Essence Communications Inc.

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

ESSENCE 2024 POWER 40 list has arrived. ESSENCE honors those who are driving progress and inspiring change on every level – from local communities to the global stage. These individuals are redefining excellence in their respective fields and leaving an indelible mark on our culture. This compilation is a celebration of their relentless passion, bold ambition, and transformative impact. We recognize the challenges they face and the barriers they break, understanding that their success is hard-won and deeply meaningful. Join us in applauding these extraordinary leaders who exemplify what it means to shape the future. Presenting ESSENCE 2024 POWER 40. To see our full list visit ESSENCE.com. https://lnkd.in/gDfPrfKp

Judith Jamison, an international dance pioneer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has passed away at the age of 81. Judith's grace, stature, and God-given talent inspired us all to dance like no one’s watching. In 1965, at a time when Black dancers were rare in ballet, she became the standard of dance with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Jamison helped bring the dance company international acclaim with two of Ailey’s signature dances, “Revelations” and “Cry.” She danced with the Ailey Company for 15 years before leaving to perform on Broadway. Later, she returned to the Ailey Company as its artistic director for 20 years. Thank you for the gifts; may you dance a heavenly dance. 📸: Getty Images

The Mountaintop We lift every voice and sing — The name of a Black Woman who stood at the mountaintop. With audacity that reflected off the glass ceilings that shattered when you spoke her name. Kamala Devi Harris. You stood. Standing in the spirit of Shirley Chisolm, Unbought, Unbossed and Undenying. You dreamed. The girl who would not be deferred and went on to write a letter to the world with a signature that now reads — It’s Possible. It’s Possible for a Black girl from Oakland, California, to see the mountaintop. And when she gets there to take the world off her shoulders and sit. Sitting in the resilience of Fannie Lou Hammer, you took the world by Storm. Never going Rouge and letting anyone take you out of character. You laughed. You filled rooms with hope and integrity and lit paths with perseverance. You opened. Doors that had been closed. You stepped — Over walls that had been built. You climbed. The Mount Everest of expectations with a smile that sat at the intersection of joy and justice. Because a country built in spite of you, you stood in spite of. You are the embodiment of what can be, unburdened by what has been. Rest in the knowing that you are ours. We thank you for the view from your moutaintop.

Democrat Angela Alsobrooks has won the Maryland Senate race, becoming the first Black Senator for the state! Alsobrooks is currently a county executive in Maryland. Maryland voters made history on Tuesday, voting to send Angela Alsobrooks to Washington as the first Black woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Only four Black women have ever been elected to the Senate in the nation's history; tonight, two more have been added to that list.

Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester has just made history, becoming Delaware’s first Black female senator. The Philadelphia native defeated Republican challenger Eric Hansen for the U.S. Senate seat set to be vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Carper, who has held it since 2001. The historic win comes eight years after she became Delaware’s first Black female congressperson and won every re-election bid since. Congratulations, Senator Blunt Rochester!

Election Day is TOMORROW, and if you haven't voted early, there's still time to vote on Election Day. Join tonight’s Paint the Polls Black Town Hall at 8 pm EST to get all the information you need to vote on Tuesday and what information you can share with your friends, family, and community to ensure we flex our power at the ballot box. Tune in at essence.com or on the @globalblackeconomicforum’s YouTube page.

The Composer of Our Lifetime Opening score. As the keys of life started on their first note, we met Quincy Delight Jones Jr., the boy from the southside of Chicago who, at 11 years old, stroked the chord of a piano and became the 20th century’s greatest conductor of music. Quincy Jones is quite literally the Sound of Music. He is the baseline of our experiences, and like a chord on a harp, he strummed the beauty of Black artistry with his fingers. From the soulful foundational notes of the jazz era, where legends like Duke Ellington first painted the soundscape of our culture, to the world-changing and record-breaking anthems of Michael Jackson, you orchestrated a symphony that captured the essence of our existence. The name Quincy Jones is a genre of music by itself. His work celebrated our identity, creating a sound that echoed the fullness of what it meant to be limitless. Through every arrangement, television series, and movie, you created spaces where our stories could be told, where our struggles and triumphs could harmonize into a melody of excellence and hope. Grand Closing — Even through this moment of silence, your legacy reverberates through generations. As we remember you, Quincy, let us hold tight to the belief that music is eternal. You are, and will always be, the soundtrack of our lives. May the crescendo of our praises reach the gates of Heaven, where a full-on band welcomes you home. Take your rightful place as Maestro through the song and dance of the angels that await your arrival. Ascend. Ase. 📸: Getty Images

Toni Braxton Takes Center Stage There are a few Divas who, with one note of a distinctive tone, can make you feel love, heartache, sexiness, and joy. The iconic Toni Braxton is undeniably one of the most influential voices in music. The seven-time Grammy winner has captivated our hearts with her sultry voice and timeless hits, head-turning red carpet looks, and—let’s be real—we all wanted to do the big chop and rock her iconic pixie cut. But now she’s taking center stage in a new chapter of her life, showing us that “Breathe Again” isn’t just a song title; it’s a vital anthem to self-care. After losing her sister Traci Braxton in 2022, Toni has realized that being cast as the “tough big sister” isn’t always the role you have to play. As she navigates the complexities of health, grief, and a Vegas residency, she reminds us that sometimes, we need to put ourselves in the spotlight and “unbreak” our own hearts. Toni is reclaiming her narrative and singing her praises. Toni Braxton opens the curtains and gets candid about dealing with loss and finding solace as our Of The ESSENCE cover star. Read her full cover story: https://lnkd.in/gdnFr9gS

Misinformation in our communities can distract from the real issues at hand. Tevon Blair joined us for Paint The Polls Black where he talked about how misinformation spreads. To watch the full Town Hall visit ESSENCE.com. #PaintThePollsBlack