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O A DE RE TO TH A AF LI R VI A NG N LEKLI GE N ND

SHINING!

146 Kandi Burruss

MEGAWATT STYLE, BEAUTY & SPRITZ UPDATES

ON STANDING IN HER TRUTH AND HAVING WHAT MATTERS

HOW TO

TRAVEL LIKE A BOSS p. 83

SPECIAL REPORT

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OCTOBER 2017

VOLUME 48 | NUMBER 6

CONTENTS

94

STILL SHINING ON Singer, songwriter, restaurateur, entrepreneur, RHOA star and mother Kandi Burruss lets us in on the art of the hustle and how she’s surviving drama while building a legacy By Charli Penn

100 PUMP UP THE VOLUME! Get ready for cold temperatures with these cool puffer coats

106 A MATTER OF LIFE & DEATH We investigate the alarming rise in the number of Black women who die in childbirth

By Meaghan Winter

MILLER MOB LE Y

112 THE ONE & ONLY QUEEN In an exclusive excerpt from the new ESSENCE tribute book, critically acclaimed author Diane McKinneyWhetstone pays homage to Aretha Franklin

Cover Photography

by Miller Mobley Kandi Burruss wears a Bibhu Mohapatra mosaic dress and Vitae Ascendere “Lace” bangles. Earrings, stylist’s own. For all styling information and clothing details, see Where to Buy.

OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 11

CONTENTS Style

27 | ON THE DOT

How to enjoy the spots life

30 | TRENDS

Cold temps call for fun with fur—faux or real

32 | DOPE STUFF ON MY DESK Our resident expert on pretty readies for the fall

34 | STREET STYLE

On camera or in the gym, this TV host and producer slays

36 | STYLE YOUR GUY Girls Trip scene-stealer Kofi Siriboe offers up ideas for the boys

100

Beauty&Hair

Now there’s no need to sacrifice style for warmth.

39 | WHILE YOU WERE

SLEEPING Restorative products that work overnight

On model: Chromat “Klymit Volta” coat and ICB “Bonded Jersey” jacket.

46 | GLAM DIARY Our curls crush spills her secrets

50 | GOTTA HAVE IT

Autumnfresh aromas have arrived

Sex&Love

70 | LOVING LIFE

Powering forward with a new album, Ledisi takes a look back

115 | CONFESSIONS OF DIVORCED MEN The perks and pitfalls of dating fellas who have been married before

54 | SPOTLIGHT

Rihanna debuts a cosmetics collection

59 | BLACK HAIR NOW

A roundup of salons nationwide

72 | MARLEY WOMEN

The spirit of a reggae legend lives on through the works of his children and grandkids

74 | PATRIK’S PICKS

Actress Susan Kelechi Watson’s authenticity transcends the small screen

76 | BOOKS

68 | ENTERTAINMENT Canadian crooner Daniel Caesar breaks through

How one woman reclaimed her body and sexuality after breast cancer

Five selects from poetry to the personal A centuries-old tale of cruel intentions gets a cultural makeover

Issues

79 | TEN THINGS WE’RE

123 | BREAK THE FAST

Try these dishes and make your first meal of the day count

126 | SPIRITUALITY

Sovereign guidance to being the best you can be

TALKING ABOUT

Money&Power

46

Keep it simple and universally striking with a bold red lip shade.

12 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

In Every Issue

83 | SECRETS TO BETTER

BUSINESS TRAVEL Master taking trips for your job

86 | LEADING AT WORK Get help landing your dream position

14 20 128 130 132

| | | | |

Let’s Talk What’s on Your Mind Where to Buy Horoscope Crossword Puzzle

FROM TOP: TAK AHIRO OGAWA; COU RTESY OF B R AN D.

Scene

67 | SHE IS US

Healthy&Happy

118 | MEET A WARRIOR

PRECISE: 1.5 mm tip fills with hair-like strokes

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Shapeless brows transformed: Now, get precise, natural brows.

THE PRECISE DIFFERENCE:

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BLENDS NATURALLY

Natural always looks right.

simulation of product results

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Maybelline.com Adriana is wearing Brow Precise™ Micro Pencil in Deep Brown. ©2017 Maybelline LLC.

LET’S TALK : A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WOKE WONDERLAND

O

VANESSA K. DE LUCA Editor-in-Chief Twitter: @Vanessa_KDeLuca Instagram: @vanessa_kdeluca E-mail: Vanessa@essence.com

14 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Look Who’s Talking: (clockwise from top) With cover star Kandi Burruss and Tameka “Tiny” Harris; with Halle Berry; with Luvvie Ajayi, Angela Rye, April Reign and April Ryan; Planned Parenthood’s Kristi Henderson, Jada Pinkett Smith, Niecy Nash, Tamron Hall, Mary J. Blige, Monica and Queen Latifah; Lynn Whitfield and Yara Shahidi; at the Empowerment Experience.

CLOCK WISE FROM TOP RIG HT: PAR AS G RIFFIN/G E T T Y IMAG ES; JOSH B R ASTED/G E T T Y IMAG ES; PAR AS G RIFFIN/G E T T Y IMAG ES (4).

ver the past 23 years, women and men, families and girlfriends, have come together from far and wide e over the July Fourth weekend for a unique celebration of o our culture known as Essence Festival. Whether you’ve attend ded d in person, followed the festivities online and on social media, watched our OWN festival special or discovered the experience through this summer’s blockbuster Our focus on comedy Girls Trip, we hope you know how much your fostering community support means to us. remains at the This year’s gathering in New Orleans—the beloved home of Essence Festival for 22 of the last 23 years center of (changing to Houston for one year only after Hurricane everything Katrina)—was one for the books, with nearly half a million we do.” attendees, 7.6 billion social media impressions and more than an 5 billion PR impressions. The nighttime stars who rocked the e Superdome ranged from Fest faves such as Mary J. Blige, John h Legend and Jill Scott to first-time-ever performances by Diana Ross and Chance the Rapper.

And yet no matter how much the Festival grows, our focus on fostering community remains at the center of everything we do. The images on this page are a collection of some of my favorite memories from this year’s daytime Empowerment Experience, where thought leaders, influencers, actors, activists and advocates all took the stage to share their special insights with us. I am so proud that we’ve been able to keep the daytime activities at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center—from the Empowerment stage and extraordinary sponsored activities and giveaways to our Path to Power workshops, Entertainment All-Access zone and Beauty & Style Expo—free and open to the public.

As ESSENCE Editor Emerita Susan L. Taylor once so eloquently stated, “We can’t just have a party—we have to have a party with a purpose.” I hope that you feel we are doing justice to both!

Write and tell me the folks you’d like to see on our day and nighttime stages next year, and what attending Essence Festival means to you.

Stay in touch,

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vanessa K. De Luca

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jacklyn Monk DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Yolanda Sangweni EDITORIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR Patrik Henry Bass

BEAUTY & STYLE FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julee Wilson FASHION EDITOR Joiee Thorpe ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR Andrea Jordan CONTRIBUTING FASHION ASSISTANT Avon Dorsey

DEPARTMENTS ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR Cori Murray FEATURES EDITOR Lauren N. Williams SENIOR EDITOR, LIFESTYLE & RELATIONSHIPS Charreah K. Jackson WEST COAST EDITOR Regina R. Robertson

REPAIR. RENEW. REVIVE

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tanya A. Christian

CONTRIBUTOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE Mikki Taylor

ART & PHOTO CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ronda Thompson ART DIRECTOR Rashida Morgan-Brown CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Elsa Mehary PHOTO EDITOR Tracey Woods CREATIVE ASSISTANT Tierra Taylor CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Kali Abdullah

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Carina A. Rosario EDITORIAL BUSINESS MANAGER Rorna Richards Dinnoo

COPY & RESEARCH COPY CHIEF Grace White RESEARCH CHIEF Akkida McDowell

ESSENCE.COM SENIOR EDITOR, RELATIONSHIPS & LIFESTYLE Charli Penn SENIOR EDITOR, NEWS & CULTURE Christina Coleman SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Brahaani Mamo ART DIRECTOR Teneille Craig SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Keisha Lamothe ASSOCIATE EDITOR, BEAUTY & HAIR Nikki Brown ASSISTANT EDITORS Lauren J.S. Porter, Sydney Scott CONTENT PRODUCERS Whitney Gaspard, Marissa A. Lewis, Priscilla Ward SENIOR EDITOR, ESSENCE FESTIVAL Rachaell Davis

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER Kurt Rao

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VICE-PRESIDENTS Adam Days, Amanda Hanes, Hugues Hervouet, Rob Innes, Dan Lo,

Ol O

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#FITME

PROMOTION PRESIDENT Michelle Ebanks

More of What You Love is On

GENERAL MANAGER Joy A. Profet VICE-PRESIDENT, FINANCE Keith Strohmeier VICE-PRESIDENT, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS Dana Baxter

LIVE EVENTS DIRECTOR, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Anika D. Grant DIRECTOR, SPONSORSHIP Nicole Arceneaux DIRECTOR, MEDIA & PROMOTIONS Felicia Martin-Hill DIRECTOR, FESTIVAL OPERATIONS Melissa Giles ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, SPONSOR OPERATIONS & ACTIVATION Tanya Gunther MANAGER, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Michelle S. Nance MARKETING MANAGER Laurel Neveu ASSOCIATE MANAGER, TALENT & EVENTS Ihaku Emilie Ngokwey SENIOR DESIGNER, ESSENCE FESTIVAL Angela Brangman SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Reegan S. Houston

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Arleen O’Brien PRODUCTION MANAGER Sandra Volino AD PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Maria Sherpa PREMEDIA ASSISTANT MANAGER Clara Renauro PREMEDIA DIGITAL MAGAZINE SENIOR ASSOCIATE Sabrina Italiano

CONSUMER MARKETING & REVENUE SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT Beth Gorry VICE-PRESIDENTS, CONSUMER MARKETING Ann Marie Doherty, Melissa Mahoney, Allison Musmond, Karan Simoneau VICE-PRESIDENT, RETAIL MARKETING Eric Szegda DIRECTORS Christine Austin, Laurie Krzymdzinski, Tricia Williams SENIOR MANAGERS Caroline Baron, Heather Christianson, Shirley Klose, Tanja Walker MANAGERS Kathleen Cordero, Ashley Farrow, Melissa Kross, Katie Pisano ASSISTANT MANAGER Christine Symecko

ADMINISTRATION SENIOR MANAGER, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS Sheila Harris PUBLICIST, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS Bradford Bridgers VP, HUMAN RESOURCES Stacie Sullivan LEGAL COUNSEL Jane Halpern EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Lynda Peterson

ESSENCE.COM MANAGER, DIGITAL SALES PLANNING Samantha Schwartz ASSOCIATE MANAGER, DIGITAL MARKETING Courtney Carter SALES PLANNER Rafaela Sevilla PROJECT MANAGER Steven Psyllos

BUSINESS OFFICE DIRECTORS Dave Hooks, Sherry Wolfe ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Brad Scharff, Kerry Winn MANAGERS Catherine Kuo, Mei Lo, Kyle Paxman

TIME INC. PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rich Battista CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Sue D’Emic EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENTS Jeff Bairstow, Leslie Dukker Doty, Brad Elders, Mark Ford, Greg Giangrande, Lauren Ezrol Klein, Jennifer L. Wong BRAND GENERAL MANAGER, CELEBRITY/ENTERTAINMENT Bruce Gersh

ADVERTISING SALES GROUP PRESIDENTS Karen Kovacs, Greg Schumann DIGITAL STRATEGY Andrew Reedman, Thu Phan Rodriguez

BRAND SALES SVP, ENTERTAINMENT, STYLE & MULTICULTURAL Cece Ryan VP & BRAND SALES DIRECTOR Staci Hallmon WESTERN SALES DIRECTOR Haydn Wright MIDWEST SALES DIRECTOR Paul Johnson ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Danielle M. Brown, Cristina Kruger, Colette Yorrick-Womack SALES ASSISTANTS Naajiah Cole, Kiera L. Richardson

CATEGORY SALES BEAUTY Lauren Newman ENTERTAINMENT Ellie Duque FINANCE Mike Schneider HEALTH CARE Heidi Anderson HOME Alex Desanctis FASHION & RETAIL Matt Rice INDUSTRY/GOVERNMENT/TOBACCO/GOLF Nate Stamos TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS Scott Kelliher TRAVEL Joe Messer

SEE WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW!

SALES OPERATIONS CHIEF BUSINESS & SALES OPERATIONS OFFICER Pearl Collings VP, DIGITAL REVENUE STRATEGY & OPERATIONS Kavata Mbondo VP, BRAND LEAD Amy Thind VP, STRATEGY & INSIGHTS Caryn Klein

MARKETING SVP, ADVERTISING & BRAND MARKETING Susan Parkes VP, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Cassandre Charles SENIOR DIRECTOR, EVENT MARKETING Candace Purdie Montgomery CREATIVE DIRECTOR Allyson Brown ART DIRECTOR Anna Yakhnich ASSOCIATE SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR Jovanca Maitland-Shelton SENIOR MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETING Rondel Holder MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETING Cara Walker

PRODUCT & ENGINEERING SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT Nicholas Butterworth ESSENCE COFOUNDER Edward Lewis

18 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

R•E•S•P•E•C•T The Songs • The Style • The Moments

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic song and honor one of the most influential artists of our time in this new Collector’s Edition from ESSENCE

Pick up your copy in stores today or purchase now from Amazon.com ©2017 Time Inc. Books. ESSENCE is a trademark of Essence Communications Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! KEEP SENDING US YOUR FEEDBACK ON ALL THINGS ESSENCE VIA FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TWITTER, E-MAIL, A LETTER IN THE MAIL OR ESSENCE.COM

THE TWITTERVERSE ON OUR AUGUST ISSUE: “I have never been disappointed by an @Essence Idris Elba cover.

I appreciate that you love him as much as the fans do. Keep up the good work, ESSENCE.” —@CurtessaJacques

“As a middle school teacher in The Bronx, I’m so grateful for these suggested reads [‘Books for Young Minds’] by @PatriksPicks.”

“Just saw this in ‘Street Style’ from It Girl @eboneedavis and had to share it: ‘The real you is cooler than the person you think you have to be.’ ” —@Tiffmgraves

—@Caroldj

ALL EYES ON HIM I thought the #IdrisWhatAMan issue (I mean your August one) was fantastic.

Not only did you get a candid interview with one of the most sought-after men on the planet, but you did it in Thailand! That’s major.

The entire travel and international theme seemed to be extremely well planned and executed. Overall, I think this was one of your best publications this year. Kudos to you.

—Jasmine Cannon, Opelika, Alabama

We picked some of our favorites from the posts you shared on Instagram using our hashtags #ESSENCETravels, #ESSENCEStyle and #ESSENCEEats

#ESSENCETravels: Feeling sure by the shore in Mykonos —@candiceefrank

THE MOST PINNED QUOTE ON OUR PINTEREST PAGE

#ESSENCEStyle: Working a FriYAY feeling in Nashville —@greychampagne

#ESSENCEEats: It’s not your July chix & biscuit recipe, but still yummy —@butterbeready

JOIN US! Share your habits and thoughts on events, culture, style and new products.

Become an Insider at ESSENCEINSIDERS.COM

Tell us what you think about this issue. E-mail us at letters@essence.com

20 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

#ESSENCETravels: Making a friend in Bali —@glographics

CORRECTION In “10 Things We’re Talking About” [August 2017], we incorrectly stated the location where Valerie Jarrett addressed the crowd at the 2017 Women’s Power Summit.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum, where the event was held, is in Austin, Texas. We regret the error.

INSTAG R AM , FROM LEF T: COU RTESY OF SU B J ECT; KELSE Y CH ERRY; COU RTESY OF SU B J ECT; G REG ALLEN .

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU

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ON THE DOT TAKE A BREAK FROM THE NORM AND EMBRACE THIS CHIC PATTERN PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANKLIN THOMPSON FASHION EDITOR: JOIEE THORPE

HAIR , MARCELLO COSTA /KEN BARBOZ A .COM . MAKEU P, FR AN K GU Y TON/ KENBARBOZ A .COM . MANICU RE, JACKIE SAU LSBERY/FACTORY DOWNTOWN .

BODEN “Georgina” coat, $290, “The Silk” shirt, $150, and “Erin” trousers, $150, all at bodenusa.com.

STYLE OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 27

STYLE : POLKA DOTS

AVEC LES FILLES “Satin Square” scarf, $32, aveclesfilles.com.

KATE SPADE “Park Row” watch, $150, katespade.com.

JILL STUART “Pamela” dress, $765, and “Carolina” bodysuit, $495, jill stuart.com. ROSENA SAMMI “Maya” earrings, $45, rosena sammi.com.

THOMAS SABO “Black Snake Pavé” ring, $498, thomas sabo.com.

FAME AND PARTNERS S ““Chen” top, p $199, fameandpartners.com. p .

BODEN “Annabell” pleated skirt, $140, bodenusa.com.

JIMMY CHOO O ““Lucy” y heels, $775,, jjimmychoo.com y m.

ANNE KLEIN “F “Frances Wallet” wristlet, $48, lordandtaylor.com. r

2017 7 OC O 017 28 ESSENCE C .COM COM OCTOBER

MARC JACOBS “Intarsia” sweater, $350, marcjacobs.com.

STILLS , COU RTESY OF B R AN DS

TOPSHOP wrap dress, $125, us.topshop.com.

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STYLE STYL LE : TR T R TRENDS

COZY UP WILD AND WOOLLY “Jellyfish” mink and ossttrich earrings, $150, o wiild w dandwoollyny.com.

GET READY FOR THE WINTER CHILL! FASHION EDITOR: JOIEE THORPE

The Inspiration

KARL LAGERFELD PARIS grooved faux-fur vest, $300, karllagerfeld paris.com.

ESSENCE October 1974

ZARA faux-fur shoes, $60, zara zara.co .com. m. $60, com EUGENIA KIM “Janine” rabbit-fur earmuffs, $245, eugeniakim.com.

STUART WEITZMAN “GoFurIt Carnival Furmania” lambfur boots, $798, Stuart Weitzman, NYC, 212750-2555.

ECHO “Fox T Trot” sheepskin and p d ffox x-fur gloves, $129, ec echonewyork.com.

30 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

SENTALER alpaca and wool long coat, $1,560, sentaler.com.

CENTER IMAG E, COU RTESY OF ESSENCE ARCHIVES . PRODUCTS , COU RTESY OF B R AN DS .

FURLA FURLA “Metropolis Nuvola S Crossbody” faux-fur bag, $378, fur urla. la.com com (a (avai lable le Dec ecemb ec e emb er 2017). e ( vailab

new day. new slay.

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#slayinmotion -@motionshair Š 2017 Strength of Nature Company. All Rights Reserved.

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STYLE : MY FAVES

Check out the Dope Stuff on My Desk video series at ESSENCE.com.

1

2

3

Try this!

A sweet scent created by a Black woman.

DOPE STUFF ON MY DESK

Must-have!

Patchwork is all the rage this season, so these pants should definitely be yours.

4

5

GRAB THESE FRESHLY PICKED FINDS TO HAVE A FABULOUS FALL

BY JULEE WILSON 6 1. L.L. BEAN classic 6-inch boots, $119, llbean.com.

2. L.L. BEAN “Cresta Hiking” socks, $24 for 2 pairs, llbean.com.

9

7 4. B FRAGRANCED Embellish Eau de Parfum, $54, 1.7 oz, bfragranced.com.

5. MAC Trend Forecast Fall 17/Lip Palette, $40, maccosmetics.com.

6. URBAN SKIN R X Purifying Pumpkin Pore Mask, $38, urbanskinrx.com.

7. MAYBELLINE SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, $9 each, maybelline.com.

8. VERLOOP bonded leather backpack, $135, verloopknits.com.

Why I love...

Backpacks aren’t just for kids anymore, and this sophisticated design is proof.

9. CREME OF NATURE Argan Oil From Morocco Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse, $5, Sally Beauty.

32 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

8

PHOTOG R APHY, FR ANKLIN THOMPSON . PROP ST YLIST, CHANE L KE NNE BREW.

3. BANDOLINO “Lisbeth” curvy skinny shadowpatch jeans, $49, belk.com.

PROMOTION

ALL-ACCESS MUST-HAVE PRODUCTS

ESSENCE YES, GIRL PODCAST

ESSENCE’s “Yes, Girl” podcast is an audio lovefest highlighting celebs and influencers taking the culture a little higher. Hosted by ESSENCE staffers Cori Murray and Yolanda Sangweni—and bonus: our love guru Charli Penn gets real with Black women on their unique sex and relationships stories—”Yes, Girl” will feature aspirational conversations every Thursday.

LATEST EVENTS

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

IYANLA IS BACK ON SATURDAYS!

ACTIVATE YOUR VISION™

Iyanla is trying to save the marriage of Turk, of Hot Boys fame, and his wife Erica from his deep-seeded paranoia as she uncovers the layers of trauma in both of their lives.

Watch the season premiere of Iyanla: Fix My Life on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 9/8c on OWN.

Subscribe now on iTunes and Google Play.

This cool printable template is designed to help you find your creative bliss. Use this template to create an actionable vision board that works using my best tips to activate the Law of Abundance.

Get the FREE Activate Your Vision template Now www.lucindacross.com/freebie Contact me to find out how lucinda@lucindacross.com

www.essence.com/podcasts WatchOWN.tv/IyanlaFixMyLife

Sign up today for our free ESSENCE® Access e-mail newsletter for exclusive offers and discounts, special event invitations, and sweepstakes/contests from ESSENCE® partners! www.essence.com/newsletter

STYLE : STREET STYLE

DON’T NITPICK YOUR DREAMS. JUST GO FOR IT!

It Girl

KÉLA WALKER

H&M wool coat, $149, hm.com.

THIS TV HOST, PRODUCER AND NEW YORK CITY–EMMY NOMINEE KNOWS HOW TO WORK AND SWEAT IN STYLE BY JULEE WILSON EVERY WOMAN: “My look is polished yet modern and feminine—with a tinge of edge.”

Follow Walker on Instagram @KelaWalker for endless fashion inspo.

ON THE RECORD: “I love being a storyteller, sharing information with others and making people smile. More than that, I love that I can provide one of the positive images of Black women in media.”

WINNING WARDROBE: “I’m really into everything from Saint Laurent to Diane von Furstenberg. For basics and affordable trends, I adore Zara and H&M.”

ZARA cross-body bag with reflective stars, $40, zara.com.

DETAILS MATTER: “Invest in accessories like shoes and bags. No matter how much your weight fluctuates, those pieces will always work.”

SOPHIA WEBSTER “Chiara” boots, $850, net-a-porter .com.

LOOKING LOVELY: “A few of my makeup faves are Black/Opal’s foundation stick and The Lip Bar’s Bawse Lady lip color.”

FIT AND FLY: “I’ve made fitness a lifestyle. If I can do it, anyone can. Now I encourage everyone to get snatched to #SlayForLife.”

IN WORK MODE Interviewing Jill Scott

THE LIP BAR Liquid Matte in Bawse Lady, $13, thelipbar.com.

34 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

MISSION “VaporActive Radiate” cropped yoga leggings, $70, amazon.com.

FITNESS FAM Walker and her personal trainer, Robert Brace

WALKER , COU RTESY OF SU B J ECT (4).

PRODUCTS , COU RTESY OF B R AN DS .

BLACK/OPAL True Color Stick Foundation SPF 15, $10, blackopalbeauty.com.

STYLE : MEN’S TRENDS

Try these cool ideas for the men in your life.

PAUL SMITH fedora, $195, farfetch.com.

STYLE YOUR GUY KOFI SIRIBOE SHOWS US HOW TO WARM UP FOR SWEATER WEATHER AND TALKS ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT FOR HIM

BY AVON DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ROWE HIS PERSONAL LOOK IN THREE HASHTAGS: “#CuttingEdge, #Effortless and #Freedom.”

HIS ADVICE FOR WOMEN ON UPGRADING THEIR MAN’S WARDROBE: “Make suggestions in a loving, creative way and you might get a good response.

Tread lightly—you know we men got egos.” [Laughs]

LACOSTE “Men’s Double Face” sweater, $225, lacoste.com.

BULOVA “98A185” chronograph, $975, bulova.com.

WHAT THE 23-YEAR-OLD HAS LEARNED FROM BLACK WOMEN: “I learned how to love and how to love myself. My mom was my first and biggest supporter; she has always been a reinforcement. I strive to mirror that kind of unconditional love and strength.”

DIM MAK COLLECTION “Deaver Mohair” sweater, $475, dimmakcollection .com. LEVI’S “501 Taper Fit” jeans, $80, levi.com. HUGO BOSS socks, $17, macys.com.

BRUNO MAGLI “Vitale Monk Strap” shoes, $500, brunomagli.com.

Jewelry, Kofi’s own.

36 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

TRUE RELIGION “Rocco Moto Rebel Trail” jeans, $249, true religion.com.

STYLIST, AVON DORSEY. GROOMER, ELIVEN QUIROS. BARBER, WAYNE JOLLA. MANICURIST, CH RISTINA AVILES/OPUS B E AUT Y. PRODUCTS , COU RTESY OF B R AN DS .

ON QUEEN SUGAR AND HIS UPCOMING PROJECTS: “I wrote, directed, produced and starred in a project called Jump, a short film that addresses mental illness. Queen Sugar [the second half of season two] returns this month on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Also [there’s the] Girls Trip DVD release.”

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Autumn

ACCESSORIES Introducing the new fall collection from Real Simple Style, a beautifully designed line of handbags and jewelry that will update any outfit – this season and beyond.

E X C L U S I V E LY AT R E A L S I M P L E S T Y L E . C O M

Raquel Twist Bangle So stackable (the more, the merrier!) $49

Delphine Necklace A gift you can wear or share. $52

MOONLIT SKINCARE Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil ($34, shop moonlit.com).

SUNDAY RILEY Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($105, sephora.com).

ELEMIS Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil ($59, elemis.com).

KIEHL’S Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($72, 1.7 oz, kiehls.com).

While You Were Sleeping LET THESE PRODUCTS TAKE THE NIGHT SHIFT AND GET READY TO WAKE UP LOOKING FRESH AND FABULOUS

PRO P ST YLIST, C HAN EL K EN N EB RE W

BY JULEE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

BY BRIAN HENN

BEAUTY OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 39

BEAUTY : NIGHTTIME AIDS

MI er A SS HA qua Cell Re n Slee ew Snail ping Ma ($23 , mis sk s us.c ha CAU om).

D Vine ALÍE Ove [ rnigh Activ] t De to Oil ( $5 0 x .cau , us dalie .com ).

Peon F y Brig RESH hten Nigh ing t Tre atme nt Mas k ($82 seph , o r a.co NAT m) URA B ISS . Ē Diam Extr ond e Dua me Nigh l Tre atme t ($ nt natu 270 for se rabis se.co t, m).

S up

the face I

ncorporating an overnight mask or luxe face oil into your evening beauty routine can help your skin maintain much-needed hydration. “Water loss from the skin is more apparent at night than during the day,” says Naana Boakye, a dermatologist based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. With the right regimen, you could be fighting fine lines, winkles and a dull complexion while catching some zzz’s. “Moisturizers prevent water evaporation by providing a protective barrier. As a result, it’s best to rejuvenate, replenish and restore in the evening,” adds Boakye.

»

40 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

©2017 P&G

WAKE UP like THIS NEW Deep Hydrating Eye Gel With Hyaluronic Acid. Hydrates be er than the #1 prestige hydration eye cream. So eyes look rested, even when you’re not.

Ageless

BEAUTY : NIGHTTIME AIDS

head and hair B

y now you’ve probably heard of the bountiful benefits of sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase. Their cotton counterparts tend to absorb the oils from your skin and hair, which play a vital role in keeping wrinkles at bay and preventing breakage. While you’re at it, try wearing a silk eye mask to add an extra layer of protection for your peepers. As for your strands, allowing your tresses to soak in fortified nutrients, such as oils, overnight will smooth and seal the hair’s cuticle for frizz-free styling in the morning.

»

42 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

MOONLIT SKINCARE Cloud 9 Silk Pillowcase ($40, shopmoonlit.com).

SACHAJUAN Over Night Hair Repair ($66, davidpirrotta.com).

ALTERNA HAIRCARE Bamboo Smooth Anti-Frizz PM Overnight Smoothing

Treatment ($25, alterna haircare.com).

SLIP Silk Sleep Mask ($45, sephora.com).

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE. Bb. While You Sleep Overnight Damage Repair Masque ($49, bumble andbumble.com).

BEAUTY : NIGHTTIME AIDS

the body T

he circadian rhythm is what triggers cells in the body to perform essential processes at specific times of the day. At night those cells are renewing and repairing—and not just on your face. That means you should be taking your entire physique into account when indulging in night treatments. Look for products with hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and coconut oil. Also try taking a natural supplement to help ease stress and ensure restful—and beautifying—slumber.

44 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

FIA eishi AF R t AL onut Nigh c Co rating 9, 1 d Hy m ($ ). a m Cre a.co RKS ffi ala S WO s r I TH p Plu oote h e Sle ble S orks u w Tro , this 5 . ($6 /us) ICE bal m r U .co ON J st He 8, u MO am D nt ($3 . ) e Dre plem .com e Sup njuic o o mo UAL S of Da l , RIT Ritua ($17 m The t Bal ). h m Nig ls.co a ritu

Drench your skin in the new wave of super hydration.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and now, new Hydrating Cleansing Gel ®

Nothing does more for thirsty skin than hydration.

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Skin is so supple and hydrated, it bounces back.

See what’s possible.

Learn more at neutrogena.com/hydroboost

© J&JCI 2017

BEAUTY : GLAM DIARY

MALAIKA CHANEY THIS BROOKLYNITE IS A SINGER AND OUR BIGGEST #HAIRCRUSH ON INSTAGRAM. HERE SHE DISHES ON HER FALL BEAUTY ROUTINE

BY ANDREA JORDAN

FOLLOW MALAIKA ON INSTAGRAM... @malaika_russell

STYLE VARIETIES Newlywed Chaney (née Russell) is no stranger to experimenting with her tresses: “In the fall my go-to is the pineapple. The great thing about this season is the fun accessories. When deep conditioning I’ll twist my hair and throw a hat on—conditioning in style.”

fall trends

“Colder temps can leave hair feeling dry and brittle, so keeping my hair moisturized with deep conditioners, leave-ins and styling products is a must,” says Chaney. She prefers using items from the Beautiful Curls line by Alaffia.

ALAFFIA Beautiful Curls Defining Gel and Enhancing Leave-In Conditioner ($13 each, alaffia.com).

46 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

BENEFIT They’re Real! Mascara ($24, benefitcosmetics.com).

Chaney is a makeup minimalist. “I keep it simple with mascara, lipstick and a bare face,” she says. “When I’m not rocking anything, I put aloe gel on my lashes to make them look elongated and help them grow.”

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($18, maccos metics.com).

TOP RIG HT, TEN NYSO N ALDAN E. ALL OTH ER P O RTR AITS , COU RTESY OF SU B J ECT. PRODUCTS , COU RTESY OF BR AN DS .

MANE ESSENTIALS

ALWAYS AU NATUREL

BeautyIQ PROMOTION

Your Guide to Getting Gorgeous!

SPRAYS ON INVISIBLE Life is too busy to worry about white marks on your favorite outfit when you’re getting ready for a girls’ night out, a romantic date, or a big meeting with your boss.

Take the stress out of looking your best with Secret Invisible Spray Anti-perspirant and Deodorant that gives you 48 hours of freshness while protecting from odor and sweat. It goes on invisible and dry to reduce white marks on your clothing and your skin Learn more at secret.com.

GET REWARDED WHEN YOU SHOP AT WALMART 1 | SPEND $10 or more on Secret Invisible Spray (3.8oz) at Walmart or Walmart.com between 9/22/17 – 11/30/17.

HURRY! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

2 | MAIL a photocopy of your dated receipt along with your name, mailing address and phone number on a 3”x5” card to: Secret Invisible Spray GWP Offer, c/o ESSENCE, 225 Liberty Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10128. Offer must be postmarked by 11/30/17.

3 | RECEIVE your gift card by mail!

OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS LIMITED TIME OFFER valid while supplies last. Limit one per household. Purchase of qualifying product must be made between 9/22/17 – 11/30/17. Proof of purchase must be postmarked and received by 11/30/17. ESSENCE® and Secret Invisible Spray reserve the right to disqualify any submission for any reason including suspicion of fraud.

Proof of sending or submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

Some restrictions apply. Void where prohibited by law. Valid proof of purchase is required to receive $5 Walmart gift card. Offer good in U. S. only. In the U.S., your $5 Walmart gift card will mail in 10 weeks after promotion ends.

© Procter & Gamble 2017

INVISIBLE FOR ALL

BEAUTY : GOTTA HAVE IT

Eau So Lovely GET A WHIFF OF THE FALL FRAGRANCES WE CAN’T STOP SPRITZING! CHANEL Gabrielle Eau de Parfum Spray ($135, 3.4 oz, chanel.com).

JO MALONE LONDON English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne ($135, 100 ml, jomalone.com).

There’s nothing like finding a signature scent for the season.

Any one of these is worthy of the title.

—JULEE WILSON, FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR

VICTORIA’S SECRET Love Eau de Parfum ($68, 3.4 oz, victorias secret.com).

DIPTYQUE Vetyverio Eau de Parfum ($155, diptyque paris.com).

LANCÔME Maison Lancôme Rôses Berberanza Eau de Parfum ($195, lancome-usa.com).

AERIN Tuberose Le Jour Parfum Spray ($215, aerin.com).

GUCCI Bloom Eau de Parfum ($124, Saks Fifth Avenue).

50 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

PHOTOG R APHY, B RIAN H EN N . PRO P ST YLIST, C HAN EL K EN N EB RE W.

MARC JACOBS Decadence Eau So Decadent Eau de Toilette ($112, 3.4 oz, macys.com).

How to make your stubborn makeup leave without a fight.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ®

Removes 99.3% of your most stubborn makeup.

Every night, instantly lift away your most budge-proof, smudge-proof makeup.

(Waterproof mascara, that means you, too.)

© J&JCI 2017

No wonder we’re the #1 choice of makeup artists.

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BEAUTY : SPOTLIGHT

the

FENTY FACE RIHANNA MAKES A FABULOUSLY INCLUSIVE FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF COSMETICS

BY JULEE WILSON

—RIHANNA

54 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

BOSS GLAM Believe it or not, Rihanna loves doing her own makeup.

She’s been mesmerized by the power of beautification ever since her mother entered her in a beauty pageant at age 15. It’s that passion for getting pretty that inspired the Grammy Award–winning singer, whose birth name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, to launch her very own cosmetics line: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. The rollout includes an impressive number of foundation shades (40!) as well as contour (20) and highlight (10) sticks—so there’s definitely something for everyone. “I work with a lot of beautiful women of all hues from all over the world. Many times women have a hard time finding their shade in a brand, and I wanted everybody to feel included. I wanted to have a wide range of colors,” Rihanna told ESSENCE. The collection also features a universally flattering lip gloss, a cheek-hugging brush and a mirror-adorned blotting paper compact—because RiRi is all about shining, just not on your face. See Where to Buy for product details.

Follow ESSENCE Fashion & Beauty Director Julee Wilson @MISSJULEE.

PHOTOG R APHY, B RIAN H EN N . PRO P ST YLIST, C HAN EL K EN N EB RE W. RIHAN NA , I N E Z AN D VIN OO DH .

From here on out, it’s only about having fun. We can do so many things— there are endless options when it comes to makeup.”

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TRUE MATCH POWDER COMES IN 26 SHADES. IT’S CREATED WITH AN EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY TO MATCH YOUR SKIN’S UNIQUE TONES AND UNDERTONES. FOR A SILKY, TRUE-TO-YOU FINISH. BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT.™ ©2017 L’Oréal USA, Inc.

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Celebrity Stylist, Ty Hunter on the ESSENCE® Beauty & Style stage with ESSENCE® Beauty & Fashion Editor Julee Wilson.

EXPO

The ESSENCE® Beauty & Style Expo was filled with live product demos, hair shows, and street style moments throughout the weekend. ESSENCE® Editors indulged in conversations with industry experts, celebrity stylists and influencers to reveal the latest beauty and style secrets. Our partners gave style consultations, makeovers and product samples at the largest beauty & style expo.

Award-Winning Stylist, Vernon François, gives a hair tutorial on the expo stage.

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Experts, GlamTwinz make an appearance.

Beauty blogger, Ellarie, takes the audience through a beauty tutorial.

A young beauty fan shows off her henna tattoo.

Host, Zuri Hall, speaks to the crowd alongside Fashion & Beauty Director, Julee Wilson.

A MyAvanna consultant chats with attendees in the Beauty Bungalow.

OFFICIAL BEAUTY EXPO RETAILER:

Models strike a pose on the Street Style runway.

OFFICIAL SPONSOR:

PARTNERS:

VENDORS:

CRAVE

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jasmine Alston, Carl Lynch, Johnny Jones, David Willems, Bennett Raglin, J.R. Thomason, Aaron Thornton, Chris Mitchell, Kim LaGrue, Danielle Miles, NuBuzz Photos/Johnny Nunez, Yolanda Smith, Andi Rice, Randy Jones, Mary Fehr, Walik Goshorn, Gus Bennett, Sasha Matthews, Omika Williams, Jasmine Alston.

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Yvonne Orji stops by the My Black Is Beautiful booth for a meet & greet.

Festival attendees pose with ‘My Black Is…’ signs in the My Black Is Beautiful booth.

Consumers play a game of Beauty Feud presented by Walmart with Ty Hunter.

Consumers receive in person consultations on beauty products in Walmart Pop-Up Shop.

Creme of Nature provides live hair demonstrations and product information.

A festival attendee gets primped an polished with a Sally Hansen manicure using Color Therapy nail polish.

Festival-goers received exclusive product consultations at Palmer’s Beauty Bar.

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HAIR, MARCELLO COSTA/KENBARBOZA.COM. MAKEUP, FRANK GUYTON/KENBARBOZA.COM. MANICURE, JACKIE SAULSBERY/FACTORY DOWNTOWN. MARKET EDITOR, AVON DORSEY. PROP STYLIST, CHANEL KENNEBREW. FOR FASHION DETAILS, SEE WHERE TO BUY.

Black Hair Now

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF GETTING GREAT DOS WITH THESE ESSENCE STAFF–APPROVED SALONS

BY CRYSTAL MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANKLIN THOMPSON

HAIR

OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 59

HAIR : SALON DIRECTORY

1. CAPELLA SALON 12930 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 216 Studio City, CA 91604 818-784-4247 capellasalon.com

...for Naturals, Coils & Curls Capella Salon

2. EVOLUTION GREEN ROOM SALON 983 Fulton St. Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-222-2977 evolutiongreenroom.com

Owner and ringlet master Shai Amiel is known as the Curl Doctor. Tamera Mowry-Housley’s been a client since her 2014 big chop.

3. GOOD HAIR SALON 1918 E. Yesler Way, Ste. C Seattle, WA 98122 206-709-7699 goodhairsalon.com

5. H2 SALON 473 Tompkins Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11216 718-230-4225 h2salonbrooklyn.com 6. MADUSALON 300 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94117 415-626-4782 madusalon.com

Hair Rules Salon

7. RELAXSHE’SNATURAL 847 W. Monroe St., Ste. 1B Chicago, IL 60607 312-265-1440 facebook.com/ relaxshesnatural 8. 7 DEGREES NATURAL HAIR AND BARBER STUDIO 4803 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 713-429-3649 sevendegrees.life 9. SIMPLY ERRIN’S UNISEX HAIR SALON 268 Brookline St. Cambridge, MA 02139 617-547-8098 simplyerinns.com 10. SUITE BEVERLY 433 Main St. Metuchen, NJ 08840 732-902-2128 suitebeverly.com

»

Orange Is the New Black actress Adrienne C. Moore is a client.

H2 is the go-to for naturalistas who don’t want to wear their hair curly.”

—CASSANDRE CHARLES, VP, CLIENT SOLUTIONS

60 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

H2 Salon

BACKGROUND, KATSUMI MUROUCHI/GETTY IMAGES. WILSON, COURTESY OF SUBJECT. ALL OTHER PHOTOS, COURTESY OF SALONS.

“I’m obsesssed with h one of the Hair Rules. It’’s o eo e best spots for textured and natural hair in Manhattan! Hands down.”

—JULEE WILSON, FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR

4. HAIR RULES SALON 828 9th Ave., Ste. 1 New York, NY 10019 212-315-2929 hairrules.com

Photo By: Peggy Sirota

MAKE BRE AKFAST HAPPEN SO KIDS C AN B E H U N G RY FO R MORE

I was one of our nation’s hungry kids growing up.

Today, 1 in 6 children in America struggle with hunger.

But when they get breakfast, their days are bigger and brighter. Learning, attention, memory and mood improve. Together, we have the power to get breakfast to kids in your neighborhood — let’s make it happen.

Go to hungeris.org and lend your time or your voice.

Viola Davis, Hunger Is Ambassador

Hunger Is® is a joint initiative of the Albertsons Companies Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, which are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.

BeautyIQ PROMOTION

Your Guide to Getting Gorgeous!

ALL GLAM, ZERO DAMAGE Transform textures into silky, smooth styles without worrying about breakage or destroying hair’s natural curl with the Agave & Lavender Blow Dry & Silk Press Collection by Design Essentials. Agave extract, soothing lavender, mango fruit butters, plus a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and superfoods like broccoli oil and green tea make this exclusive formula so safe, that it’s perfect for chemically-treated hair. The result? Stunning strands you’re gonna want to show

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STEP Restore natural oils and replenish hair’s vitality from the inside out with Agave & Lavender Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner. You’ll easily g through beautiful curls a d coils thanks to this u -hydrating formula.

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HAIR : SALON DIRECTORY

...for Relaxed Tresses & Weaves

1. BASIC NECESSITY HAIR SALON 1208 Underwood St. NW Washington, DC 20012 202-882-9213

NJ Hair Studio & Spa

2. BILL LAWRENCE SALON 2120 18th St. NW Washington, DC 20009 202-387-8310 billlawrencesalon.com 3. FAATEMAH AND AMY JO’S SUITESPOT 3034 Lyndale Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55408 651-528-3632 thesuitespt.com 4. FÉNIX SALON @ CUMBERLAND 3000 Windy Hill Rd., Ste. 202 Marietta, GA 30067 404-696-8887 stylesbyjade.com 5. HAIR ART NYC 159-10b Hillside Ave. Jamaica, NY 11432 347-561-9311 6. LEONA WILSON SALON 21 W. 45th St., Ste. 502 New York, NY 10036 646-449-9265 lwsalon.com

8. NJ HAIR STUDIO & SPA 1420 Burnet Ave. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-1111 njhairstudioandspa.com

“Owner Simone West is truly gifted and creative. She never disappoints.”

—RORNA RICHARDS DINNOO, EDITORIAL BUSINESS MANAGER

Saleemah’s attention to detail with weaves at her NJ Hair Studio & Spa is everything. She’s the pe perfectionist you wa want working on your head!”

—CHARLI PENN, SENIOR EDITOR, RELATIONSHIPS & LIFESTYLE, ESSENCE.COM

9. REIGN CONCEPT SALON 3807 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-722-2555 10. VERVÉ BEAUTY 314 Rensselaer Ave. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-332-3717 vervebeauty.com

64 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Bill Lawrence Salon

Hair Art NYC

Hairstylist Sarah Chambers created shea butters that she says have a cult following and treat dry skin and damaged nails.

DIN N OO, COU RTESY O F SU B J ECT. ALL OTH ER PHOTOS , COU RTESY O F SALONS .

7. MESCH HAIR STUDIO 11337 Moorpark St. North Hollywood, CA 91602 818-761-5166 meschhairstudio.com

A short distance from New York City, this New Jersey salon is a convenient option for beauties across the metro area.

Hair By Lisa Bailey

...for Locs, Twists & Braids Owner Syreeta Scott counts Jill Scott, Ava DuVernay and Janet Jackson among her clients.

1. BINTA AFRICA HAIR BRAIDING 4186 Washington St. Roslindale, MA 02131 617-325-7778 bintaafricahairbraiding.com 2. DUAFE HOLISTIC HAIR CARE 3129 N. 22nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19132 267-297-7636 dua-fe.com

Duafe Holistic Hair Care 3. HAIR BY LISA BAILEY AT THE BOX HAIR STUDIO 255 W. 36th St., Ste. 700 New York, NY 10018 212-971-0944 hairbylisabailey.com

“Lisa Bailey has the dopest twist extensions technique ever!”

—DANIELLE M. BROWN, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, BEAUTY

4. KINKS COUTURE 7946 Pines Blvd.

Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 954-534-9006 kinkscouture.com 5. LOC LOV SALON 402 8th St. NE Washington, DC 20002 202-677-9065 loclov.com 6. MACENTA HAIR BRAIDING 2034 5th Ave. New York, NY 10035 646-359-5201 7. MAHOGANY HAIR REVOLUTION 5450 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 203 Los Angeles, CA 90019 323-939-1620 mahoganyhairrevolution.com

COU RTESY OF SALONS

Loc Lov Salon

Stylists at Loc Lov have mastered the diamond parting system, what they have called the most versatile way to start a locs journey.

8. N NATURAL HAIR STUDIO 11207-B Lockwood Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20901 301- 910-4247 nnaturalhairstudio.com 9. NU WAVE KULTURAL KREATIONS 712 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-953-5733 facebook.com/nuwave kulturalkreations 10. TEXTURES BY NEFERTITI 4147 Cass Ave., Ste. 102 Detroit, MI 48201 313-831-4771 texturesbynef.com

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Auto • Home • Rent • Cycle • Boat geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) | local office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners and renters coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company.

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SHE IS US ON-SCREEN SUSAN KELECHI WATSON PLAYS AN EVERYWOMAN WITH A FULL HEART

BY TAIIA SMART YOUNG

W

K ATE SZ ATMARI

e adored Susan Kelechi Watson’s Beth Pearson the moment she appeared on television rocking shoulderlength twists, a knowing smile and quiet power on NBC’s juggernaut This Is Us. It wasn’t long before Watson and Sterling K. Brown’s alter egos became #relationshipgoals—not just for marrieds but also for anyone figuring out a love thing. It takes a special

SCENE OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 67

SCENE : ENTERTAINMENT

Watson with TV hubby Sterling K. Brown and (inset) the cast of This Is Us

kind of woman to bake her dying father-in-law weed brownies or say “I call marriage” when her hubby’s make-or-break deal coincides with their daughter’s chess tournament.

“It’s wonderful to watch people who aren’t tiptoeing around the relationship,” says Watson, who has also appeared on Louie as Janet, the ex-wife of Louis C.K.’s character. “Not just the flirty part, the cute or the bubbly part, but to see people who are in it with each other… I have friends who say, ‘Why do you make it look so easy? I’m trying to do what Beth is doing.’ ” Watson’s authentic portrayal is probably related to all that Shakespeare she studied at the University of Oxford when Phylicia Rashad and Denzel Washington sponsored her and a few classmates to study across the pond. Or maybe it’s because she was an English

major before jumping ship for her beloved fine arts department at Howard University. Whatever it is, please know the Brooklyn native is serious about her craft. That’s why it’s hard to picture the daughter of Jamaican parents as a rebellious teen who decided to skip college because disciplined environments weren’t her jam. Her plan? “I thought I’d hang out with my boyfriend and ride it out,” Watson says, chuckling at the memory.

“Thank God I applied to Howard. That’s where I was supposed to be.”

The same can be said of her role on the Emmy–nominated This Is Us, which returned September 26. “[The show’s creator, Dan Fogelman] is constantly mining life for the truth that he could bring to the series,” says Watson. That realness also extends to how she wears her natural tresses on-screen. “Dan’s like, ‘Susan, I’ve never learned so much about Black hair...and the significance.’ ” From braids to buns to ponies to curls, Watson’s abundance of styles always makes us proud. “This is my little shout-out to Black women,” she says. “It’s not just hair. It’s freedom.” Amen to that.

This is my shout-out to Black women.... It’s not just hair. It’s freedom.

WHO’S NEXT!

THE NEW FACE OF R&B T

Daniel Caesar

TOP AN D INSE T, N BC/G E T T Y IMAG ES . C AESAR , KE AVAN YA ZDANI .

C CANADIAN CROONER DANIEL CAESAR IS GETTING THE ATTENTION OF ONE OF MUSIC’S BIGGEST NAMES T

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n the past few years, R&B has experienced a change. Though the genre still has its roots in the sounds of yesteryear, it’s now blended with more complicated production, various other genres and singers whose influences are pulled from unexpected places.

Daniel Caesar is the latest artist to set the musical style aflame. With his intimate lyrics, smooth melodies and fusion of the best in pop, R&B and gospel—he jokes that “Kirk Franklin is the Michael Jackson of gospel”—Caesar is poised for a breakout. The Toronto-born singer already counts Mary J. Blige, whom he recently worked with on Strength of a Woman’s “Telling the Truth,” as one of his fans. Blige even admitted on ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast that she can’t get enough of Caesar’s 2016 single, “Get You.” “I don’t do writing for other people very well,” Caesar, 22, says of his collaboration with Blige, “but that one definitely worked.” It’s no wonder Caesar’s debut album, Freudian—which includes standout tracks “Best Part” featuring H.E.R. and “We Find Love”—is full of praise. Now, with Blige in his corner and a headlining tour set to kick off, Caesar is riding a wave with no end in sight. —SYDNEY SCOTT 68 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Follow ESSENCE Entertainment Director Cori Murray on Twitter @CORIMURRAY.

SCENE : MUSIC

LOVING LIFE WITH NINE STUDIO ALBUMS UNDER HER BELT—AND A FEW ACTING CAMEOS TO BOOT!—LEDISI HAS LEARNED THAT THE BEST WAY TO NAVIGATE THE BUSINESS IS TO TAKE IT ALL IN STRIDE

BY CHUCK ARNOLD ESSENCE: The single “High” from your new album is about you being in an elevated place.

What inspired that?

LEDISI: We were talking about how 2016 was weird—there was all this change and people dying. But, personally, I had a great year even through all that. I feel good about the woman I’m becoming and not caring about what people think.

ESSENCE: How has acting in projects like Selma influenced you as a performer?

LEDISI: Working on The Tale of Four with Gabourey Sidibe [who directed the short film inspired by Nina Simone’s “Four Women”] helped make me a better storyteller. I think that probably helped my songwriting.

ESSENCE: What would be your dream role?

LEDISI: I would love to play Dinah Washington or Sarah Vaughan.

Those two are my favorite singers.

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J UCO

ESSENCE: Nine albums in, how would you compare the Ledisi on your first LP with the Ledisi on your latest one, Let Love Rule?

LEDISI: I was hungrier when I was younger, but now it’s not so serious for me. The Led back then wanted the success of being a star. The Led now is content with just, Did I wake up today? Hallelujah.

SCENE : ENTERTAINMENT

THE NEXT GENERATION

MARLEY WOMEN THEY’RE TAKING THE REVERED FAMILY NAME TO NEW HEIGHTS

RITA MARLEY

BY TANYA A. CHRISTIAN

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SELAH MODELS!

LAURYN HILL

CEDELLA MARLEY The promoter of peace, love and positivity is the keeper of the family empire, so it’s no wonder her résumé includes a cannabis line, four children’s books and fashion collaborations with Puma and Barneys New York. Check out her social media platforms (@cedellamarley) and you’ll see the biz guru is also the mother of three including singer– songwriter Skip Marley.

ROHAN MARLEY

SELAH MARLEY Music is in her DNA, but the daughter of Bob’s son Rohan Marley and the legendary Lauryn Hill is carving out a space of her own as a fashion model. She has strutted down the catwalk for the likes of Yeezy and Chanel and starred in clothing campaigns for Rag & Bone and Beyoncé’s Ivy Park.

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EDEN MARLEY From handing out prom dresses in Harlem to spearheading a girl’s empowerment project in Haiti (above), the young philanthropist and first child of Rohan Marley and Geraldine Khawly has made it her mission to give back through her Garden of Eden Foundation. The Hofstra University law student credits her grandfather as her inspiration to make a difference.

CLOCK WISE FROM TOP LEF T: CH RIS WALTER /G E T T Y IMAG ES; MICH EL DELSOL /G E T T Y IMAG ES; J B L ACROIX /G E T T Y IMAG ES; COU RTESY OF PAM KR AUSS BOOKS; COU RTESY OF GARDEN OF EDEN FOU N DATION; DANE ISA AC; HAN MY U NG - GU/G E T T Y IMAG ES; VALLERY J E AN/G E T T Y IMAG ES; GILB ERT C ARR ASQ U ILLO/G E T T Y IMAG ES .

here are few names in music as BOB MARLEY celebrated as Bob Marley’s. His melodic compositions, unifying lyrics and electric energy captivated the world during his twodecade career—and long after his untimely passing in 1981. “Our father’s music is just as relevant today as it was when he was alive,” notes Cedella Marley, 50, his eldest child with wife Rita. Now the name that became synonymous with reggae and Rastafari also boasts a clothing company, coffee and beverage brands, and The House of Marley, which sells eco-friendly audio products. Its ambassadors include granddaughters Eden, 23, and Selah, 18. This past July Cedella, an activist and entrepreneur, released her first cookbook, Cooking With Herb: 75 Recipes for the Marley Natural Lifestyle (right). The longtime vegetarian insists, “Whether it’s through music, food or fashion, we all share his vision and hope for peace, and want to inspire people to take the positive path.”

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SCENE : PATRIK’S PICKS

Fall’s

FINEST FIVE OF THE SEASON’S BEST READS FROM PERSONAL HISTORY TO SCIENCE FICTION

BY PATRIK HENRY BASS

THE HAPPENING Many of us met Dr. Tererai Trent through The Oprah Winfrey Show. The OWN founder has called the Dr. Tererai Zimbabwean Trent dynamo one of her all-time favorite guests.

You’ll understand why in the new memoir The Awakened Woman: Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams (Atria/Enliven, $26), which empowers women to access a fearlessness that will enable community progress.

YSTERY WOMAN MY A Atttica Locke has delivered eting suspense thrillers rive at only the brave will read tha a one in the woods. alo W Witth Bluebird, uebird Blu ulholland, (Mu 6), the $26 mpire scribe Em akes us to East tak exas. For her Tex Attica urth novel, this fou Locke is a different side o of tthat storied southwestn region. Drawn from her ern memories, this page-turner combines heart and heat. com

WITCH’S BREW Even if you’ve never been interested in science or speculative fiction, please give Nnedi Okorafor’s Akata Witch (Speak, $10.99) a chance. You will instantly cheer for heroine Sunny Nwazue, who has been labeled a witch in large part as Nnedi Okorafor a result of her albinism. She is, indeed, special but not because of her skin. Her spirit and power make things happen in major ways.

A BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE Full disclosure: I met Simba Sana many moons ago when he was the cofounder of Karibu Books, a legendary Prince George’s County Black bookstore chain that created a space for writers and readers.

He was always reverential to authors. Who knew he had quite the story in him? Never Stop: A Memoir (Agate Bolden, $17) is hands down one of the best explorations into the Black male psyche Simba I’ve read.

Sana

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Follow ESSENCE Editorial Projects Director Patrik Henry Bass on Twitter @PATRIKSPICKS.

BASS , SE AN BU RROWES . CLOCK WISE FROM TOP RIG HT: BU D HARMON; M EL M ELCON/LOS ANG ELES TIM ES; ROB ERT SHAN KLIN; ANYAUGO OKOR AFOR- M BACH U; DEBOR AH FEINGOLD. BOOK STILLS , B RIAN H EN N . PROP ST YLIST, CHAN EL KEN N EB RE W.

A NATURAL WONDER No living poet has had as profound an impact on at least three generations of writers and prose lovers as Nikki Giovanni. Not only does she dazzle us with he r mastery of language, e, but she also touches our soul by tapping into the e best of who we are as a culture. Those skills are on dissNikki Giovanni play in A Good d Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter (William Morrow,, $19.99), a look at love and loss that includes a remem-brance of Maya Angelou.

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We kicked off the inaugural ESSENCE® Path To Power: Entrepreneurship and Business Conference during Festival weekend. The remarkable three-day event featured over 40 conversations with valuable information on how to create your own business, run an organization, grow your company and thrive in the career that you’ve always dreamed of. Attendees not only listened to inspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs but also participated in mentorship sessions, career training workshops, and a business pitch contest.

THE RECAP

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1. Attendees receive valuable information during a conference breakout session. 2. State Farm® representatives deliver tools and resources for a healthy financial future 3. Writer and Producer, Mara Brock Akil, talks about owning her power during her session: How to Become an Idea machine.

4. Doug McMillon, President and CEO, Walmart Stores, Inc., speaks with journalist, Soledad O’Brien. 5. Time Inc. staff share tips to help Festivalgoers jumpstart and grow their careers. 6. America’s Money Maven™, Patrice Washington, mingles with a fan after her session. 7. Holly Robinson Peete, mother, Dolores Robinson, and daughter, Ryan Peete, discuss using AT&T technology to balance career and family. 8. Janice Bryant Howroyd speaks with audience during her session: Design your Greenpoint for Success.

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LOVE AND LUST A TALENTED WRITER’S BOLD TAKE ON A FAVORITE CLASSIC

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African-American spin. Thankfully, Sophfronia Scott has done just that in the sumptuous new tale Unforgivable Love (William Morrow, $15.99). The author anchors her variation of this well-told saga in 1940’s Harlem and gives us a tour-de-force reshaping of villainess Marquise de Merteuil. As it was with the eighteenth-century original, she drives the narrative, but in this latest version she arrives in the guise of Mae Malveaux. Like the Marquise, Mae is unable to marry her first and greatest love. The difference? Society looks down on Mae’s affection for another woman. Before you can clutch the pearls, understand that this is Scott’s opening shot. It gets even juicer as the plot develops. Mae finds herself in a loveless marriage that leaves her a wealthy widow with a lot of time on her hands.

When a former male lover—Mae is quite the hedonist—falls for Cecily, her cousin, all hell breaks loose.

Enlisting the delightful cad Valiant “Val” Jackson, she aims to disrupt and destroy Cecily’s impending nuptials. Scott should take a bow for penning this delicious and infinitely enjoyable read. —P.H.B.

SCOT T, ROB B ERKLE Y. BOOK STILL, B RIAN H EN N .

alk about a story having legs.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s epistolary novel of love and betrayal among France’s elite, has galvanized audiences ever since it was first published in 1782. No less than French visionary Roger Vadim, Academy Award–winning director Milos Forman, playwright–screenwriter Christopher Hampton, and actors such as Glenn Close, Liev Schreiber, Annette Bening and Colin Firth have interpreted this stinging view of innocence corrupted in the name of parlor games, all to universal acclaim. Personally, I prefer Forman’s 1989 Valmont to the widely beloved Dangerous Liaisons, which featured an older cast and, in my humble opinion, captured the tension among aristocrats with little sense of noblesse oblige.

After seeing a lush 2003 French television adaptation of the novel starring Catherine Deneuve, Rupert Everett and Nastassja Kinski, I secretly wondered how this treasure would fare if given an

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THINGS WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

BY TANYA A. CHRISTIAN

1.

PLAYING FOR CHANGE

ERIC ESPINO PHOTOG R APHY (2)

Young players from the Eyekonz Sports League hit the ground in Philadelphia.

In 2013 ABC News profiled what it identified as one of the five most dangerous schools in the country: Strawberry Mansion High School in Philadelphia. Compelled by the story, city native Jazmine A. Smith (left) created field hockey and lacrosse teams for the struggling school, and this fall, 15 young women from the Eyekonz Sports League will play on teams in Division 1 and 2 in college.

More than 160 girls of color from eight schools, ranging from age 5 to 18, compete in the league. Smith’s mission is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to change the world.

ISSUES OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 79

ISSUES : TRENDING TOPICS 2.

3.

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INCLUSIVE LEARNING

A CALL TO SERVE

TOP COP

Spelman College is the latest HBCU to take an active approach toward LGBTQ inclusion. Two students who advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer issues will receive a renewable $25,000 scholarship. The all-female college also launched a lecture series to address issues of race, gender and sexuality.

Black activists want the Democratic Party to consider a growing list of our candidates for a 2020 presidential run. In 2016 our voter turnout dropped for the first time in 20 years, leaving strategists to believe that an African-American on the ticket could boost the party’s chances of regaining the White House.

Last month the city of Dallas welcomed a new chief of police.

U. Renee Hall, a former Detroit deputy chief, is the department’s first woman to hold the position in its 136-year history. The HBCU grad’s appointment means that three women of color now hold the top law enforcement positions in the county.

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There is a state of emergency for Black women and we are fighting a battle that is silent.... We need to be willing to raise hell about everything that matters to us. We have to prioritize us when the rest of the world will not.

”

—Tamika D. Mallory, Women’s March cochair, during a 2017 Essence Festival address

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FUNDING THE FUTURE NewsOne Now host Roland Martin has issued a call to action in support of HBCUs. Alarmed by the critical financial state of these institutions, Martin urged followers to donate to one of them. This year the Trump administration questioned the constitutionality of their funding.

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#HBCUGivingDay

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THE CASE FOR ADMITTANCE

CADET IN CHARGE

JOINING THE RANKS

This month the Supreme Court will hear the travel ban case that set off protests around the country earlier in the year. Justices will decide the fate of the revised ban, which was introduced by the White House in March, determining whether it’s constitutional to deny travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries entry into the United States. Parts of the revised ban have been in effect since June.

Simone Askew is breaking glass ceilings at one of the nation’s most revered federal academies. This year, the 20-year-old became the first African-American woman at West Point to hold the position of First Captain/ Brigade Commander—the highest student position at the military school.

In this role Askew is tasked with setting the class agenda and commanding a 4,400-member Corps of Cadets.

Howard University’s School of Business can add another accolade to its list of award-winning programs. This summer the school announced its acceptance as an affiliate member of the European Foundation for Management Development, allowing students to benefit from events, seminars and access to prominent speakers. This makes the D.C. college the first HBCU to gain membership in the organization.

80 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

For trending topics, follow Tanya Christian on Twitter @TANYAACHRISTIAN.

FROM LEF T: CHIP SOMODE VILL A /G E T T Y IMAG ES; PAR AS G RIFFIN/G E T T Y IMAG ES; TH E NOU N PROJ ECT; AUSTIN L ACHANCE /AP IMAG ES .

Kamala Harris was a champion for change well before her Senate win.

And now the former prosecutor is seeking to overhaul the country’s bail system. This summer Harris introduced a bipartisan bill that asks states to improve or replace the current practice of requiring bail money for detainees who have not been convicted of a crime.

”

FIGHT FOR REFORM

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Secrets to Better Business Travel A JOB THAT REQUIRES BEING ON THE ROAD CONSTANTLY IS AS THRILLING AS IT IS EXHAUSTING. HERE’S HOW TO THRIVE WHEN YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE ON THE GO

BY JIHAN THOMPSON

SANJ ERI/G E T T Y IMAG ES

MONEY &

POWER OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 83

MONEY & POWER : BETTER BUSINESS TRAVEL

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never say no to getting on a plane,” admits Aminatou Sow, 32, who averages 30 business trips per year as a tech consultant and a cohost and host of the Call Your Girlfriend and On She Goes podcasts, respectively. Yes, traveling for business can be very good for your career. But for every plus—experiencing new places, snagging valuable face time with clients, racking up miles—there’s a cost. While taking a break from routine office life can be nice, it also has the power to throw off your healthy habits, strain relationships back home and make it difficult to stay balanced. So how do you make your schedule work for you? We asked accomplished road warriors exactly that. Take notes!

PREFLIGHT

RESEARCH THE AIRPORT— AND ARRIVE EARLY. “Knowing the lay of the land can be helpful,” says Sow. “I love getting an airport manicure now, so I know which terminal the XpresSpa is in.” For model Damaris Lewis, 27, who takes 80 to 100 flights per year for photo shoots, it’s all about not feeling rushed: “I am usually at the airport two hours early,” she says. “I can get something to eat that’s healthy instead of having to just grab what’s closest. I make sure I don’t have any type of stress leading up to takeoff if I can avoid it.”

PACK SMART. “Packing cubes have changed the game for me,” says Sow. “Sometimes I’m gone for two-to-three-week stretches.

84 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Sign up for Global Entry/TSA Precheck to get through security quickly.

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PREPARE FOR UNEXPECTED DELAYS. “I travel with a yoga mat that folds instead of rolls so it can fit in any suitcase,” says Latham Thomas, 37, who hits the road 12 to 24 times a year and is the author of the new book Own Your Glow: A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowning the Queen Within. “A great travel mat is awesome in a crowded airport. And if your flight is delayed, you can create a Zen spot for yourself in a corner. Take the opportunity to just close your eyes and focus on your breathing.”

PRESERVE YOUR SANITY! You shouldn’t stay in work mode the entire time you’re on a business trip. You’ll feel more relaxed and less pressured if you make room for things you enjoy Find your people.

“Meeting someone for coffee or a drink makes me feel better and less stressed,” says Jamila Willis. “I always reach out to friends on Facebook who are in the city I’m in....

They message me saying, ‘Can’t believe you’re here.

Let’s meet for dinner.’ It’s happened all over the world, from Phoenix to Dakar, Senegal.”

Do something cultural.

“I think everyone has time for one activity every day outside of work. I always make it a point to check out something in the arts in the area I’m visiting,” says Aminatou Sow. “Just pick one thing you like.

For some people it’s art; for others, it’s exercise or it could be the happening restaurant.”

Stick to a morning routine. “When I wake up, I journal for five minutes,” says Ilana Finley, 39, senior director of global communications at Nike. “Then I meditate for ten minutes. On the days that I work out, I’ll go for a run. I hold on to those things regardless of wherever I am in the world.”

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SHIP AHEAD. Stop cramming everything into your carry-on. Doing that will only slow you down. The women we spoke with recommend shipping items—both work and personal—in advance of your trip. “In my business I need to refer to a lot of books that are heavy,” says Jamila Willis, 33, a corporate restructuring attorney in New York City. “And sometimes physical copies are easier to use than electronic ones, so I send them ahead to my hotel or a local office.” Sow says when she’s traveling for extended periods of time, she’ll mail full-size beauty items to her destination. “I don’t want to worry about products being confiscated at security— it’s not worth it,” she says. “My bag often beats me to my destination.”

The cubes help me be more efficient, so I can save space and find things easily. And, more than anything, they force me not to overpack.”

DON’T LET TRAVEL MAKE YOU PILE ON POUNDS Soggy salads can get boring fast.

We asked registered dietitian nutritionist Jessica Jones— cofounder of Food Heaven Made Easy, an online resource for healthy living—how to avoid temptation when you’re on the move

FROM TOP: JOSE LU IS PEL AEZ, INC . /G E T T Y IMAG ES; R AB BANI AN D SOLIM EN E PHOTOG R APHY/G E T T Y IMAG ES .

Take breakfast. “I usually bring breakfast with me. It may sound weird, but I like to bring nonperishable foods that are easy to pack so that I know I’m getting one nourishing meal for the day that is similar to what I eat at home. My favorite is a baggie of oatmeal with mixed nuts.”

Hit the supermarket. “If you didn’t have time to do any pretrip meal planning, the grocery store should be your first stop.

Whenever I travel with my business partner, we always research the nearest Trader Joe’s and stop there on the way to the hotel or Airbnb. They have relatively healthy prepacked options.”

Limit indulgences. Client dinners on business junkets, with rich, heavy meals and lots of drinks, can be a calorie disaster. You can still have fun—just control your portions.

“I don’t want people to feel deprived.

Instead of everyone ordering an individual side, split things like fries, mac and cheese and dessert. Studies show even if you have a smaller portion, you’re still going to get the same amount of satisfaction, if not more, out of it than if you have a huge portion all to yourself.”

Look Amazing After a Long Flight Model Damaris Lewis shares her must-pack cosmetics:: 1. Lauren Napier facial cleansing wipes 2. Orgaid organic sheet masks 3. Skyn Iceland undereye gels 4. Naturopathica Lavender Honey Balancing Mist 5. Maya Chia face oil

Download the mobile passport app for international travel and you’ll be able to zip through the often crowded U.S. Customs and Border Protection lines.

IN-FLIGHT CREATE A FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE IN COACH. “When I worked in advertising, I flew to Scotland in business class and they gave me slippers to change into and a little bag of products,” says private chef and caterer Vanessa Cantave, 40.

“Everything was so nice. Now when I travel, I immediately take off my shoes and slide slippers on. I have a neck pillow too. I try to be as comfortable as possible. I also drink a lot of water—flying dehydrates me— because if I’m not hydrated inside and out, I feel and look horrible.”

SKIP AIRPLANE GRUB IF YOU CAN. “I tend not to eat a lot on planes,” says Sow. “I think the altitude makes you hungrier than you actually are. I’ll pack some snacks, like almonds or cashews, but I find when I eat plane food, it makes me more sluggish and tired.”

ON THE GROUND DON’T SLEEP ON HOTEL PERKS. “I was in Phoenix for two weeks last year, and during that time I used the laundry facility at the hotel, which was wonderful and much less expensive than people might think,” says Willis. “I take advantage of anything to make my work life easier.”

ADJUST WORK EXPECTATIONS. One of the main issues with traveling for the job is that while you’re toiling away at one thing, tasks from back home continue to pile up, which could mean you’re left to answer e-mails all night. Destiney Green, 31, founder of the business network Majoring in Motherhood and blogger at Mom Crush Monday, starts her day early to get ahead of the backlog with correspondence. “I try to wake up an hour to an hour and a half earlier than I would at home, so I can send e-mails out. That way I can get some work done before I get to business, then I hand anything else off to my business manager so I can enjoy my time in that city.”

SEND VOICE MESSAGES. One of the hardest parts of life on the road is being away from loved ones. And while video calls have made it easier to stay connected, Thomas recommends sending voice messages (not voice mails) when you can’t connect face-to-face. Consider using WhatsApp for this. “I love doing audio messages and not just texts,” she says. “It’s better because it comes through as a text that they’re more likely to listen to than a traditional voice mail. It’s an effective way to get a little love tag going. I send you one, then you send one.”

For more tips, visit ESSENCE.COM.

MONEY & POWER : LEADING AT WORK

WHEN LINKEDIN ISN’T ENOUGH LISA SKEETE TATUM HELPED CREATE A PLATFORM THAT PUTS WOMEN IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR CAREERS

BY JENEÉ OSTERHELDT

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ven with a stacked résumé, Lisa Skeete Tatum—a chemical engineer turned venture capitalist turned CEO—has often found herself wondering, What’s next? And if a Harvard Business School grad with a wide network can get stuck at a crossroads, what does that mean for women without those advantages? Last year’s report by the American Association of University Women found that women make up 29 percent of senior executives in the private sector. For Black women specifically, the picture is significantly starker: We constitute just 1.5 percent. Facing reality, Tatum cofounded Landit to help women at all career stages carve out a path to the positions they’ve set their eyes on.

ESSENCE: Landit has been called a LinkedIn for women.

What is your company’s main mission?

LISA SKEETE TATUM: We realize everyone wants to be successful on their own terms. So how do we provide people with the tools and the access and the networks to achieve their goals? If you don’t have the tools and the sponsorship, then in many ways you won’t have the access you’ll need to land your “it.” If you’re looking to fire on all cylinders but you don’t know which way to turn, Landit provides the playbook to move yourself forward.

ESSENCE: Why is it so much harder for women to propel themselves up the ladder than it is for men?

TATUM: Men usually are more willing to put themselves out there even if they don’t have the skills. Women may have eight of the ten skills needed, but they will say, “I am going to wait until I get the ninth.” We think that if we keep our heads down, then we’ll be rewarded. But that’s not what happens. Women have a hefty dose of impostor syndrome: [Due to feelings of inadequacy] we notoriously undersell ourselves and our accomplishments.

ESSENCE: How does Landit work?

TATUM: It shows members better ways to utilize their power circle. The services are free, but the company also offers paid coaching plans that match you with executives based on your needs.

ESSENCE: We’re taught that having a mentor is the be-all and end-all of a fruitful career. What’s Landit’s approach?

TATUM: Even though mentors are important, women and people of color have historically been overmentored and undersponsored. One of the best things you can do is build a board of advisers consisting of five people: a “mentor,” whom you consult frequently for advice; a “sponsor,” who is your brand magnifier—she talks you up and puts you in the room; a “connector,” who links you to the people you should know; a “point expert,” who has a wealth of knowledge in your field and shares it with you; and a “close friend,” who gives you the safe space to have an ugly cry. It’s not just about codifying your network.

ESSENCE: How can big companies attract and retain a greater number of diverse candidates?

TATUM: These businesses typically do two things: They hire a head of diversity and say now we can check that box. But what are they really doing? How are they investing in women and people of color? Big companies will always be able to bring people in, but once they are there, do they thrive? Too often the answer is no. Landit gives you the power to do so.

Women have a hefty dose of impostor syndrome.

K ATELYN PERRY

86 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Jeneé Osterheldt (@JeneeinKC) is a culture columnist at the Kansas City Star and was a 2017 Nieman Fellow.

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The ESSENCE ® community convened in New Orleans June 29th–July 3rd for the 2017 ESSENCE Festival ® presented by Coca-Cola®. The annual event featured a weekend of empowerment and inspiration from renowned speakers and ended each night with star-studded performances.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2017 FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND PARTNERS PRESENTING SPONSOR

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THE ESSENCE® PARTY SERIES Festival-goers partied all day and night with some of the industry’s hottest DJs, celebrity guests and special sponsor activations.

Smirnoff Good Life Day Par y WITH MASTER P & TEAM HOPE NOLA We kicked off the weekend with the 3rd Annual ESSENCE® Day of Service.

Partnering with Team Hope NOLA to beautify the grounds of the Guste Senior Homes while also raising money for NOLA youth thru our first ever celebrity basketball game.

Guests entering the ESSENCE® & Smirnoff Good Life Day Party at Eiffel Society.

Smirnoff Good Life Day party host, Lance Gross, enjoying a Smirnoff Original Moscow Mule.

Guests enjoy live music performan the ESSENCE® & Smirnoff Good Life Day Party.

McDonald’s Midnight Mix Afterparty 1 Mack Wilds performs tracks from his latest album at the McDonald’s “Midnight Mix” After party.

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DJ Drama keeps the party going all night!

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1. Walmart team and volunteers all smile at Day of Service with Team Hope NOLA. 2. Day of Service volunteers pose with mural artist, Brandon Odum.

3. Romeo and team mates at the Celebrity Basketball game. 4. The City of New Orleans recognizes Master P for his contributions to the community.

Party-goers stop by the McDonald’s photo booth to snap a pic while keeping the fun going during the after party.

PARTNERS INCLUDE:

The McDonald’s McRig truck supplied late night snacks from their signature menu during the McDonald’s “Midnight Mix” after party.

ESSENCE® EMPOWERMENT EXPERIENCE STAGE Our nation’s greatest minds and talent came together to give inspiration and help attendees build a better life for themselves and for the community.

ESSENCE® Editor-in-Chief, Vanessa K. De Luca, and panelists, Luvvie Ajayi, Angela Rye, April Reign, and April Ryan take a photo after the WOKE Women Social Activism Panel.

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Activist and Mother of Travon Martin, Sybrina Fulton, speaks during a WOKE Moment on the Empowerment Stage.

Tamron Hall and the dynamic women of the Strength of A Woman panel discuss cultivating personal strength and overcoming adversity.

Artist Cleo Wade introduces Woke Wonderland panel sponsored by My Black Is Beautiful.

WOKE WONDERLAND: VOICES OF TOMORROW

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SATURDAY

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Moderator Symone Sanders, Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome and Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh pose for a photo after participating in the Mayors Panel.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivers a captivating keynote address on the Empowerment Stage.

Ava Duvernay received the WOKE Woman Award.

2017 ALL-STAR GOSPEL TRIBUTE Honoring Dr. Cissy Houston SPONSORED BY:

SUNDAY

Tony Waller from Walmart’s Corporate Affairs presents during All-Star Gospel Sunday on the Empowerment stage.

Gospel Singers, CeCe Winans and Kelly Price perform together during the All-Star Gospel Tribute.

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Fonzworth Bentley hosts a refreshing Q&A with Common, who shares his personal experiences and stories around his illustrious career and personal life.

Coca-Cola® and The Ailey II troupe jump-starts the morning with a shared movement session to energize and uplift Festival-goers.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Our Festival partners joined us in celebrating the power of your voice. Attendees at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center had a chance to visit our expos for beauty tips and expert business advise from industry leaders. They participated in celebrity meet & greets, advanced film screenings, exclusive swag and even entered to win a brand new vehicle!

Raj Register, Ford’s Multicultural Communications Manager, congratulates Mary G. Simon, Sunday night’s winner of the new 2018 Ford Mustang.

R&B legends, Monica and LeToya Luckett, take the Coca-Cola® stage for a girl group rendition of karaoke.

Consumers enjoy celebrity interviews during Sirius XM’s live broadcast at the Ford Summer Friends Block Party.

The McDonald’s 365 Black Awards luncheon celebrate an all-female ensemble of Women who uplift and make an impact in their community.

Carl Thomas serenades the crowd at the McDonald’s stage during their “Ode to Her” concert series.

Attendees engage with Walmart’s digital shopping assistant, Pepper Robot, at the Pop-Up Shop.

Mary J. Blige takes a moment to wave at fans during her ‘Power of Your Voice’ moment in the Walmart Booth.

SPECIAL THANKS TO PHOTOGRAPHERS: Carl Lynch, Johnny Jones, David Willems, Bennett Raglin, J.R. Thomason, Aaron Thornton, Chris Mitchell, Kim LaGrue, Danielle Miles, NuBuzz Photos/Johnny Nunez, Yolanda Smith, Andi Rice, Randy Jones, Mary Fehr, Walik Goshorn, Gus Bennett, Sasha Matthews, Omika Williams, Tyler Kaufman, PictureGroup

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Festival attendees gather in a large and spirited crowd at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Leslie Antonoff and Seth Brundle of Butter & Brown delight attendees with a delicious cooking demonstration.

Laolu NYC inspires festival goers to Be The Glow with an Afrocentric futuristic fashion show in the AT&T booth.

Zulu drummers perform to an enthused crowd of festival-goers.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson signs a book for an eager fan.

Local Louisiana band, “Quiana Lynell & Band”, serenade a crowd with the soulful sounds of Blues on Friday.

Lights Camera, Action! Mc Lyte and fan Strike a pose with confidence at the AARP Meet & Greet.

A festival attendee sweats it out in a morning workout with Ellen and Lana Ector of Black Girls Workout Too.

Louisiana Lottery’s Powerball mascot shared a smile after awarding a few lucky attendees with the chance to win big prizes!

Walmart Diverse supplier Fastrak Foods, LLC prepares for the opening of Convention Center doors.

Mixologist Tiffanie Barriere showing consumers how to mix Smirnoff cocktails on the ESSENCE Eats stage.

Chef Huda provides cooking demonstrations on ESSENCE Eats stage.

Gold Peak’s backyard bliss quenches the thirst of festival-goers with their signature iced tea in a variety of delicious flavors.

David & Tamela Mann having some photo fun in the State Farm® Color Full Lives booth.

State Farm’s Color Full personality quiz jumpstarting a healthy financial future for a festival-goer.

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ENTERTAINMENT ALL-ACCESS All weekend we gave attendees a first–look at the hottest movies & TV shows in our ESSENCE® screening rooms as well as cast talk-backs and meet & greets at our ESSENCE Center Stage.

The casts of ‘Power,’ ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ and ‘American Gods’ get candid with Entertainment Director, Cori Murray.

The cast, director, producer of ‘Girls Trip’ gather on Center Stage to discuss spoilers of the film of the summer.

Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ director, Ava DuVernay, with ESSENCE Entertainment Editor, Cori Murray, on the Center Stage.

Netflix’s ‘Dear White People’ cast members Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson and Logan Browning play DWP trivia on Center Stage.

Actress of Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther’, Letitia Wright, signs posters with fans in the Disney Booth.

Apple Music DJ plays ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ throwback jams for Bad Boy dancers on Center Stage.

Stars of ABC’s ‘The Mayor’ Brandon Micheal Hall and Yvette Nicole Brown Q&A session following the pilot episode screening.

Celebrating Fox’s Wednesday nights! ‘Empire’ and ‘Star’ casts grace Center Stage to discuss sneak peeks.

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CELEB WATCH Wherever you turned at #ESSENCEFEST you were greeted by your favorite celebrities, bloggers and artists.

The cast of OWN’s ‘Queen Sugar’ on Center Stage with OWN Tonight! host Stacy Ike.

Attendees stop by the Smirnoff photobooth in the VIP All Access lounge.

The cast of Annapurna’s new film ‘Detroit’ hit Center Stage to talk spoilers.

Director Spike Lee and Actor, Lance Gross, hang out in the VIP All Access Lounge.

Attendees line up at the Smirnoff Moscow Mule Truck in the VIP All Access lounge.

HBO ‘Insecure’ star and creator, Issa Rae, and ESSENCE Digital Director, Yolanda Sangweni, talk about Season 2 on the Center Stage.

Actress, Nicole Ari Parker, gives comedian, Loni Love, a friendly embrace backstage.

The cast and Executive producer of TNT’s groundbreaking show, ‘Claws’ spills the tea to relationships editor, Charreah Jackson about Season 1.

Executive Producers John Singleton and Dave Andron join the cast of FX’s ‘Snowfall’ (Wednesdays at 10) for Q&A.

Gloria Estefan proudly snaps a photo with her daughter and super lounge performer, Emily Estefan.

Gospel singers, Tamela and David Mann, pose backstage at the ESSENCE® nightly concert series.

Actors, LeToya Luckett and Alesha Renée, catch up in the VIP All Access lounge.

WHEN KANDI BURRUSS’S INT AS QUESTIONED ON LAST SEASON’S REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA, SHE NEARLY WALKED AWAY FROM THE SHOW SHE HELPED CREATE. BUT BOSS WOMEN LIKE HER DON’T QUIT. AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES IN THE SPOTLIGHT, SHE’S STRONGER THAN EVER

BY CHARLI PENN • STYLING BY WOURI VICE • PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILLER MOBLEY

94 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Kandi Burruss wears a Carmen Marc Valvo Couture gown, Sara Shala cuff, Laruicci “Talcon” ring, Anna Sui belt and Jean-Michel Cazabat “Aria” sandals.

Earrings, stylist’s own.

As a teenager growing up in College Park, Georgia, in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Kandi Burruss had a lot more on her mind than parties and first kisses.

When Burruss wasn’t in class at Tri-Cities High School, Joyce Jones remembers her younger child asking her to bring home more stacks of business and finance books. (A puzzled bookstore cashier once asked Jones, “Your daughter reads these books?”) Even back then, her only daughter was quietly plotting how to make her first million. “I figured out what I wanted to do in life and where I wanted to be early,” says Burruss, a founding member of the nineties hit R&B group Xscape, who had her sights fully set on both having a music career and starting multiple businesses to support her family.

Possessing such a clear vision for her future paid off. With 25-plus years in the entertainment industry, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star has racked up a lot of brag-worthy receipts. That includes penning hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Bug a Boo” for Destiny’s Child and “No Scrubs” for TLC—which is currently bringing in more checks due to being sampled on Ed Sheeran’s global smash “Shape of You”— not to mention finding megafame with Housewives. (RHOA has been hailed as Bravo’s all-time most popular Housewives franchise.) Still, the Grammy Award–winning singer–songwriter’s path to power hasn’t always been peachy: She experienced a series of emotional and financial blows, the first of which struck right before the height of Xscape’s popularity.

B

urruss was 16 when she, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, and sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott—the founding members of Xscape—were discovered and signed

by Jermaine Dupri. Months before her dreams of becoming a recording artist took flight, her older brother, Patrick, was killed in a car accident in 1991. The two were as close as it gets—never leaving each other without first saying “I love you.” It was the group’s growing success that helped distract Burruss from the pain of her loss. Just over a year later, Xscape’s debut single, “Just Kickin’ It,” had taken over radio airwaves. In short order, the quartet’s three albums went platinum and produced an impressive six Top 10 R&B singles.

During Xscape’s peak, the four were

Some of us are doers, some of

96 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

like sisters. But in 1998 they released their last album. An official breakup wasn’t announced, but the members quietly went on to do solo projects. Then in 2007 a very public feud erupted between Burruss and Tamika Scott, ultimately causing friendships to implode. During a radio interview, Scott accused Burruss of sleeping with Dupri’s father to further her music career. It was later proved to be a vicious lie, but it had already ended their relationship. Burruss wasn’t just crushed by the betrayal, she was heartbroken because her reputation was being sullied and honesty had always been part of her DNA. “Whenever anything went wrong, [her stepfather] would always call Kandi to get the truth, to find out what really happened,” her mother recalls. “I always kid and

tell her, ‘If I’m ever on trial, please do not be a witness for me, because they will send me to jail for life.’ ” The end of Xscape meant the money stopped rolling in. “It’s a very humbling moment when your songs aren’t on the radio anymore,” Burruss, now 41, shares.

The experience taught her to respect the frailty of fame. “I didn’t appreciate what that success was when we had it,” she explains. “I remember feeling like, when I get things back the way I want them to be, I will never take anything for granted again.”

Ten years later the members buried the hatchet on the air during The Big Tigger Show on Atlanta’s V-103 radio station this past February and announced plans to tour again. They reunited onstage at the 2017 Essence Festival in July to an overflowing crowd

eager to see them perform as one.

Also in the works: Mona Scott-Young’s Monami Entertainment is producing a docuseries about their reunion, set to air next month on Bravo.

T

he no-nonsense wife and mother of two that millions of viewers watch on Real Housewives of Atlanta is just as real when the cameras aren’t following her. Last year at a panel event in her hometown, Burruss arrived early just to say hello to lines of adoring fans and stayed afterward until the lights came on to take their questions one by one.

The day of her first-ever ESSENCE cover shoot is no different. Curling up to a conversation with Burruss is like reuniting with your ride-or-die

»

us are just dreamers. I’m both.

Kandi is wearing a Michael Michael Kors bell-sleeve dress, Victoria Hayes “Huntress” overcoat, Vita Fede “Cassio” earrings and Jimmy Choo shoes.

On Kandi: a Cynthia Rowley dress, Erickson Beamon for Anna Sui “Fantastic Voyage” necklace and Fendi boots. Earrings, stylist’s own.

For clothing details, see Where to Buy. Hair, Giselle Modeste/Epiphany Artist Group.

Makeup, Camara Aunique. Manicure, Mayumi Abuku for Priti NYC/ Rona Represents.

Set Design, Dorcia Kelley.

98 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

VICE, COU RTESY OF SU B J ECT. PEN N , MICHAEL ROWE.

I don’t do ever want to feel like I’ve made iit. When Wh people feel like they’ve made iit, the they’re on the first step to falling off. off ff. homegirl from college you haven’t seen in a while—you know you’re gonna catch up and get the tea and, if there’s time, a hefty dose of life advice to boot.

Burruss’s husband and costar, producer Todd Tucker, puts it best while proudly rooting his wife on as she joyously twirled on set for the cameras: “Her authenticity is her superpower.”

That it is. A consummate professional, Burruss sincerely cares about the people she meets along her journey, girlfriends included. “My friendships mean everything to me,” reveals Burruss, who is very much the nucleus of her sister circle, which includes Xscape partner Tameka “Tiny” Cottle-Harris, rapper Rasheeda Frost and fellow singer Monica. “I cherish the people who I find, who I feel are genuinely good people and good friends.”

It’s lifelong friendships like these, along with the unwavering support of her family, that have helped Burruss get through what she describes as a “very trying year”—one that started with another public betrayal by someone she once considered a friend. This time it was Phaedra Parks, one of the other Housewives, falsely accusing Burruss of planning to drug and sexually assault castmate Porsha Williams. Burruss was outraged and vehemently denied the claim, even as she confidently owned up to having had consensual sexual encounters with other women in the past—a bold and admirable move that became yet another testament to her commitment to staying true to herself. Now, for the first time, Burruss admits the ordeal made her rethink doing the show altogether. “I honestly had a lot of times when I just cried,” Burruss recalls, especially after reading many of the hurtful comments people wrote about her online

while the nightmare played out on television. “There were moments when I really wanted to say, ‘You know what?

I’m done with this!’ ” For Burruss, her brand is her bond and as she waited for the facts to come to light, she worried that the allegations would taint her legacy and affect her many self-titled businesses. The truth was finally revealed during last spring’s explosive reunion special. “I was vindicated in front of millions,” Burruss declares, “which helped me to feel comfortable again.”

Executive producer Andy Cohen admires Burruss’s ability to take the good with the bad of reality TV. “She’s lived through so much in front of the camera,” says Cohen, “and she’s had an incredible amount of drama, but through it all she’s been exactly herself.” Despite the circus of ten surrounding her, she says she has deeply benefited both personally and professionally from being on the show, which returns in November. “I met my husband through this show, and even though some people try to tear us down, we’re still strong,” says Burruss. She met Tucker, a production manager, on set in 2011, and they fell in love. (Her former fiancé, local businessman Ashley “A.J.” Jewell, died from injuries sustained during a parking lot fight in 2009.) Finding love again was a beautiful thing. Burruss had raised her oldest—daughter Riley, 15, from a previous relationship—on her own long before she and Tucker, 44, formed their blended family. She was fine with being a single mom, at first. “Then, as Riley got older, I saw that there were things she did miss, not having her dad really there,” she admits. “Now this is even better. We’re a whole family—we’ve got Riley, Kaela [Tucker’s

Wouri Vice (@therealwourivice), a New York native, is an image consultant and celebrity fashion stylist whose work has been featured in InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Allure and People.

21-year-old daughter from a previous relationship] and Ace [the couple’s 21-month-old son].”

A

lthough Burruss has found the ultimate friend, lover and business partner in Tucker, she’s also proudly independent. She bought her first car at age 18 and her own home by 19. Burruss thrives on turning a challenge into a paycheck and has an excellent habit of churning out new entrepreneurial ventures back-to-back. “I don’t want to be one of those people who just talks about doing something,” she says. “If I say I’m going to do it, you can put money on it.” The popularity of her evening sex advice Web show, Kandi Koated Nights, inspired the launch of her award-winning luxury pleasure toy line Bedroom Kandi. Burruss also produced a spin-off reality music competition TV show, The Kandi Factory— which ran for one season. She owns a recording studio and two boutiques, and she and Tucker opened the Old Lady Gang restaurant last March.

“I don’t ever want to feel like I’ve made it,” she confesses. “When people feel like they’ve made it, they’re on the first step to falling off.”

Burruss insists she won’t stop “grinding like she’s broke” any time soon. “Some of us are doers and some of us are just dreamers. I’m both,” she says. “I’m trying to build so that I can set my children up to have great futures.” Her number one goal is to be the best wife and mother she can be, and to gift her children with financial freedom and an empire to grow. “All of these different companies that we have, I would love for them to be passed down from generation to generation,” she explains. “I want my kids to be leaders.”

Spoken like a bona fide boss.

Charli Penn, a Jersey girl with a passion for digital storytelling, is the senior relationships and lifestyle editor for ESSENCE.com.

Follow her on Instagram @charlipenn.

OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 99

BIGGER IS DEFINITELY BETTER THIS SEASON WHEN IT COMES TO BOLD QUILTED COATS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAKAHIRO OGAWA | FASHION EDITOR: JOIEE THORPE

Lacoste “Glossy Nylon” down jacket and zipped dress.

Coach 1941 “Astor Square” sunglasses.

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100 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

!

Diesel “W-Lacey” coat. Michael Kors Collection “Banker” cashmere sleeve-tie pullover sweater and blanket skirt.

102 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Dsquared2 jacket. Emilio Pucci crystal embroidered coat and chenille knit rib dress. Christian Louboutin “Fanny” stack-heel boots.

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Adeam oversize quilted puffer coat. Bally studded tunic, ruffle-neck top and embellished beret.

Dsquared2 boots.

Socks, stylist’s own

Public School “Tending Down” jacket.

Rosie Assoulin “Grandma Elanor’s Swarovski Blanket” sweater and “Do the Bustle” pants.

For details, see Where to Buy. Hair, Stacey Ciceron using SheaMoisture/ Defacto, Inc. Makeup, Frank Guyton/kenbarboza .com. Manicure, Jackie Saulsbery/ Dior Vernis/Factory Downtown. Model, Nykhor Paul/ Muse Model.

OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 105

A MATTER OF

LIFE Why are Black women in the U.S. more likely to die during or after childbirth than any other group of American women?

ESSENCE and ProPublica investigate

BY MEAGHAN WINTER | ILLUSTRATIONS BY PETRA ERIKKSON

106 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

Late at night on February 4, 2010, when she was 37 weeks pregnant, Fathiyyah “Tia” Doster started feeling bloated. She assumed it was from the food she’d eaten for dinner.

“I didn’t think it was an emergency at all. That never crossed my mind,” she says. Then age 25 and working as an addiction counselor in Tampa, she’d breezed through her pregnancy thus far without even morning sickness, only needing iron pills for anemia, as she had for years. Tia planned on a water birth at a midwifery practice.

W

hen her discomfort did not dissipate, Tia called her midwife, who also blamed the late-night dinner, but added, “If it makes you feel better, come in and we’ll check you out.” It was already after midnight when Tia called a friend, who drove her the 30 minutes to the hospital where the midwife was on call. While growing up in a nurturing family, Tia had been steeped in the importance of preventive care. “It’s about being able to listen to your body and be proactive about whatever is going on, and not just waiting until things get really, really bad,” she explains. She just wanted to be sure that she wasn’t in labor.

At the hospital a nurse took Tia’s vitals. Suddenly the nurse seemed nervous. Tia’s blood pressure was extremely high. The nurse said she might need to have an emergency C-section and went to alert the doctors. Tia remembers seeing the nurse’s back in the doorway. “I was trying to say, ‘Come back,’ ” she says. Then her body stiffened and everything went blurry. When she awoke, she was in an ICU bed, covered in tubes, disoriented. Her daughter had been delivered while she was unconscious. Tia was not stable enough for the baby to be brought to her. The dramatic spike in her blood pressure had caused seizures that led to multiorgan failure. She was diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome, a lifethreatening liver condition. “Everybody was in a state of shock” over how quickly the crisis had set in, Tia says. “It’s hard to fathom.” She was hospitalized for more than three months.

During much of her hospital stay, Tia was unable to hold her daughter, Ayah. “Emotionally, it was just a really hard time,” she says. The baby was cared for by the father and Tia’s mother.

Though Tia had a steady stream of visitors, nothing could make up for missing her daughter’s birth and early babyhood.

“I didn’t really get a chance to bond with her,” she says. “For a very long time, I felt this detachment.”

to the hospital. Tia asked for help. Her friend offered to make the late-night drive. The nurse responded promptly to a warning sign. The hospital’s medical team reacted immediately and precisely. Had anyone in that chain acted differently, Tia and her daughter might not have lived. She considers her remaining nerve damage and scars “a reminder to be grateful.”

Increasingly, however, and at startling rates, hundreds of Black women in the U.S. are losing their lives during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. They are between three and four times more likely to die of a pregnancy-related complication than White women. Black women are also twice as likely to suffer a problem so severe that they almost die, referred to as a near miss. The racial disparity transcends education and income levels, unraveling common assumptions about who suffers in our health care system. “I don’t want to sound an alarm that every Black woman who gets pregnant should be like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m going to die.’ Because that isn’t the case,” says Haywood L. Brown, M.D., president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “We just want people to know that ‘I might be at a little higher risk because I’m a woman of color, regardless of what side of the track I’m on.’ ” No single explanation captures why. “There are many factors,” Brown adds. The complex web of causes—which includes genetic predispositions, chronic stress, racial bias and structural barriers to health care—contributes to the racial disparity in maternal health. Each time a Black woman dies of pregnancy-related issues, a different combination of some or all of those factors has coalesced.

BLACK WOMEN ARE BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE OF A PREGNANCYRELATED COMPLICATION THAN WHITE WOMEN.

CAUSE FOR ALARM While Tia’s experience might seem like a nightmare, so much went well: She trusted her observations about her body. She asked questions. The midwife invited her to come

A FATEFUL CHAIN OF EVENTS By age 37 Kyira “Kira” Dixon Johnson had pulled off feats that most people can only imagine: After graduating college she’d started businesses, learned to pilot airplanes and skydive solo, raced cars and ran marathons. She spoke five languages. For four years she had lived in China, where she opened language schools. Kira had always wanted kids, but was waiting for the right person to have them with.

That person turned out to be Charles Johnson IV—whom she’d dated before moving to China and had reconnected

»

with after returning home to Atlanta. Both were entrepreneurs, and Charles loved trading ideas with Kira. She made his world feel expansive, loaded with possibilities.

He remembers flipping through not one but two of her passports so covered in stamps that they needed extra pages. “The way she approached life was unlike anybody I’d ever met before,” Charles says. She had an inborn warmth and generosity, but, “if there was something that needed to get done, it would get done.”

When Kira became pregnant in 2014, she and Charles promised each other that the baby wasn’t going to slow them down. “We’d been tremendously blessed,” says Charles, whose mother is the Honorable Glenda Hatchett of the TV series The Verdict With Judge Hatchett. Kira was relatively old for a first-time mom, but she was fit and “exceptionally healthy,” Charles says. In September 2014 their son Charles was born without complications. “She was beside herself,” Hatchett says. “She was so happy.”

Kira threw herself into caring for little Charles, just as she’d done for everything else she’d ever wanted. And true to their promise, Charles and Kira traveled with the baby— to France, Monaco and Colombia.

In 2015, the couple married and Kira became pregnant again. She was ecstatic to be having another boy. While she was expecting, the Johnsons moved to California to pursue business opportunities. On April, 12, 2016, Kira was scheduled for a caesarean at Cedars-Sinai, a top-ranked research hospital in Los Angeles where Beyoncé gave birth

108 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

to twins this past June. At 2:33 P. M ., Langston Johnson was born. A half hour later Kira was holding her healthy baby.

That was the calm before the storm. Just before 5 P. M ., Charles, who had remained at Kira’s bedside, noticed that the fluid in her Foley catheter—the thin tube inserted in patients to drain urine—was tinged red. Twenty minutes later, the “Foley catheter was draining bright red blood,” according to the legal complaint the family later filed against the hospital. The complaint stated that after that catheter was replaced, blood ran through the next one, too. An ultrasound showed fluid might be collecting in Kira’s abdomen, and she was given medication for pain. At 6:44 P. M ., a physician reportedly ordered a “stat” scan of Kira’s abdomen and pelvis because of “surgical emergency.” Kira’s medical records later showed no evidence that the scan was ever done, says the family.

Over the next few hours, an abdominal ultrasound showed a blood clot, the replacement catheter continued to drain blood, Kira received fluids and blood transfusions and felt “intractable abdominal pain,” according to the complaint. But the physician who had delivered Langston and was overseeing Kira’s care didn’t return to her bedside until 8:47 P. M . At 10:55 P. M ., a nurse reportedly notified the doctors that Kira’s blood pressure had plummeted. Charles says that as Kira became paler and groggier, she asked him not to tell her own mother, in town for the birth, so she wouldn’t worry. He says he continued to ask medical staffers why they still hadn’t taken action to determine why she was bleeding. At 11:25 P. M ., the complaint states, the overseeing physician was notified about potential “active internal bleeding.” At 11:42 P. M ., after an ultrasound showed an expanding blood clot and fluid that shouldn’t have been there, two attending physicians recommended taking Kira to surgery so they could investigate, the complaint says. The lead physician allegedly decided against surgery. Almost an hour later, when Kira was taken to surgery, physicians reportedly found three liters of blood in her abdomen. She’d been hemorrhaging. Around 2 A . M ., Charles called his mother and asked her to pray.

If we are not protecting mothers and babies in this country, what are we doing?” —CHARLES JOHNSON IV

At 2:22 A . M . on April 13, 2016, Kira was pronounced dead of hemorrhagic shock—she had bled to death.

poverty, are uninsured and may live in neighborhoods that lack fresh groceries or green spaces for exercise, all of which can contribute to underlying health problems. GeogCHILDBIRTH IN CRISIS raphy also can affect the quality of care women receive.

Pregnancy-related deaths are relatively rare. Yet America Rural hospitals have lost resources and cut back on their has some of the worst maternal health outcomes in the services, including ones for high-risk pregnancies. In 2015, world: Every year about 700 women, representing all women in rural areas died of pregnancy-related causes at a races and stations in life, die of pregnancy-related 64 percent higher rate than women in urban areas, as The causes. Roughly 65,000 women experience a near miss.

Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year. Meanwhile The United States is the only industrialcities where housing is still very ized nation where the maternal mortality segregated—such as Washington, D.C., rate is on the rise. Some of the reasons and New York City—have some of the for the increase in the overall maternal nation’s widest racial disparities for materdeath rate cross racial lines. Unlike those nal health. One study coauthored by of previous generations, new moms are Elizabeth Howell, M.D., professor of older today—which means they could obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive be more likely to have more preexisting science at Icahn School of Medicine at conditions, like diabetes or hypertenMount Sinai Hospital in New York City sion, that raise the chance of problems. suggests that Black women are more likely More American women are overweight to deliver in lower-quality hospitals. or obese, another risk factor. But all Bias is also part of the equation. Howell YET CHICKASAW women over the age of 35, like Kira— says that when speculating what could and especially Black women at this be going wrong in those underperformCOUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, stage—are at higher risk of childbirth ing hospitals, one of many questions she HAS A MATERNAL complications, regardless of their preasks is, “Could there be unconscious bias DEATH RATE FOR pregnancy health. going on in terms of the way you treat WOMEN OF COLOR The disproportionate number of Black patients who walk through your doors?”

THAT’S HIGHER women who die largely accounts for the Brown says bias can cut multiple ways, at United States’ high maternal death rate. the expense of both wealthy and poor THAN RWANDA’S. In some rural counties and dense cities Black women: Even previously healthy alike, the racial disparity in maternal Black women are at higher risk of getting deaths is jaw-dropping: Chickasaw preeclampsia or hemorrhage, so their County, Mississippi, for instance, has a doctors should be extra vigilant—but maternal death rate for women of color doctors may reflexively categorize that’s higher than Rwanda’s. In New York educated, middle-class or affluent Black City, Black women are 12 times more likely women as low risk and overlook red flags. than White women to die of pregnancyThe legacy of American doctors related causes—and the disparity has abusing, including forcibly sterilizing, more than doubled in recent years.

Black patients still has repercussions.

According to the CDC Foundation, Monica Simpson, executive director of nearly 60 percent of maternal deaths SisterSong, a reproductive justice orgaare preventable. And two leading nization for women of color, and causes of maternal death—hemorrhage cofounder of Black Mamas Matter and preeclampsia, a disorder caused by Alliance, says, “We still have to battle pregnancy and associated with high the fact that people have those blood pressure—are the most preventmemories that they pass down from Tia Doster and daughter Ayah able. “There are vulnerabilities in Black generation to generation.” That history in February 2014 women that increase their risk,” says “definitely prevents people from going Brown. Underlying conditions like anemia, hypertension, in for care,” she adds. Elliott Main, M.D., medical director diabetes and obesity seem to be more prevalent among of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative Black women.

(CMQCC), which is dedicated to improving maternal Those medical conditions explain some, not all, of the health, says, “The lack of trust between African-American disparity. When there’s a maternal death, generally, multiwomen and their doctors and hospitals can impair the ple problems have cascaded. Experts also point to an array kind of care that you get.” of social factors, including vast inequities. Compared with Our larger political backdrop also plays into maternal White women, Black women disproportionately live in health. The Trump administration has proposed slashing

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OF MATERNAL DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE.

»

more than $1 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and almost $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health, threatening medical research of all kinds. In addition to the District of Columbia, 18 states—the majority of which are in the South where disproportionately high rates of Black people live in poverty— have not expanded Medicaid. This has left low-income workers uninsured. Meanwhile, those same states have made it harder for women’s clinics to stay open, and limit access to contraception and abortion, even though planned pregnancies have better outcomes.

TODAY NOT ALL STATES GATHER CONSISTENT DATA ABOUT MATERNAL DEATHS.

Could there be unconscious bias going on in terms of the way you treat patients who walk through your doors?”

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COU RTESY OF CHARLES JOHNSON

like preeclampsia and hemorrhage. In many cases those conditions should be treatable if a medical team acts quickly enough, so decreasing human error can mean saving lives. Implementing consistent hospital protocols is a shorter-term undertaking than, say, ending housing segregation. But it’s still an enormous task that will take years and lots of attention.

The first step is to understand the scope of the problem. Pregnancy and childbirth became dramatically safer in the United States starting in the 1930’s, partially because statewide review boards monitored maternal deaths and identified room for change, explains Main. By the eighties and FROM RISKS TO nineties, he says, “They all had closed—they thought the problem was done.” As of now, RESOLUTIONS While the reasons for maternal deaths are only 33 states have review boards or are too thorny for any single solution to be actively setting them up. In recent decades enough, experts say it’s possible to make the bulk of research dollars set aside for reforms that will save lives. Because the maternal fetal research has gone to studying causes of maternal death are multilayered infants. “Maternal health was in the back of and vary, solutions need to be implethe line,” Howell says. These days not all mented on multiple levels—within the health states gather consistent data about matercare system, hospitals, communities and nal deaths. That means government officials individual women’s lives. “We need all hands and medical experts don’t have a complete on deck,” says Howell. Simpson says it’s picture of why women across the country important for people to ask their local are dying—so they aren’t better equipped to Kira Dixon Johnson with her representatives whether their state tracks do something about it. firstborn, Charles, in May 2015 maternal deaths and racial disparities. She Now the Centers for Disease Control recommends urging local reproductive rights and church and Prevention, American College of Obstetricians and groups to get involved. To help Black patients feel more comGynecologists, Black Mamas Matter Alliance and other fortable with their providers, she wants more medical profesmaternal health experts are pushing for all states to have sionals to receive cultural competency training and more review boards that analyze maternal deaths and near misses, Blacks to become doulas and midwives (to counteract to look for ways to intervene. Asking for review boards generations of inherited trauma). may seem like a feeble call to arms given the profound As reformers recognize that the deeply entrenched social tragedy that they’re addressing, but there’s no clear way inequities that contribute to many maternal deaths can’t forward without understanding what’s going wrong. be eradicated overnight, they are focusing on one factor In 2004, after its maternal death rate spiked, California that’s more within their control: a hospital staff’s response set up such a committee. Using its findings, the CMQCC to warning signs. Hospitals across the country don’t have wrote recommendations and began training medical staffs. universal protocols for handling harbingers of conditions Main says the hardest part of the CMQCC’s work is trying to ensure that medical teams adopt the recommendations, as training is labor-intensive. “You can publish a guideline but that doesn’t mean that doctors and nurses are going to change what they do.” Not all California hospitals take part in CMQCC’s program, but Main says that among participating hospitals the rate of major complications among women who hemorrhage at birth dropped by 20 percent between 2014 and 2016.

Still the training program isn’t a cure-all, as evidenced by the women who died anyway, like Kira Dixon Johnson.

When reached for comment about her death, CedarsSinai issued a statement to ESSENCE saying that it began implementing the CMQCC’s protocols in 2011 and updated —ELIZABETH HOWELL, M.D.

its hemorrhage guidelines continually as needed, well before Kira died there. “Kyira Johnson’s death was a tragedy,” the statement reads, in part. “CedarsSinai is a longstanding leader in the effort to eliminate preventable maternal deaths, which affect African-American women at a much higher rate than other groups. Our ob-gyn leadership actively participates in community, statewide and national efforts to better understand these issues and to develop actions to prevent maternal deaths. We work closely with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, playing a key role in the organization’s call to identify and review all cases of maternal deaths. This advocacy—spearheaded by ob-gyn leaders across the country, including Cedars-Sinai’s chair of ob-gyn—has set a national standard for conducting such reviews.”

More than a year after the tragedy, Charles anticipates having to explain Kira’s death to their sons and their asking, “Dad, what did you do about it?” He’s working to raise awareness and push for legislation that will formalize maternal death review boards, because “I have to be able to say to them, ‘Sons, this is what we did.’ If we are not protecting mothers and babies in this country, what are we doing?”

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INFORMED INTERVENTION

patient making a preconception appointment. Wherever you are seeking care, Brown says, “ask questions,” and if the answers don’t satisfy you, keep asking.

During pregnancy, eating nutritious food, limiting weight gain, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and attending regular checkups are all essential. “It’s not just important for the baby, it’s important for the mother,” Riley says.

She also stresses the importance of the postpartum checkup: “Complications during pregnancy can sometimes be a marker of future health problems.” Gestational diabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and preeclampsia can indicate cardiovascular disease. Postpartum visits are opportunities to prevent or minimize those or other chronic issues, regardless of whether you’ve had a healthy pregnancy. Riley’s advice lays bare how hard it can be to separate public policy from personal health: In some states Medicaid—which covers almost half of the births in the United States—only covers a new mother’s doctor visits for six weeks after delivery.

When she finally went home from the hospital, Tia needed dialysis and physical therapy to relearn how to walk. She blamed herself, thinking, I have a master’s degree. How could I not know about preeclampsia? Then she discovered the Preeclampsia Foundation. Finding out about the gaps in knowledge even among doctors helped her forgive herself. Now Tia works with the Preeclampsia Foundation to raise awareness. “I never sat back and thought about how my family history would play into my experience,” she says. Tia believes that because conditions like high blood pressure are so common in Black communities, the thinking becomes, We all have it, so why do we have to talk about it? She’s also seen how mistrust of the medical establishment makes Black people afraid to seek care and ask questions. “I will forever be an advocate for people to take control of their health, Tia says, “Silence can really be the death of us.”

IN SOME STATES, MEDICAID ONLY COVERS A NEW MOTHER’S DOCTOR VISITS FOR SIX WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY.

In the face of all these obstacles, maternal health experts do have recommendations for patients, even if it’s impossible to safeguard against all risk. First, everyone should go to the doctor to discuss conception before becoming pregnant. “If you have a medical illness,” Laura E. Riley, M.D., the director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, says, “anxiety, depression, hypertension, diabetes, lupus, you name it, you should have a consultation with someone beforehand so you can figure out how to maximize your good health and…minimize the complications.” A preconception appointment can also mean getting contraception until you’re at your healthiest. Adds Riley, “Making the conscious decision to have a baby allows you to be prepared,” and to get underlying issues under control first. Any clinic or practice that offers ob-gyn care should welcome a

Meaghan Winter (@mego_winter) is a freelance journalist in New York City. She’s working on her first book, Exit Left (Nation), about the progressive movement in the U.S.

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THE ONE & ONLY

QUEEN pursuit of it. It was galvanizing: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. We sang the song on our way to Sunday school. Young girls, with our Dixie Peach–infused barrel-shaped bangs and matching coatdress ensembles, still in kitten heels and training bras, trying to pilfer money from our church envelopes to buy a bar of candy for a nickel. The lyrics resound with prerogative, and I’d always stop to breathe before the line, “I’m about to give you all my money.” remember Aretha Franklin’s “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” In 1967 it They were words meant to be belted out, but they were also was omnipresent. The song blasted from record players worthy of being imbibed. Even back then I had the sense that in blue-lit basement parties and out of solid oak living Aretha wasn’t just talking about dollar bills. The money line room stereo consoles. It blared from radios in cars and shops was also a metaphor for a woman’s value. She was essentially and hair salons. People hummed it and sang it out loud. Little saying this is not about loving—not even about liking. This is girls even chanted it during their double Dutch games. about acknowledging my oh-so-worthy existence in all of its And on Friday evenings you could almost feel the song’s fineness and substance and depth. Young-girl me could have essence sifting through window screens up and down the aptly sang, “So I’m about to give you a slow dance…my West Philly blocks of my youth. Workweek done, paychecks thoughts on the war in Vietnam…a lick of my Mister Softee cashed, bread dough rising, butterfish sizzling in the cast- cone…the right answers to the algebra quiz…the tip of my iron skillet—it was grown women’s “give me my propers” tongue should we kiss.” revival time, with Aretha as the “lady preacher” sermonizing From “You a no good heartbreaker, a liar, a cheat” in to the beat. Men may have snapped their fingers to the “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)” to “You make me invigorated rhythm or danced the boogaloo to the horn feel like a natural woman” in “A Natural Woman” to “Move your solos, but women claimed the lyrics as their anthem. Ironihips with a feeling from side to side” in “Rock Steady” to “A cally, however, it began as a man’s song. woman’s only human” in “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” Otis Redding wrote and recorded “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” in 1965. she makes you understand she’s not just a plaything—she’s But his version was conventional—a man bringing home his flesh and blood just like her man in “Do Right Woman, Do money and looking for a little something in exchange. Aretha’s Right Man.” She lays it bare, not with a head-hung-low hopeversion was like a reversible coat that’s monotone on the out- lessness of a victim but with the audacious regality of a queen. side but richly textured and boldly hued on the inside. She In an age when one is here today and gone 30 seconds ripped through the seams and let the colors show, turning it later, Aretha has remained relevant because she has been into something a woman could let hang from her shoulders uncompromising in her embrace of her gospel roots, her like the furs Aretha famously wears. With her sisters Carolyn Black culture, her womanhood. And she can still set a trend. and Erma singing, “Sock it to me” in the Just consider the hat she wore when she background and Aretha herself going to sang “My Country ’Tis of Thee” at Barack 50 church on the piano, she offered up a voice Obama’s first inauguration. The gray, softly that is both of this world and holy. It has felted, close-fitting accessory with an overastounding range and an ability to engage size bow outlined in rhinestones stole the THE QUEEN OF SOUL head, heart and soul in a transcendent swirl. show and catapulted its maker, Luke Song, She changed the game with that song. In a to international fame. The hat has stopped period in which “barefoot and pregnant” over at the Smithsonian and will ultimately was still a thing, Aretha was acknowledging live at President Obama’s library. It’s a fitthat we were moving into T.C.B. time, that ting home and apt respect for a crown now the woman was also the one with the worn by the undisputed Queen of Soul. money to give. It was a revolutionary stance in an era of revolution: Raised Black fists From Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul. demanded it; Black-is-beautiful mile-high Copyright © 2017. Published by ESSENCE fros personified it; an energized women’s Books, an imprint of Time Inc. Books. It’s movement marched toward equality in available now in stores and at amazon.com.

IN AN EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT FROM ARETHA FRANKLIN: THE QUEEN OF SOUL, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR DIANE McKINNEY-WHETSTONE SHARES WHY THE DETROIT DIVA STILL RULES

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COLLECTOR’S EDITION

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It was a revolutionary stance in an era of revolution.�

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U B ERIMAG ES/G E T T Y IMAG ES . PHOTOS USED ARE FOR ILLUSTR ATIVE PU RPOSES ON LY.

CONFESSIONS OF DIVORCED MEN HE MAKES YOU LAUGH, HAS SOLID VALUES AND—OH, YEAH—WAS MARRIED BEFORE. HERE’S WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DATING A GUY WHO’S ALREADY BEEN DOWN THE AISLE

BY ELAINE MERYL BROWN

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SEX & LOVE : DATING A DIVORCÉ owner LeMare Harris spoke to his mother and then to his pastor after the dissolution of his union.

“About a year after my divorce, I met a woman who invited me to go skating. We had a great time and she was easy to talk to. There was a spark,” says the 40-year-old veteran. “As we got closer, I didn’t want to hurt her, because I was still hurting. That’s when I went on a soul-searching journey that included reading, fasting and prayer.” During this time they stayed in contact. A year later Harris told his pastor how much he really loved this woman. His pastor suggested they all sit down together and talk.

“Three weeks after that conversation, I proposed to her. She said yes and we’ve been married for ten years,” he adds. After his divorce Harris has learned to be a better communicator and now avoids shutting down during a disagreement.

Women initiate nearly 70 percent of divorces, according to research gathered in 2015 by the For most men, American Sociological Association. That means a healing from Black man is still possibly healing from what may divorce takes time. not have been his choice. “Infidelity on the part of the male is the main cause of divorce in the cases he new guy is funny and engaging except when it that I have taken on. I’ve found that divorced Black men comes to talking about his ex-wife. He says he got tend to suffer deep depression longer than Black women. divorced a year ago, yet you aren’t sure he has recovThey could be depressed for years postdivorce, whereas ered. Instead of being on a date, you feel like an investigator women tend to move on and pick up at a faster pace,” says trying to discern if he has what you’re seeking. A man experiLeon Dickerson, Ph.D., a psychotherapist in Harlem who ences divorce differently than a woman, so it’s important to has been in private practice for more than 20 years. know how to navigate seeing a guy who has gone through it.

Bill Jackson, an IT professional, knows the depths of “I tried dating before I was ready. I was a wreck,” despair a man can fall into. “I did four things after the admits Darryl Dixon*, now in his forties. “I met a young divorce,” says the Arkansas native who’s in his sixties. lady and we went out. I almost had to leave because I started to have a panic attack. Sitting inches away from her was too close for comfort. She could tell I was beginning to freak out. Eventually we left and talked after that. She wanted more than I was prepared to give.” The date was the wake-up call that pushed Dixon into counseling. “I’m still not seeing anyone seriously,” the former Atlanta-based corrections officer says. “If I can’t do a woman right, I don’t want to do her wrong.”

—LEON DICKERSON, PH.D. Divorce can be a huge stressor for all involved, and it’s often harder for men to recover. “Compared with women, men tend to get stuck in the anger stage and stay there a “I worked, came home, watched TV and went to bed. I went bit longer,” says Erma Lawson-Elahee, R.N., Ph.D., a retired into a rut of depression, put on 120 pounds and developed University of North Texas associate professor and the diabetes and sleep apnea. Before, I was at the gym every coauthor of Black Men and Divorce. “Men can heal with day.” Jackson decided that he had had enough of the pity traditional and spiritual counseling, therapy and increased party and made a conscious decision to reclaim fitness and involvement in social activities to help them through the work on the areas that led to his divorce. “I’ve been in a process.” Talking to a pastor and getting involved in committed relationship for four years,” he says. “My ego is church activities served as therapy for many of the men no longer in charge. I’m more sensitive and attentive to my Lawson-Elahee has studied. Some participated more in new lady’s needs. I’m listening and not arguing. I don’t want Black fraternity events and political functions, while others to hurt anyone’s feelings, especially hers.” joined community groups or coached basketball teams to “Previously married men who are in their forties are more cope with their psychological distress. “I also noticed that likely to remarry than never-married men in their forties,” Black men relied more on their mothers for support than says Philip N. Cohen, an associate professor at the University White men did,” adds Lawson-Elahee. Atlanta restaurant of Maryland, College Park. The perks of dating the former can

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I’ve found that divorced Black men tend to suffer depression for years, whereas women move on at a faster pace.

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include that they are not afraid to commit, have on-the-job-training, and understand that marriage is not a fairy tale and requires effort.

Lawson-Elahee advises to look out for men who date other women when they’re in the process of divorce and for men who fear that another relationship will end in the same way. Also a man with kids has unique considerations.

Fiftysomething construction manager Artie Coleman is now a single dad. “I got custody of the children. My daughter was 10 and my son was 8. Men are used to dating women with kids, but not vice versa,” he says. “I was ‘all in’ as a parent. A woman wants to feel as if she’s number one and she couldn’t feel that way with me. I still managed to date, but it became difficult to have a relationship. I had to feel strongly that a woman was going to be around before introducing her to my kids. Fast-forward ten years and now I’m happily in a relationship. We Ask questions to assess started dating four years ago, when my kids were older.” a divorced It can be harder for men to get over a breakup guy’s emotions emotionally because they don’t have the same and mind-set. support systems. They often talk to friends, but don’t express what they’re feeling in a way that allows vulnerfor five years. “If he doesn’t, he may enter it while he’s still ability. “They can get stuck on how to get the person back hurt and damaged, and may not be emotionally ready.” or how to seek retaliation,” adds Cynthia Grace, a clinical Gardere admits that he bought into the stereotype psychologist in New York City and West Palm Beach, that being a financial provider was the major part of Florida. “Black men often get therapy at the gym or the being a good husband and father, not understanding barbershop with people who are not trained to provide that another important part of the job is paying attenprofessional assistance,” notes Lester L. Barclay, a Chicago tion to a spouse’s emotional needs. Using his own attorney and the author of The African-American Guide to experience, he’s helped many men move on to successDivorce & Drama: Breaking Up Without Breaking Down. ful relationships. “What I practice and preach is, instead Friends may also encourage men to start dating immediof jumping from a divorce into a new relationship, hang ately to get over the ex and just move on. However, that’s out with Emit!!! That’s time spelled backward.” often not the right choice. “Using women as placeholders After many dates, Gardere is now seeing a woman he or rebounding immediately after a divorce mimics adolesgot to know really well first: “Unlike my other relationcent behavior,” says Jeff Gardere, Ph.D., a clinical psycholships that went from physical attraction to infatuation ogist in New York City. “Men rebound more often because and then a legitimate loving relationship, in this one I had they act out more sexually. It’s usually what adolescents no interest in her other than as a friend. I got to know her do when they can’t identify what they’re feeling.” personality and characteristics. The physical attraction According to some experts, even a few therapy sessions and love took time and grew organically. Now we are just can help the recovery process, which can take between two as much friends as we are romantic partners.” and five years, depending on the situation and if there are Divorced men come with experience and history. children. “A man must take time to heal before getting into Handle with care. a new relationship,” adds Gardere, who has been divorced *Names of subjects have been changed.

PEOPLEIMAG ES/G E T T Y IMAG ES

ASK THESE QUESTIONS AND LISTEN CLOSELY TO HIS ANSWERS How long has it been since your breakup and how long have you been divorced?

How did you cope with the divorce?

How often do you see your children?

Do you want to marry again?

What have you learned from your divorce?

Are you still in contact with your former partner?

Are you paying alimony or child support?

What would you do differently in your next relationship?

Who have you opened up to in order to heal from the breakup?

Have you forgiven yourself and her?

How do you show love?

Follow ESSENCE Senior Editor, Lifestyle & Relationships Charreah K. Jackson on Twitter @CHARREAH.

MEET A WARRIOR ERICKA HART REDEFINES LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER

BY VICTORIA JONAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANKLIN THOMPSON

I

n 2014 Ericka Hart was walking into a New York City store when her phone rang. She hesitantly answered the call, which was from her friend—a breast cancer surgeon.

A week earlier Hart had gone in for an ultrasound and a mammogram because of a lump she had found during a self-exam in the shower.

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Hoping the lump was benign, Hart prayed before answering. When she heard the diagnosis—“triple negative” in her left breast and HER2-positive in her right—her eyes filled with tears. It was the worst case of déjà vu: At 13 she lost her mother to breast cancer.

And at 28 Hart now faced the same foe. “My mother had no interest in dying, and she lived that way,” she says. “Her passing was the hardest experience of my life. Now that I, too, live with breast cancer, I push against a narrow-minded, morbid narrative just as she unknowingly taught me to do.”

The news actually came as a relief to Hart, who had been performing selfexams ever since she was 13. No longer anticipating the what-ifs, she sprang into action. In July 2014 she underwent a double mastectomy. Then a couple of months later, she began chemotherapy treatment, which lasted about a year.

Hart celebrates her postcancer body on Instagram.

cancercare.org for resources.

One thing that surprised Hart, however, was the impact the illness had on her sexual desire. “I was on the highest dosage of chemo,” says the Columbia University lecturer who teaches a class on gender. “It takes a toll and I felt fatigued a lot. It took away my libido, and that was something no one had talked to me about.”

Disappointed in the lack of information she had received from her oncologist about sex after cancer, she worked to reignite her interest on her own. “It’s a new body to explore. You have to be gentle,” she says.

When my bandages came off, I was happy. I said, ‘Oh, I have scars as nipples now.’

—ERICKA HART

THE AFTERMATH The process of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can severely alter a person’s body. The side effects can be physically and psychologically devastating. In addition to hair loss, survivors can contend with mouth sores, aches, scarring, nausea, darkening of nails, menopausal symptoms and blood clots. Some issues can even be lifelong, such as lymphedema (which is swelling in the limbs). Hart suffers from the condition.

“Whenever I travel, I have to wear compression sleeves or be mindful of swelling,” she says. Other symptoms include fatigue and hot flashes.

Dealing with the side effects of treatment can also serve as a constant reminder of the disease. For those who may need assistance managing their challenges, there are multiple sources of support available, including group therapy meet-ups, online safe spaces and survivor mentoring. Check out cancer.org or

Consulting a health care professional or talking with your partner can also help.

THE TURN Through it all, loving your physique requires grace, gratitude and time.

After her surgery, Hart greeted her body with acceptance. “Often people who have a mastectomy or nipplectomy will experience some body shame,” she says. “When my bandages came off, I was happy. I said, ‘Oh, I have scars as nipples now.’ ” But it was at 2016’s Afropunk Fest in Brooklyn that she had her postcancer defining moment. After seeing a shirtless man, she boldly decided to reveal her breasts publicly for the first time. Once her top came off, Hart received praise from many festivalgoers: “Being topless felt familiar.

Growing up in predominantly White spaces, I am used to being the ‘only one’ or people deeming how I look to be different.” At first glance some observers didn’t link Hart’s scars to

cancer, so they began asking questions. “I’m calling it ‘topless activism,’ ” she says. “In the moment it was to reclaim my body, but I also fell in love with my postcancer self.”

MORE THAN A RIBBON Since then Hart, who’s now cancer-free, has continued to share her experiences and body with the world to bring awareness about this disease.

Before the operation, for example, she and her plastic surgeon struggled to find pictures of Black women who had had the procedure. These days Hart has posted plenty of photographs of herself on Instagram (@ihartericka) and her Web site (ihartericka.com) so Black women who are confronting the disease can see what they might look like. She’s become a beacon of hope—an honor she didn’t expect.

“I like that there is a face to it,” she notes. “I want Black women or Black trans women to know that this could happen to them and that they should check their breasts.”

The conversation about cancer can be heavy. For Hart, defying death has been a stress reliever. “People say to me, ‘Ericka, you aren’t stressed out about x, y and z.’ I’m like, I beat breast cancer. What is there to be stressed about?” she says. Hart found her own path back to good health. “I’m here,” she says. “I overcame another obstacle.

I’m a badass. This is my story.”

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THE OFFICE: Look your sharpest before a big meeting.

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HEALTHY & HAPPY : FOOD

BREAK THE FAST YOUR FIRST MEAL OF THE DAY IS VITAL AND CAN BE KEY TO CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH. GET CREATIVE WITH THESE FUN AND NUTRITIOUS RECIPES

BY IRENE KIRKLAND

W

e can’t run the world if we’re feeling fatigued. We need to kick-start our mornings with breakfast, which helps us own not only the day but also our health. A 2013 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that skipping breakfast is highly associated with type 2 diabetes among women. Other research suggests that bypassing that early meal can also leave you with a lack of focus and energy for daily tasks. Fortunately, according to USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, 75 percent of Black Americans eat breakfast regularly.

“Breakfast provides energy, so the quicker you take it in, the quicker you fuel your brain and body for an efficient day,” says Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Atlanta. “It doesn’t have to be a full spread.

It can be as simple as a banana with peanut butter, Greek yogurt with fruit or almond butter on toast with berries.

Choose foods that energize you. Breakfast can set the tone for the day, so finding a rhythm is essential.”

“I always tell people to eat their colors,” adds Johane M. Filemon, a dietitian based in the greater Atlanta area. She’s also the founder of Wonderfully Nutritious Solutions, which helps clients achieve their wellness goals. “The more colorful your plates are, the more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are going to be in them.” Filemon recommends the MIND Diet, which promotes the inclusion of foods that improve cognitive health such as beans, nuts, berries, green leafy vegetables, fish, olive oil, poultry, whole grains and wine. Own your day from the start!

C AITLIN B ENSEL

When the ESSENCE team heard about Extra Crispy, a fellow Time Inc. brand dedicated to breakfast and brunch, we had to check it out and report back to you. Coffee beans in yogurt? We’ll try that. Sushi in the A . M .? Yes, please. Here are a few recipes we spotted that made us reimagine ingredients and meals. Head over to extracrispy.com to see other interesting recipe ideas and tell them the ladies at ESSENCE sent you.

Affogato Yogurt Bowl Makes 1 serving.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup brewed dark roast coffee 1 cup vanilla yogurt 1 ⁄4 teaspoon orange zest 3 tablespoons chocolatecovered espresso beans 1 tablespoon cocoa nibs 3 to 4 orange segments

Bring sugar and coffee to a boil in a saucepan over high

heat. Reduce to low heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until syrupy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly, about 20 minutes.

(Reserve 1⁄4 cup.) Stir yogurt and zest in a bowl. Top with espresso beans, cocoa nibs and orange segments. Drizzle with 1⁄4 cup of the coffee syrup. Serve immediately.

»

OCTOBER 2017 ESSENCE .COM 123

HEAL HE HEALTHY ALTH THY Y & HA HAPPY AP PP PY : FOOD FOOD FO O

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs Makes 1 serving.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes 2 slices smoked salmon 3 eggs 1 tablespoon heavy cream Salt to taste Pepper to taste 1 tablespoon butter Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Maki Roll Makes 2 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes 2 cups sushi rice 1 ⁄4 cup caper brine 1 ⁄4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons poppy seeds 1 tablespoon pretzel salt 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon dried garlic flakes 4 eggs 1 envelope dashi powder 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon soy sauce Nori Cooked bacon Thinly sliced cheese

124 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

ALE X TEPPER (2)

To make rice, cook according to package directions. In the meantime, mix brine, sugar and vinegar.

Once rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and drizzle in caper mixture, tossing rice around for even distribution. Set aside and cover with a damp paper towel. To make the topping, add poppy seeds, salt, sesame seeds onion and garlic flakes in a frying pan. Toast over medium heat until fragrant, then set aside.

Combine eggs, dashi powder, sugar and soy sauce in a bowl and beat vigorously until well incorporated. Grease and heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add just enough of the egg mixture to coat the pan and allow it to cook.

Remove the pan from heat and then use a spatula to fold the very thin omelet to one side of the pan.

Add more egg mixture, and then lift the folded omelet ever so slightly to allow additional mixture to creep under it. Return pan to heat and repeat the process, folding in the opposite direction to create multiple layers of egg without scorching. Or, if desired, just scramble the eggs. Once the mixture has been cooked, set omelet aside, allow it to cool slightly and then cut it into logs.

To make the roll, lay out a sushi mat with a piece of nori on top.

Wet your hands and evenly spread the rice over the nori. Flip it over, and arrange the bacon, egg logs and cheese in the center of the roll. Roll it up and crimp. Cut the roll into 6 or 8 pieces and sprinkle with topping.

Using a knife, cut the slices of smoked salmon into 1-inch cubes. Crack eggs into a bowl or a mason jar and pour in heavy cream. Add salt and pepper.

Whisk quickly with a

fork, or tightly seal the jar and shake until well combined.

Melt butter in a small pan over medium-high heat.

Then pour egg and heavy cream mixture into the pan and cook for at least 2 minutes or until the edges begin to set. Add salmon cubes to the pan and scramble for another minute.

Remove from heat.

If desired, top with chives. Great when served alongside a toasted bagel with cream cheese.

SHOWCASE

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OC TO B E R 2017

HEALTHY & HAPPY : SPIRITUALITY

TAKE YOUR SEAT ON THE THRONE We are almost at the final season of the year—the perfect time to recommit to being our best selves.

Mama Glow founder and author of Own Your Glow: A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowning the Queen Within (Hay House), Latham Thomas shares how to run your queendom

W

e may have started the year off strong with a blueprint to make 2017 one of mastery. But along the way we’ve found ourselves slipping away from our goals, falling into old patterns and coasting. When we finally look up, we wonder, What can I do to get back on track? As a women’s wellness maven and doula, I have supported thousands of women on the brink of change.

Though we think we aren’t doing enough, we are actually doing too much. I invite you to slow down, prioritize what matters most and make room for self-care.

Owning your glow is the art of being a fully expressed woman, accelerating a positive transformation from the inside out. There is never a better time than now. Here are a few easy-to-implement practices to help you hit the reset button so you can achieve your dreams in 2017:

USE YOUR VACATION DAYS

MAP YOUR MONTHLY CYCLE Menstruation is a sacred event that can deepen our intuition and solidify the self-nourishing continuum. Learn to honor your period and use it as an opportunity to rest, slow down, stay close to home and cherish yourself. Journal during this time to track your feelings and energy and discover patterns. In the days leading up to your menses, thin out your schedule. The womb is the hallowed passageway and a gateway to our creativity.

ROUND UP YOUR VISION DOULAS FOR SUPPORT Create a system of assistance for where you are right now. In the birth tradition, the doula is a woman whose

126 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

PRACTICE CONFESSIONS OF LIGHT Expressing gratitude gives you a chance to improve how you speak about inspiration and acknowledge people who have made a favorable mark on your life. We should know how blessed we are when faced with the biggest challenges and smallest triumphs. Showing gratefulness also makes our army of angels feel appreciated and connected to their purpose in service. Make a short list of people who have helped you along the way and reach out to thank them.

TAKE A FAST FROM THE PHONE It’s really easy to get caught up in social media, texting and digital chatter. Research suggests that our phones actually contribute to our anxiety. Tune out everything for one day—perhaps a Sunday. Can’t do a full day?

Then try half a day. Use those hours to be with yourself or with those you love, or do things you enjoy.

ESTABLISH A GLOW TIME Self-care has become a buzzword, but it’s a critical aspect of reclaiming your queendom and being happy and maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. We must protect ourselves by erecting boundaries to filter what we let into our lives. We are often so focused on hustling that we forget to attend to our needs for rest and retreat. Set up a ritual so you can remember: This could be getting a massage, doing yoga, meditating, having a pedicure, reading a great book or taking a nice hot bath by candlelight. Make glow time a regular part of your routine.

BACKGROUND, PIIX YPE ACH/G ET T Y IMAG ES . CROWN , FR AN KR AMSPOT T.

Our culture celebrates martyrdom. Working hard at the expense of your own well-being is usually the dominant message in the workplace. No matter how much you love your job, taking vacation is important. Having even one day off can provide a necessary reboot and the break in routine to jump-start a gratifying rest of the year.

role is to mother the mother. She serves as a grounding emotional and spiritual aid for the woman who is transitioning, or crossing the threshold into motherhood. Your vision doulas fulfill the same role—to be a sensitive, divine supporter or friend who guides you in birthing your aspirations.

SHOWCASE

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WHERE TO BUY

O AR DE E TO TH A AF LI R VI A NG N K LE LI GE N ND

SHINING!

146 Kandi Burruss

MEGAWATT STYLE, BEAUTY & SPRITZ UPDATES

BLACK HAIR NOW B

ON STANDING IN HER TRUTH AND HAVING WHAT MATTERS

Pa age 59: Cooper & Ella blouse, $124, co ooperandella.com. Jennifer Behr ea arrings, $275, jenniferbehr.com.

HOW TO

TRAVEL LIKE A BOSS p. 83

K Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trrophy Wife, $34; Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo in Moscow Mule/ Ginger Binge, $34; Match Stix Shimmer Sk kinstick in Chili Mango, Blonde and Ya acht Lyfe, $25 each; Match Stix Matte Sk kinstick in Espresso, $25; Pro Filt’r So oft Matte Longwear Foundations, $3 34 each, all at sephora.com.

2017 SALON DIRECTORY

HOT SPOTS FOR EVERY HAIR TREND & TEXTURE

SPECIAL REPORT

THE CHILDBIRTH CRISIS NO ONE’S TALKING ABOUT

VISIT ESSENCE.COM OCTOBER 2017

ON T ON THE HE C COVER OVER OV ER Photography by Miller Mobley.

Stylist, Wouri Vice. Hairstylist, Giselle Modeste for Epiphany Artists. Makeup artist, Camara Aunique for Exclusive Artists Management. Manicurist, Mayumi Abuku for Priti NYC/Rona Represents. Set designer, Dorcia Kelley for KelleMiles.

COVER On Kandi Burruss: Victoria Hayes coat, price upon request, victoriahayes nyc.com. Michael Michael Kors dress, $155, select Michael Kors stores.

Vita Fede earrings, $490, vitafede.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STILL SHINING ON S Pa ages 94–95: Carmen Marc Valvo Couture gown, price upon request, by C special order, carmenmarcvalco.com sp for info. Sara Shala cuff, $199, fo sarashala.com. sa Laruicci ring, $120, lla ruicci.com. Anna Sui belt, $339, Anna A Sui, NYC, 212-941-8406.

Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals, $595, farfetch.com. Earrings, stylist’s own.

Pages 96–97: Michael Michael Kors dress, $155, select Michael Kors stores.

Victoria Hayes coat, price upon request, victoriahayesnyc.com. Vita Fede earrings, $490, vitafede.com.

Jimmy Choo shoes, price upon request, select Jimmy Choo stores.

Page 98: Cynthia Rowley dress, $528, cynthiarowley.com. Erickson Beamon for Anna Sui necklace, $600, erickson beamon.com. Fendi boots, $1,350, fendi.com. Earrings, stylist’s own.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME! Pages 100–101: Lacoste jacket, $250, and dress, $325, both at lacoste.com. Coach 1941 sunglasses, $250, coach.com.

Page 102: Diesel coat, $398, diesel.com. Michael Kors Collection sweater, $1,150, and skirt, $795, at select Michael Kors stores.

Page 103: Dsquared2 jacket, price upon request, dsquared2 .com. Emilio Pucci coat, price upon request, and dress, $1,500, Emilio Pucci boutiques. Christian Louboutin boots, price upon request, barneys.com.

Page 104: Adeam coat, $1,750, select Intermix stores (available in November).

Bally dress, $2,795, blouse, $625, and beret, $1,150, all at Bally, NYC, 212-751-9082. Dsquared2 boots, price upon request, dsquared2.com.

Socks, stylist’s own.

Page 105: Public School jacket, $1,050, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Rosie Assoulin sweater, $2,995, Bergdorf Goodman, NYC, 212-753-7300. Rosie Assoulin pants, $1,695, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

MEET A WARRIOR Page 118: Rosena Sammi necklace, $35, rosenasammi.com.

Page 121: Fanm Djanm head wrap, $30, fanmdjanm.com. Rosena Sammi necklace, $35, rosena sammi.com.

100

Page 11: Bibhu Mohapatra dress, $1,900, by custom order, bibhu.com for info. Vitae Ascendere bangles, price upon request, vitae-ascendere. com. Earrings, stylist’s own.

Page 12: Chromat coat, price upon request, chromat.co.

ICB jacket, $445, icbnyc.com for stores.

Page 54: Clockwise: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna CheekHugging Highlight Brush, $32; 128 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

TAKAHIRO OGAWA

THE FENTY FACE

SHOWCASE

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HOROSCOPE

OVERVIEW Get ready to swim in the deep end. Jupiter—the planet of opportunities, expansion and spirituality—inhabits the sign of Scorpio from October 11, 2017, through November 9, 2018. A personal and global purge will take place, which will leave many feeling unnerved.

As Scorpio energy uncovers various situations, we will respond in two ways: be elated to discard old habits and outdated connections and be reluctant to lose control. Either way, the universe is urging us to come out of hiding. Time to clean the slate and claim a new life before you’re caught with your slip showing.

LIBRA September 23 to October 22 In a world where greed and dishonesty are commonplace, you seem to find kindness and integrity wherever you land. Thanks for willingly mediating the madness around us. You may need to adjust your emotional responses to a few pals and people in organizations you’re connected with. Power plays may cause a rift, so just remember to keep your cool. Avoid taking things personally and your ability to bring order will outshine any disturbances.

SCORPIO October 23 to November 21 You have an opportunity to become immersed in your career and may be rewarded for completing a difficult task. However, if you feel unfulfilled because you’re not focusing on your own basic needs, taking quiet walks or one-hour baths may bring balance.

Maintain your self-respect and watch your stock rise. We teach others how to treat us by how we treat ourselves.

/palmers

/@palmersworks /@palmers

www.palmers.com © 2017 E.T. Browne Drug Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.

November 22 to December 21 Fooled by your outspoken nature, associates overlook how shy you are.

You’ll find yourself in a pickle when you have to make important decisions 130 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

CAPRICORN December 22 to January 19 There’s a burning desire to pursue experiences you once feared, such as continuing your education or traveling abroad. There’s only one thing holding you back, says Janet: “Control.” Although you have all you need to expand your horizons, the options may not be presented in the order you’ve dreamed of. Find adventure in the unknown and watch your world explode.

AQUARIUS January 20 to February 18 As you go through October, remember the more you give, the more you receive. You must have dished out an extra heaping of love into the atmosphere because massive support is available when you least expect it. Many have noticed your strength and ability to keep things together. Now it’s time for you to fall apart—in a healthy way. Let someone you trust carry your load for a spell.

DEB R A C ART WRIG HT

SAGITTARIUS

that will change your life and the perception people have of you. Avoid misunderstandings by assuring folks that faith doesn’t seem to involve a plan but catapults you onto a larger plateau. Friends are encouraged by your bravery when they watch you tackle one speed bump after another.

PISCES February 19 to March 20 Out of the darkness a savior—disguised as a reliable spouse or business partner—arrives to make your life better by picking up the slack. You can often be scatterbrained when there are too many projects, and multiple tasks can take you out of your creative space.

Thank goodness someone is eager to restore harmony and assist you with the practical side of life.

ARIES March 21 to April 19 So much to do and so little time.

Although patience may not be your strong suit, you should seriously contemplate every move regarding your health and/or job duties. If you go through your day on hyperdrive, you may get caught in a web of confusion. Ask intelligent questions and put in the hard work—awareness and preparation are key.

TAURUS April 20 to May 20 Love is looking for you in unexpected places, and you may be surprised how invigorating it is to recapture the excitement. Refrain from harsh criticism and you may discover passion and value in the mere celebration of life. The irritation you experience due to your level of responsibility could cause you to miss the joy. Add boundaries to your schedule and find that necessary work–life balance.

GEMINI May 21 to June 20 Curtis Mayfield was the epitome of Gemini creativity, marrying haunting grooves with clever lyrics. You may be feeling powerful urges to birth

something: a song, a painting, an inspiring poem. Don’t let being a perfectionist stand in your way. Many mistakes have later proved to be masterpieces. Explore your hidden talents and fly higher.

CANCER June 21 to July 22 It’s time to hide out in your favorite place: home. You’ve been busy taking short trips for work, but nothing gives you greater joy than wrapping up in the comfort of your own bedsheets, getting warm hugs from family and sharing tales of your recent jaunts.

Bask in the glow of the familiar before life takes another upward swing.

Hanging out with those we love the most is wonderful.

PALMER’S is

®

Cocoa Butter.

FAVORITE 1COCOA

#

AMERICA’S

BUTTER BRAND*

LEO July 23 to August 22 Reminiscent of a scene from the movie 9 to 5, the Jane Fonda character in you has finally had enough, but you should resist the impulse to go rogue. You would be smart to keep detailed accounts of your efforts to demonstrate your earning power and indispensability. Your bank account will increase naturally when you stay disciplined in your craft and stand firm in your convictions.

VIRGO August 23 to September 22 “Let me upgrade ya” is the phrase currently running through your mind.

Changing your appearance could make you feel invincible, so try a fresh hairdo, a new outfit or simply a different perspective on life. Take advantage of the shift. With Mars—the planet of action—in your sign, you have the juice to manifest whatever your heart desires.

S & SO

S

O G S N

S OO

S S & SC

E

SS

S

O

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

Copyright © 2017 by Essence Communications, Inc. (ISSN-0014-0880) (GST 126301159) Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40110178. ESSENCE is published monthly by Essence Communications Inc., 225 Liberty St., New York NY 10281. 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. Magazine available on microfilm and CD-ROM from ProQuest Information and Learning, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48106. ESSENCE® is the registered trademark of Essence Communications Inc. Periodicals postage paid at New York 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. Articles in ESSENCE are in Index to Periodical Articles by and About Blacks (G.K. Hall & Co.). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ESSENCE, P.O. Box 62120, Tampa FL 33662-2120. Along with new address, please send old address as printed on last label. 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 62120, Tampa FL 336622120. If the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected 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 Web site: ESSENCE.com/customerservice. You can also phone 800-274-9398 or write to ESSENCE, P.O. Box 62120, Tampa FL 33662-2120. For international licensing and syndication requests, please visit timeinc.com/syndication or call 212-522-5868. It will take customers to our automated syndication form.

PALMER S ® COCOA BUTTER FORMULA® IS MADE FROM RAW COCOA BUTTER, NATURE’S SUPER INGREDIENT.

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www.palmers.com © 2017 E.T. Browne Drug Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved. * IRI INFOSCAN 52 WEEKS ENDING 4/16/17 F/D/Mx.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

13 DOWN costarred in an HBO original movie with Oprah.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF BLACK HISTORY, POP CULTURE AND ESSENCE TRIVIA Puzzle by Jan Buckner Walker of Kids Across/Parents Down.

ACROSS to fan support to keep Jesse Williams on Grey’s Anatomy following his BET Awards speech in 2016, Shonda Rhimes tweeted, “_ _ _ don’t need no petition” 20. Lady LaBelle has brought love to the supermarket with her line of tasty marinades and _ _ _ _ (not to mention pies that inspired a YouTube serenade) 22. Place to display B. Smith’s fabulous housewares 23. Joy and pain: What besties are after all these years (or what braids can be at first) 25. Favorite day for both the optimist and the procrastinator 26. Mr. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans and longtime leader of the Urban League 27. Biopic that looks at the life of Tupac Shakur: _ _ _ Eyez on Me

132 ESSENCE .COM OCTOBER 2017

1. The best-selling nonfiction book of all time 2. These hold a pair of the bling you wear to light up the night at a formal affair 3. Vegetable frequently fried along with green tomatoes 4. My eyes are up here: Area that draws attention whenever The Girls get together 5. Awards ceremony that has recognized gospel greats for more than 30 years 8. Format used for years to slip a producer a demo 9. Steak tartare status, in plain English 10. Where some weight gets lifted and lots gets lost 12. ___ Dragons: Band whose “Radioactive” netted a Grammy in 2014 (their mash-up with Kendrick Lamar should have too) 13. Renée Elise loves Tony: Surname of the diva who earned a best leading actress

award for her role as Angelica in Hamilton and shared ESSENCE’s April 2017 cover with Oprah Winfrey 16. Musically speaking, it takes two 17. Perfect heel for a sister who is afraid of heights (or a watermelon quadrant) 18. Despite the fact that Lee Daniels’ The _____ served up superb entertainment in 2013, Oscar looked the other way 19. On a mission: ESSENCE February 2017 cover paid homage to NASA “computers,” who helped put John Glenn here (or what Mae Jemison and her crew did to get around the earth 127 times) 21. Patina Miller, who plays a press secretary in the CBS hit drama ___ Secretary, was part of this year’s Essence Empowerment Experience 24. Acronym a texter uses to let you know she’s got to go

Visit ESSENCE.COM for solutions

J O H N SCI U LLI/G E T T Y I MAG ES

1. Nickname of black-ish character played by ESSENCE’s March 2015 cover star 2. Show up or sit down: Rain or shine or stand in line, everybody must come out on _ _ _ _ _ Day (traditionally the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November) 6. Naturally: Shea ____ is a perfect solution for roughness 7. Relaxing attire, sometimes accessorized by slippers 9. Pastor’s abbreviation (or nickname) 11. Own it: What everyone is on karaoke night 14. Goodies in a gala bag (or ESSENCE August 2017 leading man Idris Elba’s indescribable appeal) 15. Supreme deal: Keesha Sharp will play this justice’s wife in the upcoming biopic named for him 18. No worries: In response

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®

With its available Entune™ 3.0 Premium Audio with JBL w/ Clari-Fi, you’ve got a front row seat.

Prototype shown with options. Production model may vary. 2018 Camry available Fall 2017. ©2017 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.