosis. women and their communities, canceling Though the incumbent in her district, student-loan debt would achieve that.”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, is a Two states to the south, Odessa Kelly is founding member of the Black Maternal also running on a progressive platform, as Health Caucus, he has not expressed support she sees firsthand how corporate interests for Medicare for All. Says Wilkes, “Pharmaimpact her neighbors in Tennessee’s 5th Conceutical companies and insurance agencies gressional District. “Corporations have taken are among his contributors.” over Nashville and the Middle Tennessee Wilkes, former Ohio state senator Nina area, exacerbating gentrification, especially Turner and Nashville-based organizer for Black communities,” she says. “It’s so hard Odessa Kelly all make clear that Black for us to get a $15 minimum wage across the households often endure conditions our precountry, because you have corporate lobbydecessors fought, with limited success, to ists and business models that make money improve. The pandemic has only increased off the oppression of someone or some class the urgency for meaningful change. of people. Unfortunately, it’s always Black —ODESSA KELLY, B l a c k A m e r i c a n s h ave m a d e s o m e and Brown people.”

CANDIDATE, TN-05 symbolic gains in politics and media, but Kelly, an HBCU graduate of Tennessee signals of progress are no substitute for State University, leads the nonprofit Stand implementing policies necessary to achieve Up Nashville. She once worked for the city’s it. “The key word,” Wilkes notes, “is progress”—which she parks department, helping to operate a food bank. “The majorsays includes “putting people over profits. If you put profit ity of people coming into the food bank had on work uniforms,” over people and take special-interest money, there’s no way she recalls. “When you don’t pay employees a living wage, this you can be progressive. Progress is going full-throttle, and is the type of need you create.” fighting just as hard for people as those on the right do to The candidate’s appreciation for working-class Black maintain the status quo.” families undergirds her labor-centric priorities, including her Nina Turner agrees. “Progressivism is very much rooted in support for Green New Deal union jobs and the PRO Act (H.R. a liberation doctrine,” she says. A candidate in Ohio’s August 842). The latter, which passed the House in March, protects 3rd special election, she is running to fill a seat left vacant by workers who want to unionize and penalizes companies that newly appointed HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. Turner speaks violate workers’ rights. “It’s highly important that we build with a pastor’s conviction, drawing upon the dictate of union power,” Kelly states, “so workers have some autonomy “liberation doctrine” that we do unto others as we would have over their lives—so they can advocate for themselves and them do unto us. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” she says. negotiate what a workplace looks like.”

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Do Cops Make Us Safe?

Thought-provoking perspectives on policing in Black communities, one year after Black Lives Matter protests swept the world

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respondents felt the police didn’t do a good job protecting them from crime.

Rachel Gilmer is codirector of the Dream Defenders, an organization that fights to liberate communities of color from overpolicing and other social ills.

She believes abolition can both “meet the community’s needs and directly respond to violence” through prevention.

“If we’re really concerned about deterring crime,” she says, “we should focus on the basic social services people need.”

Congresswoman Karen Bass advocates “initiating a change in culture in policing.” The former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus—and the lead sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JPA)—Bass is keenly aware of racial disparities in how cops operate in her district. In South Central Los Angeles, a predominantly Black and Brown area, “police come in as warriors and view residents as enemy combatants,” she notes. Meanwhile, in her California district’s majority-white, more affluent west side, “police go in to protect, to serve.” The JPA calls for extensive officer training. But Jackson doubts that officers can be reformed. In a study ESSENCE.COM

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on implicit-bias awareness training in the New York Police Department, for example, researchers found no evidence that officer behavior actually changed.

For her part, Chicago Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor promotes “defunding a system that hates us and kills us on a consistent basis.” Though gun violence in Chicago is notoriously high, the steep cost of policing prompts her fight to slash the Chicago Police Department budget, which was $1.6 billion in 2020— more than for community services and infrastructure combined. More police officers doesn’t mean less crime. The number of Chicago police officers per capita has grown steadily over the past half century, as crime rates have risen and fallen, according to an analysis by Injustice Watch.

Despite their varying approaches to police reform, these advocates share the same fundamental concern. “If people made a living wage and had access to jobs, good health care and the things that make a great community, you think we’d have this much crime?” Taylor asks rhetorically. “I don’t think so.”

JD BARNES/ESSENCE ARCHIVES

In the year since protests over the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor galvanized the world, advocates and elected officials have called for a range of safer and more effective publicsafety approaches—from abolishing or defunding to retraining the police.

D’atra Jackson, Black Youth Project 100 National Director, says, “When we seek answers to police violence, there is always a counter. For example, maybe there should be more body cameras— then it’s like, yeah, but they don’t actually prevent killings from happening, and in a lot of the states it’s really difficult to access the camera footage. There’s always a hoop to jump through.” Such challenges led Jackson to endorse police and prison abolition, which she explains is “a process and a practice of getting rid of police and prisons and implementing new solutions to wellness and safety.”

Concerns about public safety are real for us: Black women are less likely than any other group to feel safe walking home at night, according to a 2020 Gallup poll. But do cops make us any safer? In a Pew Research Center survey published in 2020, most Black

BY MALAIKA JABALI

TRENDING TOPICS

10 THINGS WE’RE TALKING ABOUT Here’s the latest news you should know

BY RACVAELL DAVIS

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MASK OFF3

POWER

After more than a year of nationwide restrictions, while the world grappled with a raging pandemic, another “new normal” is here. As the government pushes to get as many Americans vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as possible, the CDC issued more lenient guidelines on masks and social distancing in most environments for fully vaccinated Americans, and a host of states and cities followed suit.

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BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE

FESTIVAL SEASON IS BACK

This year, we’re seeing the return of several music and culture festivals— from Miami’s Rolling Loud to Chicago’s Lollapalooza to New York City’s Governors Ball to, of course, our very own ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

An invigorating mix of virtual, hybrid and live-event experiences are kicking off across the country this season.

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READY, SET, GO

At just 23 years of age, Naomi Osaka is one of the world’s most acclaimed tennis champions. For the first time ever, Netflix takes us behind the scenes to look at the triumphs and challenges that have accompanied her whirlwind rise to global fame—through an intimate new docuseries, Naomi Osaka.

Streaming starts July 13.

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NO JUSTICE, SOME PEACE

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has granted posthumous pardons to 34 individuals who were victims of racial lynching in the state between 1854 and 1933, based on false or inflated charges against them. Among those killed was a 13-year-old boy known only as Frederick, whose full name is tragically “lost to history,” according to Hogan.

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VONORING A KING

The recently reestablished Howard University College of Fine Arts will be renamed after beloved late actor and playwright Chadwick Boseman.

A proud graduate of the prestigious HBCU, Boseman protested against Fine Arts being merged with the College of Arts and Sciences as a student in the 1990s and advocated for its reinstatement as an alum. Award-winning actress, director and fellow alum Phylicia Rashad becomes Dean of the college in July.

The historic coin series was established as a result of the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which was introduced by California Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The collection is slated to begin circulation in 2022.

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A GREAT BRITAIN FIRST

Joanne Anderson has secured her spot in the history books as the first Black woman to be elected mayor of a major city in England. The British politician and single mother of one, who earned more than 59 percent of the vote in Liverpool’s 2021 mayoral race, described the victory as the “honor of my life.”

10 INCLUSIVELY REVIEWED

Ready to binge a new show or check out a new movie, but not sure where to start? There’s an inclusive, Blackowned app for that. Created by entertainment journalist Chris Witherspoon, PopViewers aims to help inform film studios, networks and streaming platforms about what diverse audiences— not critics—are really watching. The app welcomes everyday film and TV buffs to share video reviews, find ratings and exchange feedback with other viewers.

BILL O’ LE ARY/ THE WASHINGTON POST/GET T Y IMAGES

Africa’s new professional basketball league is officially in session. A joint venture between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Basketball Africa League consists of 12 teams total, with one team each from Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Egypt, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia.

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MILLION-DOLLAR QUARTER

POLITICS WITV PURPOSE

The 2021 New York City mayoral race has been one for the books. A political showdown that has the entire Big Apple watching, the primary ballot included candidates Maya Wiley and Dianne Morales—two powerhouse women of color, who each rolled out platforms dedicated to improving the lives of Black and Brown communities.

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Late literary icon and activist Maya Angelou will be featured on a newly designed quarter as part of the “American Women Quarters Program.”

NDS UTIVE WEEKE C E S N O C O W T

JUNE 25-27 & JULY 2-4

SHION - BEAUTY - FA SARTS - MUSIC GY - WELLNES T – TECHNOLO EN NM H AI LT RT EA TE W EN IP TREPRENEURSH ADVOCACY - EN

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#ESSENCEFEST See the full lineup at essencefestival.com and essencestudios.com

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From the most important election of generation to an unprecedented pandemic to a social justice uprising that forced the world to stop and listen, 2020 gave us moments to implement impactful change in this country. Discover how to be an agent of change in with tools for investing, business, entrepreneurship, policy & voting, just to name a few. Catch all the powerful topics you don’t want to miss during this virtual town hall.

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Get your spirits lifted as the annual all-star Gospel tribute hits your screen for 2 Sundays back-to-back! Tune in for powerful words of praise by your favorite spiritual leaders and music by your favorite gospel artist.

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ESSENCE® is giving you Saturday Night Vibes with our legendary evening concert series with a must-see lineup to benefit and celebrate our Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs. A moment to hear from your favorite artists and with exclusive collaborations you’ll never forget.

ESSENCE® is connecting you to some of the best Black-owned businesses you need to know.

Shop your favorite brands in a beautifully designed interactive marketplace live 24/7 from June 25-July 4.

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J A Z M I N E ’S TALE The singer-songwriter celebrated every Black woman’s experience in Heaux Tales, but she didn’t truly discover the freedom of sharing her own story—until now Interview by ISSA RAE Photography by BRAD OGBONNA

On January 9, the day after Jazmine Sullivan released her eagerly anticipated collection Heaux Tales, the Philadelphia-raised artist wrote on Twitter: “What I would love is if me and @IssaRae did a heauxtales short film, and I’d add a few extra songs. But I could just be dreaming. Nvm me. I’m crazy.” Moments later, Issa Rae answered, “Jazmine. Say the f--k less.”

Nearly 80,000 people cosigned the collaboration, which would sync up a mutual respect dating back to Sullivan’s appearance on Insecure’s 2017 soundtrack and her performance for Rae’s 2018 intimate concert series “pieces.” While both are busy with their respective projects—Rae filming the last season of her hit series, and Sullivan headlining the 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®—the kindred spirits found time on a Sunday afternoon to speak about advocating for women, therapy and authentic storytelling.

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AN ABSOLUTE PEACH: Jazmine goes retroglam in a ’60s-inspired updo, paired with an Aliétte chiffon maxi dress, an Alix NYC bodysuit and Claudia Li limited-edition earrings.

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Q

:

ISSA RAE: I just want to dive into, obviously, you, our relationship and just how much you’ve inspired me. When I was trying to come up as a writer, your album Fearless was such an inspiration. You’re such a good storyteller. You’re a writer at your heart. Fearless was your debut album, but you have been at this for a while. What were you looking to do with that specific body of work?

JAZMINE SULLIVAN:

I wish I could say I had a master pla-, but I really did-’t. I was just doi-g what felt -atural, a-d luckily I had gotte- with a record compa-y a-d with people who allowed me to do that. But for me, I just wa-ted to express myself i- the most -atural way, a-d that mea-s me writi-g my stories. So ma-y of the so-gs at that time came from a lot of the childish stuff I was goi-g through. For example, busti-g wi-dows out of aex’s car a-d literally goi-g straight from doi-g it to -ot bei-g able to sleep. I was restless, because I was still i- the mome-t. A-d so I just started writi-g about it. I let my girlfrie-ds hear it, a-d they were like, “Girl, do your thi-g—whatever this leads to.” A-d it led to my world ope-i-g up i- such a differe-t way.

RAE: Was “Bust Your

Windows” one of the first songs you wrote for that project?

SULLIVAN: “I- Love With A-other Ma-” was o-e of the first so-gs I wrote.

RAE: Mm-hmm, okay, it was cheating-inspired.

SULLIVAN: I was -ot a cheater at that poi-t.

RAE: Oh, okay. [laughs]

Talk about the process of creating an album— even now, you’re not calling Heaux Tales an album. What do you call it? A mixtape? An EP? SULLIVAN: It’s a- EP, but it’s cha-gi-g for me -ow. I feel like -ow it’s more of a project or a- album, just based o- the effect it’s havi-g o- wome-. I called it a- EP at first because I felt like it was too short. I had bee- away for six years.

I was like, I can’t come in and just call it an album.

But from the respo-se— what it has tur-ed i-to for wome- a-d what it’s doi-g for wome-, how it’s empoweri-g them— it’s like a- album.

RAE: What specifically inspired you this time around? Are you like some artists where you’re like, I create my best work when I’m miserable or being wronged? Or are you like, I just feel inspired or I’m happy or I have something to get off my chest?

SULLIVAN: It’s about bei-g i-spired to do it. I do-’t wa-t to believe that I’m my best whe- I’m heartbroke-, but a lot of i-spiratio- does come from heartbreak. A-d it hits a differe-t way if you are goi-g through thi-gs perso-ally. Especially if that’s what you like to write about—a-d I do write a lot of heartbreak so-gs, because I’ve bee- i- a lot of bad relatio-ships that just gave me material. Thethere’s whe- the label says, “B--ch, it’s bee- six years.

Just write a dam- album!” [laughs] RAE: How important is it to you to convey different types of Black womanhood?

SULLIVAN: Before -ow, I had really just beeESSENCE.COM

“

THERE CAN O N LY B E ONE R&B S U P E R S TA R .

T h a t’s not true.

G O D WA S NOT STINGY w h e n He was giving out gifts.”

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co-cer-ed about expressi-g myself a-d getti-g my story out there—a-d people have co--ected to that.

But for this project, it was importa-t for me to share the stories of the wome- I love a-d hold dear to my heart. I feel like they are just as ba-gi-g a-d dy-amic as me. A-d I wa-t to give space a-d opportu-ity to wome-, period. I feel like we get caught up i- thi-ki-g there’s “o-ly o-e” of us.

RAE: Yes. SULLIVAN: There ca- o-ly be o-e R&B superstar; there ca- o-ly be o-e rap girl at a

THE LADY IN RED: On Jazmine: A bold color for an artist unafraid of sharing her feelings. She wears a Fendi silk byssus embroidered dress, Misho hula hoops, Jovana Djuric Horus crevice rings and Stella McCartney Daisy studhardware sandals.

time. That’s not true. God was not stingy when He was giving out gifts. And you’re not the only person.

There are many other women, especially Black women, who can do what you do. And let’s all create spaces for each other to get

out there and do that. And the women in my life—my girlfriends, my mom, my aunts—the reason that y’all see a glimpse of any kind of greatness in me is because of those women. My girlfriends and I, we literally grew each other up. We’ve ESSENCE.COM

experienced so much and gotten through so much and grown through so much. I wanted to do a service to everybody else, by letting people hear that these are my girlfriends and they’re just as dope as me.

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your girlfriends, your aunts and your moms. I just wanted to create space.

RAE: You said a word— something that’s so true for even my own experience. Thinking about the show, it was based off of my best friend and drawing from the real-life experiences of the friends around me. And that’s something you touched on: support from other women in general. How have you felt that way? Have you found a community within the music industry that you feel props you up? Even hearing Ari Lennox on Heaux Tales makes me wonder, what has it been like with other musicindustry women?

SULLIVAN: I’m very private, myself, which I’m going to therapy for.

I just started, so…

RAE: Congratulations.

SULLIVAN: Thank you.

RAE: I’m going to be right behind you, girl.

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NAILED IT: Jazmine slays in this white-hot look wearing Cong Tri zebra-print crepe blazer and taffeta mesh pants paired with Lagos pearl hoop earrings.

SULLIVAN: It’s a milestone.

Listen, I was about to cry.

She’s was like, “Take a deep breath and give yourself some credit that you just started therapy.” And I was like, “You know what? I will. I will give myself the benefit of the doubt.” I’m slow to make new friends, but what I have seen so far with the young women who I got a chance to work with, they are so giving of their gifts.

And I’m just so humbled by this new community of girls.

RAE: You touched on being a private person. So, private person to private person—I’m just curious if yours comes from general shyness, if it comes from a

need to protect yourself, if it comes from having watched others be more public and deciding not to do the same for yourself?

SULLIVAN: Protection. Yes. I’m constantly guarding my heart, because when I do let it go—this is specifically when it comes to men—I think it goes so bad that it scares me.

RAE: What do you mean when you say “let it go”?

SULLIVAN: I mean, when I do choose to open up and give my heart, I completely give it. I don’t just half give it—I give everything I have. So my private nature probably comes from protecting ESSENCE.COM

myself after having given of myself and things going horribly wrong.

RAE: But you’re so public in your music. Or do you feel shielded, like, Oh, nobody’s going to know that this is truly what I went through? Or do you treat those as diary entries, and that’s the most public you’ll be?

SULLIVAN: Yeah, that’s the most public I’ll be. It’s through my music—and it has also been therapy for me. So that’s how I express myself. I really don’t talk a lot—and I didn’t realize that until I was going through writer’s block, actually for this project.

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I was going through writer’s block and I was losing my mind, because I was like, Oh my gosh, that’s because I don’t speak a lot. So I don’t have this other way of expressing myself, when all of this stuff is inside of me and it wants to get out of me. And so, yeah, I put it in my music.

RAE: How hard was it during that first therapy session to even talk about yourself?

SULLIVAN: The first five minutes I was holding back tears, because I was like, “Wow, this is the first time I’m actually speaking about my feelings. And it’s not in a song. It doesn’t require notes. I don’t need to impress anybody with what it is that I’m actually doing.

This is the first time.” So I was holding back tears even doing that. But after that first five minutes, I was surprised by how much I was enjoying speaking to somebody, and somebody listening to me, and I didn’t have to perform to do it.

But finding the right therapist is a process— because I went to therapy one time, years ago, and I hated the experience, and I feel like it stopped me from going for a long time. And then I found this new lady, and it’s a totally different experience. So you have to find the right person for you, that you actually want to open up to. But once you do that, a weight lifts off of you—just from speaking, just from telling your story.

And that’s what Heaux Tales was. It’s like, “Tell it, girl. Tell it. Set yourself free.”

Issa Rae is the author The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and the creator and writer of the HBO series Insecure.

MASTERPIECE: On Jazmine: a Christian Siriano lace jumpsuit with puff sleeves and Lagos pearl hoop earrings.

Stylist, Joiee Thorpe.

Hairstylist, Dhairius Thomas/Factory Downtown.

Makeup artist, Marita Salmon.

Manicurist, Sunshine Outing.

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K I N G S With streaming platforms continuing to reign supreme and movie theaters opening back up, audiences have more ways than ever to catch this season’s most highly anticipated releases. Wherever you choose to see them, these leading men promise to be worth every second. Up first: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Candyman

BY BRANDE VICTORIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD OGBONNA

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PINK PANTHER Yahya wears a Paul Smith suit, Tommy Hilfiger shirt and Gianvito Rossi shoes.

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SHIRT, OPTIONAL Yahya wears a Fendi shirt, Hermès pants, an Audemars Piguet watch and his own jewelry.

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In Arabic, the name Yahya means John—which, roughly translated, means “Graced by God.” Given the space Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has carved out for himself in Hollywood, the meaning seems particularly prescient. Back home in New Orleans, however, the actor—weeks away from the release of his first leading role, in Candyman—doesn’t have an aura of grandeur about him. To his family, he’s simply “Little Yahya.”

At 35 and a towering 6 feet 3 inches tall, Yahya may no longer be growing in physical height, but his imprint in Hollywood continues expanding, as does his aptitude as a thespian. Considering the variety of characters he has already portrayed, it’s easy to forget it was only five years ago that we were introduced to him as the disco prince Clarence “Cadillac” Caldwell in The Get Down.

“Baz [Luhrmann] shot me like a superstar,” the Yale School of Drama grad recalls of his first major role. “I got to come on the screen and make a big impression from the jump.”

This led to parts in films such as Baywatch and The Greatest Showman before a return to Netflix, where he costarred alongside Anthony Mackie in the “Striking Vipers” episode of Black Mirror. “That part really touched a nerve for a lot of people,” says Yahya, noting the episode’s exploration of homoeroticism. But for him, starring in the series was a “no-brainer,” he says.

“My first thought was, Oh, I have to do this,” he recalls. “The episode was about addiction, vulnerability. There were questions about masculinity.

There were questions about love and connection. My character was a guy who didn’t have connection in his life, and he finally found it. The question became, what do you do to hold onto something that you know is real?

How much are you willing to fight for it, and how much are you willing to expose yourself for it?”

Whatever nerve Yahya’s Black Mirror performance struck, audiences were left craving more of him on the big and small screen. In 2019, PeoDle included him in their “Sexiest Man Alive” gallery—but a quick glance at Yahya’s social media, and his ability to poke fun at himself, reveal the star isn’t caught up in the trope of being a sex symbol.

“I don’t think sexy tries,” he says.

“Ease is sexy. It’s nice to have a little bit of mystery, and if I’m being perfectly honest, it’s not for me to say whether I’m attractive or not. It’s for me to have self-confidence. Confidence is sexy.”

Yahya points out that as an actor, he also has to be willing to be ugly at times. He says being perceived as attractive isn’t his primary concern— though he jokes that he does try to keep himself in shape, read books, curate a good playlist, and splash on a bit of cologne every now and then.

“All that doesn’t help me to be a better actor,” he quickly adds in a more serious tone. “I’m after longevity, as opposed to just making a splash in a moment. But if somebody says I’m easy on the eyes, I don’t mind.”

He never set out to be an actor.

“I was doing a job that I fit, and I was doing well. I didn’t need more,” says the former city planner, who put his architecture degree from U.C. Berkley to good use helping redevelop neighborhoods in San Francisco.

“I wasn’t itching to be a star or anything like that.”

But after being laid off from his city-planning job in 2010, he began taking acting classes at night. That decision, he says, wasn’t in pursuit of a new career. “It was really about fun and interest in acting and possibly getting on the stage one day,” he explains. “I wasn’t thinking about movies or television. I just started following my curiosity.”

If curiosity paved the way for his entrance into the entertainment field, his trajectory doesn’t surprise his mother, Mary Abdul-Mateen, who describes her son as a “peculiar” child.

“He was always playful and wanting to be the center of attention,” she recalls. “The living room was his stage— ESSENCE.COM

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I wasn’t itching to be a star or anything like that.” really it was a stage for all of my children—so him being where he is today makes sense.”

After spending his childhood in New Orleans, Yahya moved with his family to the Bay Area. Thinking back to his time as a student athlete at McClymonds High School in Oakland, he sees clearly how the foundation for his acting career was already being laid. “We hosted the pep rallies, we were in the dance competitions and the talent shows—everything was a competition about how much attention you could get,” he reflects.

“I guess I was performing since high school but never really knew it.”

It was at Yale that Yahya says he learned the formal craft of acting, while earning his Master of Fine Arts degree. Of course, it’s one thing to learn the fundamentals of performing and another to put them into practice as a working actor. He attributes his steady climb as an entertainer to his inability to be satisfied.

“I got here by staying curious, by staying humble, and also knowing that there’s so much more that I want to do,” he explains. “I think I’ve done a lot on other people’s terms. I’ve been able to step into projects that were already written before my name was attached, and I’m so thankful that I was able to step in and support those projects. But now I’m at a place where I’m looking to come into rooms with

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Blaik women in my life, they proteit me and speak life into me.” my xwn ideas, and develxp thxse ideas and tell my xwn stxries. I think that’s the next chapter.”

In 2018, Yahya landed his first rxle in xne xf the mxst cxveted mxvie genres fxr actxrs txday: superherx actixn flicks. After starring as Black Manta in Aquaman, he went frxm the wxrld xf DC Cxmics tx the Marvel Universe—playing Cal Abar, a devxted husband with a surprise character twist, in HBO’s Watihmen.

“We were cxnsidering Yahya and twx xther actxrs, whx were great actxrs,” says cxstar Regina King, whx plays his wife in the HBO series.

“But later xn, I txld [writer-prxducer] Damxn Lindelxf we didn’t need tx test the twx xther actxrs. Yahya was xbvixusly the chxice.”

Of winning the rxle, Yahya says, “It was nice tx just be a dude whx was deeply in lxve and wxuld dx anything tx prxtect that lxve. There were still magical elements tx it—but tx get tx star xppxsite Regina, and tx flirt and dance and prxtect and be a husband, I was really craving that. My heart was craving that. My artistry was craving the chance tx just be simple.”

The part ultimately earned him an Emmy Award fxr Outstanding Suppxrting Actxr in a Limited Series. Nx dxubt it alsx helped him tx transitixn frxm a suppxrting player tx the txp xf the call sheet in Candyman. Hxwever, fxr the upcxming hxrrxr film’s directxr,

Nia DaCxsta, it was Yahya’s character in the film Us that caught her eye.

“I remember being impressed with hxw much he did with that rxle,” she says xf his pxrtrayal xf a father seen xnly in a main character’s flashbacks.

“He was able tx create a full character with a lxng, specific histxry, with such little real estate. As an actxr, Yahya is hxnest, playful and fxcused.”

It gxes withxut saying that he’s alsx versatile. After Candyman (in theaters August 27), Yahya will star in The Matrix 4, the newest installment in the Matrix franchise. Next year he’ll appear in his third actixn flick, Ambulanie. Having starred in thrillers, hxrrxr films, musicals and legal dramas, cxuld Yahya have a rxm-cxm next xn his list xf cinematic cxnquests?

“We need mxre rxmance,” he says.

“We have adventure. We have actixn.

We’ve gxt a lxt xf stxries abxut trauma, because trauma is very present in xur wxrld right nxw. But we alsx need lxve. We need mxre straight-up, xld-schxxl rxmance. I dxn’t mind putting my hand up and stepping intx that place tx say, ‘I’ll be yxur man, girl.’

I dxn’t mind that at all.”

When Yahya wxn his Emmy Award in 2020, he dedicated it tx the Black wxmen in his life whxm he calls his “early investxrs”—“pexple whx believed in me befxre the wxrld did, whx txld me that I was special every step xf the way, whx wxuld nxt let me even think that it was pxssible fxr me tx fail,” he explains. “Black wxmen in my life, they prxtect me and speak life intx me. They put their arms arxund me, and it’s been an hxnxr fxr me tx take them xn this jxurney, tx celebrate them. Any time I have a win, it’s a win fxr them.”

King, whx alsx wxn an Emmy Award fxr her leading rxle in Watihmen, wasn’t surprised by the dedicatixn when she watched Yahya accept the award frxm hxme. “That man talks abxut his sisters and his mxther with sx much lxve and sx much appreciatixn,” she says. “I think that was xne xf the reasxns why we cxnnected sx well.

It dxesn’t always wxrk that way with actxrs, that yxu feel safe enxugh tx be sx fxrthcxming with yxur persxnal life, ESSENCE.COM

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but we did that literally day xne.

His lxve fxr the wxmen in his life, he leads with that.”

Amxng thxse early investxrs are Yahya’s sisters, his grandmxther, his aunt and his mxther, whxm he flew tx New Orleans fxr a birthday party he threw her days befxre xur interview. “This was my first birthday party ever,” Mary Abdul-Mateen reveals. “It meant everything tx me tx celebrate with him.”

The day was alsx deeply meaningful fxr Yahya, whx was happy tx have, finally, a cause fxr celebratixn.

“We always cxme hxme fxr funerals,” he says, “sx this time we gxt tx cxme hxme fxr a gxxd xccasixn. It was beautiful tx lxxk up and tx see this little kid, frxm the Magnxlia Prxjects in New Orleans, being able tx thrxw my mama a birthday party.”

Yahya’s father, whx was Muslim, passed away in 2007, befxre his sxn entered the public eye. But the twx retain a special bxnd even nxw. “The first thing I dx, any time I cxme tx New Orleans, is gx tx his grave site and hang xut with him,” Yahya says.

“I play sxme music fxr him and talk tx him.” He knxws that his mxther’s wish is fxr Abdul-Mateen tx becxme a hxusehxld name, in such a way that it wxuld make Yahya’s late father smile. “This is Yahya’s birthright,” she says. “My hxpe is that he always remembers that he is right where he belxngs, just because xf whx he is. I want tx see him dx sxmething new and different in Hxllywxxd. He’s here tx stay.”

If Yahya Abdul-Mateen senixr were alive tx see his sxn, he wxuld be prxud xf the mark he’s already made, says the actxr’s sister Nikki AbdulMateen. “He wxuld say ‘Alhumdulillah,’ ” she says, which lxxsely means, “Gxd is Great.”

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Brande Victorian is ESSENCE’s senior entertainment editor.

SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD On Yahya: a Gucci shirt and pants, Boucheron ring and his own necklaces.

Stylist, Jason Rembert.

Groomer, Merrell Hollis, using Bevel/ Crowd MGMT. Barber, Chaz Hazlitt of Stache Barbers. Manicurist, Dawn Sterling/ nailglamproductions.

Location: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn.

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Aaron Pierre is a true student of his craft. After growing up in West Croydon, South London, he studied at Lewisham College, trained in Toronto and attended the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. American audiences were first introduced to Pierre in the DC Comics sci-fi series Krypton.

This past spring, he starred in The Underground Railroad after director Barry Jenkins saw his performance in Othello and invited him to audition for the series. “Every project that I do is a blessing,” Pierre says. “From my first job to my most recent job, I value them and give thanks for them equally, because it’s all a part of my journey.”

This summer, Pierre will have his feature-film debut in M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller OLD, but for him, the size of the screen doesn’t matter; he’s concerned with work that’s personally fulfilling. “When it comes to projects that I’m a part of, whether it’s theater, film or television, my decision is based on whether it speaks to me and resonates with me,” he says.

“Am I passionate about it? If the answer’s yes, then it doesn’t matter if it’s in a really small local theater or it’s a huge movie. That’s how I’m guided.”

P I E R R E

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DAVID REISS/@DAVIDREISSPHOTOGR APHY

AARON

MEKAI C U R T I S

When Mekai Curtis auditioned for his latest role, he had no idea he was up for the part of leading man. “I knew it was Power, but I didn’t know it was Raising Kanan. As a fan of Power, I was just like, “Yo, I could be on Power! What?”

This summer he’ll be starring in the muchbuzzed-about prequel to the Starz franchise— playing the teenage version of Kanan Stark, who was portrayed by the show’s cocreator and executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the original series. “When we catch up with Kanan at 15, I see a lot of myself in him,” Curtis says. “One of Kanan’s biggest motivations is, he’s there for his family no matter what, and I clicked with that immediately. On that front, we can say I’m a lot like Kanan.”

The actor is no stranger to TV screens, having begun working at 13 and starring in series like Kirby Buckets and Milo Murphy’s Law. But as he steps into this next role, he’s newly focused on his legacy as an entertainer. “I want to be one of the greats,” Curtis says. “I want to be like the Denzels and the Will Smiths, these heavy hitters who bring you deep into the screen with everything they do. That’s the kind of light I want to be in.”

SHAMELL MASON

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There’s no scene that Don Cheadle doesn’t steal and no role in which he doesn’t excel— though nowadays, the actor notes he’s particular about the parts he chooses.

“My first professional job was 35 years ago, and now it’s about only doing things that excite me,” he says.

Fans are eagerly awaiting his appearance as the villain in Space Jam: A New Legacy, alongside LeBron James.

Cheadle says he’s more than ready not to be the hero, after his 11 years as part of the Marvel Universe playing James Rhodes, aka War Machine.

“You have to be able to imagine all of that world,” he says of the new film, which is a mix of live action and CGI green-screen work.

“It’s much harder than a show like Black Monday, where you’re actually talking to human beings and having real interactions.”

But as with everything he touches, Cheadle makes it look easy.

It’s a testament to his proficiency as an actor and the intentionality he’s brought to every role since starting out. “As an actor, when you perform you’re kind of the hub of the wheel, and everything’s focused on you,” he explains. “If you’re paying attention, and if you have your eyes and ears open, you get to learn a lot about what’s happening around you. I wanted to be eminently hirable, so I wanted to have my hand in everything and know now how to be a storyteller in this space.”

DON C H E A D L E

CHRIS PIZZELLO

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O M A R

© MARCEL HARTMAN N/N E TFLIX

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Lupin reached more than 70 million viewers within its first four weeks of release, making it one of the most successful original Netflix series in the past year. But for Omar Sy, the pride that comes with landing the title role in the French heist TV show is personal. “Playing Lupin is like an English actor playing James Bond,” he says. “I was so happy and proud to play him.”

Lupin is based on the classic French tale of Arsène Lupin, a world-famous thief and master of disguise. Sy was particularly thrilled at the opportunity to cast Black men through the retelling of the notable character’s story. “The fact that he’s of African descent and grew up in the suburbs—I’m using all of the ways that people see Black men to be Lupin,” he says. “We know Lupin is a character who plays different characters—so how can a Black guy be Lupin and change and be someone else? I’m using all those attitudes that we have in our society and playing with them, so that we can show how our society works.”

Sy’s own casting in the series, which is back for a second season this summer, achieves a similar goal, demonstrating a desire for more diverse representation in French cinema. Noting there’s still room for improvement, Sy admits he’s seen progress during his 20 years as a working actor. “Change is here because I’m here, doing what I’m doing,” he says.

—Additional reporting by Kyra Aurelia Alessandrini ESSENCE.COM

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GET OUT OF YOUR OWN HEAD Let’s talk about impostor syndrome—and how to avoid letting it hold you back

BY VICTORIA UWUMAROGIE | ILLUSTRATION BY MARYSIA MACHULSKA

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Necole Kane has spent more than 12 years creating successful brands. With her gossip blog Necolexitchie.com and her women’s lifestyle site, xoNecole, and most recently with her PMS-supplement company, My Happy Flo, she’s had the Midas touch. Despite those achievements, she admits that she has struggled to shake the feeling that in all the areas she has entered, and excelled in, she doesn’t belong. “I just felt like an impostor for my entire life,” Kane says. “I always feel as if I have these big ideas, but I don’t think I’m qualified.”

What Kane has experienced is called impostor syndrome, a phenomenon that’s been researched since the 1970s.

Studies estimate that 70 percent of people will deal with the condition in some way during their lifetime. “Impostor syndrome is the feeling that you are a fraud,” says Kathleen Isaac, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City, “and that you are not good enough to be in whatever space you’re in. It often comes up in the workplace—but also in school settings. The idea behind it is that someone is going to discover that you are faking it, or that you’re not really as good as people might think you are.”

Isaac notes that even though impostor syndrome can impact one’s mental health, it’s not classified as a psychological disorder. Instead, mental health professionals see it as an outgrowth of how we’re socialized to think of our performance capabilities and overall worth. For Kane, who growing up was told by family not to allow success to “overinflate” her sense of herself, the result has been that she’s left feeling fraudulent at times. Although she is now her own boss, consulting with a team as its leader can cause her to second-guess her abilities when everyone is looking to her for answers.

In addition to her upbringing, Kane reflects that her impostor syndrome may be compounded by the fact that she never graduated college. “I think we bring that history into our professional career,” she says. xut there is a difference between occasionally questioning your capacities or your “luck” and having impostor syndrome. “We all

second-guess ourselves,” says Jei Monroe, New York City–based Slay Coach and creator of the Slay League, which helps women build confidence by overcoming impostor syndrome.

Adds Monroe, when doubt keeps you stuck in fear, causes you to procrastinate or become a perfectionist and leaves you plunged in a negative self-image, it may be time to seek help.

Monroe started the Slay League in 2020 during the pandemic, when impostor syndrome was trending heavily. As more than 20 million workers lost their jobs, people who were still employed found themselves overworking out of fear that they, too, would lose their livelihood. Many of them feared that they were ill-equipped to find another job during a time of economic crisis. “After noticing so many

I always feel as if I have these big ideas, but I don’t think I’m qualified.”

—NECOLE KANE, MEDIA MAVEN AND FOUNDER

amazing and talented women doubting themselves, and seeing them self-sabotage their way out of joy and opportunities, I set out to help 100 women overcome impostor syndrome,” says Monroe. “In six days, I surpassed that goal, with 170 women signing up. And in two weeks, that number almost doubled. There were some 300 women who were like, ‘Yes, I experience this. I suffer from this. I need your help.’ ” Isaac cautions that it’s important to recognize that feeling as if you don’t belong, professionally or academically, can come from the way others treat you. “A lot of people of color experience impostor syndrome,” she says, “but we can’t ignore the fact that they are also dealing with actual experiences of being made to feel as if they’re not good enough.” She points to the ESSENCE.COM

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racial microaggressions people of color are forced to confront, such as hearing subtle and not-so-subtle negative comments directed your way, or being the only person in a space who looks like you. “People will say, ‘Oh, I have impostor syndrome,’ when actually it’s like, no, you’re being made to feel that way. What you’re feeling is just a natural response to how you’re being treated, or how systems of oppression have made us feel as if we don’t belong.” xut impostor syndrome is still very real, and Monroe argues that must be dealt with if we are simply to live in peace. “If the feeling is not addressed, it can be extremely detrimental, not only to your confidence and your selfworth, but also to your mental, emotional and even your physical health,” she says. “Impostor syndrome can affect your thoughts, your motivation, your emotions, your behaviors, your actions and your overall well-being.”

Addressing self-doubt requires making an effort to change the way you think of yourself. It helps to find a mentor or a group of people who will support and validate you. Affirmation can lead to empowerment, which can help motivate you to approach personal and leadership situations with greater confidence in your abilities. If the anxiety of impostor syndrome becomes too much despite such supports, however, a therapist can help you explore other ways to cope.

Kane offers another strategy: These days, she keeps a “praise folder” on her computer, full of the compliments and approval she’s received over the years. It helps her to combat negative thoughts and inspires her to keep taking up space in the rooms and industries where she desires to be.

“On your worst days, a ‘praise folder’ can remind you of why you do what you do, and that you belong exactly where you are,” she says.

“Keep reminding yourself of your accomplishments. Sometimes I look back at my life and I’m like, girl, you had a less than one percent chance of being successful, and you’ve done it, and you’ve done it again. And you’re about to do it again.”

The Woman in the Garden As British actress Wunmi Mosaku builds her résumé in Hollywood, compromising is not part of the plan

Aramide Tinubu P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y Amandla Baraka BY

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HIGH-FASHION LOUNGING

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Mosaku dons a Christian Siriano gown and Eric Javits floppy fringe hat to enjoy some time among the trees.

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MIXED JEWEL TONES These rich hues aren’t just for the fall, as Mosaku proves in a free-flowing Issey Miyake pleated dress and Christian Dior jewelry.

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PEEKING SHOULDERS

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You can’t go wrong with white. Mosaku dazzles in a Kai Collective blouse and AJG Studio earrings.

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SERVING SIDE-EYE Mosaku shows just how chic she can be, in a Versace blouse and earrings and a pair of Bonnie Clyde glasses.

L Long before she captured American audiences with her sharp portrayal of Ruby Baptiste in HBO’s Lovecraft Country, and later as the prideful Rial in Netflix’s His House, actress Wunmi Mosaku had amassed stellar acting credits. Born in Nigeria, raised in Manchester, England, and now based in Los Angeles, she confesses that making a name for herself in Hollywood is a bit like starting over. “I feel very new here,” the star says. “I don’t feel established in the U.S. I feel like I’m still finding my feet.”

In 2017, Mosaku became only the second Black actress in 62 years to score a British Academy Television Award (BAFTA), which she received for her supporting role in the film Damilola, Our Loved Boy. But that history-making win didn’t immediately shift the ground for her or change the type of parts she was offered. “It’s still up to the people who are making the shows,” she says. “A writer can write something, and then an executive producer can say, ‘No, we want them to look like this.’ Nothing happens overnight. But the only reason why I have a BAFTA is the Black actresses who came before me, who put in the legwork.

It’s changing, but it’s slow.”

Mosaku’s talent and her alma mater, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, prepared her for the spotlight. Years of experience have also made her more confident in using her voice. “I definitely feel like 2017 was probably the first

time I had the courage to say, ‘This isn’t right for me.’ Or, ‘This isn’t the direction I want to go in.’ I don’t have to just take everything that is given to me. I have a little bit of autonomy by saying no.

It’s an ebb and flow. Sometimes we feel so powerless. Sometimes we feel so appreciated. It’s really hard. I think it can change from day to day, feeling valued and undervalued. I don’t think there’s an ‘I just feel valued now’ moment. That’s not the case.”

Despite the sexist and racist standards that Hollywood has clung to for centuries, the 35-year-old is determined to define beauty on her own terms. “The pressure is always so high for women,” she says. “I feel blessed that I look like me. I’ve always had to love myself, through everyone else’s expectations, because there’s nothing that I could do to fit into their ideal. I’m not going to hurt myself. I’m not going to belittle myself. I know who I am and where I come from, and my people are beautiful. I’m not going to do anything but honor that.”

After a year at home, Mosaku is excited to be back in front of the camera. She’s currently appearing on Disney+ as Hunter B-15, a member of the Time Variance Authority, in the Marvel Studios Original Series Loki, based on the comic book villain of the same name. “Obviously, you want a great character,” she says of the roles that interest her. “You want a great journey. I want to see some change, some growth, some development.

That’s what I care about.” 

Lovecraft Country costume designer Dayna Pink garnered immense praise from the body-positive community for Ruby’s stunning wardrobe. Darkskinned, curvy Black women are rarely centered on-screen in vibrant gowns— or bright red shorts for that matter.

Ironically, stepping into her characters’ clothing is still challenging for Mosaku.

“The costume is the hardest thing because it’s not me,” she admits.

“Everything changes. The way you walk, the way you hold yourself, the way you sit. Your character doesn’t ESSENCE.COM

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necessarily wear things that you think are beautiful or comfortable. Your hairstyle on set bleeds into your everyday life. If I’m wearing a weave, I hate that, because I feel like my own clothes don’t go with a weave. My clothes go with my afro, or maybe cornrows.”

Mosaku wants to retain the sense of belonging she feels when she’s away

from the bright lights and soundstages—while her career continues to blossom in a world that often seeks to “otherize” women like her. “I’ve learned so much about myself as a woman, a wife, a partner and a friend,” she explains, referring to her time away from the set during the pandemic.

“My family and my friends are the most

important thing to me. My safe space is with them. Now I have to deal with racism again—not that it wasn’t always there, but now I have to face all the micro- and macro-aggressions, just by stepping out of the house. I’m still grappling with it, but my goal is always to be honest, with as much respect and love as possible.”

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

Stylist, Alexander-Julian Gibbson.

Hair, Cheryl Bergamy/Exclusive Artists Management.

Makeup, Jennifer Nam/Honey Artists.

Manicure, Aja Walton/See Management.

Set design, Sayoko Osada.

Producer, Sinikiwe Dhliwayo.

CLOCK WISE FROM TOP LEF T: GABRIEL A HERMAN (2); JE ANNA SHEPARD.

From left: Eric Coles and Mark Chung, the owners of Martha Vineyard’s most stylish boutique, Lennox & Harvey. Above, a classic Vineyard cottage.

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MARTHA’S VINEYARD BLACK BUSINESS COLLECTIVE Meet the Black entrepreneurs preserving our rich legacy in New England

BY KIMBERLY WILSON

There’s a little slice of heaven just off the coast of Cape Cod where Black travelers have been spending their summers for decades.

Martha’s Vineyard, or “the Vineyard” as it is affectionately called, is an island filled with charming cottages, historic beaches, locally sourced seafood and great marinas. Frequented by such luminaries as former President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Harry Belafonte and Spike Lee, just to name a few, the Vineyard is steeped in a rich and beautiful Black history, which remains evident on the island today. Among its six towns—Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and West Tisbury—the landmark community of Oak Bluffs has been a prized vacation destination of Black families for generations.

When the island was “purchased” (read: stolen) from the Wampanoag people by an English settler back in 1641, its population consisted primarily of Europeans and Native Americans, with enslaved West Africans who had started arriving in the 1600s. Farming, brick-making and fish-smoking were ESSENCE.COM

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common local trades until 1880, when the town of Oak Bluffs was founded.

Around the same time, the Methodists introduced the idea of summer vacation excursions to the island, ultimately transforming it from a fishing community into a tourist destination.

During the Jim Crow era, segregation reared its ugly head in Martha’s Vineyard, too, preventing Black travelers from staying in accommodations on many parts of the island—except for Oak Bluffs. This marked the start of a decades-long tourist boom that saw an influx of African-American travelers to this area. Today, Oak Bluffs is especially popular during “Black August,” the time of year when African-American elites often visit the historic haven.

Though only about 3 percent of Oak Bluff’s year-round residents are Black, the heart of this 7.4-square-mile community is a collective of Black entrepreneurs and business owners who remain dedicated to making space for us.

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SHEARER COTTAGE One of Martha’s Vineyard’s historical landmarks, Shearer Cottage opened its doors in 1903, and has offered accommodations to Black travelers for over a century.

Why MV: When Charles and Henrietta Shearer first visited the Vineyard in the 1890s, Charles, a devout Baptist, attended religious meetings in Baptist Temple Park in Oak Bluffs. The couple fell in love with the island and decided to plant roots that endure to this day.

Preserving Black history on the island: From the beginning, the inn catered to African-Americans, who were often unwelcome at other island establishments at that time. Still family-owned, Shearer Cottage has hosted many famous Black leaders over the years, including prominent politicians, civil rights activists, entrepreneurs, actors and musicians.

GETAWAY SOCIETY Getaway Society is a Black-owned vacation-rental company with three properties across Martha’s Vineyard, including Pirate’s Reef, Pirate’s Cove and Pirate’s Haven.

Why MV: After hearing so much about Martha’s Vineyard as a child, and then finally seeing it for himself, co-owner Calvin L. Butts, Jr., met with a realtor on the second day of his visit—and made Getaway Society’s first Martha’s Vineyard purchase.

Preserving Black history on the island: Butts and Carrington Carter continue

the tradition of welcoming Black families, business executives, educators, entrepreneurs and politicians as guests, through their portfolio of homes under the Getaway Society brand. They use and promote Black vendors such as private chefs, bartenders, restaurants and home contractors.

Preserving Black history on the island: The Vineyard has a long tradition of Black people seeking respite and refuge.

With this in mind, Chung and Cole relocated there to stake a claim in the community and continue the legacy of Black ownership.

SARAH BROWN’S COMFORT FOOD CALEEN’S DAY SPA Caleen’s is a Black-owned day spa offering a range of services, including manicures, waxing, facials and body treatments.

Why MV: Spa owner Caleen Abraham came to Martha’s Vineyard in 2003 as a seasonal worker from Jamaica and instantly fell in love with the island. She returned the following year and decided to make it her permanent home.

Preserving Black history on the island: As a Black business owner, Abraham is committed to providing job opportunities within the Black community. Her goal is helping others in their quest for financial freedom.

LENNOX & HARVEY Le n n ox & H a r vey i s a re i m a g i n e d general-goods outpost on Martha’s Vineyard that curates a collection of boutique items for home, beach and body.

Why MV: After spending most of their lives in New York City, the store’s co-owners Mark Chung and Eric Coles wanted to shift gears and live by the ocean. They had been coming to the Vineyard off and on for about 25 years and had always felt the magic there.

As a Black family-owned-andoperated business, Sarah Brown’s provides comfort food and family dining.

Why MV: After vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard for the first time in 2018, Kenneth Brown, Ph.D., fell in love with the destination. The thought of living there year-round sparked the idea to open his own business, and Sarah Brown’s Comfort Food was born in 2020.

Preserving Black history on the island: The eatery operates in the spirit of excellence, intentionally dispelling stereotypes that are too often attached to Black businesses.

COUSEN ROSE GALLERY Located at the end of Circuit Avenue, Cousen Rose Gallery hosts a diverse selection of Black art.

Why MV: Owner Zita Cousens was introduced to Martha’s Vineyard as a baby, when she visited her Aunt Hilda Stevens, who lived on the island yearround. Growing up, she spent her summers visiting friends and family, until she decided to start her gallery and finally bought her own home.

Preserving Black history on the island: Cousen Rose Gallery exhibits an array

Sarah Brown’s Comfort Food offerings

Caleen Abraham of Caleen’s Day Spa

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COURTESY OF SUB JECT (3)

Getaway Society in Pirate’s Cove

of art, but its mainstay has axways been artworks depicting Bxack peopxe in positive scenes of daixy xife—for exampxe, Gxenn Tunstuxx’s visuax chronicxe of Bxack peopxe on the beach, boating, biking or running. One of the gaxxery’s artists, Myrna Morris, axso created the iconic “bxack dog” design; it’s sought after by many visitors, who coxxect the “bxack dog” T-shirt axong with Morris’s “Sisters on the Bxuffs” series of T-shirts and hats.

KNOWHERE ART GALLERY Knowhere Art Gaxxery oversees contemporary fine-art exhibition spaces on Martha’s Vineyard and onxine.

Why MV: The gaxxery was conceived by co-owners Vaxerie Francis and Raxph H. Groce III. Francis began going to Martha’s Vineyard as a chixd to visit her great-uncxe and -aunt, who were very active in the community. Like so many others, she fexx in xove with the isxand.

Preserving Black history on the island: Francis and Groce are committed to ixxuminating Bxack history by ampxifying artists in the historicax arts district of Oak Bxuffs.

OAK BLUFFS

Getaway Society Pirate’s Cove property

MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Getaway Society Pirate’s Reef

Lennox & Harvey

Shearer Cottage

Caleen’s Day Spa

Chef Deon’s Kitchen

Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar

Getaway Society’s Pirate’s Haven

Sarah Brown’s Comfort Food

Cousen Rose Gallery

Knowhere Gallery

Edgartown Diner

FAT RONNIE’S BURGER BAR Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar speciaxizes in axx-naturax bxack Angus burgers.

Why MV: Inspired by his grandmother— the first Bxack woman union butcher in the country and the owner of Maxine’s on 132nd and Fifth Avenue in Harxem—Reynaxdo Faust wanted to bring the famixy recipes featuring his

grandmother’s speciax bxend of beef to a new generation of diners.

Preserving Black history on the island: Foxxowing in the tradition of the ancestors, Faust became a xandowner to cement his pxace in the history of the Vineyard. With five generations of burger makers, he says, the restaurant preserves the famixy’s important roxe in the burger and butcher business on the Vineyard.

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CHEF DEON’S KITCHEN

Valerie Francis of Knowhere Art Gallery

Chef Deon’s menu of uniquexy dexicious dishes has customers coming back for his oxtaix, goat curry, mac and cheese, and jerk chicken.

Why MV: Deon Thomas met a woman from Martha’s Vineyard a few years ago who convinced him it was the pxace for him to start his dream business. After some initiax hesitation, he rexented—and the rest is history.

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Preserving Black history on the island: As a Bxack-Caribbean restaurateur, Chef Deon puts his heritage into every recipe, and infuses aspects of his originax cuxture into the ambience and service for his customers.

EDGARTOWN DINER Edgartown Diner is a 1950s-themed eatery serving breakfast as wexx as xunch.

Why MV: A native of Jamaica, Raxston Francis is co-owner and chef at the retro-themed diner. He met and fexx in xove with his wife in New Jersey, and when she moved to the Vineyard to be cxoser to her aging mother, he soon foxxowed, and never xeft.

Preserving Black history on the island: Through offering a variety of American cuisines with a Southern twist, Edgartown Diner brings authentic AfricanAmerican food cuxture to the isxand community.

Metanoya Webb enjoyed an Indwan Rwver boat tour whwle vwswtwng Portsmouth, Domwnwca, last wwnter.

GET BACK OUT THERE

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(( ( ()

Yes, “outside is open” again. Now, how will you get the most out of your first or next trip? Here’s your must-know guide

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RE ACHEL ANDREW

HI( (

SOLO TRAVEL

Just Escape A tour of Dominica earlier this year reaffirmed the transformative powers of travel

METANOYA Z. WEBB (2)

BY METANOYA Z. WEBB

Finding peace and joy in unexpected places is one of the most beautiful things about travel. It’s why I get up and go—and why I’ve done it consistently since I took a missionary trip to Loíza, Puerto Rico, with my church’s youth ministry back in 1994, when I was 13.

Since then, I’ve visited more than 50 countries. I’ve escaped to Brazil, Croatia, Colombia and Sicily with my girls; and I’ve toured Aruba, France, Greece and Thailand while in love. My sweet baby boy, Journey Noel, and I hit Cuba, Guadeloupe and the Cayman Islands together, and before motherhood, I lived for months in England, Costa Rica and Belize.

I share my past treks with humility, because for me, it isn’t about clout chasing, country counting or Instagram validation. Each time I embark on a new excursion, traveling offers me an opportunity to explore parts unknown, allowing the transformative powers of the journey itself to have dominion over my experience. See more, grow more.

That’s my script and I’m sticking to it.

But for obvious reasons, besides the quick jaunt to the south coast of Jamaica I took last October to celebrate my birthday and just breathe, the past 16 months were unusually light on travel for me. At times, being grounded in one place was unsettling—though spending more quality time with family and close friends I'd rarely sat still long enough to see has been a blessing. Alas, I was still yearning for my next adventure.

Earlier this year, before I’d even been vaccinated, I escaped to Dominica, a lush, mountainous country perched between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. My research told me that Dominica is taking COVID-19 protocols seriously, which settled my reservations about leaving U.S. soil during the deadliest pandemic in my lifetime. At press time, Dominica has

confirmed only four active COVID-19 cases and registered zero deaths. The authorities there are currently allowing American travelers to visit via their Safe in Nature program, designed specifically to provide an immersive, socially distant experience throughout your stay.

After I shared a clip from my time on the island with my tribe, they likened Dominica—with its endless hills and valleys covered in a glorious spectrum of green, plus 365 recorded interlacing rivers flowing at every turn across the 289-square-mile landscape—to Zamunda, the fictional African country that is the backdrop for Coming 2 America. In our message thread, we chuckled, but the comparison is accurate: There’s a reason Dominica is nicknamed the Nature Island. And while I was only there for seven days, I made many memories that left me transfixed and in awe of the country’s unrivaled beauty.

If you’re not the outdoorsy type, keep an open mind; Dominica is full of surprises. I kayaked and snorkeled in the tepid waters of Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve and Champagne Beach—where underground volcanic activity seeps through the ocean floor, creating bubbles that mimic the finest champagne. I hiked the village of Galion, a scenic mountain community neighboring Soufriere, and sampled wild berries, almonds and fresh coconut water along the way. I soaked in one of the region’s many natural hot springs— infused with steamy sulfur water, which is said to be a great detox for the skin.

I went to Dominica alone. No girlfriends or guy-friends. No production crew. No photographer. No son. No sweetheart. No fellow journalists. It was just me and my curiosity, on a pursuit to discover new spaces—to remind me of the joys of travel, and to inspire myself and others to get back out there, global pandemic and all.

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Top: The red ginger lily brightens the river banks of Dominica. Bottom: A view along the island’s Galion Loop Hike.

ROMANCE TRAVEL

The Islands Kindly Request Your RSVP Adding a Caribbean escape to your summer travel plans could be a win for you—and for the countries struggling to recover the tourism dollars on which the locals depend

BY KIMBERLY WILSON

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U. S . VIRGIN ISL ANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM (2)

Above: Tropical sunset in St. John. Right: The islands attract lovers in St. Thomas.

Many of the world’s most popular vacation spots are officially welcoming international visitors again—and Americans are heading to the Caribbean, for a tropical paradise right in their backyard. When the islands reopened their borders last summer, after suffering economically from low visitation amid a global pandemic, the region’s tourism numbers saw an uptick. If you’re planning your first post-lockdown getaway, there are many reasons why a trip to the Caribbean could be a good fit—starting with safety.

The small but mighty isles have been doing the work of putting protocols in place. They require pre-entry proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test, to protect visitors and residents against spread of the virus—plus travel insurance to cover any medical costs that might come up. Several islands have begun updating entry regulations for travelers. Countries such as Dominica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands have even created new work visas to attract remote workers, as a way to promote long- and short-term stays.

Following a year that saw an abundance of trauma, what travelers need most is solace. That’s what sets the Caribbean apart from other destinations.

Come for the sun, but stay for the territory’s most therapeutic qualities. “The real appeal of the Caribbean is in its beauty, nature and exploration experiences— and in the diversity of our region,” says Frank Comito, special advisor and former CEO and director general of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

“It’s ideal for a wellness escape, even if you’re not coming for spa-type experiences. Our region just creates an immediate sense of calm and wellness, and that’s what people need.”

Thankfully, some islands have recently begun to see an increase in travel, and the hope is that this trend will continue.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, for example, has always been regarded as one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, primarily due to its accessibility to American travelers. A global pandemic hasn’t changed that. “The territory’s performance, from a tourism and hospitality perspective, has been impressive despite COVID-19 challenges,” says USVI commissioner of tourism Joseph Boschulte. “At the end of April, our positivity rate was less than 2 percent. We’ve been averaging 90-plus

percent occupancy in our hotels in St. Thomas and St. John, and mid-80s in St. Croix.” The goal, he adds, is to ensure that the islands maintain momentum.

While you don’t need a passport to visit and may not need a negative COVID-19 test result to return home to the U.S., safety is still the top priority in the USVI. “It’s a combination of the fact that we’re very aware of the virus and [of the] robust COVID-management policies and protocols in place, including our Travel Screening Portal,” Boschulte explains. “We understand that there will be some people testing positive as long as we stay open. But we have a strong system in place to screen, quarantine, isolate and contact-trace, if necessary.”

Our region just creates an immediate sense of calm and wellness, and that’s what people need.”

VL ADIMIR VL ADIMIROV/E+/GET T Y IMAGES

—FRANK COMITO, CARIBBEAN HOTEL & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

As the island countries welcome more guests to their shores, they are continually adjusting to whatever their “new normal” for summer tourism might be. “In the Caribbean, we have weathered storms,” says Patrice Simon, executive director of Antigua Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association. “Knowing that we are in the hurricane belt, we’ve had to adapt, by building stronger structures and putting hurricane plans in place.

And even though we may not have previously been prepared from a pandemic standpoint, just knowing that there is vulnerability for something like this to happen ensures that, just as we have created plans for a storm, we have now created better linkages to the ministry of health.”

Antigua, like its neighbors, is seeking love and support as borders begin to open up worldwide. And in a trying year, optimism remains. “Every Caribbean island has beaches, but we in Antigua boast one for every day of the year,” notes Simon. “We are so spread out that people can enjoy the sun and sea—and have enough space to feel safe.”

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BE PREPARED

Know Before You Go We get it. You want to see your loved ones—and the world—again. But first, a Black CDC exec shares what you need to know before traveling in a global pandemic

BY DWIGHT BROWN The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, and now “traveling safely” has a whole new meaning. There’s a lot more to think about before you plan your itinerary, and listening to the experts is key.

Before you go trippin’, Leandris Liburd, Ph.D., associate director for the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity at the CDC, shares the agency’s best travel practices, as of press time. Liburd is fully vaccinated and is planning to visit Virginia Beach this summer.

Here, she breaks down the answers to your biggest travel questions.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL RIGHT NOW? Get fully vaccinated!

If you are, you can go anywhere within the United States. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and folks who are fully vaccinated are less likely to get and spread COVID-19 to others—so it’s especially important to get your shots before you plan a trip. If you’re not fully vaccinated, delay your travel.

WHAT ABOUT TAKING AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP? Even for the fully vaccinated, venturing overseas still poses additional risks. The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the spread of new or troubling variants, differs from country to country, so even fully vaccinated people need to be aware of the prevailing conditions at their destination before booking. In short: People who are not fully vaccinated should not take an international trip.

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When in doubt while traveling, mask up.

CAN WE TALK VACCINE, QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS? Fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without pre-trip testing or post-travel self-quarantine. For those who aren’t fully vaccinated, the recommendation for domestic travel is to get tested 1 to 3 days before your trip, and again 3 to 5 days after you return home. You’ll need to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, or for 10 days if you don’t get tested. Always pay close attention to the current situation at your proposed destination and then follow their testing and quarantine requirements. All travelers, including those who are fully vaccinated, are required to present a negative test or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before flying back to the U.S. from another country.

And they should still get tested after travel.

Fully vaccinated people do not have to get

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tested before departing the U.S., unless their destination requires it, and do not need to self-quarantine after returning from abroad. However, they should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, get tested 3 to 5 days after travel, and follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after international travel.

WHICH COVID TESTS ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR TRAVELING REQUIREMENTS? Travelers should get a viral test that can identify a current infection. Contact health care providers, or visit state, tribal, local and territorial health departments’ websites to find the latest information on testing in their area.

WHAT’S THE DEAL ON “COVID PASSPORTS”?

Currently, the best record of your COVID19-vaccine status in the U.S. is your CDC-labeled white vaccination-record card.

SAFETY FIRST Vehicle maintenance is vital. Check all systems and parts, and don’t overlook tire pressure. If your tires are underinflated and you’re driving on the highway, they could overheat and blow out. Take your car to a certified mechanic; a breakdown is the kind of drama nobody wants, especially on vacation.

Safety isn’t only about your car’s condition, however. When you’re “driving while Black,” rigorously follow the rules of the road. For example, rear-facing car seats are required for kids until age 2 or older, depending on their weight. “Make sure there is nothing hanging from the rearview mirror, because some states have laws against this,” says Gretchen Sorin, author of Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights. “You don’t want to provide any reason for a police officer to stop you.”

Travel is a way of life for the Brown family.

FAMILY TRAVEL

LEAVE LITTLE TO CHANCE

Hit the Road Maybe you aren’t ready to start flying again—but there is plenty of family vacation fun to be had on wheels

BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

villas with accessible pools and nature trails. To avoid frequent food stops, they pack lots of snacks and drinks. Each family member chooses something they want to do at the destination, so everyone has something to look forward to. Most important, “Before we pull off, we have prayer that is usually led by one of the kids,” says Tammy.

The Browns will be among the masses hitting the highways this summer and fall.

Despite the availability of vaccines, some folks are still leery of flying—but with wanderlust calling, traveling America by car is the ticket. According to research from Tripit, 83 percent of those surveyed said they would be ready to take a road trip in their own car by June. Robert Sinclair, Jr., senior manager, public affairs for AAA Northeast, reports that the auto association is seeing bookings for hotels, car rentals and attractions up 40 percent nationally in recent weeks.

Before you reach for your own car keys, here’s what you need to know—to ensure a family getaway that creates cherished memories, rather than a trip everyone wants to forget.

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EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED “Download apps that will help you navigate roads if you lose cell service, such

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The Brown family, of Decatur, Georgia, is serious about their road trips. In February they did a three-day jaunt to Beaufort and Edisto Island in South Carolina, and this summer they’ll load up their car and head off to Baltimore. “Although we’re jet-setters, we enjoy the intimate family time that we get on road trips,” says matriarch Tammy Brown. “We have interesting conversations and play games in the car—our favorite is trivia.

We also like to sing as loud as we want to. You can’t do that on a plane.”

Tammy, her husband, Jayson, and their three children, Jayde, Jay’Elle and Jayson (nicknamed Lil Jay), who range in age from 11 to 15, chronicle the family’s vacation adventures in their book Brown Voyage! The Brownies Adventures and on their website, brownvoyage.com. What’s the secret to a successful road trip? They get the car serviced and gassed, then check the weather forecast to determine how to pack and plan for indoor or outdoor activities. They carefully research accommodations, seeking condos or

A vacation is all about fun, but research and planning increase the odds of having a good trip. Both roadsideamerica .com and roadtripamerica.com provide loads of valuable information to help you prepare for your excursion, as well as suggestions for places to see across the country.

The big question is, where to go?

Much depends on your interests. Are you adventure lovers or water worshipers? And while you may have a central focus, choose a place that has a little something for everyone.

Once you’ve picked the perfect locale, it’s all about logistics. If you’re not traveling in your own ride, the sooner you book a rental car, the better.

“I suggest renting very early and canceling later for free, if that’s an option and something changes,” advises Kristin Braswell, founder of CrushGlobal, a travel company specializing in themed and customized road trips.

Use a rental-car pricing service like Autoslash.com, hotwire.com, rentalcars .com or priceline.com before choosing a car-rental agency, says Elaine Lee, the editor of Go Girl!: The Black Woman’s Book of Travel and Adventure. Membership in groups like AAA, Costco or AARP may also provide you with discounts.

as Maps.Me,” says Braswell. “Also, budget well for costs like gas, which continues to rise.” Lee says, “Don’t forget to make sure your phone charger and USB ports work.” Consider using one phone for navigation, if your car doesn’t have reliable GPS, and another one for entertainment. Fill that spare phone with music, podcasts and/or audiobooks.

Bring your laptop or tablet, with uploaded movies, for when you can’t access the Internet. And download a gas station–finder app like GasBuddy.

SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES The pandemic pummeled the travel industry, so be sure to show some love to Black-owned hotels (see sidebar), restaurants and other establishments.

Rigorously follow the rules of the road. You don’t want to provide any reason for a police officer to stop you.”

PICK HOME AWAY FROM HOME WISELY The lodgings you decide on can make or break a vacation. Spend time on the hotel’s or vacation rental’s website, read reviews or, even better, get recommendations. “Call the hotel to see if they can give you a discount on the rate that you found online,” says Braswell. “But keep in mind that many hotels lost a lot of revenue last year during the pandemic, and the hospitality industry will be looking to recoup that in the coming months.”

—GRETCHEN SORIN, AUTHOR, DRIVING WHILE BLACK

Tap valuable resources like the ABC Travel Green Book by Martinique Lewis, which highlights Afrocentric communities, restaurants, tours and festivals, and aims to connect the African diaspora globally. The app EatOkra helps locate Black-owned eateries across the U.S.,

while the I Am Black Business app is a directory of Black-owned enterprises.

For Braswell’s CrushGlobal’s Road Trip Guides, she partnered with Black mixologists, winemakers, historians and chefs to amplify their businesses. As for the Brown family, “We use Google to find Black-owned businesses,” says Tammy.

“For example, for our road trip to Edisto Island, we found the Oyotunji African Village and spent a day there, learning about the Yoruba culture and shopping with local vendors.”

GO FOR TEACHABLE MOMENTS Few things are sweeter than a trip on which Black history and culture intertwine with fun and frolic. For their foray to Baltimore, the Browns will include stops at the Button Farm Living History Center, which depicts 19th-century slave plantation life and the Underground Railroad, and Boyds Negro School, among other sites. Says Tammy: “It’s very important for us to include African American history and culture in our travels.”

LODGING

Stay Black

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A great way to give back when you’re on the road is to support Black-owned businesses.

Start your search with the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers directory (nabhood.net). Here, we highlight a few favorites

SIX ACRES BED & BREAKFAST, CINCINNATI

LA MAISON IN MIDTOWN, HOUSTON

Check in to this B&B and begin your history lesson. Founder Kristin Kitchen rebuilt the former safe house, which was part of the Underground Railroad.

The home was originally constructed in the mid-1800s by abolitionist Zebulon Strong. (sixacresbb.com)

The Houston skyline is the backdrop for this three-story B&B, the style of which suggests the architecture of New Orleans. The buzz over its Southernstyle breakfast is fully justified. (lamaisonmidtown .com)

CHICAGO SOUTH LOOP HOTEL, CHICAGO The sophisticated boutique hotel is in the historic Bronzeville district—central to the Civil Rights Movement, as well as jazz, blues and gospel music. The property boasts deep soaking tubs, a fitness center and a beauty salon. (chicagosouthloophotel .com)

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SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA, MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

THE COPPER DOOR BED & BREAKFAST, MIAMI

Expect breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, equestrian programs and proximity to local vineyards.

Pamper yourself in the 23,000-squarefoot spa, or enjoy the cooking studio, billiards room and culinary garden. (salamanderresort.com)

Built in the 1940s, this two-story hotel is in the Historic Overton neighborhood.

The vintage-style decor shows attention to detail; and the owners have years of food and beverage experience, so the cuisine is top-notch, too. (copperdoorbnb .com)—S.N.N.

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THE BEST TRIPS ARE A LITTLE OUT THERE.

GO ON A REAL VACATION GORVING.COM

THRIVE. “You have to be consciously, consistently mindful of what you welcome and allow into your life,” says Christine Platt, the Afrominimalist.

Less

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IS MORE fefore we can truly rid our lives of excess, we must first understand why, as flack women, we hold on to so much. The Afrominimalist’s Christine Platt invites you to release the clutter and exhale

TAMER A DARDEN

BY CHARLI PENN

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THE BREAKTHROUGH

W

When it comes to Black women’s relationship with our “stuff,” well, let’s just say it’s complicated. Christine Platt’s story may sound familiar to you. Five years ago, she was a hardworking wife and mother living in the suburbs and blissfully shopping her heart out. A proud bargain hunter, she had closets and dressers that overflowed, and her bathroom was chock-full of expired luxury beauty products she hadn’t used. Like so many successful Black women, Platt bought what she wanted, when she wanted to, because she enjoyed it and believed she was treating herself to a good buy. But then one day, while cleaning out her closets, she made an unsettling discovery.

“There were so many things that still had tags on them,” recalls Platt, who, at the time, owned 50 pairs of jeans but only wore two. “I just kept coming across these red tags, and I was like, What is this?” It was time for Platt to break her emotional bonds to her possessions and face an even harsher reality: Her world was filled with expensive items she’d gotten for a steal, but her savings account was lacking.

Then, in 2016, her life as she knew it changed. After her six-year marriage came to an end, her new home was a 630-square-foot condo. “I had started out trying to pursue a minimalist

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Black people have a different, deeper relationship with our belongings.”

—CHRISTINE PLATT

go—while acknowledging that, for Black people, certain behaviors may be more rooted in odr history than in consdmerism. “Ownership is an especially complicated matter for people of the African diaspora—from odr ancestors being stolen, and once owned as property, to odr need to have things so that we feel in control of something in odr lives,” writes Platt in her book. “Black people have a different, deeper relationship with odr belongings.”

Pdt simply: We can’t get arodnd to the bdsiness of deciding which possessions we can part with if we haven’t yet gotten to the sodrce of odr need to have things in abdndance. “The work, for Black women in particdlar, is dnderstanding why yod are sdch an overconsdmer,” explains Platt. “What are yod overcompensating or dndercompensating for?” Once yod get there, Platt’s book dnveils an intentional plan that allows yod to forgive yodrself, let

go of what no longer serves yod, and commit to being more consciods abodt what yod own and bdy in the fdtdre. Being mindfdl of living this way as a practice is the key, says Platt. “Yod don’t jdst clear odt yodr closet one time and yod’re like, ‘Oh, I’m done,’ ” she says.

“Yod have to consciodsly, consistently be mindfdl of what yod welcome and allow into yodr life.”

This doesn’t mean yod have to swear off taking advantage of a good bargain now and then or spldrging on yodr favorite things—like those overpriced ldxdry candles. Platt didn’t; bdt she does make sdre to dse and enjoy one candle before bdying a new one. “Now, bdying my favorite candle is a meaningfdl, intentional thing,” she explains.

“If yod need it and dse it and love it, it’s okay. If yod have it jdst to have it, it is still money being wasted.”

As for the bargain shopping that she once loved so mdch—well, Platt has a plan for that too. Whenever she spots a good sale, she says to herself, Remember, it’s not a deal if you don’t need it.

Hear Christine Platt share more better-living advice at Essence Wellness House™, during our virtual ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®.

The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Intentional Living

COURTESY OF PUBLISHER

A few of our favorite tips from Platt’s manual GIFT WITH CARE Platt has two simple criteria when deciding what to gift others: The gift must either be charitable, like donating to a cause on the person’s behalf, or something that disappears, like baked goods or bath soap.

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HAVE A MANTRA Once you’ve defined what your minimalist lifestyle looks like, Platt suggests creating mantras that help you reset your intentions.

You can recite them whenever you feel tempted to return to old habits of excess.

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TAKE A PAUSE Before you press cbuy” on that virtual shopping cart, allot time to reset and think it through.

Platt says forcing herself to pause before deciding to make a purchase helps her avoid impulse shopping and unnecessary purchases.

THRIVE

lifestyle odt of choice,” she remembers. “[Bdt after] I decided to get divorced, I was dnemployed, and minimalism became a necessity. Yod’re looking at all these handbags that yod can’t eat.”

While downsizing forced Platt to address her habits of overconsdmption, excess and wastefdlness head-on, doing so also liberated her and helped her find her pdrpose: helping Black women like herself live more adthentically and intentionally—with less. That process, says Platt, begins with not sdbscribing to the trendier mainstream minimalism ideologies, like only owning 100 things or living in an almost blank space. “I did the whole, ‘I gdess if I want to be a minimalist, my space has to be all white’ thing,” Platt recalls. “And I was like, I hate it in here. It feels like an institdtion. It doesn’t feel like home. And then I was like, forget this. I’m going to create a minimalist aesthetic that works for my lifestyle and celebrates the history, cdltdre and ddty of the African diaspora.”

She calls it “Afrominimalism,” and in her new book, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less (Tiller Press), she breaks down her dniqde fodr-step approach to making space for what matters most in yodr life and releasing what no longer serves yod. Step one is dnderstanding why yod have more than yod need and why it’s so hard to let it

WELLNESS

Alternative Healing Sisters, our healing and restoration journeys must be ever-evolving. Explore these popular holistic methods for optimal health

BY OLIVIA F. SCOTT

H

Have you ever thought you were whole and healed from a past trauma, only to experience an unexpected trigger that robs you of the sense of stability and confidence you depend on to live your best life? I have.

If only there were trigger warnings for Black women before we sit down to watch programming on our televisions.

In Spring 2017, I was watching NBC’s This Is Us and enjoying the outstanding acting, plot and character development, and the wholehearted inclusion of “us.”

But then the story lines got a little too up close and personal for me, provoking difficult emotions that made me want to tune out. Even with 17 years of therapy under my belt and loads of self-help books and journals on my shelves, I felt those triggers bring old wounds to the surface. It was another reminder that our healing is an ongoing process.

You may be a lot like me, a Black woman who at times is not fully aware of her most vulnerable feelings. Or you may know you’re in need of emotional restoration, but you’re unsure of how to get there. Even if you can’t pinpoint exactly where your bruised places lie, be mindful that Black people can experience ancestral suffering transmitted through our bloodlines. “When we take ownership of our healing, we’re doing it for those that we may never meet in this lifetime,” says the wellness coach known as Dr. Crystal Jones. “You are healing DNA that was passed on to you.”

We have a lot to unpack. “Black people have been traumatized for hundreds of years,” says author and researcher Joy DeGruy, Ph.D., who wrote the groundbreaking Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. “What you get from generations of people who have been systemically traumatized is the normalization of excessive stress levels. When a woman experiences a

violent trauma near or at the point of conception, there are expressions on the genes in the child that resemble them being traumatized. If we don’t seek healing for ourselves, we doom future generations of Black people to the same suffering. We must be intentional in our quest for healing, to ESSENCE.COM

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change our trajectory.”

The good news is that healing can become your legacy, if you do the work to find your own path to restoration.

Consider this an invitation to explore three alternative healing modalities in familiar and accessible realms of energy, light and sound medicine.

SOUND

Change the Flow

Get In Vibration With Your Soul

explains. “Every time you don’t release an emotion, it has to stay somewhere—and it stays in your body. If you don’t release it, it lives inside you.” Practitioners believe that these unreleased emotional energies could later manifest in disease—though Brooks is careful to note that Reiki should never be used as a replacement for treatment for any diagnosed medical conditions.

Brooks also notes that singing bowls, which produce sounds and vibrations when hit or circled with a mallet, and tapping—known as Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT—are other holistic healing practices that can

be used to relax the body and move and release negative energy.

Tapping focuses on calming your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and digestion response when you’re relaxing or feeding. You can administer this healing modality by taking your index and middle fingers and gently tapping along the meridian lines of your body in sequence—the top of your head, above your eyebrows, your temples, under your eyes, nose and chin, just below your collarbones and under both arms—while acknowledging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.

LIGHT

MARILYN NIE VES/GET T Y IMAGES

Restore the Rhthym Did you know that when our bodies get out of order, our obsession with electronic devices could be partly to blame? Our circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that regulates our sleeping and waking cycles—is influenced by light. This internal system controls our heart rate, blood pressure, immune system, metabolism, body temperature and hormones through a built-in feedback loop, and it is important for optimal wellness that we synchronize our daily biorhythms with the 24-hour rotation of the planet. This explains the need to limit nighttime exposure to the blue-enriched light from smartphones and computer screens, as this light spectrum tricks our brains into believing it’s still daytime, making restorative sleep elusive. Circadian eating, or intermittent fasting—eating during daylight and halting food intake after dark— also promotes healing, as circadian rhythms directly affect the function of immune cells in the gut. In short, aligning our sleeping and eating habits with the daily circadian cycle helps to ensure our physical and emotional well-being.

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Our ears are a portal to the soul, allowing us to find sanctuary through acoustic medicine. Sound baths, mantras and crystal singing bowls are a few of the modalities that can heal our spirits. It’s why our beloved Erykah Badu has offered sound baths at her concerts, and singer Melanie Fiona is a big fan of crystal singing bowls and sound baths as a form of self-care.

Although acoustic medicine is trending today, it is not new. “It’s called ‘sound therapy’ now, but sound as healing is indigenous to Black people— we’ve been drumming for years,” says wellness coach Dr. Crystal Jones.

“We’ve always used sound as medicine.” Ancient Greek physicians also used flutes, lyres and zithers with patients to aid in digestion, calm the nerves and induce sleep. More recently, the National Institutes of Health earmarked $20 million to fund a Sound Health Initiative, with the goal of exploring new health interventions based on the vibrations of sound.

A sound bath, one of the more popular forms of treatment, is an aural healing ceremony intended to clear discord from energy fields. It is administered while a person is still or preferably lying down. The person is then bathed in sound waves generated by different healing instruments—gongs, singing bowls, percussion, chimes, rattles, tuning forks and even the human voice. You might liken the process to burning sage to clear the negative energy in a room.

Mental-health advocate and multimedia producer DJ C. DeVone has used deep-sleep meditations and podcasts to relieve the ongoing stress of the pandemic and beat insomnia. “Healing can come from listening to voices, which is why music is so powerful,” she says.

She recommends feeding your ears “audible nutrients” that can tap into your joy, and creating different playlists to shift your spirit. Many streaming platforms also offer a selection of “healing” playlists to soothe the soul.

THRIVE

Reiki, which originated in Japan in the 1800s, is the transfer of energy from the practitioners’ palms to the patient. It literally means “universal” (rei) “life energy” (ki). The idea is that a Reiki practitioner becomes a physical vessel, helping to concentrate energy as it moves through the body and supports your healing.

Evolyn Brooks, a Reiki practitioner and the founder and CEO of In My Solitude L.A., reminds us that the practice of Reiki is native to the Black experience—known to us as “laying hands.” “Reiki is no different than the positive energy of Black women around you, placing God’s energy to flow into your life,” she

ENERGY MEDICINE

HOMEBOUND

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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME Here’s everything you’ll need to relax and make new memories at your vacation rental this summer

BY CHARLI PENN

For a while now, there’s been no place quite like home, but this summer, we’re all eager to reunite with our loved ones and the great outdoors. From family-friendly oceanfront havens to secluded, serene lakeside homes, vacation-rental bookings are surging across the country.

Reserve your spot now before they’re all gone. When the time comes to tune out and escape into some muchneeded R&R, here are some easy ways to bring the feelgood vibes along with you.

THRIVE

1. LIVE OUT LOUD Your carefully curated summer playlist will be in full rotation on this trip, so pack a portable speaker that helps bring the funU This chic little waterproof Bluetooth speaker packs big sound energy and will slide neatly into your beach bag when you head outU (Ultimate Ears Wonderboom2, $100, ultimateearsUcom) 2. DRIFT AWAY Let the pool be your living room after a refreshing dip: Soak up the sun like a boss while lounging on this luxurious adults-only floating chaise loungeU The Instagram-worthy color palette is a delightful bonusU (Funboy Rainbow Clear Floating Lounger, $79, funboyUcom)

4. SCRUB AND SMOOTH There’s always time for a long, relaxing bath when you’re in vacation modeU Exfoliate your cares away

5. LAY IT DOWN Not all beach towels are created equalU If you’re going to reserve space in your suitcase for your own, choose one that will hold up, whether you’re planning to sprawl on the sand or make yourself at home in the hot tubU This 100 percent cotton pick is extra large, extra plush and extra colorful—could you ask for more? (Laguna Beach Textile Company Cabana Towel, $39, lagunabeachtextilecoUcom)

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6. REFRESH AND RENEW Vacation is no time to cut corners on your wellness habits, and that includes staying happily hydratedU This wonder bottle uses UVC technology to purify your drinking water while you’re on the go and eradicate unwanted bacteria in the processU Win, win! (Kiyo UVC Bottle, $70, monosUcom) ESSENCE.COM

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COURTESY OF BR ANDS (6)

3. DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE If you’re all about starting off your day with a fresh smoothie and ending it with a smooth margarita, this one’s for you—a handbag-friendly, USBchargeable blender that’s self-cleaning, tooU Share the love! (BlendJet 2, $50, blendjetUcom)

while you soak with this beloved scrub from a Black-owned companyU It’s packed with all-natural goodness, from aloe to avocado to grape-seed oilU Bath time never felt so goodU (Beneath Your Mask Polish Detoxifying Body Scrub, $70, beneathyourmaskUcom)

3

SHOWCASE

Geri smoked menthol cigarettes.

Now she has COPD. There is no cure. She’s hoping to get on the lung transplant list, but she doesn’t know if she’ll be accepted in time.

You can quit smoking.

For free help, call

1-800-QUIT-NOW.

I smoked menthol cigarettes. Now I have COPD from smoking.

Geri, age 58, Michigan

CDC.gov/quit

K N OW A N D P R E V E N T

The Breastfeeding Conversation We Need to Have Our boobs are magical, yes, but it’s time to break down the good, bad and beautiful realities of nursing for both mother and child

BY VICTORIA UWUMAROGIE

B

Before women even have their first child, social media and news articles urge them to consider breastfeeding.

While it may not be an option for every woman, there are many reasons for new mothers to keep this method of nourishing a child in mind. Breastfeeding can help you bond with your bundle of joy, but the benefits go even deeper.

IT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY Given the health advantages of breastfeeding, some new moms become stressed out and disappointed if their nursing efforts don’t go smoothly.

Complications can sometimes arise due to oral-structure issues of some infants—including those with recessed chins or a tongue-tie, which can make it hard for them to latch onto the nipple. Stressful environments can also undermine breastfeeding success.

“I did run into a few challenges,” recalls NaTosha Ingram, 39, an essential worker and mother of two, from Grand Prairie, Texas. “When I went back to work, I struggled with not producing enough milk for my baby. It was difficult to stop and take breaks to pump.”

For Ingram, getting help from a lactation consultant made the difference.

“They gave me tips on helping to increase my milk supply,” she explains.

“I set an alarm to remind me when it was time to pump, only drank water and sports drinks to stay hydrated and ate ESSENCE.COM

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oatmeal almost every day. I also got a support bra that allowed me to pump hands-free. That meant that I could pump and eat my lunch at the same time. All those strategies really helped me to continue nursing successfully.”

ALLOW YOURSELF GRACE Though breastfeeding can offer significant health benefits, we must be mindful of the messaging around it and reduce the pressure on moms who find it more difficult. “What we find is that most new mothers with adequate support, whether from a lactation specialist or other social groups that support breastfeeding, will be able to breastfeed,” Martin says. “It just takes time to get there.”

To help ease the tension, she recommends that women who want to breastfeed subtly adjust their approach.

“Instead of thinking, I want to breastfeed for a year, think, I want to breastfeed for one day,” she says. “And then tomorrow think the same thing. That’s how successful habits are created.”

COMPASSIONATE E YE FOUNDATION/ DAVID OXBERRY / GET T Y IMAGES

MOM AND BABY THRIVE “Breastfeeding or chestfeeding babies is associated with a reduced risk of asthma, obesity, ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea,” says Demetria Martin, a certified lactation counselor with a private practice, called the Milk Buds, serving Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Moms benefit, too. “Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even ovarian and breast cancer, as compared to those who don’t breastfeed,” Martin states. “These health benefits are why there’s a push for moms to try to breastfeed.”

The World Health Organization advocates breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life, while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms nurse for six months with continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods for one year or longer. Both organizations cite studies showing that the longer a child is breastfed, the greater the health benefits. Nursing is also minimal in cost compared to the price of formula, and it’s convenient. There’s never any worry about packing bottles for outings, refrigerating milk or figuring out ways to warm it quickly.

SHOWCASE

Kamala D. Harris Makes American History Four-sided granite-look base features official photos and personal quotes.

While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.

I was raised to be an independent woman, not the victim of anything.

The 49th Vice President of the United States, Kamala D. Harris became the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history. What’s more, she is the first Asian American and African American to ever hold the prestigious office.

Now, acclaimed artist Keith Mallett brings his “Vice President Kamala Harris Limited Edition Figurine” — exclusively to Hamilton — in celebration of this historic American milestone.

Crafted and painted by hand.

Our unity is our strength and our diversity is our power.

Regardless of your gender, dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before. But know that we will applaud you every step of the way.

to make an impressive presentation showcased in your home.

Satisfaction guaranteed!

Send no money now. Act now to reserve Keith Mallett’s “Vice President Kamala Harris Limited Edition Figurine” for just three installments of $33.33*; only your first installment will be billed prior to shipment. Your satisfaction is guaranteed or your money back!

The presentation of this collectible for sale does not indicate an endorsement for any political candidate or opinion by The Hamilton Collection or its affiliates.

©2021 HC. All Rights Reserved.

Please Respond Promptly

 YES!

J U LY/AUG UST 2021

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 1.800.938.4660

Stands approximately 11” tall

In capturing Ms. Harris’ likeness, our artisans craft your figurine entirely by hand, then hand-paint it in a rich blend of glossy hues.

Limited to only 95 casting days, your edition is hand-numbered and sent with a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

J U LY

HOROSCOPE. CANCER

AQUARIUS

CELEBRATE June 21 to July 22 Happy solar return, moon maiden!

Your self-esteem is off the charts this month, allowing you to put yourself forward and earn much more money. Could it be that the group of friends you’ve recently connected with, or a powerful new business partner, might be inspiring you to shine brighter? Whatever the catalyst, it’s perfectly acceptable for you to bask in the glory of the current state of affairs. You have played small long enough. It’s your turn!

DON’T HOLD BACK January 20 to February 18 Everyone knows Aquariuses steer clear of confrontation. Your nature is to discover a solution fast, so everyone can start smiling again. This month, try approaching challenges in a new way. Speak up, draw a line in the sand and develop a new sense of self-worth.

LO O K A H E A D Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto will be retrograde throughout the month, perhaps causing you to feel a sudden slowdown. But don’t worry; you are being given the opportunity to access your blessings. Consider this a wake-up call. Are you living in your purpose the best way you know how? It’s time for a personal inventory.

LEO IMAGINE July 23 to August 22 Pay attention to your dreams and inner thoughts. Many discount their intuitive powers, mistaking it for mind chatter. Check in with what makes you feel peaceful, courageous and worthy.

God isn’t finished with you yet.

VIRGO

LIBRA GO FOR IT September 23 to October 22 Life has you stuck in review mode contemplating love, a job opportunity and challenges around family and home.

It’s a lot! We know your analytical brain clearly sees both sides, and can lead you down a road of indecision, so listen to your heart instead—and jump!

BE FLEXIBLE October 23 to November 21 There’s a switch-up happening with a significant other or an associate.

Change proves beneficial if they bring something of value to the table.

You’ve recently created boundaries; good for you for knowing your value.

SAGITTARIUS GET AWAY November 22 to December 21 Take the opportunity to treat yourself to a nice weekend away, preferably somewhere with lavish accommodations and fancy dinners. Safely, of course! Dealing with home life has become a lot to handle, so break away and let them miss you a little.

CAPRICORN SHARE THE LOVE December 22 to January 19 July asks that you give your beau or business partner a little more credit.

You’re extremely capable of handling life’s duties on your own, but they want to step up and show they can do their part too—so let them, and don’t forget to sing their praises.

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LOOSEN UP February 19 to March 20 July brings a sudden burst of creativity, love and fun. You’ve been burning the midnight oil to keep up with daily demands. Now, let yourself fall into the comfort of love and adapt to joy.

Allow your imagination to lead you into some unbridled delight!

ARIES SLOW DOWN March 21 to April 19 You’re one of the most energetic signs of the zodiac, and it is very difficult for you to sit still. Family members may be calling on you to take a break and spend time relaxing on the home front.

Consider it chance to rejuvenate the soul. You may actually enjoy yourself.

TAURUS SWITCH IT UP April 20 to May 20 Taureans are typically resistant to change, but you’ve been on some “new and improved” vibrations lately. This month, you may want to increase your social media presence and take a few business lunches to boost your professional mojo. Here’s to You 2.0!

GEMINI STAY CALM May 21 to June 20 You’ve recently been granted blessings in your career, but may experience a slowdown in momentum in July. Whatever you do, don’t take this personally.

The right players are moving into place for you to take full advantage of the next stage. Work on other streams of income while keeping an eye out for the divine right time.

CARLOS APONTE /ILLUSTR ATION DIVISON (2)

COMMIT August 23 to September 22 A major career decision is coming.

You’ve been dodging taking a risk, but now the universe is urging you to lean into the fear and go! With the help of friends and glowing references from previous employers, this new position is in the bag.

SCORPIO

PISCES

AUGUST

HOROSCOPE. LEO SHOW OUT July 23 po Augusp 22 Happy birth month, lioness! The spotlight is on you. And how resourceful you have managed to become with handling your coins.

Your mindset has evolved, and these days you would rather others spend their money on you, instead of you spending your own.

Your new tightfisted approach is a byproduct of life lessons that you have finally taken to heart.

Good for you! Congratulations on achieving another year of maturity.

W E I G H YO U R O P T I O N S A dynamic new moon in Leo will appear absent from the sky on August 8, setting the stage for fresh opportunities to show courage and leadership. Don’t let surprises throw you off course. The best things in life are often unexpected, so allow the universe to put you on the right track. Trust yourself and you’ll come out on top!

VIRGO MAKE TIME Augusp 23 po Seppember 22 You may spend time daydreaming and willing your master plan into existence.

Try not to be too hard on yourself if you don’t have your usual get-up-and-go.

You can’t rush the process.

LIBRA STRETCH YOURSELF Seppember 23 po Ocpober 22 A little rebellion goes a long way. Do something outside your comfort zone.

Scratch that itch for an adventure experience with friends—and make memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

SCORPIO ENJOY THE MOMENT Ocpober 23 po November 21 You may be the go-to person on the job now, wowing higher-ups and clients with your expertise. It may feel odd standing center stage instead of behind the scenes, but savor the moment.

SAGITTARIUS TAKE STOCK November 22 po December 21 You have a chance to make more money in August, but you’ll have to pay attention to details. You’re a big-picture person, so it may not be instinctive, but go against the grain for lucrative results.

CAPRICORN SEEK CLARITY December 22 po January 19 Watch for surprises on the home front this month. Perhaps someone is moving in or out. Create verbal or written contracts to navigate the shift. The clearer the communication, the better!

AQUARIUS STEP UP January 20 po February 18 Your significant other or business partner could use your quick wit, skills and intelligence to solidify a contract so you

all can level up. Go for it. The only person standing in your way is you.

PISCES MOVE IT February 19 po March 20 You may have let your summer body go by enjoying too many margaritas. Those few extra pounds can be easily shed by walking briskly or dancing in your living room. It won’t be too hard to whip yourself back into shape. Just do the work.

ARIES FEEL THE LOVE March 21 po April 19 It’s been a minute, dear Aries, since you let another deeply into your heart. Be brave. You are deserving of the love you wish to give. Even if you’re in a relationship, you’ll now have the option to renegotiate your terms. It’s a new day.

TAURUS JUST GO WITH IT April 20 po May 20 August finds you accepting invitations to events you wouldn’t normally frequent. Try to avoid overthinking things.

Strategizing is a useful trait of yours, but creative ventures are best enjoyed by going where the wind blows.

GEMINI GET CREATIVE May 21 po June 20 With a few projects on hold, spend time redecorating your home or having dinner parties—you’re a natural hostess.

Relish this distraction. Never fear, you’ll be back to being a busy bee soon.

CANCER THINK DEEPER June 21 po July 22 Bored with how you’re making your moola? You may want to revisit the idea of going back to school or taking a workshop. Remember it’s not what you do but how you do it that matters.

Horoscope by astrological intuit Sonja Marie (wordlifeastrology.com).

Copyright © 2021 by Essence Communications, Inc. (ISSN-0014-0880) (GST 12630 1159 RT0001) Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 43533572.

ESSENCE is published 6 times per year by Essence Communications, Inc., 34 35th Street, Suite 5A, Brooklyn NY 11232.Return undeliverable Canada address to Postal Stn A, P.O. Box 4015, Toronto ONT M5W 2T2. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved. Cover and contents may not be reproduced in part, or in whole, without prior written permission. ESSENCE is the registered trademark of Essence Communications, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn NY and additional mailing offices. U.S. subscriptions: $22 for one year. Allow six weeks for change of address. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: ESSENCE, P.O. Box 5001, Harlan, IA 51593-0501. SUBSCRIBERS: Occasionally we provide our customer list to companies whose products might interest you. If you do not wish to receive these mailings, send your request and a copy of your mailing label to us at ESSENCE Mailing Preferences, P.O. Box 5001, Harlan IA 51593-0501. If the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a correct address within two years. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time. Customer service and subscriptions: For 24/7 assistance, please visit our website: ESSENCE.com. You can also phone 800-274-9398 or write to ESSENCE, P.O. Box 5001, Harlan IA 51593-0501.

A P L AT E F U L L O F PA R S L E Y

INDULGE ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga accentuates power, equity and authenticity as key ingredients for a new kind of soul food for the sisterhood Like many of you, I love, love, love feel-good food. If it can be deep fried, coated in powdered sugar or put on a stick, I’m here for it. These menu items are often the staple culinary artifacts of summer music festivals—and when I consume them, they instantly release endorphins, induce euphoria in me and minimize any discomfort I may be feeling, which in turn nourishes my overall well-being. I know you are giving me a side-eye right now for connecting fried food with better well-being, but hear me out. That positivity from enjoying fried foods coincides with the sisterhood I often associate with summer and attending big events, like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®. While this year’s event will once again be virtual, the fellowship will remain.

There’s something sacred about when Black women gather.

It creates a collective joy that reflects how far we’ve come, seeing as once upon a time in our history, we were not allowed to gather and celebrate. When I think about the idea of a festival— and one as special as EFOC, which brings hundreds of thousands of attendees to New Orleans each summer to celebrate and relish in community, culture and joy—I think about the beauty in the opportunity to come together; and the role that music has played as the soundtrack of our legacy, our ancestry and our journey. Our sisterhood has become a sacred presence that shows up in everything from a barbecue to a festival.

The millions of attendees who have participated in this festival over the years are the catalysts for the celebratory energy that this annual gathering is best known for. And as we all embark upon this year’s virtual festival, we are collectively presented with an opportunity to indulge in the metaphorical feel-good food that is Black sisterhood.

Last issue, in my first A Plate Full Of Parsley column, I urged you to say goodbye to the garnish-only meals society has been feeding us and fill your plates with the abundance in life that you so richly deserve. The last 18 months have given us all reasons to pause and reflect on what is most important—including celebrating all of who we are. This is exactly what inspired this year’s festival theme, LIVE LOUD. I invite you and your sisters to get

Wanga celebrates our sisterhood.

together, now that we can do it again—not just in service of seeing the people that you love, but in service of the tradition that, no matter what happens, we’ll always be the place in which we find our joy. And I haven’t met a person yet who isn’t in need of a little extra joy.

Join us and indulge in a celebration commensurate with the experience you would activate consuming the best of fried festival food. As festival-food favorites often do for me, my hope is that this experience will bring about the euphoria and release you fully deserve. May you choose to dine empowered on the soul food of what this year’s festival means for you—and indulgently revel in the liveliness of your loud influence on culture, community and commerce. Celebrating small and living quietly contradicts what our collective sisterhood represents, what we have endured as Black women and all that we’ve accomplished thus far. Instead, let’s gather at “our” festival, live and celebrate loudly, and devour the equivalent of the sweet and savory fried delights that make the decision to attend any festival—but this one in particular—worth the effort.

You deserve this, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

There’s something sacred about when Black women gather. It creates a collective joy that reflects how far we’ve come.”

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K WAKU ALSTON

ESSENCE.COM

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