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14<br />

JEMELE<br />

RADICAL<br />

STYLE<br />

MOVES<br />

Ava,<br />

Oprah<br />

& Storm<br />

MAKE #BLACKGIRLMAGIC<br />

IN A WRINKLE IN TIME<br />

EXCLUSIVE<br />

HILL<br />

SPEAKS OUT:<br />

HER YEAR<br />

UNDER FIRE<br />

WINTER<br />

BEAUTY<br />

HACKS:<br />

DARK SPOT<br />

SOLUTIONS,<br />

DRY HAIR<br />

TIPS & MORE<br />

BOOK BONUS!<br />

WHEN THEY CALL<br />

YOU A TERRORIST:<br />

A BLACK LIVES<br />

MATTER MEMOIR<br />

BY PATRISSE KHAN-CULLORS<br />

VISIT ESSENCE.COM<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

HISTORY IN<br />

THE MAKING<br />

CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE, FROM<br />

ALVIN AILEY TO STEM’S BRIGHTEST STARS

NEW

©<strong>2018</strong> P&G

WOW at<br />

FIRST TOUCH

feel a LIGHT AS AIR<br />

finish in a FLASH<br />

Delightfully whipped for instant absorption.

“I’m always planning fun<br />

activities for my friends,<br />

and when I look back at<br />

all the pictures, that alone<br />

adds color to my life.”<br />

ADVERTISEMENT<br />

POWER TO THE<br />

COLOR<br />

VLOGGER BIANCA RENEE (AKA @MZBIANCARENEE) OFFERS STYLING AND CARE ADVICE<br />

TO THE CURL COMMUNITY. SHE SHARES HER EXPERIENCE ADDING COLOR TO HER HAIR—<br />

USING CLAIROL PROFESSIONAL TEXTURES & TONES—AND THE REST OF HE<br />

“I think it’s<br />

empowering for<br />

a woman to be<br />

able to create her<br />

look herself. The<br />

Clairol Professional<br />

line has easy<br />

instructions to get<br />

the look you desire<br />

without having to<br />

go to the salon.”<br />

“I lik b i h l<br />

I stand i h l b<br />

incorpora ff<br />

textures, and ”<br />

nee, changing her hair color is not about hiding who<br />

her showing off her confidence: “For me, living a colorful<br />

f ans doing something that stands out.” Bianca’s hair is an<br />

sion of who she is, so she was excited to make her natural curls<br />

re noticeable with @clairolpro color. “Now you definitely can see<br />

my curl pattern pop even more!”<br />

Clairol Professional<br />

Textures & Tones<br />

Bianca trusts this hair color<br />

because it’s made specifically<br />

for natural hair. It also conditions<br />

using botanicals. “It’s actually<br />

helping your hair,” she says.<br />

ADD COLOR TO YOUR OWN LIFE AND FIND THE CLAIROL<br />

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT THAT’S PERFECT FOR YOU AT CLAIROLPRO.COM

THAT LOVES YOUR TEXTURE<br />

Show us how you wear it #TexturesAndTones<br />

©<strong>2018</strong> The Wella Corporation, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 CSM2017-1599

JOIN THE CELEBRATION AND FIND AN EVENT NEAR YOU AT

<strong>2018</strong><br />

F R AR<br />

VOLUME 48 | NUMBER 9<br />

CONTENTS<br />

JOSHUA PESTKA<br />

80<br />

A DIFFERENT<br />

WORLD<br />

Visionary director Ava<br />

DuVernay, dynamic newcomer<br />

Storm Reid and venerable<br />

maven Oprah Winfrey open<br />

up about A Wrinkle in Time,<br />

their next escapades and<br />

the power of imagination<br />

By Britni Danielle<br />

86<br />

STEM’S<br />

NEW<br />

GUARD<br />

These 15 Black women<br />

are leading the<br />

charge in advancing<br />

scientific innovation<br />

By Marquita K. Harris<br />

96<br />

STRENGTH<br />

OF A<br />

WOMAN<br />

In an exclusive excerpt<br />

from her new book,<br />

activist Patrisse Khan-<br />

Cullors recounts how<br />

tragedy, heartbreak and<br />

determination led to the<br />

birth of the Black Lives<br />

Matter movement<br />

90<br />

GAGA<br />

FOR GUGU<br />

Actress Gugu Mbatha-<br />

Raw channels some<br />

of the beautiful souls<br />

she’s long admired<br />

By Julee Wilson<br />

Cover Photography<br />

by Warwick Saint<br />

For styling<br />

information and<br />

clothing details,<br />

see Where to Buy.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 5

CONTENTS<br />

Style<br />

21 | POWER UP! Chic combos of<br />

revolutionary attire<br />

24 | TRENDS A collection of<br />

undies to match a full array<br />

of skin tones<br />

26 | DOPE STUFF ON MY DESK<br />

Luxuriate in these me time finds<br />

Beauty&Hair<br />

29 | 20 BLACK-OWNED<br />

BRANDS WE LOVE<br />

Companies by us for us<br />

38 | BEAUTY SCHOOL Clear up<br />

and keep dark spots at bay<br />

40 | GLAM DIARY Writer and<br />

podcast host Jenna Wortham<br />

shares her essentials<br />

42 | GOTTA HAVE IT Hydration<br />

for the top of your head<br />

80<br />

We’re bracing<br />

for the rise of<br />

Storm Reid.<br />

45 | PROTECT YOUR TRESS<br />

Alvin Ailey dancers weigh in<br />

Scene<br />

51 | WHY JASON IS BORN<br />

FOR THIS From Compton<br />

to Detroit to The Chi, actor<br />

Jason Mitchell is on the move<br />

52 | ENTERTAINMENT Two<br />

queens bring the funny with<br />

new comedy specials<br />

54 | GRAMMY INSIDER Our<br />

experts’ award selections,<br />

plus nods to Missy and Jay-Z<br />

29<br />

One of the goodies from<br />

our #BuyBlack Beauty list<br />

56 | SPOTLIGHT A roundup<br />

of Black female sci-fi<br />

characters beaming onto<br />

a screen near you<br />

58 | PATRIK’S PICKS Offerings<br />

from poets, thinkers, novelists<br />

and one unicorn<br />

61 | BOOKS Brittney Cooper<br />

returns with her straight talk<br />

Issues<br />

65 | TEN THINGS WE’RE<br />

TALKING ABOUT<br />

68 | VOICES OF THE NEW<br />

AMERICA Gubernatorial<br />

candidate Stacey Abrams<br />

intends to build coalitions of<br />

color, end poverty and shake<br />

up the new South<br />

70 | GAME. SET. MATCH.<br />

Sportscaster Jemele Hill<br />

rebounds after a year marred<br />

by controversy<br />

Money&Power<br />

75 | TAKE IT TO THE NEXT<br />

LEVEL Ten practical steps<br />

to help you move forward<br />

in your career<br />

Love&Life<br />

101 | FINDING LOVE AT ANY<br />

AGE Meet a pair of ladies for<br />

whom wedding bells chimed<br />

for the first time after age 60<br />

105 | RELEASE THE WEIGHT<br />

FOR GOOD Learn healthy<br />

methods to get to and maintain<br />

your ideal size<br />

110 | SPIRITUALITY Tap into<br />

your divine nature to bring<br />

forth romance<br />

In Every Issue<br />

8 | Let’s Talk<br />

18 | What’s on Your Mind<br />

112 | Where to Buy<br />

116 | Horoscope<br />

118 | Crossword Puzzle<br />

REID, WARWICK SAINT. STILL, JON PATERSON.<br />

6 ESSENCE.COM COM FEBRUARY Y<strong>2018</strong>

LET’S TALK : A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR<br />

MAGICAL<br />

THINKING<br />

After the emotional and cultural tsunami that<br />

was 2017, we all could use a heaping<br />

serving of hope. Thankfully, two of this<br />

year’s most highly anticipated movies—both<br />

with African-American directors at the<br />

helm—will soon be hitting theaters worldwide.<br />

A-list talent from one of them, A<br />

Wrinkle in Time, graces this month’s cover.<br />

Both Wrinkle and Black Panther (which<br />

also debuts this winter) encourage us to<br />

believe in the magic that is within us. We’re<br />

allowed to imagine a world where the possibilities<br />

are endless, where our sense of self and<br />

centeredness are undeniable.<br />

Of course, these are fictional realms, and we have to be<br />

present in the real world that we have inherited. I think it’s<br />

important, then, that we have faith in our ability to make<br />

our own magic, wherever we are. Whether it’s renovating<br />

the basement into a roller-skating rink party (one of my<br />

favorite viral videos of 2017); exploring a wide range of<br />

opportunities, like the 15 Black women we feature in our<br />

package on STEM’s new guard; and yes, even transforming<br />

the minds of our young people, who will see themselves<br />

reflected on the big screen this winter in ways I couldn’t<br />

even dream of when growing up, I am sure all will have an<br />

indelible impact.<br />

Seeing is believing. Let’s resolve to celebrate every<br />

victory, big and small, in <strong>2018</strong>. Write and tell me the ways<br />

you are making the world a magical place for you, for your<br />

community and for all those you love.<br />

Stay in touch,<br />

VANESSA K. DE LUCA<br />

Editor-in-Chief<br />

Twitter: @Vanessa_KDeLuca<br />

Instagram: @vanessa_kdeluca<br />

E-mail: Vanessa@essence.com<br />

Let’s resolve to<br />

celebrate every<br />

victory, big and<br />

small, in <strong>2018</strong>.”<br />

MORE WAYS TO ENJOY ESSENCE<br />

YES, GIRL! PODCAST<br />

We’ve married two things we love: podcasts<br />

and interviews with bold, brilliant, beautiful<br />

women of color. ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast—<br />

hosted by staffers Cori Murray, Charli Penn and<br />

Yolanda Sangweni—is an audio gabfest with celebs and<br />

influencers such as Gabrielle Union, Tiffany Haddish, Erykah<br />

Badu and Symone D. Sanders. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.<br />

ESSENCE FESTIVAL <strong>2018</strong>!<br />

Searching for the ultimate squad goals trip for<br />

your crew? Look no further than the <strong>2018</strong><br />

<strong>Essence</strong> Fest. We’re transforming this year’s Festival—taking<br />

place July 5–8 in New Orleans—into a dream destination<br />

that includes something for everyone, with a weekend full of<br />

music, food, fashion, empowerment and more. From the free<br />

daytime activities to our ticketed nightly concerts featuring<br />

music’s biggest names, you won’t want to miss a moment.<br />

Learn more at <strong>Essence</strong>Festival.com.<br />

LOOK FOR THESE ICONS TO DISCOVER<br />

DIGITAL CONTENT:<br />

ESSENCE.COM<br />

VIDEO<br />

DE LUCA, MICHAEL ROWE. YES, GIRL! STILL, TENEILLE CRAIG.<br />

8 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

SIMULATION OF ACTUAL PRODUCT<br />

RESULTS ON LASHES ENHANCED<br />

WITH LASH INSERTS.<br />

Maybelline.com

Give in to lash temptation.<br />

<br />

<br />

NEW<br />

total<br />

temptation<br />

MASCARA<br />

TM<br />

Our formula glides on and<br />

builds with no overload.<br />

BEFORE<br />

AFTER<br />

Infused with<br />

coconut extract.<br />

#TOTALTEMPTATION<br />

©<strong>2018</strong> Maybelline LLC.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vanessa K. De Luca<br />

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jacklyn Monk<br />

DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Yolanda Sangweni<br />

EDITORIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR Patrik Henry Bass<br />

BEAUTY & STYLE<br />

FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julee Wilson<br />

FASHION EDITOR Joiee Thorpe<br />

BEAUTY EDITOR Siraad Dirshe<br />

CONTRIBUTING FASHION ASSISTANT Avon Dorsey<br />

DEPARTMENTS<br />

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR Cori Murray<br />

SENIOR EDITOR, LIFESTYLE & RELATIONSHIPS Charreah K. Jackson<br />

WEST COAST EDITOR Regina R. Robertson<br />

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tanya A. Christian<br />

CONTRIBUTING FEATURES EDITOR Marquita K. Harris<br />

CONTRIBUTOR<br />

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Mikki Taylor<br />

ART & PHOTO<br />

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ronda Thompson<br />

ART DIRECTOR Rashida Morgan-Brown<br />

CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Elsa Mehary<br />

PHOTO EDITOR Tracey Woods<br />

CREATIVE ASSISTANT Tierra Taylor<br />

CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Kali Abdullah<br />

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION<br />

PRODUCTION MANAGER Carina A. Rosario<br />

EDITORIAL BUSINESS MANAGER Rorna Richards Dinnoo<br />

COPY & RESEARCH<br />

COPY CHIEF Grace White<br />

RESEARCH CHIEF Akkida McDowell<br />

ESSENCE.COM<br />

SENIOR EDITOR, RELATIONSHIPS & LIFESTYLE Charli Penn<br />

SENIOR EDITOR, NEWS & CULTURE Christina Coleman<br />

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Brahaani Mamo<br />

ART DIRECTOR Teneille Craig<br />

SENIOR VIDEO PRODUCER Keisha Lamothe<br />

ASSISTANT EDITORS Lauren J.S. Porter, Sydney Scott<br />

CONTENT PRODUCERS Whitney Gaspard, Marissa A. Lewis, Priscilla Ward<br />

SENIOR EDITOR, ESSENCE FESTIVAL Rachaell Davis<br />

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Danielle Kwateng-Clark<br />

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES<br />

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER Kurt Rao<br />

VICE-PRESIDENTS Adam Days, Amanda Hanes, Hugues Hervouet, Rob Innes,<br />

Dan Lo, Keith O’Sullivan, Rajeshwari Ramamoorthy, Pradip Tripathy<br />

TIME INC.<br />

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Alan Murray<br />

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jess Cagle<br />

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.<br />

PRESIDENT Michelle Ebanks<br />

GENERAL MANAGER Joy A. Profet<br />

VICE-PRESIDENT, FINANCE Keith Strohmeier<br />

VICE-PRESIDENT, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS Dana Baxter<br />

MARKETING<br />

SVP, ADVERTISING & BRAND MARKETING Susan Parkes<br />

VP, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Cassandre Charles<br />

DIRECTOR, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Anika D. Grant<br />

DIRECTOR, CREATIVEAllyson Brown<br />

DIRECTOR, ART Anna Yakhnich<br />

SENIOR MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETINGRondel Holder<br />

MANAGER, INTEGRATED MARKETINGCara Walker<br />

MANAGER, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Michelle S. Nance<br />

SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Reegan S. Houston<br />

LIVE EVENTS & EXPERIENTIAL<br />

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Candace Montgomery<br />

DIRECTOR Jovanca Maitland<br />

DIRECTOR, FESTIVAL OPERATIONS Melissa Giles<br />

DIRECTOR, MEDIA & PROMOTIONS Felicia Martin-Hill<br />

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, SPONSOR OPERATIONS & ACTIVATION Tanya Gunther<br />

MANAGER, MARKETING Laurel Neveu<br />

MANAGER, TALENT & EVENTS Ihaku Emilie Ngokwey<br />

PRODUCTION<br />

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Arleen O’Brien<br />

PRODUCTION MANAGER Sandra Volino<br />

AD PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Maria Sherpa<br />

PREMEDIA ASSISTANT MANAGER Clara Renauro<br />

PREMEDIA SENIOR ASSOCIATE Sabrina Italiano<br />

CONSUMER MARKETING & REVENUE<br />

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT Beth Gorry<br />

VICE-PRESIDENTS, CONSUMER MARKETING Ann Marie Doherty,<br />

Melissa Mahoney, Allison Musmond, Karan Simoneau<br />

VICE-PRESIDENT, RETAIL MARKETING Eric Szegda<br />

DIRECTORS Christine Austin, Laurie Krzymdzinski, Tricia Williams<br />

SENIOR MANAGERS Caroline Baron, Heather Christianson,<br />

Shirley Klose, Tanja Walker<br />

MANAGERS Kathleen Cordero, Ashley Farrow, Melissa Kross, Katie Pisano<br />

ASSISTANT MANAGER Christine Symecko<br />

ADMINISTRATION<br />

SENIOR MANAGER, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS Sheila Harris<br />

PUBLICIST, BRAND COMMUNICATIONS Bradford Bridgers<br />

VP, HUMAN RESOURCES Stacie Sullivan LEGAL COUNSEL Jane Halpern<br />

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Lynda Peterson<br />

ESSENCE.COM<br />

MANAGER, DIGITAL SALES PLANNING Samantha Schwartz<br />

ASSOCIATE MANAGER, DIGITAL MARKETING Courtney Carter<br />

SALES PLANNER Rafaela Sevilla<br />

PROJECT MANAGER Steven Psyllos<br />

BUSINESS OFFICE<br />

DIRECTORS Dave Hooks, Sherry Wolfe<br />

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Brad Scharff, Kerry Winn<br />

MANAGERS Catherine Kuo, Mei Lo, Kyle Paxman<br />

TIME INC.<br />

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rich Battista<br />

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Sue D’Emic<br />

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENTS Jeff Bairstow, Leslie Dukker Doty, Brad Elders,<br />

Mark Ford, Greg Giangrande, Lauren Ezrol Klein, Jennifer L. Wong<br />

BRAND GENERAL MANAGER, CELEBRITY/ENTERTAINMENT Bruce Gersh<br />

ADVERTISING SALES<br />

GROUP PRESIDENTS Karen Kovacs, Greg Schumann<br />

DIGITAL STRATEGY Andrew Reedman, Thu Phan Rodriguez<br />

BRAND SALES<br />

SVP, ENTERTAINMENT, STYLE & MULTICULTURAL Cece Ryan<br />

VP & BRAND SALES DIRECTOR Staci Hallmon<br />

WESTERN SALES DIRECTOR Haydn Wright MIDWEST SALES DIRECTOR Paul Johnson<br />

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Danielle M. Brown, Cristina Kruger, Colette Yorrick-Womack<br />

DIRECTOR, SPONSORSHIP, LIVE EVENTS Nicole Arceneaux<br />

SALES ASSISTANTS Naajiah Cole, Kiera L. Richardson<br />

CATEGORY SALES<br />

BEAUTY Lauren Newman ENTERTAINMENT Ellie Duque<br />

FINANCE Mike Schneider HEALTH CARE Heidi Anderson<br />

HOME Alex Desanctis FASHION & RETAIL Matt Rice<br />

INDUSTRY/GOVERNMENT/TOBACCO/GOLF Nate Stamos<br />

TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS Scott Kelliher TRAVEL Joe Messer<br />

SALES OPERATIONS<br />

CHIEF BUSINESS & SALES OPERATIONS OFFICER Pearl Collings<br />

VP, DIGITAL REVENUE STRATEGY & OPERATIONS Kavata Mbondo<br />

VP, BRAND LEAD Amy Thind VP, STRATEGY & INSIGHTS Caryn Klein<br />

PRODUCT & ENGINEERING<br />

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT Nicholas Butterworth<br />

ESSENCE COFOUNDER Edward Lewis<br />

12 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

Discover a new take on nude.<br />

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Maybelline.com<br />

Herieth is wearing New Super Stay Matte Ink Un-Nude in Seductress.<br />

©<strong>2018</strong> Maybelline LLC.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND<br />

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!<br />

KEEP SENDING US YOUR FEEDBACK ON ALL THINGS ESSENCE VIA FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM,<br />

PINTEREST, TWITTER, E-MAIL, A LETTER IN THE MAIL OR ESSENCE.COM<br />

SOCIAL MEDIA’S TAKE ON OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE:<br />

“ ‘In Your Genes’ was most<br />

definitely true. If you don’t<br />

know your family’s health history,<br />

then you won’t know what may be<br />

going on in your body.”<br />

—@misshairguru47<br />

“What a journey to greatness,<br />

Linda Spradley Dunn [‘Natural-Born<br />

Leader’]! Thank you for showing<br />

the way and creating space.<br />

#odysseymedia #intheblack”<br />

—@DianneLemon<br />

“Can’t figure out<br />

why ‘The New<br />

Sisterhood’ isn’t<br />

being shared<br />

more. And mainstream<br />

media,<br />

don’t ever say<br />

you can’t find<br />

Black entrepreneurs<br />

[‘The 50<br />

Black Founders<br />

to Watch’].”<br />

—@talentdiva<br />

BEYOND BASIC MANIS!<br />

According to our Twitter poll, the wintertime<br />

fingertip innovations and designs featured in<br />

“The Nail Down” were pretty evenly shaped.<br />

Varying Patterns<br />

29%<br />

Mixing and<br />

Matching<br />

Finishes<br />

Opting for<br />

Press-ons<br />

Adding<br />

Nail<br />

Jewels<br />

27%<br />

25%<br />

19%<br />

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU<br />

We picked three favorites from the posts you shared on Instagram using<br />

our hashtags, #ESSENCEStyle, #ESSENCEEats and #ESSENCETravels<br />

’CAUSE MARY’S BACK<br />

#ESSENCEStyle: In<br />

Canada surrounded by<br />

slayers —@torontoshay<br />

THE MOST<br />

LIKED<br />

QUOTE<br />

ON OUR<br />

INSTAGRAM<br />

PAGE<br />

#ESSENCEEats: Addicted<br />

to Creole Butter Wings<br />

—@evseats<br />

#ESSENCETravels: First and<br />

last paragliding trip in South<br />

Korea —@tranekarenes<br />

JOIN US!<br />

Share your habits and<br />

thoughts on events, culture,<br />

style and new products.<br />

Become an Insider at<br />

ESSENCEINSIDERS.COM<br />

Tell us what you think about<br />

this issue. E-mail us at<br />

letters@essence.com<br />

Mary<br />

J. Blige<br />

p. 97<br />

Mary<br />

J. Blige<br />

g<br />

ON WHY SHE<br />

STILL BELIEVES<br />

IN LOVE<br />

ON WHY SHE<br />

STILL BELIEVES<br />

IN LOVE<br />

GLOW<br />

UP!<br />

GLOW<br />

UP!<br />

7<br />

87<br />

LUXE DETAILS,<br />

SLEEK NAILS<br />

AND POWER<br />

PRINTS THAT<br />

SLAY ALL DAY<br />

LUXE DETAILS,<br />

SLEEK NAILS<br />

AND POWER<br />

PRINTS THAT<br />

SLAY ALL DAY<br />

UNLOCK<br />

UNLOCK<br />

YOUR<br />

HEALTH<br />

GENEALOGY<br />

61<br />

SMALL-BIZ<br />

OWN<br />

TO WA<br />

1WAYS<br />

TO FIND<br />

ENTREPRENEUR<br />

POWER &<br />

POLITICS<br />

WHY MORE<br />

OF US ARE<br />

RUNNING FOR<br />

OFFICE<br />

VISIT ESSENCE.COM<br />

NOVEMBER 2017<br />

Mary J. Blige [“Glowing Up”] is<br />

my shero: beautiful, talented,<br />

strong and determined! I pray<br />

God brings her that one good<br />

man, and that she prospers in<br />

life and in love. I know she’ll be<br />

good in her new movie. I can’t<br />

wait to see it.<br />

—Laura Deshane<br />

Mililani, Hawaii<br />

BUI<br />

BU<br />

BUILD YOUR<br />

DREAM<br />

BUSINESS!<br />

61<br />

SMALL-BIZ<br />

OWNERS<br />

TO WATCH<br />

10<br />

WAYS<br />

TO FIND<br />

FUNDING<br />

5<br />

LESSONS<br />

FROM A<br />

SERIAL<br />

ENTREPRENEUR<br />

POWER &<br />

POLITICS<br />

WHY MORE<br />

OF US ARE<br />

RUNNING FOR<br />

OFFICE<br />

VISIT ESSENCE.COM<br />

NOVEMBER 2017<br />

INSTAGRAM, FROM LEFT: JESS BAUMUNG/@JESSBAUMUNG; EVI<br />

AKI/WWW.EVSEATS.COM; MELANIN MADRID/@MELANINMADRID.<br />

18 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

HAIR, STACEY CICERON. MAKEUP, LUCKY SMYLER/<br />

EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP. MANICURE, SUNSHINE OUTING.<br />

POWER<br />

UP!<br />

CONTROL AND<br />

RESILIENCE<br />

MAKE BLACK AN<br />

UNSTOPPABLE COLOR!<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RODRIGO CID<br />

FASHION EDITOR: JOIEE THORPE<br />

For details for<br />

this page, see<br />

Where to Buy.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 21

STYLE : WOKE WEAR<br />

SIMPLY VERA<br />

VERA WANG<br />

“Leather Fingerless”<br />

gloves, $48, kohls.com.<br />

OTEM X THE OUTRAGE<br />

“Power” pendant in<br />

yellow gold and black<br />

rhodium, $120 each,<br />

otemnewyork.com.<br />

ZAZZLE<br />

“Workers of<br />

the World<br />

Unite!”<br />

button, $3,<br />

and “I (Heart)<br />

Activists”<br />

button, $4,<br />

zazzle.com.<br />

ZARA<br />

beret with<br />

brooch<br />

detail, $23,<br />

zara.com.<br />

SARAH’S<br />

BAG<br />

“Magic<br />

Woman<br />

Surround”<br />

bag, $580,<br />

maison-demode.com.<br />

BCBG MAX AZRIA<br />

“Woven City” dress,<br />

$338, bcbg.com.<br />

SAN DIEGO HAT CO.<br />

“Furgora” beret, $39,<br />

sandiegohat.com.<br />

VERA WANG EYEWEAR<br />

“Neale” sunglasses, $275,<br />

baxterandbonny<br />

.com. VIA SARIENE<br />

“Vide” double ring, “Avis”<br />

cutout ring and “Aurum”<br />

two-tone ring, $155 each,<br />

viasariene.com. STEVE<br />

MADDEN “Comet”<br />

booties, $150, steve<br />

CHELSEA<br />

madden.com.<br />

AND WALKER Earrings and tights,<br />

“Blondie<br />

stylist’s own.<br />

Asymmetrical”<br />

skirt, $348,<br />

chelseaand<br />

walker.com.<br />

ZAZZLE<br />

“Fight the Power”<br />

shirt,<br />

$34,<br />

zazzle.com.<br />

AVEC LES<br />

FILLES<br />

oversize faux<br />

sherpa jacket,<br />

$169, urban<br />

outfitters.com.<br />

JENNIFER<br />

LOPEZ<br />

“Lace-Up”<br />

leggings, $50,<br />

kohls.com.<br />

TORI<br />

SOUDAN<br />

COLLECTION<br />

C ON<br />

“Kelsie” heels, $638,<br />

torisoudan.com.<br />

o PRIVÉ REVAUX<br />

“The DaveO” sunglasses, s,<br />

$30, priverevaux.com.<br />

THE HARMONIST<br />

Royal Earth parfum,<br />

$305, thehar<br />

monist.com.<br />

STILLS, COURTESY OF BRANDS<br />

22 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

STYLE :<br />

TRENDS<br />

THE NEW NUDES<br />

CUTE AND CHIC<br />

LINGERIE IN HUES FO<br />

R<br />

EVERY SKIN TONE!<br />

FASHION EDITOR: JOIEE THORPE<br />

7<br />

NUDE<br />

SHA ADES<br />

WACOAL<br />

“La Femme Underwire<br />

T-Shirt” bra, $60, and “Body<br />

Base” brief, $28, wacoal<br />

america.com.<br />

COSABELLA<br />

“Never Say Never Sweetie”<br />

soft bra, $52, and “Never<br />

Say Never Hottie” hot pant,<br />

$35, cosabella.com.<br />

EVELYN & BOBBIE<br />

“Everyday Bustier True<br />

Complexion” bra, $188,<br />

and “High-Waisted<br />

Thong” knickers, $28,<br />

evelynbobbie.com.<br />

THIRDLOVE<br />

“24/7 Classic T-Shirt” bra,<br />

$68, and “Seamless” thong,<br />

$12, thirdlove.com.<br />

THE<br />

INSPIRATION<br />

SMART & SEXY<br />

”Skin Tone Nude Push-Up”<br />

bra, $10, and “Skin Tone<br />

Nude Lace Hipster” panty,<br />

$5, smartandsexy.com.<br />

NUDZ INTIMATE<br />

APPAREL<br />

nude four-way<br />

convertible bra, $68,<br />

and nude bikini, $20,<br />

both in Lupita,<br />

thenewnudes.com.<br />

10<br />

NUDE SHAD ES<br />

BEINGU<br />

“Yendi” bra, $49, and<br />

“buttaCup” brief, $19,<br />

beingu.me.<br />

ESSENCE<br />

<strong>February</strong><br />

1974<br />

4<br />

NUDE<br />

SHADES<br />

NUBIAN SKIN<br />

bandeau, $28, and “High-Waist”<br />

brief, $24, nubianskin.com.<br />

VANITY FAIR LINGERIE<br />

”Flattering Lace” bralette, $32,<br />

and “Flattering Lace Hip” brief,<br />

$13, vanityfairlingerie.com.<br />

5<br />

NUDE<br />

SHADES<br />

S<br />

AERIE<br />

“Real Me Full Coverage Lightly<br />

Lined” bra, $40, and “Real Me”<br />

thong, $15, aerie.com.<br />

CENTER IMAGE, COURTESY OF ESSENCE ARCHIVES. PRODUCTS, COURTESY OF BRANDS.<br />

24 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

SAFE Y<br />

JUST<br />

COMES<br />

NATURALLY.<br />

Toyota Safety Sense 1 is now standard<br />

on many new Toyotas.<br />

Now that active safety features like a Pre-Collision System (PCS), 2 Lane Departure Alert (LDA) 3<br />

and others come standard on many new Toyotas – including the all-new Camry – you get extra<br />

peace of mind at no extra charge. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). Designed for safety.<br />

Prototype shown with options. Production model may vary. 1. Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. System effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner’s Manual for<br />

additional limitations and details. 2. The TSS Pre-Collision System is designed to help avoid or reduce the crash speed and damage in certain frontal collisions only. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and<br />

vehicle conditions. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. 3. Lane Departure Alert is designed to read visible lane markers under certain conditions, and provide visual and audible alerts when lane departure is detected. It is not a collision-avoidance system or a substitute for<br />

safe and attentive driving. Effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. ©2017 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

STYLE : MY FAVES<br />

DOPE STUFF<br />

ON MY DESK<br />

SOAK UP EVERY LAST<br />

SECOND OF ME TIME WITH<br />

THESE GLORIOUS FINDS<br />

BY JULEE WILSON<br />

Check out the<br />

Dope Stuff<br />

on My Desk<br />

video series on<br />

ESSENCE.com.<br />

1<br />

2<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY, JON PATERSON. PROP STYLIST, JULIE FLYNN. WILSON, MANFRED KOH.<br />

26 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

3<br />

1. PANACHE<br />

“Jasmine”<br />

balconette bra, $67,<br />

barenecessities.com.<br />

2. LILY OF FRANCE<br />

“Lace Plunge” bodysuit,<br />

$42, kohls.com.<br />

3. LOVE BEAUTY<br />

AND PLANET<br />

Creamy Body<br />

Scrub, $9,<br />

lovebeauty<br />

andplanet.com.<br />

4. MEMO PARIS<br />

teacup candle set,<br />

$323 for set of 2,<br />

memoparis.com.<br />

5. SKYLAR BODY<br />

Coral Eau de Toilette,<br />

$78, skylarbody.com.<br />

6. ERIN/ANDERSON<br />

“Cann Cann Flask” cuff, $50,<br />

erinandersonco.com.<br />

7. RIFLE PAPER CO. FOR<br />

L’OCCITANE<br />

Shea Butter Hand Cream, $12<br />

each, usa.loccitane.com.<br />

8. ELEMIS<br />

Skin Nourishing Milk Bath,<br />

$70, elemis.com.<br />

9. ESTÉE LAUDER<br />

Perfectionist Pro Rapid<br />

Firm + Lift Treatment,<br />

$75, 30 ml, esteelauder.com.<br />

10. TOM FORD<br />

Soleil Lip Slick, $54,<br />

tomford.com.<br />

Why I love...<br />

This is the most elegant<br />

beverage vessel (aka<br />

flask) I’ve ever seen. Oh,<br />

and it’s also a bracelet!<br />

Try this!<br />

Once the fragrant<br />

candle melts away,<br />

you’re left with a<br />

pretty porcelain<br />

teacup and saucer<br />

trimmed with gold<br />

and ready for your<br />

favorite brew.<br />

4 5<br />

6<br />

8<br />

7<br />

9<br />

10<br />

Must-have!<br />

I’m obsessed with how<br />

this milk smells and the<br />

way it makes my skin feel.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 27

“our heavy hitter<br />

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BEAUTY<br />

20<br />

Black-Owned<br />

Brands<br />

We Lov e<br />

THESE TOP-NOTCH COMPANIES<br />

ARE FURTHER PROOF THAT<br />

BLACK IS TRULY BEAUTIFUL!<br />

BY JULEE WILSON<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY<br />

JON PATERSON<br />

PRODUCTS, COURTESY OF BRANDS<br />

Clockwise from top left:<br />

Líha Idan<br />

Oil, $55, lihabeauty.co.uk. Aba Love<br />

Apothecary Divine Me Anointing Oil,<br />

$32, abaloveapothecary.com. Lust<br />

Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Queen B,<br />

$18, lustvcosmetics.com. Danessa<br />

Myricks Beauty Evolution Powder in<br />

#5, $24, danessamyricksbeauty.com.<br />

The Afro Hair & Skin Co. Flourish<br />

Totally Nourishing Hair Butter,<br />

$25, 100 g, theafrohairandskin<br />

company.co.uk.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 29

BEAUTY<br />

: BLACK BRANDS<br />

1<br />

Tanzania<br />

Crew<br />

THREE NOTES<br />

SKINCARE<br />

Initially conceived<br />

to combat adult<br />

acne, the company<br />

now promotes<br />

holistic healing to<br />

beautify from<br />

head to toe.<br />

Pink Clay & DMAE<br />

Facial Cleanser,<br />

$26, Carrot Seed<br />

Oil Facial Serum,<br />

$33, and Charcoal<br />

& Tea Tree<br />

Cleanser,$26,<br />

threenotes.com.<br />

Our products are<br />

natural and effective,<br />

but also luxurious<br />

and flirty.”<br />

—STEPHANIE COKER, FOUNDER/<br />

CREATOR<br />

3<br />

4<br />

DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY<br />

The innovative formulas in eyecatching<br />

colors are perfect for<br />

makeup pros and novices. Waterproof<br />

Cushion Color in Liquid Lilac, $12,<br />

danessamyricksbeauty.com.<br />

5<br />

Dana<br />

Jackson<br />

2<br />

BENEATH YOUR MASK<br />

Enjoy<br />

luxe ingredients sourced from 25 countries<br />

and packaged in dark violet Miron<br />

glass, which energetically activates the<br />

botanical formulas. Indulge Total Body<br />

Elixir, $90, and Heal Whipped Skin<br />

Soufflé, $80, beneathyourmask.com.<br />

SDOT BEAUTY Although the handcrafted<br />

products from this Harlem-based biz<br />

are whipped up in small batches, they<br />

deliver big results for your skin, body<br />

and hair. hairCurlspiration Curl Defining Gel<br />

,<br />

$18, sdotbeauty.com.<br />

LÍHA We’re more than happy to pay<br />

any extra shipping fees to get our<br />

hands on this U.K.-based outfit’s<br />

cold-pressed shea butter and coconut<br />

oil creations. Gold Shea Butter, $27,<br />

lihabeauty.co.uk. uk »<br />

Liha Okunniwa &<br />

Abi Oyepitan<br />

BUSINESS OWNERS, COURTESY OF SUBJECTS. PRODUCTS, COURTESY OF BRANDS.<br />

30 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

SKIN RELIEF<br />

®<br />

Renée Elise<br />

Goldsberry<br />

Meet your moisturizing routine’s new MVP.<br />

Our AVEENO ® Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion with natural shea butter and oat oil<br />

is a complete game changer. Indulgently rich, but not greasy, it rebalances skin’s<br />

moisture barrier to lock in hydration for a full 24 hours to give you silky soft skin.<br />

©J&JCI<strong>2018</strong><br />

aveeno.com

BEAU<br />

AUTY<br />

: BLAC<br />

ACK BRAN<br />

ANDS<br />

8<br />

Sholayide<br />

Otugalu<br />

We’re a certified<br />

organic skin care<br />

line that doesn’t take<br />

itself too seriously.”<br />

—HOLLY MCWHORTER, COFOUNDER<br />

6<br />

JOSÉPHINE COSMETICS Get<br />

glammed up with items that are<br />

organic, vegan and oh, so fabulous.<br />

HD Mineral Eye Radiance Quad in<br />

Taylor, $59, josephinecosmetics.com.<br />

9<br />

FORM With this line, the same folks<br />

who broughtus the men’s grooming<br />

system Bevel are now offering<br />

customizable hair care for textured<br />

tresses. Clarify Shampoo, $22, Define<br />

Curl Creme, $29, and Polish Pomade,<br />

$26, formbeauty.com.<br />

Niambi<br />

Cacchioli<br />

7<br />

BLOOMSBURY SQ SKINCARE Inspired<br />

by self-care practices of people in the African<br />

diaspora, the company came up with these<br />

vegan products, which are a true celebration of<br />

our roots. Care Face Wash with Sweet Basil +<br />

Lavender, $25, bloomsburysq.com.<br />

Holly<br />

McWhorter<br />

PLANT APOTHECARY Started in 2012,<br />

this skin care outfit takes pride in making<br />

natural beauty remedies delivered d in sleek,<br />

modern packaging. Make time to stock<br />

up on its moisturizers, body washes, gift<br />

sets and more. Get Happy Bodywash,<br />

$20, plantapothecary.com.<br />

Meier-<br />

Oruitemeka<br />

THEAFROHAIR&SKI<br />

HAIR SKIN CO. This<br />

firm’s mission is simply beautiful: to promote<br />

the long-term health and well-being of Black<br />

women through its holistic products.<br />

Bloom Omega Healthy Hair, $29, 100 ml,<br />

theafrohairandskincompany.co.uk. »<br />

BUSINESS OWNERS, COURTESY OF SUBJECTS. PRODUCTS, COURTESY<br />

J C S. PRODUCTS, COURTES OF BRANDS.<br />

ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

©<strong>2018</strong> L’Oréal <strong>USA</strong>, Inc.<br />

BE SOMEONE NEW.<br />

EVERY DAY.<br />

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■ VISIBLE ON ALL HAIR COLORS – NO BLEACH REQUIRED<br />

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@lufyyyy in #BLUE300 + #PURPLE200 + #HOTPINK100<br />

Earn rewards. Join now at:<br />

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BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT. TM

BEAUTY : BLACK BRANDS<br />

Chris<br />

Collins<br />

11<br />

CHRIS COLLINS This model<br />

turned perfumer has crafted<br />

elegant unisex scents that will<br />

linger (in a good way) long after<br />

you’ve left the room. Harlem<br />

Nights, $160, worldofchris<br />

collins.com.<br />

ABA LOVE APOTHECARY Handcrafted<br />

by a certified aromatherapist, these allnatural<br />

products will invigorate both your<br />

skin and your spirit. Petal Toning Facial Mist,<br />

$45, and Flower Crown Brightening Facial<br />

Serum, $68, abaloveapothecary.com.<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

Samara<br />

Walker<br />

LUST COSMETICS Marrying luxury<br />

and inclusion, n, these nontoxic polishes<br />

promise to complement all skin tones.<br />

Nail Lacquer in Merry Me, $22,<br />

lustvcosmetics.com.<br />

I want to service my<br />

queens and our<br />

beautiful bouquet of<br />

skin tones.”<br />

—KIM BAKER, FOUNDER<br />

GLAMAZON BEAUTY COSMETICS<br />

This cosmetics line, which caters to a wide<br />

range of skin hues, was established by a<br />

makeup artist seeking to debunk society’s<br />

rigid beauty standards. Lash Couture<br />

Lengthening Mascara, $16, and Lipstick in<br />

Narcisse Red, $17, Ricky’s NYC, 877-447-4259.<br />

Aba Gyepi-<br />

Garbrah<br />

15<br />

SIENNA NATURALS As the perfect<br />

remedy for stressed-out hair, this<br />

brand will get your curls in formation<br />

and keep them looking stunning at the<br />

same time. Don’t Flake Brazilian<br />

Botanical Scalp Treatment, $28,<br />

siennanaturals.com. »<br />

BUSINESS OWNERS, COURTESY OF SUBJECTS. PRODUCTS, COURTESY OF BRANDS.<br />

34 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

NEW<br />

BEAUTY<br />

must-haves to try now<br />

Be the first to discover NEW BEAUTY<br />

At Walgreens, you’ll always find the latest brands and<br />

products that are sure to bring new life to your routine.<br />

Check out our new beauty must-haves in store and at<br />

walgreens.com/beauty

BEAUTY<br />

: BLACK BRANDS<br />

17<br />

GIRL + HAIR Whether<br />

you’re rocking braids, locs,<br />

twists, wigs or weaves, this<br />

natural-hair-care line will keep<br />

your protective styles so fresh<br />

and so clean. The concentrated<br />

nozzles on the bottles<br />

make sure you get to all the<br />

nooks and crannies. Under<br />

Hair Care Clarifying Apple<br />

Cider Vinegar Rinse, $15,<br />

shop.naturallycurly.com.<br />

Dr. Camille<br />

Verovic<br />

16<br />

18<br />

To create a space for<br />

Black women to own<br />

and love their beauty<br />

is important to us.”<br />

Talima<br />

Davis<br />

—TALIMA DAVIS, CO-OWNER<br />

19<br />

UNSUN COSMETICS We were already<br />

obsessed with this company’s sunscreen<br />

and now there are a few new goodies to<br />

covet. Lip Tint in Slay, $12, and Hand<br />

Cream SPF 15, $27, unsuncosmetics.com.<br />

BEAUTY BAKERIE You’ll<br />

fall in love with these bakeryinspired<br />

cosmetics made<br />

with brown girls in mind.<br />

Matte Lip Whip in Cranberryry<br />

Stiletto and She’s Just<br />

Jelly, $20 eac<br />

20<br />

each,<br />

beautybakerie.com.<br />

Katonya<br />

Breaux<br />

Daw<br />

n<br />

Fit<br />

ch<br />

POOKA PURE & SIMPLE While this<br />

company boasts a collection of shower<br />

gels, body scrubs, moisturizers and<br />

more, our favorite item is definitely<br />

the delicious fragrances. Natural Oil<br />

Perfume in Sandalwood Rose, Guava<br />

Juice and Forever Lavender, $15 each,<br />

pookapureandsimple.com.<br />

Allison<br />

Lamb<br />

LIMEGREEN The folks at this Newburgh,<br />

New York, skin care brand whip up<br />

products that are effective and empow-<br />

ering. Each organic formula is made to be<br />

used in more than one way, and the<br />

packaging is emblazoned with positive<br />

affirmations. Multi-Spray in Lavandula,<br />

$20, 3.75 oz, brooklynlimegreen.com.<br />

ESS OWNERS, COURTESY OF SUBJECTS.<br />

BUSINE<br />

PRODUCTS, COURTESY OF BRANDS.<br />

36 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

A SMILE<br />

BRIGHT ENOUGH<br />

FOR DATE NIGHT<br />

WHITER TEETH IN 1 DAY.*<br />

Colgate ® Optic White ® uses<br />

hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient<br />

dentists recommend.<br />

*with the Colgate ® Optic White ® Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Toothbrush<br />

+ Whitening Pen, use as directed. Use mouthwash prior to Optic White ®<br />

Whitening Pen. For best results, continue using products as directed.<br />

© <strong>2018</strong> Colgate-Palmolive Company

BEAU<br />

AUTY<br />

: BEAU<br />

AUTY<br />

SCH<br />

CHOO<br />

OOL<br />

PAULA’S CHOICE<br />

Resist Triple-Action<br />

Dark Spot Eraser<br />

2% BHA Gel ($27,<br />

paulaschoice.com).<br />

1<br />

LANCER Advanced C<br />

Radiance Cream ($85, 2<br />

lancerskincare.com).<br />

3<br />

SKINCEUTICALS<br />

Phyto+ Botanical<br />

Gel ($86, skin<br />

ceuticals.com).<br />

4<br />

OLAY<br />

Regenerist<br />

Luminous<br />

Tone Perfecting<br />

Treatment ($27,<br />

olay.com).<br />

PROTECT YOUR<br />

INVESTMENT<br />

USE THESE PRODUCTS AT<br />

NIGHT AND THEN APPLY<br />

SUNSCREEN AND AN<br />

ANTIOXIDANT-RICH<br />

MOISTURIZER IN THE<br />

MORNING TO KEEP<br />

THE PROGRESS<br />

GOING.<br />

ERNO LASZLO<br />

White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C<br />

Peel ($100, net-a-porter.com).<br />

Hyperpigmentation<br />

ALMOST EVERYONE DEALS WITH SKIN DISCOLORATION. HERE’S WHAT TO DO<br />

ABOUT IT BY JULEE WILSON | ILLUSTRATION BY MIA MARIE OVERGAARD<br />

f it seems as if most of your friends are struggling with<br />

I hyperpigmentation, they are. Dark spots, circles and<br />

patches are some of the most common skin issues affecting<br />

people of color. Seven Brown, an aesthetician and the owner<br />

of Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic in New York City, says<br />

90 percent of her clients seek solutions for hyperpigmentation.<br />

“Anything that causes friction, heat or pressure to the<br />

skin activates melanin and can subsequently make a dark<br />

spot,” Brown explains. For example, popping pimples and<br />

getting extractions during facials are prime factors in skin<br />

5<br />

URBAN SKIN RX Even<br />

Tone Cleansing Bar ($28,<br />

urbanskinrx.com).<br />

7<br />

6<br />

DR. BARBARA STURM<br />

Darker Skin Tones Enzyme<br />

Cleanser ($77, molecularcosmetics.com).<br />

discoloration. How do you combat it? Look for an item<br />

packed with vitamin C, retinol and enzymes. In addition<br />

products that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter<br />

allow the active components to work their magic without<br />

irritation. And make sure your selection is right for your skin<br />

type. Antioxidants such as beta hydroxy acid (BHA) work well<br />

on oily skin, while plant-based formulas (such as Skinceuticals<br />

Phyto+ serum, above) are great for sensitive skin. And Brown<br />

has the best news of all: “Hyperpigmentation can definitely be<br />

treated and overcome with the right product combination.”<br />

PRODUCTS, COURTESY OF BRANDS<br />

38 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

BEAUTY : GLAM DIARY<br />

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HI WILDFLOWER<br />

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FRAGRANCE Ancients<br />

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“Stress is a helluva drug, and it will take a<br />

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MINIMALIST CHIC<br />

While most people say they have a simple<br />

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is key, through diet, water intake and caretaking.<br />

I love waking up and feeling beautiful in<br />

my naked face.”<br />

FOR THE YEAR AHEAD...<br />

Wortham is claiming many things in <strong>2018</strong>,<br />

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40 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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—SIRAAD DIRSHE, BEAUTY EDITOR<br />

ORIBE<br />

Signature Moisture Masque<br />

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HARKLINIKKEN<br />

Hair Hydrating Mask ($56,<br />

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42 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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A R<br />

HAIR, STACEY CICERON. MAKEUP, LUCKY SMYLER/EPIPHANY ARTIST GROUP. MANICURE,<br />

SUNSHINE OUTING. STYLING, AVON DORSEY. FOR CLOTHING DETAILS, SEE WHERE TO BUY.<br />

Fana<br />

YEARS IN COMPANY: 5<br />

“If I’m trying to retain<br />

moisture, my go-to is<br />

always twists,” says Fana<br />

Tesfagiorgis. Having spent<br />

nearly all her life dancing,<br />

which includes grueling<br />

rehearsals and a demanding<br />

tour schedule,<br />

Tesfagiorgis opts for a<br />

heat-free routine with<br />

nourishing products, such<br />

as Carol’s Daughter<br />

Rhassoul Clay Enriching<br />

Conditioner ($14, carols<br />

daughter.com), to help<br />

safeguard her strands. “I’m<br />

not sure what it is that<br />

makes it for active living,<br />

but I definitely feel my hair<br />

get softer each time I use<br />

it,” says Tesfagiorgis.<br />

PROTECT<br />

YOU R<br />

TRESSES<br />

Preserving a crown of<br />

kinks, coils and curls<br />

can take its toll on the<br />

overall health of your hair.<br />

Three Alvin Ailey dancers<br />

share their preferred<br />

low-maintenance hairstyles<br />

BY SIRAAD DIRSHE<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RODRIGO CID<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 45

HAIR : PROTECTIVE STYLES<br />

Ashley<br />

YEARS IN COMPANY: 2<br />

While styles that cause less stress, such<br />

as cornrows, box braids and updos,<br />

traditionally take more time to complete<br />

than, say, a wash-and-go or ponytail, they<br />

often lead you to have a greater understanding<br />

of your hair’s texture, growth<br />

pattern and moisture level. “Finally, we<br />

have started to communicate,” Ashley<br />

Mayeux says of her tresses. “Since I began<br />

using castor oil and the manuka oil, I have<br />

a better relationship with my hair. And I<br />

don’t have to do it as often.” »<br />

46 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

HAIR : PROTECTIVE STYLES<br />

Constance<br />

YEARS IN COMPANY: 6<br />

The ends—the oldest and most<br />

fragile part of the strand—truly<br />

benefit from dos that give your<br />

locks a break. “I have thick, curly<br />

hair,” Constance Stamation says. “I<br />

feel like these styles help keep my<br />

conditioner’s moisture, and I don’t<br />

ever have to worry about my hair<br />

coming loose while I’m dancing.”<br />

The mom of two has even started<br />

teaching her young daughter the art<br />

of conservational styling. “I make<br />

sure to twist my daughter’s hair every<br />

night before she goes to bed. She’s<br />

like, ‘This is protecting my hair,’ ”<br />

Stamation says.<br />

48 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

h l y<br />

Legacy<br />

Continues<br />

Twists and braids are also an ode to<br />

our roots, much like Alvin Ailey’s<br />

eponymous dance company. Each<br />

production illustrates the beauty and<br />

humanity of our African-American<br />

heritage. From now until May, you can<br />

see the illustrious troupe bring our rich<br />

culture to life at one of its 64 performances<br />

in 21 cities nationwide.<br />

º<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 49

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SC<br />

E<br />

WHY<br />

JASON IS<br />

BORN<br />

FOR THIS<br />

FROM STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON<br />

TO THE CHI, JASON MITCHELL<br />

KEEPS IT MOVING<br />

BY REGINA R. ROBERTSON<br />

BYRAN TARNOWSKI<br />

H<br />

is response to the simple question “How are you?” is quite epic: “I’m amazing,” Jason Mitchell says. “Life is delicious<br />

right now.” Since his spot-on portrayal of the late rapper Eazy-E in 2015’s Straight Outta Compton, the New Orleans<br />

native hasn’t skipped a beat. This year he followed with the Netflix period drama Mudbound, and now he’s taking on<br />

prime time in the much-talked-about Showtime series The Chi, which premieres January 7. Created, written and executiveproduced<br />

by Lena Waithe, the program is about her beloved, but troubled, Illinois hometown.<br />

ForMitchelltheshowisaperfectfit.“Brandonisthefirstofmycharacterstomirrormylife,”saysthe31-year-oldactorwho,<br />

like his on-screen persona, has lost someone close to violence and chases his dream despite the odds. Both know their way<br />

around the kitchen: “I worked as a cook before I started acting. I didn’t need a stunt double!”<br />

Mitchell is aware that finding one’s gift is a blessing. Admittedly he felt uncertain about the future when, soon after he<br />

graduated from high school, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on his city. Then, at 23, he bet on himself by enrolling in an<br />

actors’ workshop. That was the turning point. “I feel like this trajectory was chosen for me,” he says. “If I’d written my own<br />

story, it would not have been this good. God has really been putting His hands on me.”<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 51

SCENE : ENTERTAINMENT<br />

CABLE<br />

COMEDY’S NEW ROYALTY<br />

Williams (far left)<br />

and Robinson pose<br />

backstage at Brooklyn’s<br />

Kings Theatre, where<br />

they filmed their HBO<br />

specials last October.<br />

JESSICA WILLIAMS AND PHOEBE ROBINSON’S 2 DOPE QUEENS PODCAST TURNED TV<br />

SPECIAL CROWNS THE NEXT GENERATION OF STORYTELLERS BY DANIELLE KWATENG-CLARK<br />

For Phoebe Robinson, 33, and Jessica Williams, 28,<br />

their paths to cohosting the wildly popular 2 Dope<br />

Queens podcast were atypical. “Growing up I never<br />

wanted to do comedy,” says Cleveland native Robinson, a<br />

former consultant on Comedy Central’s Broad City and staff<br />

writer on MTV’s Girl Code. “I thought I was gonna work in film<br />

and write serious movies that were gonna win Oscars.” Raised<br />

in L.A., Williams began acting at 15 and starred in the shortlived<br />

Nickelodeon series Just for Kicks. “I wasn’t exactly the<br />

aesthetic of the roles made for Black women, where you had<br />

everybody who was beautiful, traditionally thin,” remembers<br />

Williams. “Especially since I’ve been six feet tall since I was 15.”<br />

Things shifted when Williams switched to sketch comedy,<br />

appearing in the Web series UCB Comedy Originals and<br />

CollegeHumor Originals. In 2012 she became the youngest<br />

correspondent in the history of Comedy Central’s The Daily<br />

Show. There she met Robinson, a stand-up comic, who was<br />

brought in for a segment on Black women in the military. The<br />

pair quickly became friends and Robinson invited Williams to<br />

cohost her then live show, Blaria (aka Black Daria), where their<br />

comedic storytelling caught the attention of WNYC Studios. By<br />

that time Blaria had morphed into 2 Dope Queens, another live<br />

monthly showcase for stand-ups—especially those with<br />

“vajeens” and melanin. In 2016 WNYC Studios launched 2 Dope<br />

Queens as a podcast.<br />

The millennials’ conversation-style humor has now garnered<br />

them not one but four HBO specials. “Jess and I really wanted to<br />

keep them like the podcast,” says Robinson. This month 2 Dope<br />

Queens, written by Insecure producer and writer Amy Aniobi,<br />

will air each week starting <strong>February</strong> 2. The program begins with<br />

quirky banter between Williams and Robinson and then<br />

transitions into routines from three comedians.<br />

“People of color are so different,” says Williams, who starred<br />

in Netflix’s film The Incredible Jessica James. “Now, in Black<br />

narratives, people are asking to be represented as a little bit<br />

more offbeat or queer or just different. There’s room for nuance<br />

in our experience. That’s the point of having awesome and<br />

diverse stand-ups and storytellers.”<br />

COMIC<br />

RELIEF<br />

AFEWOFTHEIRFUNNIESTFRIENDS<br />

In their HBO specials, the hilarious duo share the stage with fellow stars<br />

Stand-up comic Michelle<br />

Buteau brings her own<br />

#BlackGirlMagic.<br />

Scene-stealer Tituss<br />

Burgess’s real-life storytelling<br />

is even more gut-busting.<br />

Bard-loving Uzo<br />

Aduba’s humorous<br />

side shines.<br />

Grace and Frankie’s<br />

Baron Vaughn returns to<br />

his stage roots.<br />

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HBO (5)<br />

52 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

Follow ESSENCE Entertainment Director<br />

Cori Murray on Twitter @CORIMURRAY.

NBC-TV<br />

THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL<br />

New Amsterdam Theatre, Broadway & 42nd Street • 866-870-2717<br />

AladdinTheMusical.com<br />

©Disney

<strong>2018</strong><br />

SOUND OFF<br />

SEE OUR<br />

EXPERTS’ PICKS!<br />

There’s been an increase in<br />

diversity among Grammy<br />

nominees. We asked these<br />

bawse women in music<br />

for their opinion on who<br />

will take home<br />

the statue.<br />

Record of the Year<br />

“Redbone” (Childish<br />

Gambino); “Despacito” (Luis<br />

Fonsi & Daddy Yankee);<br />

“The Story of O.J.” (Jay-Z);<br />

“Humble.” (Kendrick Lamar);<br />

“24K Magic” (Bruno Mars)<br />

Album of the Year<br />

Awaken, My Love! (Childish<br />

Gambino); 4:44 (Jay-Z);<br />

DAMN. (Kendrick Lamar);<br />

Melodrama (Lorde); 24K<br />

Magic (Bruno Mars)<br />

Best New Artist<br />

Alessia Cara<br />

Khalid<br />

Lil Uzi Vert<br />

Julia Michaels<br />

SZA<br />

Best R&B Album<br />

Freudian (Daniel Caesar);<br />

Let Love Rule (Ledisi);<br />

24K Magic (Bruno Mars);<br />

Gumbo (PJ Morton); Feel<br />

the Real (Musiq Soulchild)<br />

Best Rap Album<br />

4:44 (Jay-Z); DAMN.<br />

(Kendrick Lamar); Culture<br />

(Migos); Laila’s Wisdom<br />

(Rapsody); Flower Boy<br />

(Tyler, The Creator)<br />

Missy<br />

Elliott<br />

Manushka<br />

Magloire,<br />

director of<br />

community<br />

affairs at<br />

Afropunk<br />

24K MAGIC<br />

“He’s an amazing<br />

performer and I’m<br />

a big fan.”<br />

MELODRAMA<br />

“They’ll give it to<br />

Lorde—she has a<br />

great voice—but<br />

Kendrick’s DAMN.<br />

should win.”<br />

Mjeema<br />

Pickett,<br />

global head<br />

of R&B and<br />

soul at<br />

Spotify<br />

KHALID<br />

“He just burst onto<br />

the scene. His<br />

voice is so textured.<br />

I literally feel him<br />

as he sings.”<br />

LET LOVE RULE<br />

“Bruno Mars has<br />

such crossover<br />

appeal, but I hope<br />

Ledisi wins.”<br />

CULTURE<br />

“Migos dominated<br />

pop culture. To the<br />

industry, ‘Bad and<br />

Boujee’ is what rap<br />

represents.”<br />

Forever Supa Dupa Fly:<br />

Missy Elliott BY ALIYA S. KING<br />

ack in 1997, women in hip-hop were either<br />

B eye candy or too-cool-for-school ciphers. But<br />

when she released her debut album, Supa Dupa<br />

Fly, Missy Elliott refused to follow the rules. On<br />

January 25, in recognition of her game-changing g<br />

creativity, ESSENCE honors Elliott at <strong>2018</strong>’s<br />

Black Women in Music event with performances<br />

by Grammy-nominated artist Rapsody and Leikeli47.<br />

For more on Missy Elliott, go to ESSENCE.com.<br />

24K MAGIC<br />

“The musicianship<br />

and<br />

artistry are<br />

impeccable.”<br />

24K MAGIC<br />

“The album is<br />

an amazing<br />

moment in<br />

music.”<br />

SZA and<br />

KHALID<br />

“It’s a toss-up for<br />

me. They both<br />

had a wonderful<br />

year.”<br />

24K MAGIC<br />

“Bruno’s album is<br />

a monster, from<br />

front to back.”<br />

DAMN.<br />

“I’m going with<br />

Kendrick: The<br />

production, the<br />

lyrics—it’s an<br />

incredible album.”<br />

Thea Mitchem,<br />

EVP of<br />

programming<br />

at iHeart Radio,<br />

Northeast,<br />

and program<br />

director at<br />

NYC’s Power<br />

105.1 FM<br />

DESPACITO<br />

“Everyone<br />

played it—it<br />

was the song of<br />

the summer.”<br />

DAMN.<br />

“Hands down<br />

he had one<br />

of the best<br />

albums of<br />

2017.”<br />

LIL UZI VERT<br />

“It should go to<br />

Uzi, but he may<br />

be too underground<br />

for the<br />

academy.”<br />

24K MAGIC<br />

“It was retro;<br />

it was Prince,<br />

Shai.... Bruno<br />

should get it.”<br />

DAMN.<br />

“I’m going<br />

with Kendrick,<br />

but Migos<br />

is a huge<br />

runner-up.”<br />

ICON TO<br />

ICON<br />

Before music’s big night,<br />

Clive Davis will present<br />

the <strong>2018</strong> Grammy Salute<br />

to Industry Icons<br />

award to Jay-Z<br />

at the storied<br />

Pre–Grammy<br />

Shawn “Jay-Z”<br />

Carter and<br />

Clive Davis<br />

Gala, cohosted<br />

by the<br />

Recording<br />

Academy.<br />

EXPERTS COURTESY OF SUBJECTS. RECORD OF THE YEAR FROM LEFT: KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES FOR NARAS; KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/GETTY IMAGES; GILBERT CARRASQUILLO/FILMMAGIC.<br />

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: COURTESY OF LABEL. BEST NEW ARTIST FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF LABEL; DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR FENTY PUMA; JUSTIN LLOYD/NEWSPIX/GETTY IMAGES;<br />

PRINCE WILLIAMS/WIREIMAGE. BEST R&B ALBUM: GILBERT CARRASQUILLO/FILMMAGIC; PARAS GRIFFIN/GETTY IMAGES; COURTESY OF LABEL. BEST RAP ALBUM: BENNETT RAGLIN/GETTY IMAGES<br />

FOR BET; COURTESY OF LABEL; STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE. MISSY ELLIOTT: JOHN SHEARER/GETTY IMAGES FOR KITTY PURRY, INC. JAY-Z AND CLIVE DAVIS, KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE.<br />

54 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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It’s no longer<br />

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from the page<br />

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BY JAMIE<br />

BROADNAX<br />

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KASUMBA<br />

THUNDER<br />

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Black Lightning<br />

The CW, premieres January 16<br />

MISTY KNIGHT<br />

aka Mercedes Knight<br />

Marvel’s Luke Cage<br />

Netflix, season two this year<br />

THE DORA MILAJE<br />

aka Okoye, Nakia and Ayo<br />

Black Panther<br />

in theaters <strong>February</strong> 16<br />

Welcome to Wakanda, the<br />

ancestral home of King<br />

T’Challa, alias Black Panther,<br />

and where fierce female warriors<br />

are sworn to protect him.<br />

The Dora Milaje—translation:<br />

the “adored ones”—will be portrayed<br />

on-screen by Danai<br />

Gurira (Okoye), Lupita Nyong’o<br />

(Nakia) and Florence Kasumba<br />

(Ayo). Letitia Wright plays<br />

T’Challa’s sister, Shuri.<br />

BACKSTORY: The Dora<br />

Milaje made its first comic<br />

book appearance in Black<br />

Panther, Vol. 3 #1 (1998). The<br />

women are typically bald<br />

with tribal markings and<br />

wear suited armor (so<br />

they’re ready for battle at all<br />

times). In the comics there<br />

have been some dramatic<br />

moments between Nakia<br />

and T’Challa when she falls in<br />

love with him. But once she<br />

realizes the feeling is not<br />

mutual, she turns on him<br />

and ends up becoming the<br />

villain Malice.<br />

What comes after lightning?<br />

Thunder! In the new CW series<br />

Black Lightning, created and<br />

executive-produced by Salim<br />

and Mara Brock Akil, we’ll meet<br />

Anissa Pierce, Black Lightning’s<br />

oldest daughter (played by<br />

Nafessa Williams). Early in the<br />

TV show, Anissa reveals her<br />

superpowers and her alter ego,<br />

Thunder. BACKSTORY: The<br />

character debuted in the DC<br />

comic Outsiders, Vol. 3 #1<br />

(2003). In it she’s a graduate<br />

school student. Her powers<br />

emerge when she discovers<br />

her community is in deep<br />

trouble. Anissa later joins the<br />

Outsiders and meets Grace<br />

Choi, whom she begins dating.<br />

The relationship between<br />

Thunder and her father grows<br />

contentious after he learns<br />

about his daughter’s sexuality.<br />

NAFESSA<br />

WILLIAMS<br />

JANELLE<br />

MONÁE<br />

ALEXIS<br />

from the episode “Autofac”<br />

Philip K. Dick’s<br />

Electric Dreams<br />

Amazon Prime, streaming now<br />

It seems like a dream come<br />

true when our Electric Lady,<br />

actress and musician Janelle<br />

Monáe, stars in one of the ten<br />

episodes of the sci-fi series<br />

Philip K. Dick’s Electric<br />

Dreams. In “Autofac” Monáe<br />

plays a representative of a<br />

manufacturing company that<br />

believes humans consume<br />

products to be happy, and for<br />

consumption to be continuous<br />

they must be denied freedom<br />

of choice and free will. Black<br />

Girl Magic bonus: Mudbound’s<br />

Dee Rees directs the timely<br />

episode “Kill All Others,” featuring<br />

Vera Farmiga.<br />

BACKSTORY: Penned by<br />

prolific sci-fi writer, the late<br />

Philip K. Dick, Dreams joins an<br />

impressive list of his work that<br />

has lived on such as Blade<br />

Runner, Total Recall and<br />

Minority Report.<br />

Jamie Broadnax (@JamieBroadnax) is the creator of Black Girl Nerds<br />

and Misty Knight’s Uninformed Afro podcast.<br />

Mercedes “Misty” Knight,<br />

played by Simone Missick,<br />

is the heart and soul of<br />

Marvel’s Luke Cage, the<br />

Netflix series that stars Mike<br />

Colter and is executiveproduced<br />

by Cheo Hodari<br />

Coker. The show unpacks<br />

more about Misty’s origin<br />

and history than the comic<br />

book canon ever did.<br />

BACKSTORY: Misty first<br />

appeared in Marvel<br />

Team-Up, #1 (1972), but<br />

has mostly been featured<br />

either in an ensemble or<br />

alongside Colleen Wing as<br />

a part of the private<br />

investigative duo in the<br />

Daughters of the Dragon<br />

comics. She’s known for<br />

wearing a bionic arm<br />

composed of vibranium<br />

(a natural resource of<br />

Wakanda, which is also in<br />

Captain America’s shield).<br />

Misty’s arm is also technopathic,<br />

which gives her the<br />

ability to manipulate robots.<br />

SIMONE<br />

MISSICK<br />

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF AMAZON PRIME VIDEO/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION; COURTESY OF NETFLIX;<br />

CARIN BAER/THE CW NETWORK ©2017; MATT KENNEDY ©MARVEL STUDIOS <strong>2018</strong>. BROADNAX, COURTESY OF SUBJECT.<br />

56 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

SCENE : PATRIK’S PICKS<br />

SISTERS<br />

WITH<br />

VOICE S<br />

LOVE AND HAPPINESS<br />

With An American Marriage<br />

(Algonquin Books of Chapel<br />

Hill, $26.95), her fourth novel,<br />

author Tayari Jones has<br />

emerged as one<br />

of the most<br />

important<br />

voices of her<br />

generation.<br />

This timely<br />

Tayari<br />

Jones<br />

FIVE OF THE BEST BOOKS<br />

OUT RIGHT NOW ARE<br />

FROM THESE TALENTED<br />

BLACK WOMEN<br />

BY PATRIK HENRY BASS<br />

story zeroes in<br />

on Celestial and<br />

Roy, a happy<br />

couple whose love and loyalty<br />

are tested when the husband<br />

is arrested and both are swept<br />

into the criminal justice system<br />

with surprising results.<br />

THE POWER OF PROSE<br />

If you have loved ones who<br />

cherish words, get them a<br />

copy of Black Ink: Literary<br />

Legends on the Peril, Power,<br />

and Pleasure of<br />

Reading and<br />

Writing (37<br />

Ink/Atria, $26).<br />

Editor Stephanie<br />

Stokes Oliver<br />

gathers the<br />

Stephanie thoughts of the<br />

Stokes Oliver<br />

greatest African-<br />

American thinkers from<br />

Booker T. Washington to<br />

Ta-Nehisi Coates. Their<br />

insights are priceless.<br />

58 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

FUNNY GIRL<br />

Stand-up comedian Tiffany<br />

Haddish was the breakout star<br />

of 2017’s summer blockbuster<br />

Girls Trip. In her memoir, The<br />

Last Black Unicorn (Gallery,<br />

$26), we’re treated to a rarely<br />

seen side of the irrepressible<br />

cutup. “As a young kid, it didn’t<br />

feel like nobody cared about<br />

me or protected me (except<br />

for my grandma),” she writes.<br />

“Unless they was getting paid.<br />

Unless it was making them<br />

look good in some kind of<br />

way. Me just being myself was<br />

never good enough for anyone<br />

to love.” All of that has<br />

changed now.<br />

RHYME AND FLOW<br />

Are you among the more<br />

than 100,000 people who<br />

are addicted to Yrsa Daley-<br />

Ward’s Instagram<br />

profile? The<br />

same inspiration,<br />

power<br />

and beauty<br />

she offers<br />

there is served<br />

up in Bone<br />

Yrsa<br />

Daley-Ward<br />

(Penguin, $15),<br />

her arresting new poetry<br />

collection, which is steeped in<br />

personal memories that are<br />

both unique and universal.<br />

BELLES LETTRES<br />

Zadie Smith is a writer’s<br />

writer. She’s also a reader’s<br />

delight, as she once again<br />

reveals in Feel Free (Penguin<br />

Press, $28). In this tour de<br />

force essay compilation,<br />

Smith takes us inside her<br />

infinitely curious mind with<br />

this premise: “Writing exists<br />

(for me) at the<br />

intersection<br />

of three<br />

precarious,<br />

uncertain<br />

elements:<br />

Zadie<br />

Smith<br />

language, the<br />

world, the self.”<br />

Follow ESSENCE Editorial Projects Director<br />

Patrik Henry Bass on Twitter @PATRIKSPICKS.<br />

BASS, SEAN BURROWES. CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: KIRILL KOZLOV; DOMINIQUE NABOKOV;<br />

DERRYS RICHARDSON; NINA SUBMIN. BOOK STILLS, JON PATERSON. PROP STYLIST, JULIE FLYNN.

SCENE : BOOKS<br />

PROMOTION<br />

More of<br />

What You<br />

Love is On<br />

Fearless<br />

Brittney<br />

Cooper<br />

takes on...<br />

everything.<br />

BEING A BLACK<br />

FEMINIST NOW<br />

ONE OF OUR EMERGING INTELLECTUALS HAS<br />

EVERYBODY TALKING ABOUT HER NEW BOOK,<br />

EMBRACING FEMINISM AND REJECTING IGNORANCE<br />

COOPER, RYAN LASH PHOTOGRAPHY. BOOK STILL, JON PATERSON.<br />

Don’t mess with Brittney<br />

Cooper. That is, if you are<br />

closed-minded, unimaginative,<br />

racist, misogynistic, homophobic<br />

or just plain annoying. Or if you aid or<br />

abet a culture that pits Black women<br />

against other Black women in<br />

defining or rejecting what or who is a<br />

feminist. Step to Cooper unprepared<br />

and uninformed and you will quickly<br />

know why this force of nature is<br />

becoming one of our fiercest voices<br />

in the new generation of African-<br />

American thinkers. If you’re a reader<br />

of the Crunk Feminist Collective blog,<br />

which she cofounded, you’re aware of<br />

the sharp wit and wisdom of the<br />

Rutgers University associate professor<br />

of women and gender studies.<br />

If you’ve dived into the revelatory<br />

Beyond Respectability: The Intellectual<br />

Thought of Race Women (University of<br />

Illinois Press, 2017), you’ve embraced<br />

Cooper’s fearlessness. Now make way<br />

to experience the author like never<br />

before. Her latest effort, Eloquent<br />

Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers<br />

Her Superpower (St. Martin’s Press,<br />

$25.99), is a breakthrough. In this<br />

searing collection of essays that<br />

thread personal history, political<br />

injustice and profound courage,<br />

Cooper successfully argues that Black<br />

women have been the nation’s conscience<br />

and backbone. However, the<br />

work suggests that rarely has our<br />

country affirmed or valued this group.<br />

Even so, Cooper defiantly rejects the<br />

Angry Black Woman stereotype. In fact,<br />

she encourages readers to tap into that<br />

time-honored strength to support our<br />

sisters and to defeat any force that will<br />

hold you and them back. —P.H.B.<br />

SEE<br />

WHAT’S HOT<br />

RIGHT NOW!<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 61

JULY 5-8<br />

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PROMOTION<br />

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Be the first to see sneak peeks, premieres<br />

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PROMOTION<br />

OUT &<br />

ABOUT<br />

SEEN ON THE SCENE<br />

MY CITY, 4 WAYS<br />

ESSENCE and FORD teamed up to highlight influential creatives to celebrate<br />

My City, 4 Ways Memphis—a fusion of food, music, art, and style. Guests had the<br />

opportunity to test drive the <strong>2018</strong> Ford F-150 Raptor, Escape, and the 2017 Fusion<br />

Sport, Explorer and Mustang convertible. They also SEEN enjoyed ON complimentary THE SCENE bites<br />

from chef D. Arthur, pop-up experiences from artist Jamond Bullock and lifestyle<br />

fashionista Karleen Roy, and a special performance by songstress Keia Johnson.<br />

Visit www.essence.com/mycity4ways/memphis to view more on<br />

My City, 4 Ways: Memphis or #MYFORDCITY.<br />

1 2 3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

Photo credit: Bradford Bridgers; Joe Kohen<br />

Clockwise from left top to bottom: 1. Jamond Bullock – visual artist, Jennifer Edwards – Multicultural Communications<br />

Manager, Ford Motor Company, Karlene Roy – Founder of The Vanity Group, Keia Johnson – singer, D. Arthur – chef.<br />

2. Guests participate in the ride and drive. 3. Loni Love swaps food secrets with Chef Kelis 4. Live art illustration by<br />

Jamond Bullock. 5. Grammy®-nominated artist, Ro James. 6. Attendees enjoying the fun. 7. Patrice Banks, the founder<br />

of Girls Auto Clinic offers tips to guests. 8. Singer Keia Johnson. 9. Creative director, June Ambrose.

ISSUES<br />

St. Thomas<br />

Anita Roberts<br />

Darice Plaskettt<br />

Diane Parrott<br />

St. John<br />

10<br />

THINGS<br />

WE’RE<br />

TALKING<br />

ABOUT<br />

BY TANYA A. CHRISTIAN<br />

MAP, WERBEANTRIEB/GETTY IMAGES. WOMEN, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TED DAVIS; DON HEBERT<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY; GLORIA A. SEBASTIAN; NICOLE CANEGATA; HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY; BRUCE KELLY.<br />

Mona Barnes<br />

Congresswoman<br />

Stacey Plaskett<br />

St. Croix<br />

Deanna James<br />

Arrows correspond<br />

to the headquarters<br />

of each advocate.<br />

Diane Parrott is based<br />

in Washington, D.C.<br />

LEADING THE CHARGE<br />

1. On September 6, 2017, maximum-strength Category 5 Hurricane Irma slammed into the Caribbean islands of St. John<br />

and St. Thomas. Less than a month later, Hurricane Maria barreled through the region with equal intensity. When the<br />

rain and wind died down, the three major territories that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands were devastated, leaving a predominantly<br />

Black population in despair. In the days following the monstrous storms, a cohort of Black women emerged with one mission:<br />

to prioritize the people largely ignored by mainstream media and restore the American territory to its former glory. Mona<br />

Barnes,DeannaJames,DianeParrott,DaricePlaskett,CongresswomanStaceyPlaskettandAnitaRobertsrolleduptheir<br />

sleeves and got to work. From moving hospital patients to safety to being a voice for islanders, these dynamic women<br />

exemplified the very spirit of #BlackGirlMagic. Visit ESSENCE.com/virginislandsrecovery for more on their stories.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 65

ISSUES : TRENDING TOPICS<br />

2. 3. 4.<br />

MAKING STRIDES<br />

New data from the Reflective<br />

Democracy Campaign show that while<br />

White men make up just 30 percent of<br />

the U.S. population, they account for 65<br />

percent of elected officials. Thankfully<br />

things may be changing, as several newly<br />

elected African-Americans took office in<br />

January. Wins include Sheila Oliver, who<br />

assumed her position as New Jersey’s<br />

lieutenant governor.<br />

DIGITAL LEARNING<br />

On <strong>February</strong> 22 the National WWII<br />

Museum will host a 50-minute webcast<br />

titled Fighting for the Right to Fight:<br />

African-American Experiences in WWII.<br />

The electronic field trip will expose<br />

students to the story of 1.2 million Black<br />

Americans who fought for victory on the<br />

world stage and equality at home. To<br />

register visit nationalww2museum.org.<br />

A RICH TRADITION<br />

We have long revered HBCUs for their<br />

role in nurturing the best and the<br />

brightest among us. Now the history of<br />

these institutions will be in the spotlight<br />

when Tell Them We Are Rising, a project<br />

by famed documentarian Stanley<br />

Nelson, premieres <strong>February</strong> 19 on PBS.<br />

The film is one of the first to chronicle<br />

these institutes of learning and their<br />

importance to the Black community.<br />

My focus is on trying to expose the<br />

way that racial inequality is maintained<br />

through official policy and action. But<br />

I don’t just write that it exists—I try to<br />

expose how it happens. I try to expose<br />

the connection to history...and how<br />

people are doing things to maintain it.<br />

—The New York Times Magazine<br />

writer and 2017 MacArthur Genius Nikole<br />

Hannah-Jones on the basis of her work<br />

BREAKING BARRIERS<br />

Toy company Mattel is cracking the<br />

mold and embracing the evolving<br />

national landscape. This fall the<br />

California-based manufacturer is<br />

releasing a hijab-wearing doll for<br />

the first time ever. Modeled after<br />

Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad, the newest<br />

Barbie joins ones celebrating Ava<br />

DuVernay, Zendaya and Misty Copeland<br />

in the company’s Sheroes collection.<br />

5. 6. 7.<br />

”<br />

”<br />

FUNDING THE FUTURE<br />

In 2013 Philadelphia shuttered about 10<br />

percent of its public schools, leaving<br />

African-Americans among those<br />

negatively affected by the shutdowns. In<br />

hopes of closing the educational equity<br />

gap, The Fund for the School District of<br />

Philadelphia established a Web-based<br />

giving platform—Philly FUNDamentals—<br />

that allows public schools to raise money.<br />

2 6<br />

9<br />

8. 9. 10.<br />

REBUILDING DETROIT<br />

Black real estate developers in the<br />

Motor City are receiving a lifeline,<br />

thanks to a $5 million program offered<br />

by Capital Impact Partners. The<br />

Equitable Development Initiative—<br />

which received a $500,000 investment<br />

from JP Morgan Chase—will provide<br />

financing and training to help increase<br />

the number of minority developers who<br />

participate in the city’s revitalization.<br />

4<br />

REPRESENTATION MATTERS<br />

Google is making good on its promise<br />

to bring more diversity to the tech field.<br />

The technology giant announced a<br />

$1 million grant to The Hidden Genius<br />

Project, an Oakland-based group that<br />

mentors Black boys and aims to shift<br />

public perception of computer<br />

scientists. The grant money will be used<br />

to expand the organization into other<br />

cities and inspire more young people.<br />

FOR US, BY US<br />

After a $150,000 fund-raising effort by<br />

Sabrina Madison, The Progress Center<br />

for Black Women is opening in Madison,<br />

Wisconsin. (At press time, she had raised<br />

$90,000.) Madison will use the center to<br />

help women of color with professional<br />

development, entrepreneurial pursuits<br />

and small-business loans. “My goal is to<br />

have more Black women in positions of<br />

power,” she says.<br />

2. EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ/GETTY IMAGES. 4. MATTEL. 6. JAMES ESTRIN/<br />

THE NEW YORK TIMES. 9. COURTESY OF THE HIDDEN GENIUS PROJECT.<br />

66 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

For trending topics, follow Tanya Christian<br />

on Twitter @TANYAACHRISTIAN.

History isn’t just<br />

something you read about,<br />

it’s something you<br />

make every day.<br />

This Black History Month and 365 days a year,<br />

McDonald’s® celebrates all those who lead our community<br />

by taking chances, stepping up, making a difference and<br />

creating greatness throughout the world.<br />

Deeply rooted in the community<br />

©<strong>2018</strong> McDonald’s

ISSUES : VOICES OF THE NEW AMERICA<br />

STACEY<br />

ABRAMS<br />

Never mind the possibility<br />

of becoming the nation’s<br />

first Black woman governor:<br />

This Georgia gubernatorial<br />

candidate aims to eliminate<br />

poverty, protect voting rights<br />

and implement changes with<br />

the kind of impact Georgians<br />

can feel BY MARQUITA K. HARRIS<br />

PURPOSE<br />

“My purpose is to eradicate poverty in<br />

all the spaces and all the forms where I<br />

can. I say this—and I mean it sincerely—<br />

I am offended by it. It is mean, it is<br />

unnecessary and it siphons away so<br />

much human capital. It lies on the soul.<br />

And it should not exist.”<br />

I am authentically<br />

and unapologetically<br />

a Democrat. I am<br />

not going to water<br />

down my principles<br />

or pretend to be<br />

Republican-lite.<br />

I want people to vote<br />

for me because<br />

of who I am and what<br />

I believe.”<br />

RÉSUMÉ<br />

The 44-year-old author and former tax<br />

attorney knows the ins and outs of<br />

business. Not only has Abrams been<br />

the executive of companies, but she’s<br />

also launched them. “I’ve signed the<br />

front and back of a paycheck,” she<br />

says. “I create jobs. I’ve helped other<br />

companies retain the jobs they’ve<br />

created. I’ve helped move capital....<br />

I’m an effective legislative leader.”<br />

We have<br />

to believe<br />

in our power<br />

to pick our<br />

own leaders....<br />

We have<br />

the capacity<br />

to get<br />

it done.<br />

HERITAGE<br />

“I grew up in southern Mississippi. In<br />

Gulfport.... I was born in Wisconsin<br />

while my mom was in grad school<br />

getting her master’s in library<br />

science. And she and my dad<br />

moved back to Mississippi when<br />

I was 3. So all I remember about<br />

Wisconsin is being cold.”<br />

“Johnnetta Cole at<br />

Spelman College<br />

was the first person<br />

to encourage me<br />

to run for office.<br />

She told me to<br />

run for student<br />

government because<br />

she was tired of me<br />

complaining.”<br />

ABRAMS, THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES. ALL ICONS, THE NOUN PROJECT.<br />

68 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

ADVERTISEMENT<br />

THE FUTURE IS<br />

NOW<br />

EMBRACE THE MOVEMENT AND COLLECTION OF BLACK CULTURE THROUGH<br />

TECHNOLOGY, LIBERATION, AND PURE IMAGINATION. IT CAN BE SEEN THROUGH<br />

A PRISM OF MANY FORMS, ESPECIALLY ART, MUSIC, AND FASHION.<br />

INSPIRE<br />

Afrofuturism threads together elements of mixed genres and influences, from multi-media art<br />

installations, to avant-garde electronic music, to futuristic runway shows. Spot the trend of high-shine<br />

modern tech, tribal motif mashups, and gleaming metallic all tied with an afro-diasporic thread.<br />

“Afrofuturism is completely taking<br />

the limits off of black culture. We’re<br />

creating our own other worldy<br />

narratives through fantasy,<br />

science-fiction, art, history<br />

and fashion.”<br />

— Tiffany M. Battle<br />

@TiffanyMBattle<br />

“To me Afrofuturism<br />

means a new wave of<br />

black expression within<br />

all realms of the arts.”<br />

— Kadeem J.<br />

@kjohn_lasoul<br />

INGITE<br />

With its fearless new look and seducti p f<br />

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ISSUES : REPORT<br />

SportsCenter6<br />

cohost<br />

Jemele Hill<br />

GAME<br />

SET<br />

MATCH<br />

IN 2017 ESPN’S SPORTSCENTER<br />

HOST JEMELE HILL SAW HER STAR<br />

CAREER SUDDENLY DIM. NOW, BACK<br />

AND REFOCUSED, SHE EXPLAINS WHY<br />

SHE STILL LIVES WITH NO REGRETS<br />

BY WENDY L. WILSON<br />

Last year should have been the happiest one of<br />

Jemele Hill’s life. After working professionally as<br />

a sports journalist for 20 years and spending the<br />

last 11 steadily sharpening her skills at ESPN’s sprawling<br />

campus in Bristol, Connecticut, the 42-year-old finally<br />

received the dream assignment. Hill and her cohost,<br />

Michael Smith, were hand-chosen to bring their personalities<br />

and the chemistry they displayed in their popular<br />

His & Hers sports program to SC6, the holy grail of<br />

SportsCenter’s prime-time 6 P.M. spot. Years of<br />

constantly proving herself to be just as capable, just as<br />

knowledgeable and just as eloquent as the men around<br />

her seemed to finally pay off. Even Black women who<br />

aren’t sports fans recognized the enormity of this<br />

breakthrough moment.<br />

Like many of us, she was never supposed to make it<br />

this far. Born in Detroit, Hill was raised on welfare by a<br />

single mother who struggled with substance abuse. The<br />

one mainstay was her grandmother Naomi Webb,<br />

whom Hill calls her “rock.” After taking a high school<br />

journalism class and serving as an apprentice at the<br />

Detroit Free Press, she was hooked. In 2006 she was<br />

hired as a columnist for espn.com, where she grew her<br />

fan base and sealed the respect of ESPN’s top brass,<br />

her coworkers and peers.<br />

It appeared everything was going well until this past<br />

September when Hill sent a series of tweets, one of<br />

which said President Donald Trump is “the most ignorant,<br />

offensive president of my lifetime. His rise is a direct<br />

result of White supremacy. Period.” Although there are<br />

numerous examples that seem to illustrate this description<br />

(attesting that Mexican immigrants are rapists who<br />

contribute nothing but drugs and crime to our country,<br />

and laying the blame on “many sides” during the violent<br />

protests in Charlottesville, Virginia), Hill was lambasted<br />

by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee<br />

Sanders, who said, “That is one of the more outrageous<br />

comments anyone could make and certainly something<br />

that I think is a fireable offense by ESPN.”<br />

The intersection of sports, race and politics is nothing<br />

new. In fact, it’s even more poignant these days, as more<br />

athletes voice their concerns about the direction our country<br />

is going in. And while Hill was hired for her deft sports<br />

analysis, she certainly isn’t the only journalist to publicly<br />

criticize the President. So why was she singled out?<br />

“I have thought about that so many times because<br />

I wasn’t the first person to say it,” admits Hill with<br />

resolve, sitting in a conference room at ESPN headquarters.<br />

“There is factual evidence to support what<br />

I said, so I was very surprised by the reaction.” »<br />

SCOTT EVANS/ESPN IMAGES<br />

70 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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ISSUES : REPORT<br />

While she stands behind her statements, Hill does<br />

believe she was targeted by the White House because of<br />

where she works. After all, her role as a commentator at<br />

ESPN is to criticize the game, not our current leader.<br />

But, in a déjà vu moment, Hill found herself in the middle<br />

of another Twitter-induced firestorm just a few weeks later.<br />

This time her tweets were in response to a threat made by<br />

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who said he would<br />

bench any of his players disrespecting the American<br />

flag—a notion erroneously linked to several ballers who<br />

had recently knelt in protest during the national anthem.<br />

Hill’s tweet suggested that NFL fans boycott Jones’s<br />

sponsors, citing that “change happens when advertisers<br />

are impacted.” Her actions were in defiance of the social<br />

media policy of ESPN (which is owned by the Walt Disney<br />

Co.), and she was immediately suspended, sending shock<br />

waves throughout the country and the Web.<br />

“While I don’t believe in regrets, I believe there is an<br />

opportunity to learn from every situation, even if it’s a<br />

painful one,” says Hill. “My suspension was certainly<br />

awkward at times. I remember the first day walking into<br />

a restaurant and seeing myself on both Fox News and<br />

CNN. I’m used to being seen on ESPN, but to have<br />

people outside of the sports bubble talking about me as<br />

a walking think piece was weird. As is the case when you<br />

experience something difficult, you have to cling to<br />

those who love and support you the most.”<br />

At the top of that list is her cohost and confidant,<br />

Michael Smith, who, following the announcement of Hill’s<br />

suspension, refused to appear on the SC6 broadcast<br />

without her. Her mentor, Johnette Howard, an awardwinning<br />

author and sports columnist, immediately advised<br />

Hill simply to ignore the noise swirling around her.<br />

“Jemele has been through some rough times and<br />

found herself at junctures in life where she had to<br />

choose who she is,” says Howard, who has known Hill<br />

for more than 25 years. “When I first met her, I was<br />

struck by her obvious intelligence and sense of<br />

self-possession. Even then she knew who she was and<br />

she wasn’t going to let the world distort her.”<br />

When it comes to sports commentary, Hill and Smith<br />

are at the forefront of what’s fresh, authentic and<br />

exciting. This experience may have raised her public<br />

profile, but that was never her intention. Moving past<br />

the suspension and notoriety, Hill has a newfound<br />

desire to be even more true to herself as an individual,<br />

a Black woman and a professional.<br />

“I have a firmer understanding of who I am. I have<br />

always been a self-aware person, but you don’t know<br />

what you are made of until that test actually comes,”<br />

says Hill. “Now I feel like I’ve gained clarity. When you<br />

are thrown into the fire in this kind of way, you figure<br />

out very quickly exactly what you’re about.”<br />

º<br />

Wendy L. Wilson (@WendyLWilson_) is an award-winning<br />

journalist and a former news editor at ESSENCE.<br />

BE KIND, REWIND<br />

Here are some of Jemele Hill’s most<br />

memorable moments over the past year<br />

FEBRUARY 2017<br />

MARCH 2017<br />

In the cutest parody<br />

ever, Hill and Smith<br />

persuade several original<br />

cast members from the<br />

hit TV show A Different<br />

World to join them in<br />

re-creating the comedy’s<br />

famous intro as a<br />

promo spot for their<br />

new show. #Classic<br />

OCTOBER 2017<br />

After a series of<br />

tweets about Dallas<br />

Cowboys owner Jerry<br />

Jones, Hill is officially<br />

suspended for two<br />

weeks. ESPN believed<br />

she had violated the<br />

company’s social<br />

media guidelines—for<br />

the second time.<br />

Hill and her ESPN cohost,<br />

Michael Smith, take their love<br />

of Black culture and passion<br />

for all things sports from<br />

their show His & Hers to<br />

SportsCenter’s muchcoveted<br />

6 P.M. slot.<br />

SEPTEMBER 2017<br />

“Trump is the most<br />

ignorant, offensive<br />

president of my<br />

lifetime. His rise is a<br />

direct result of<br />

White supremacy.<br />

Period” is one of<br />

three tweets from<br />

Hill that started the<br />

backlash against her<br />

on social media.<br />

NOVEMBER 2017 AND BEYOND<br />

Celebs who are fans of Hill<br />

respond to her suspension by<br />

publicly rallying on Twitter<br />

using #IStandWithJemele.<br />

From Gabrielle Union to<br />

Common to Michael Eric<br />

Dyson, folks gave rousing<br />

support for Hill’s right to<br />

free speech that rang loud<br />

and proud. —W.L.W.<br />

FROM TOP: JOE FARAONI/ESPN IMAGES; COURTESY OF ESPN; TWITTER; JOE FARAONI/ESPN IMAGES; THEARON W. HENDERSON/GETTY IMAGES.<br />

72 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 75

MONEY & POWER : CAREER ADVICE<br />

When it’s time to move up in your career, many experts and mentors suggest<br />

enlisting a business coach to help you push past blind spots and notions that<br />

can keep you from being your best self. And for good reason: Outside counsel<br />

can assist in strategically navigating your road to success, whether it’s climbing<br />

the corporate ladder or striking out on your own. It all starts with knowing your worth: “You have<br />

a set of phenomenal traits that make up who you are authentically,” says Lenore Champagne Beirne,<br />

founder of Bright Coaching. She’s spent ten-plus years working with start-up creators. “You can<br />

harness those good things in you to produce any result you desire. If you can focus more on what<br />

isfantasticaboutyouandlesson the thingsthatholdyouback,youwillbe able to access a level<br />

of peace and power that may feel inaccessible right now.” While that may seem easier said than<br />

done, we’ve asked five coaches what’s worked for their clients. Get ready to put the advice into<br />

practice and see big payoffs. Let’s get started.<br />

Ditch the five-year plan.<br />

Instead figure out what you’re<br />

really trying to achieve—beyond just a<br />

title. “Oftentimes people aren’t chasing<br />

a job as much as they’re chasing<br />

a feeling,” says Pauleanna Reid,<br />

cofounder of New Girl on the Block, a<br />

mentorship program and consultancy<br />

for female entrepreneurs. “So based<br />

on what that feeling is, you can<br />

reverse-engineer it. What kind of<br />

funding or resources do you require?<br />

Do you need additional education?<br />

Should you grow your list of mentors?<br />

Or do more informational interviews?”<br />

Homing in on the feeling you’re<br />

seeking will make it easier for you to<br />

reach your potential. And you’ll be<br />

more satisfied when you get there.<br />

Stop treating networking like<br />

a transaction.<br />

“A lot of people go into networking<br />

events like hunters,” says Reid.<br />

“They’re trying to close the deal.<br />

They’re trying to make the big pitch.<br />

What about just saying, ‘Hi. How are<br />

you?’ Don’t treat people like an<br />

ATM. Get to know their interests—<br />

what they love, what they hate. Ask<br />

yourself, How do I nurture this<br />

relationship? How do I turn this<br />

stranger into a genuine friend? Don’t<br />

try to close the deal right away. I<br />

teach my clients to play the long<br />

game. Plant the seeds today for a<br />

relationship that you’ll still have<br />

years from now.”<br />

If you see someone<br />

out there you want<br />

to be like, call<br />

them or investigate<br />

what they did,<br />

and model it.<br />

—COURTNEY A. SEARD<br />

Limit your backup strategy.<br />

For Beirne, the number one question<br />

people come to her with is,<br />

“What’s next?” She says: “That’s<br />

what they say the question is, but<br />

what they mean is, ‘How can I most<br />

effectively align my career with who<br />

I am?’ First narrow your consideration<br />

set. I find that many people<br />

have ruled out the possibility of the<br />

thing they really want before<br />

they’ve even articulated what that<br />

is. Say you want A. Most of the time<br />

when I ask people, ‘Will you tell me<br />

what’s next?’ they respond with A,<br />

B, C, D and F. It’s a laundry list. In<br />

having such a wide consideration<br />

set, they’ve set themselves up not<br />

to get what they want.” But Beirne<br />

isn’t saying you shouldn’t have a<br />

plan B—it just has to be something<br />

you could see yourself doing as<br />

well. “If you have a backup because<br />

you don’t think you can get the<br />

thing you want, you’re taking power<br />

out of your pursuit before you even<br />

get started.”<br />

Imagine your perfect day.<br />

“Most people look at the things that<br />

aren’t working,” says Courtney A. Seard,<br />

who has spent more than 15 years<br />

consulting with and coaching corporate<br />

execs and professional athletes. “It’s all<br />

about what they don’t want and don’t<br />

have.” Seard says the way to concentrate<br />

on the positive stuff is to start<br />

each morning by imagining your ideal<br />

day. When you wake up, write in a<br />

journal as if it were the end of the day<br />

and chronicle all the amazing things<br />

that happened. It could be something<br />

like this: “I had a meeting, and it went<br />

the way I wanted it to. I navigated a<br />

tough client, and we had some ups and<br />

downs, but we ended up seeing eye to<br />

eye, and everything is working well.<br />

Traffic was a mess, but I was able to get<br />

an audiobook and sit through it<br />

effortlessly.” She says, “Focus on what<br />

you want because you get what you<br />

focus on,” she says.<br />

Prioritize your well-being.<br />

There will always be more work to<br />

do, so quit thinking, I just need to<br />

get this done and then I can rest.<br />

Beirne tries to get clients who<br />

fixate on their output to understand<br />

that they can accomplish<br />

more at work through practicing<br />

self-care. So how can you do that<br />

when you feel as if you don’t have<br />

the time? “Think about someone<br />

you love a lot—maybe it’s a child, a<br />

sibling, your mother,” she says. »<br />

76 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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MONEY & POWER : CAREER ADVICE<br />

“Then ask yourself, Would I want that<br />

person to take care of herself? If so and<br />

you’re not doing it, ask yourself why<br />

not.” You’ll quickly see you’re just as<br />

deserving of the nurturing you’d want<br />

for others. Now go make time for it.<br />

Be the CEO of you.<br />

You’re the head honcho of your<br />

career, says Courtney Sanders,<br />

founder of Think & Grow Chick,<br />

which helps women reach their<br />

personal and professional objectives.<br />

Keep this in mind if you’ve hit<br />

the six-year slump at work. “I see<br />

this all the time—you’re moving into<br />

year six at your job and are starting<br />

to think, Man, when I was younger I<br />

thought I wanted this role or that<br />

position, but now that I’m here it’s<br />

not all that interesting or fulfilling.<br />

And part of that feeling is the<br />

misplaced expectation that companies<br />

will provide the experiences<br />

you’re looking for on a silver platter.<br />

That simply won’t happen, so take<br />

ownership of your professional<br />

advancement. The longer you’ve<br />

been at your job, the easier it is to<br />

lose sight of what originally brought<br />

you joy.” But you’re not as stuck as<br />

you might think. Sanders says, “I<br />

always recommend that my clients<br />

take on extracurriculars, like<br />

helping with a one-off project, in<br />

different divisions in their company<br />

to create the experience they want.”<br />

Don’t let a layoff define you.<br />

It’s hard not to take a pink slip<br />

personally. But once you give<br />

yourself a few days to let your<br />

emotions settle, Beirne says you have<br />

to separate what really happened<br />

from how you’ve interpreted the<br />

situation. “It’s easy to collapse things<br />

that are undeniably true with the<br />

feelings that we have about those<br />

truths,” she says. “Find someone you<br />

trust who can help you identify what<br />

the facts are. Then ask yourself, What<br />

am I making these facts mean? The<br />

reason people can’t move past a low<br />

point is because they unintentionally<br />

decide that the layoff means something<br />

about who they are, and that’s<br />

almost never true.”<br />

Ask for what you want.<br />

It’s Seard’s number one piece of<br />

advice for her female clients: Just<br />

ask! “You are responsible for your<br />

success,” she says. “You need to find<br />

out what you want, and determine<br />

how you’re going to get it. Ask a<br />

mentor. Ask for help. Women don’t<br />

ask and are often looking for other<br />

people to define their world. If you<br />

see someone out there you want to<br />

be like, call them or investigate what<br />

they did, and model it. This has<br />

worked for all my clients.”<br />

Add value outside of your<br />

job description.<br />

Sanders says one secret to rising<br />

through the corporate ranks is to<br />

think like the leaders. “It’s the biggest<br />

gap I see a lot of women in the<br />

workplace missing,” she says. “They’re<br />

not understanding how the decision<br />

makers are thinking about the<br />

business as a whole. So if you<br />

network by doing those coffee breaks<br />

and going out to lunch with higherups<br />

from different departments, you’ll<br />

get to hear what they consider is<br />

important and where the organization<br />

is going. After lunch you can go back<br />

to work and make sure that you’re<br />

keeping an eye out for ways that you<br />

can contribute to the business’s<br />

bottom line. People who have<br />

demonstrated an ability to produce<br />

visible results in a way that helps a<br />

company get to where it’s going are<br />

promoted faster, they’re more valued<br />

and they tend to get laid off less.”<br />

Remember that going into<br />

business for yourself is not<br />

everyone’s cup of tea.<br />

“As much as entrepreneurship has<br />

become this glamorized kind of<br />

one-size-fits-all body-con dress, it’s<br />

not,” says Kike-Lola Odusanya, who<br />

established the business and personal<br />

development firm My Boss Is Me.<br />

“While entrepreneurship is a gift that,<br />

if explored, can change the trajectory<br />

of a woman’s life, it’s not for everyone.<br />

And the only way to determine that is<br />

to try it. I believe that entrepreneurship<br />

is one of the best personal<br />

development experiences a woman<br />

can have because there’s so much that<br />

you realize about yourself. I believe<br />

you can be a boss in any area of your<br />

life. A boss is somebody who is<br />

decisive, and a boss is somebody who<br />

knows what they want.” Even if you<br />

return to a 9-to-5 job, you’ll almost<br />

always feel more satisfied with where<br />

you are. By eliminating the what-ifs,<br />

you can make a plan that’s more<br />

aligned with who you truly are.<br />

º<br />

78 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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A DIFFERENT WORLD<br />

WITH AN IMAGINARY UNIVERSE AT HER FINGERTIPS<br />

AND MEGASTAR OPRAH WINFREY AND<br />

NEWCOMER STORM REID BY HER SIDE, ACCLAIMED<br />

DIRECTOR AVA DUVERNAY BRINGS<br />

A WRINKLE IN TIME TO LIFE NEXT MONTH<br />

BY BRITNI DANIELLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WARWICK SAINT<br />

A

DW<br />

Boundless, undeniable magic. That’s the only way to describe award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay,<br />

media mogul Oprah Winfrey and talented rookie Storm Reid coming together for the Disney feature<br />

A Wrinkle in Time, about a girl who traverses the galaxy to find her father and save the universe.<br />

DuVernay made history even before shooting the first frame of the film, which is based on the 1962 science fiction<br />

novel by Madeleine L’Engle. The highly anticipated vehicle marks the first time a woman of color has been entrusted<br />

to direct a movie that cost upward of $100 million, and in the middle of it all is a 13-year-old Black girl.<br />

“It would have probably blown my head off just to see it,” Winfrey says when asked if she could have imagined<br />

something like Wrinkle being on the silver screen when she was growing up in rural Mississippi. “I can’t, but now<br />

other 6-year-olds and 7-year-olds and 10-year-olds and 14-year-olds and grown people will see it and will have the<br />

impression of what is possible. And that impression of what is possible will live inside them.”<br />

With the exception of movies such as Eve’s Bayou, Annie (2014), Akeelah and the Bee and the animated<br />

flick Home, centering a major motion picture on a little brown girl is rare in Hollywood, but it was the only way<br />

DuVernay would take on the project. »<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 81

“I’m here to do something specific,” the Queen Sugar helmer says, explaining<br />

that she’s only interested in telling inclusive stories that highlight people of color.<br />

However, at first Wrinkle didn’t seem to fit her mission. “I would have never<br />

thought of myself for this. I would’ve never thought about it, looked at it; I’d<br />

never read the book,” the director explains. Despite DuVernay’s initial hesitation<br />

about adapting L’Engle’s story for the big screen, Tendo Nagenda, executive<br />

vice-president of production at Walt Disney Studios, insisted DuVernay keep an<br />

open mind and just read the novel. When she did, everything changed.<br />

“I read it, and of course, as any reader, you put yourself in the book. You see<br />

people that you know inhabiting the world,” DuVernay says. “So when I went in<br />

to talk to him about it, I said, ‘This is how I see it. I see this as being multicultural,<br />

even down to the main character.’ I’m<br />

like, ‘She’s gotta be brown.’ ”<br />

Disney didn’t even flinch at<br />

DuVernay’s reimagining of L’Engle’s<br />

narrative; in fact, the director said<br />

they expected her to create a film<br />

full of characters from diverse backgrounds.<br />

Though the studio was on<br />

board with her intention to make<br />

Wrinkle look like the real world,<br />

Nagenda challenged DuVernay to<br />

go even further. “He said, ‘Beyond<br />

the people, imagine the world, Ava.<br />

You get to create worlds, create<br />

whole planets,’ ” she recalls.<br />

Storm Reid wears a<br />

Gucci dress, David<br />

Yurman earrings and<br />

Via Spiga “Faxon”<br />

sandals. Ring,<br />

stylist’s own.<br />

Stylist, Jason<br />

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Group. Hair, Lacy<br />

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Makeup, Mylah<br />

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Artists. Manicure,<br />

Nettie Davis/<br />

kenbarboza.com.<br />

Set design, Walter<br />

Barnett/Opus<br />

Beauty.<br />

Before Wrinkle DuVernay<br />

had not worked on a<br />

project employing a<br />

lot of visual effects.<br />

Though she’d used<br />

them on a smaller scale<br />

to increase the size of a<br />

crowd or edit out something in the<br />

frame on Selma and Queen Sugar, for<br />

instance, the world building in this intergalactic<br />

film called for the director to<br />

learn an entirely new language.<br />

“The visual effects were taken up<br />

to another level. We were creating<br />

things from scratch,” she says. “The<br />

first meetings I went into, I was like,<br />

I’m just gon’ sit here because I really<br />

don’t understand what those five<br />

wordstheyjustsaidare.ButI’llknow<br />

by the next meeting. I wouldn’t go out<br />

and go learn them on my own; I’d say,<br />

‘Teach me that. What is that? What’d<br />

you just say?’ I don’t have any problems<br />

with saying, ‘I want to learn,’ and<br />

just being a quick study.”<br />

“I just watched The Wizard of Oz<br />

again last year with one of my godchildren<br />

who was seeing it for the first<br />

time, and the magic of that is exactly<br />

what Wrinkle is going to be for another<br />

generation,” Winfrey says. According<br />

to the OWN founder, whose blessing<br />

often means certain success, Reid,<br />

now 14, will be a bright light for young<br />

people. “Sometimes I’d be watching<br />

her on set and would really tear up<br />

at her performance because she will<br />

82 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

Ava DuVernay is<br />

wearing a Petar<br />

Petrov dress, Alexis<br />

Bittar earrings and<br />

her own ring.<br />

Stylist, Jason<br />

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.com. Set Design,<br />

Walter Barnett/<br />

Opus Beauty.<br />

become for this generation what Judy Garland’s Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz was<br />

for previous generations,” Winfrey says. “She gets to be that. This little Stormy, our<br />

little Stormy, gets to carry that on for generations to come. She gets to be that light<br />

for girls like herself.”<br />

Such pronouncements could make anyone panic, but not Reid. “I had a little<br />

pressure when we first started the movie. When we were filming, I wasn’t<br />

thinking generations and generations are going to love it. I was nervous because<br />

it was my first leading role,” the teen says. “This is a huge milestone in<br />

my career, to be in a movie with Ava DuVernay directing and Miss Oprah<br />

being in it. When I think about it, I<br />

don’t really know how to feel. There<br />

are so many emotions. But it’s just a<br />

great blessing that will forever<br />

change my life.”<br />

Despite starring in a Disney film<br />

alongside major movie stars, the<br />

Atlanta native is incredibly grounded,<br />

thanks to the constant guidance of<br />

her mother, Robyn Simpson. Winfrey<br />

asserts that Reid has been brought<br />

up to be confident, humble and<br />

well-mannered.<br />

DuVernay echoes Winfrey’s praise<br />

of the young actress. “This girl is a<br />

generational talent,” the filmmaker<br />

says. “This girl is 14 years old; she’s<br />

not a kid who gets lucky with a performance.<br />

You couldn’t just have a<br />

kid who could come in and say the<br />

lines well. The person has to be a<br />

deep-rooted, real actor. And Storm<br />

was the one.”<br />

While Reid impressed DuVernay<br />

during her audition, the teen was<br />

almost unable to be in the film due to<br />

a prior commitment to a Disney<br />

Channel project. But the director<br />

was undaunted. “Ava fought for her,”<br />

Winfrey explains. “I remember when<br />

they put out the search all around<br />

the world and then I remember<br />

when Ava said, ‘We found her, but<br />

she’s with Disney.’ Ava went to the<br />

higher-ups and she fought for her<br />

and said, ‘I want her.’ First the answer<br />

was no, but she wouldn’t take no for<br />

an answer. She hung in there and<br />

she fought for her.”<br />

Many directors would have simply<br />

cast someone else in the role, but<br />

DuVernay refused to let Reid slip<br />

through her fingers. “I couldn’t see<br />

anyone else besides her in my own<br />

head and heart once I saw her audition,”<br />

she says. “She was so perfect<br />

in the role.” »<br />

I SAID, ‘THIS IS HOW I SEE IT. I SEE THIS AS BEING<br />

MULTICULTURAL, EVEN DOWN TO THE MAIN CHARACTER.’<br />

I’M LIKE, ‘SHE’S GOTTA BE BROWN.’ —AVA DUVERNAY

On Oprah Winfrey:<br />

Alaïa dress,<br />

Rebecca de<br />

Ravenel “3 Drop<br />

Petal” earrings,<br />

Neil Lane rings and<br />

Sophia Webster<br />

“Coco Crystal”<br />

pumps.<br />

For clothing details,<br />

see Where to Buy.<br />

Stylist, Annabelle<br />

Harron/The Wall<br />

Group. Hair, Nicole<br />

Mangrum. Makeup,<br />

Derrick Rutledge.<br />

Set design, Walter<br />

Barnett/Opus<br />

Beauty.<br />

84 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

I JUST WATCHED THE WIZARD OF OZ AGAIN LAST<br />

YEAR WITH ONE OF MY GODCHILDREN WHO WAS<br />

SEEING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND THE MAGIC<br />

OF THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WRINKLE IS GOING TO<br />

BE FOR ANOTHER GENERATION. —OPRAH WINFREY<br />

COURTESY OF SUBJECT<br />

The term “#BlackGirlMagic” is thrown around quite a bit these days,<br />

but Wrinkle actually personifies it. But even more than that,<br />

DuVernay says the epic is her ode to Black women and girls.<br />

“I so want Black women to love it and Black girls to love it. I want<br />

everybody to love it, but this is a love letter to us,” she says.<br />

“This is me trying to make us in a way we haven’t been rendered<br />

in film before—as a firmly centered hero in a fantasy about<br />

other worlds and as the saviors of the whole universe. Looking at everything we<br />

think we’re not, and at the end of the movie we are all of everything.”<br />

Reid hopes other youngsters will feel affirmed after watching her character<br />

Meg transform from an awkward teen who lacks self-confidence into a<br />

powerful heroine whose bravery and love of her family rescues the world. “I<br />

just want people to have more confidence when they leave the movie theater<br />

and love themselves and know that they are okay,” she says. “Know you are a<br />

beautiful Black girl with big curly hair with a big nose, or not—just love yourself<br />

and know that you are perfect just the way you are.”<br />

Winfrey,whoadmittedtoenjoyingsimplybeinganactress—notaproduceror<br />

a network honcho or the boss—during the filming of Wrinkle, says she believes the<br />

film can serve as a lesson for the divisive times in which we currently live. “Being<br />

abletosoundthealarmto the restofthe planetthatdarknessisspreadingsofast.<br />

And how rage leads to violence and violence begets war and war begets catastrophes.<br />

It sounds as if we’re talking about what’s happening in our world right now,”<br />

she says, noting her role of Mrs. Which is a manifestation of her life’s mission to<br />

bring positivity into the world. “I feel like I called that in even when I didn’t know I<br />

was calling it and that it was obviously meant to be.”<br />

In spite of its positive themes and backing by Disney, it’s hard to deny<br />

the pressure is on DuVernay to deliver a blockbuster. Future projects<br />

by the director, who’s extremely outspoken about the need for more<br />

women and people of color to be given a chance in Hollywood, may<br />

be judged unfairly as a result of Wrinkle’s performance. Still, DuVernay,<br />

who’s had a string of achievements, including an award-winning TV<br />

seriesandanEmmy-winningdocumentary,13th, isn’tstressedabout<br />

Wrinkle’s prospects.<br />

“I feel pressured with everything I put out,” DuVernay admits. To cope, she says<br />

she draws on advice from her father: Worrying is useless energy. “Whenever those<br />

feelings come, and of course they come, I just push them away, because it’s not<br />

helping me, and I got things to do,” she adds.<br />

Like her Wrinkle cohorts, DuVernay has already moved on to the next thing.<br />

She’sresearchingandwritingadocumentaryaboutthe<br />

CentralPark5whilepreparingforseasonthreeofQueen<br />

Sugar; Reid has started working on the feature Only You,<br />

which costars David Oyelowo; and Winfrey is busy running<br />

her network, sifting through acting roles and adding<br />

items to her O, That’s Good! food line.<br />

Juggling so many projects means<br />

the outstanding director doesn’t<br />

have time to agonize over whether<br />

her project will be a hit. “Look,<br />

some of this stuff’s not going to<br />

resonate,andI’mnotgoingtoput<br />

all my eggs in the basket of the<br />

things that resonate or the things<br />

that don’t,” she says. “I’m just going<br />

to keep working.”<br />

DuVernay also refuses to get hung<br />

up on the fact that she’s the first Black<br />

female director to experience this level<br />

of success and acclaim in Hollywood.<br />

“When I’m introduced as the first this,<br />

first that…it sounds like Charlie<br />

Brown’s mom to me. It doesn’t mean<br />

anything to me. It’s not anything I<br />

earned,” she says. “I don’t allow myself<br />

to take it in like it’s real. I’m trying to<br />

have all of us up in there and more.<br />

I don’t want to be someplace by myself.<br />

I don’t want to be on a pedestal as the<br />

first this and that. That’s so wack; that<br />

is the old way of thinking.”<br />

Still, whether or not Wrinkle is a success,<br />

Winfrey says it’s destined to touch<br />

audiences. “It’s going to reach the right<br />

people,” she says, explaining that while<br />

they were filming in New Zealand a<br />

native tribe blessed the land they were<br />

using. “I just remember looking up and<br />

thinking, Oh, wow, this whole movie will<br />

be infused with the energy of this. We’re<br />

starting in the right space. We’re doing<br />

this the absolute right way by honoring<br />

the land and the people who were here<br />

before us first. So I know it will reach the<br />

right people. It will reach the people<br />

who are supposed to see it.”<br />

And because she’s Oprah, you know<br />

she’s right.<br />

º<br />

Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) is a Los Angeles–<br />

based writer, editor and whiskey lover who<br />

regularly explores the intersections of race,<br />

gender and pop culture in her work.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 85

STEM’S<br />

NEW GUARD<br />

15 WOMEN WHO ARE PAVING THE WAY<br />

AND PAYING IT FORWARD<br />

BY MARQUITA K. HARRIS<br />

After Hidden Figures hit movie theaters in late<br />

2016, conversations about the real-life Black<br />

women featured in the Oscar-nominated film<br />

bubbled over. Yet we questioned why it took so<br />

long for the story of these STEM (science, technology,<br />

engineering and math) slayers to make<br />

it to the big screen. “There is significant underrepresentation,”<br />

says Nicole M. Joseph, Ph.D., an<br />

assistant professor at Vanderbilt University in<br />

Nashville and the author of the<br />

upcoming book Mathematizing<br />

Feminism: Black Girls’ and<br />

Women’s Experiences in the<br />

P-20 Mathematics Pipelines.<br />

“We need to disrupt our own<br />

negative experiences that we<br />

had in school around mathematics....<br />

We need to tell our<br />

girls that they can do math.”<br />

In many cases, STEM culture is to blame.<br />

A 2017 study from the Journal of Geophysical<br />

Research revealed that women of color astronomers<br />

face harassment more than any other group.<br />

Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, the<br />

15 trailblazers on these pages have remained<br />

unmoved. Whether they’ve formed organizations<br />

to shed light on diversity within STEM or mentored<br />

young STEM hopefuls, they’ve not only held rank in<br />

their careers but they’ve also paid it forward.<br />

According to the National Science<br />

Foundation, White males comprise<br />

nearly one third of the U.S.<br />

population but make up half of the<br />

science and engineering worlds.*<br />

#TakingTheLead is a yearlong series<br />

celebrating the unsung Black women making<br />

strides in their respective industries. Tweet us<br />

@ESSENCE and tell us how you are #TakingTheLead.<br />

*THE 2017 REPORT WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN SCIENCE<br />

AND ENGINEERING, FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING<br />

86 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: JENNINGS/GETTY IMAGES FOR CURRAN THEATER; BERNARD WILCHUSKY/<br />

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA; COURTESY OF SUBJECT; JEMAL COUNTESS/GETTY IMAGES FOR<br />

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL; COURTESY OF ORA LEE SMITH CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION.<br />

Kimberly Bryant<br />

Technologist<br />

When Bryant launched Black<br />

Girls Code in 2011, little did she<br />

know that her movement would<br />

go global. The organization’s objective<br />

istwofold:toempowergirls ages7to 17to<br />

explore the world of tech and to let<br />

the world know that, well, “Black girls<br />

code too.” Bryant aims to train<br />

1 million girls by 2040.<br />

We need to<br />

disrupt our own<br />

negative experiences<br />

that we had in school<br />

around mathematics.… We<br />

need to tell our girls that they<br />

can do math.<br />

—NICOLE M. JOSEPH<br />

Candice<br />

Bridge<br />

Chemist<br />

In 2016 Bridge secured<br />

a $324,000 grant from the<br />

National Institute of Justice in an<br />

effort to further improve techniques for investigating<br />

rape. The chem superstar is one<br />

of the first people to earn a forensic Ph.D.<br />

in the United States. She’s also the first<br />

Black woman to teach chemistry<br />

at both Howard<br />

and the University of<br />

Central Florida.<br />

Hadiyah-<br />

Nicole Green<br />

Physicist<br />

After Green lost her aunt and<br />

uncle to cancer when she was young,<br />

fighting the disease became her life’s<br />

work. In 2015 she was awarded a $1.1 million<br />

grant to develop a cancer treatment using lasers<br />

and nanoparticles. It’s said to eliminate<br />

the devastating side effects associated<br />

with such cancer treatments<br />

as radiation and<br />

chemotherapy.<br />

University<br />

Treena<br />

Livingston<br />

Arinzeh<br />

Biomedical Engineer<br />

Arinzeh made her foray into<br />

science and medicine having been<br />

encouraged by a high school teacher to<br />

explore the subjects. She holds a Ph.D. in bioengineering<br />

from the University of Pennsylvania and has<br />

been lauded for her pioneering endeavors in stem<br />

cellresearch.In2003shesuccessfullydemonstrated<br />

how donor stem cells could be transplanted<br />

from one cell to another. Arinzeh is a professor<br />

of biomedical engineering at the<br />

New Jersey Institute of Technology.<br />

Jedidah C.<br />

Isler<br />

Astrophysicist<br />

While most of us are caught<br />

up in mundane daily activities,<br />

Isler is studying blazars—hyperactive<br />

black holes that live at the center of most<br />

galaxies. When she’s not observing the universe,<br />

she’s giving inspirational TED Talks and—through<br />

her organization, #VanguardSTEM—advocating<br />

to make STEM more accessible for<br />

traditionally marginalized folks. »

Aprille<br />

Ericsson<br />

Aerospace Engineer<br />

Perhaps one of the most<br />

famous women working<br />

for NASA today, Ericsson is a<br />

Howard University graduate and the<br />

first African-American woman to earn a<br />

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from<br />

the HBCU. To date she’s managed spacecraft<br />

missions and has been published in<br />

a number of journals.<br />

Ashanti<br />

Johnson<br />

Chemist<br />

Johnson makes it her<br />

business to know what’s<br />

goingoninour oceansand riversand<br />

on our beaches. She analyzes how past<br />

major environmental events (think oil spills and<br />

nuclear wastes) have impacted our coasts and, of<br />

course, our lives. Johnson received her bachelor’s<br />

degree and doctorate in chemical<br />

oceanography from Texas A&M.<br />

Aletha<br />

Maybank<br />

Physician<br />

This highly respected<br />

practitioner has a unique<br />

approach to how we think about our<br />

health as a community. Her areas of concentration<br />

are preventive medicine, public health<br />

and health inequities. She’s also launched a<br />

campaign to bring the faces of real-life<br />

Tanya<br />

Moore<br />

Mathematician<br />

For Moore, mathematics<br />

isn’t simply crunching numbers<br />

and looking at confusing data.<br />

Throughout her career, she’s leveraged<br />

her expertise in biostatistics to address matters<br />

specifically affecting communities of color.<br />

Moore has been an instrumental leader in the<br />

citywide 2020 Vision Project, which aims to<br />

close the achievement gap among Black<br />

and Latino students in her hometown of<br />

Berkeley, California.<br />

African-American doctors to Doc<br />

Mareena<br />

McStuffins, a popular animated<br />

Robinson<br />

series for children on the<br />

Snowden<br />

Disney Channel.<br />

Nuclear Engineer<br />

Snowden is currently wrapping<br />

up a one-year fellowship at the<br />

National Nuclear Security Administration<br />

in Washington, D.C. Much of her work focuses<br />

on arms control agreements and nuclear warhead<br />

monitoring. She also collaborates with policy<br />

makers on top secret projects. That’s<br />

not too shabby for a woman<br />

whose earliest self-professed<br />

memory of science and<br />

math was fear.<br />

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: KEVIN ALLEN; COURTESY OF SUBJECT; GREG HABIBY; REGGIE<br />

SNOWDEN/GHOST NOTE AGENCY; COURTESY OF TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MARCUS MONTGOMERY; COURTESY OF SUBJECT;<br />

LISA LONGSTAFF; COURTESY OF SUBJECT; SAVOYIA HENDERSON.<br />

Lisette Titre-<br />

Montgomery<br />

Video Game Developer<br />

Titre-Montgomery has put her<br />

creativetouchonsomeofthehighest<br />

profile products in the business, including<br />

video games like Tiger Woods Golf, The<br />

Simpsons and South Park. She’s also a<br />

fierce fighterfordiversitywithinthe<br />

gaming industry. She’s been<br />

recognized for both her skills<br />

and advocacy throughout<br />

tech.<br />

Deena<br />

Pierott<br />

Technology Mentor<br />

In 2011 Pierott founded<br />

iUrban Teen, an arts education<br />

program for young adults of<br />

color. It offers them mentoring services<br />

and prepares them for college. In 2013 Pierott<br />

was honored as a White House Champion<br />

of Change for her efforts with iUrban<br />

Teen, which at the time had steered<br />

more than 600 teens toward<br />

pursuing careers in STEM<br />

and education.<br />

Aisha<br />

Bowe<br />

Technologist<br />

Bowe is a former NASA<br />

aerospace engineer and the CEO<br />

and cofounder of STEMBoard. Its<br />

mission is to create software solutions for<br />

both government and private entities. She is also<br />

devoted to closing the achievement gap through<br />

various business ventures and partnerships<br />

within communities of color.<br />

Chanda<br />

Prescod-<br />

Weinstein<br />

Astrophysicist<br />

Theoretical particle physics<br />

and astrophysics are Prescod-<br />

Weinstein’s specialties. She prides herself<br />

on not only solving complex problems revolving<br />

around the particle cosmos, like dark matter and<br />

quantum gravity, but also bringing them to the<br />

forefront. Prescod-Weinstein is a mentor and,<br />

through her articles for various online news<br />

outlets, an outspoken voice in the areas of<br />

science and race.<br />

Nola Hylton<br />

Radiologist<br />

The cancer research veteran<br />

was involved in the early<br />

development of MRI technology<br />

and its application to breast cancer<br />

detection. Hylton is one of the first scholars to<br />

be named to Susan G. Komen’s Scientific Advisory<br />

Board. You can also find her advising and<br />

educating students at the University of<br />

California, San Francisco.<br />

º

Gaga<br />

for<br />

WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF ACTRESS<br />

GUGU MBATHA-RAW FOR SO MANY<br />

REASONS. HERE SHE GIVES US<br />

FOUR MORE BY PAYING HOMAGE TO<br />

HER PERSONAL BEAUTY IDOLS<br />

BY JULEE WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA PESTKA<br />

STYLING BY AVON DORSEY<br />

90 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

as<br />

Billie<br />

Holiday<br />

“I like looking at her picture.<br />

There is something about<br />

her image that is so iconic.”<br />

GET THE LOOK: L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist<br />

Boost & Set Brow Mascara in Dark Brunette.<br />

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip<br />

Colour in 247 UltraBerry. M&S Schmalberg<br />

patent leather daisy flower pin.<br />

Opposite page: Leanne Marshall<br />

“Jania” dress. Atelier Mon pearl and pavé<br />

pod earrings and pavé suede pod cuff.<br />

This page: Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet<br />

“Josie” off-the-shoulder ruffle wrap dress. »

as Prince<br />

“He taught me a lot about<br />

what it means to follow your<br />

instincts and be an artist.”<br />

GET THE LOOK: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter<br />

Eyeliner in ACDC. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye<br />

Pencil in Vice. Iman Cosmetics Luxury Lip Shimmer<br />

in Blushing Nude. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art<br />

Extreme Splash Wet Look Gel. Kérastase Paris Aura<br />

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Josie Natori peplum jacket. Ramy Brook<br />

“Reign” top. Paxmonde “Equality” earrings.<br />

92 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

as<br />

Angela Davis<br />

“There is something to be celebrated<br />

about longevity and survival, and<br />

that’s what she represents.”<br />

GET THE LOOK: Glossier. Boy Brow in Black. Chanel Les<br />

Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick in Blush No 20<br />

(on cheeks and lips).<br />

(nude) “Turtle Neck Sleeveless” sweater. Ray-Ban<br />

“Aviator Optics” glasses. Guess basic hoop earrings. »

as<br />

Cleopatra<br />

“She’s one of the first power women...a<br />

hell of a lot more than just a seductress.”<br />

GET THE LOOK: Lancôme Color Design 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette<br />

in Teal Fury. Lancôme Monsieur Big Eyeliner Marker. Revlon<br />

Powder Blush in Melon Drama. Jay Manuel Beauty The Ultimate<br />

Lipstick in Aura. Kérastase Paris L’incroyable Blowdry Crème.<br />

Kérastase Paris Elixir Ultime Bi-Phase Spray Oil.<br />

This page and opposite page: Black Halo “Lucy” jumpsuit.<br />

Veronika Unrivaled “Leith” choker. Mordekai by Ken Borochov<br />

“Wing" ring set. Christian Louboutin “Actina” heels.<br />

For details, see Where to Buy.

You won’t find Gugu<br />

Mbatha-Raw on Instagram,<br />

Twitter or even Facebook.<br />

The British-born actress<br />

isn’t interested in documenting<br />

her every move on<br />

social media, and she<br />

doesn’t think anyone else would want her to<br />

either. “I’m quite a private person, even though<br />

what I do is quite public,” Mbatha-Raw explains.<br />

“I would probably overthink it. I’d be like,<br />

Does the whole world really need to know this?<br />

Am I important enough for the world to really<br />

care what I’m doing right this second?” Our<br />

answer? Yes and yes. Plus her halo of soft spiral<br />

curls, perfectly full lips and sophisticated style<br />

seem tailor-made for selfies.<br />

But if the 34-year-old bombshell won’t give<br />

us what we want on our phone screens, she’s<br />

certainly delivering on the silver screen. After<br />

mesmerizing audiences as the leading lady in<br />

both Belle and Beyond the Lights, Mbatha-<br />

Raw is set to star as Dr. Kate Murry in one of<br />

the most highly anticipated films of the year, A<br />

Wrinkle in Time. Ava DuVernay directed the<br />

approximately $100 million project, which has<br />

an A-list cast that includes Oprah Winfrey,<br />

Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling. Storm<br />

Reid, a 14-year-old newcomer, plays Murry’s<br />

daughter, Meg, the protagonist.<br />

As she continues to hone her ability to get<br />

into character for various roles, we asked<br />

Mbatha-Raw to do similar transformations in<br />

honor of her favorite beauty icons. Songstress<br />

Billie Holiday, musical genius (and one of<br />

Mbatha-Raw’s close friends) the late Prince, civil<br />

rights activist Angela Davis and Egyptian queen<br />

Cleopatra represent not only aesthetic inspiration<br />

but also the kind of storied legacies that<br />

Mbatha-Raw finds most intriguing.<br />

“It wasn’t just their beauty that attracted<br />

me to them,” Mbatha-Raw says. “It’s good to<br />

celebrate people of substance.” She does just<br />

that with the masterful touch of makeup and a<br />

striking wardrobe. With the way her career is<br />

soaring, we’re certain the legacy Mbatha-Raw<br />

leaves behind will be just as stunning.<br />

º<br />

Hair, Matt Fugate using Kérastase L’incroyable Crème/<br />

Exclusive Artists. Makeup, Nick Barose/Exclusive Artists<br />

Management. Manicure, Sunshine Outing.<br />

Lensman Joshua Pestka (@joshua.pestka)<br />

has worked alongside some of the most<br />

creative and talented people in the beauty<br />

and fashion industry for more than a decade.<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 95

STRENGTH<br />

of a<br />

WOMAN<br />

IN THIS EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT FROM THE POWERFUL NEW<br />

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ASHA BANDELE) RECOUNTS THE FATEFUL NIGHT<br />

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96 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES. TORN PAPER, GETTY IMAGES.

EXCLUSIVE BOOK EXCERPT<br />

I START SEEING THE TIMELINES UPDATE. THE KILLER IS<br />

ACQUITTED OF THE FIRST CHARGE. AND THEN HE IS<br />

ACQUITTED OF ALL OF THEM. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. OF. THEM.<br />

I GO INTO SHOCK. I LOSE MY BREATH. MY HEART DROPS TO MY<br />

STOMACH. I AM STUNNED AND FOR A MOMENT CANNOT MOVE.”<br />

It is July 13, 2013, and I have stepped away from<br />

monitoring events at the trial of the man who<br />

killed Trayvon Martin, 17, a year and a half before.<br />

I had learned about Trayvon one day while I was<br />

at the Strategy Center in 2012 and going through Facebook.<br />

I came across a small article from a local paper.<br />

Was it Sanford’s? I read that a White man—that’s how the<br />

killer was identified and self-identified until we raised the<br />

issue of race—had killed a Black boy and was not going<br />

tobecharged.Istartcursing.Iamoutraged.Inwhat<br />

f___ing world does this make sense? I put a call out:<br />

Have people heard about 17-year-old Trayvon Martin?<br />

I have loved so many young men who look<br />

just like this boy. I feel immediate grief, and<br />

as my friends begin to respond, they, too,<br />

are grief-stricken. We meet at my home.<br />

We circle up. A multiracial group of roughly<br />

15 people dedicated to ending White<br />

supremacy and creating a world in which all<br />

of our children can thrive. We process. We<br />

talk about what we’ve seen and experienced<br />

in our lives. We cry.<br />

I grew up in a neighborhood that was<br />

impoverished and in pain and bore all the<br />

modern-day outcomes of communities left<br />

without resources and yet supplied with<br />

tools of violence. But when someone in my<br />

neighborhood committed a crime, let alone<br />

murder, all of us were held accountable, my<br />

God. Metal detectors, searchlights and<br />

constant police presence, full-scale sweeps of kids just<br />

walking home from school—all justified by politicians<br />

and others who said they represented our needs.<br />

Where were these representatives when White guys<br />

shot us down?<br />

Were it not for the brave and determined young<br />

people who formed the Dream Defenders joining forces<br />

with the brave and heartbroken parents of Trayvon,<br />

Sybrina Fulton and Tracey Martin, and had there not<br />

been sit-ins, protests, occupations and Al Sharpton, this<br />

boy’s name would be on no one’s tongue, save for his<br />

family and the friends who loved him. Because of all this,<br />

we know and we are afraid, but still, in that prison in<br />

Susanville on July 13, 2013, in the state that would give<br />

a desperate Black boy who physically harmed no one<br />

ten years but a rapist six months, we hold on to hope.<br />

Because what else?<br />

***<br />

Seven hours after it begins, the visit with Richie ends, and<br />

we head back to the motel we are staying at in the small<br />

town. Of the just under 20,000 residents, nearly half,<br />

46 percent, live in one of the town’s two prisons.<br />

Susanville, incorporated in 1860, was named for the<br />

childofthemanwholaidclaimtofoundingitatatime<br />

when founding something was a euphemism for Manifest<br />

Destiny and homesteading, and all the blood and death<br />

both of these wrought. “Founding,” a term like the phrase<br />

“collateral damage,” the use of which was<br />

ratcheted up in the 1990’s so they didn’t have<br />

to say dead Iraqi children.<br />

But the point is that we are an 11-hour drive<br />

from Los Angeles because Susanville is deep<br />

in northern California, farther up than the Bay<br />

Area and at the border of Nevada, near Reno.<br />

And it’s entirely unlike the vibrancy and wealth<br />

generally associated with our state and its<br />

outsize imagery of glittery Beverly Hills and<br />

shiny Silicon Valley. If you saw a picture of it,<br />

West Virginia would likely come to mind<br />

before California would.<br />

But Susanville is actually more reflective<br />

of the average California town than anything<br />

that is marketed to tourists. And it looks like<br />

American towns across the rest of the<br />

country: small and working-class, except<br />

here the demographics report an extraordinary diversity—<br />

if, that is, diversity is distorted, like a horror-house mirror<br />

or a story from The Twilight Zone. In Susanville, there is<br />

almost no one who is Black and free at the same time,<br />

although a cursory reading of census reports could have<br />

you believing it’s a racial Kumbaya.<br />

Once a place where loggers and miners worked, today<br />

Susanville’s singular growth industry is prisons; roughly<br />

half of all the adults who live here work at one of the two<br />

facilities. Of course those numbers intensify wildly if you<br />

count the work done, the labor extracted, from the prisoners<br />

who are shipped here predominantly from L.A.<br />

County, from the Bay.<br />

Being here, looking at the storefronts, the people, it<br />

feels like we are trapped in a black-and-white photograph<br />

KEVIN SWEENEY<br />

98 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

URTESRY OF SUBJECTS (2)<br />

COU<br />

from the deep South in the 1950’s, and the images of hard<br />

rural living come stuttering back as if to taunt us that freedomhasneverarrivedandwon’t.Allyoucanfeelarethe<br />

walls and the bars, the gun towers and barbed wire, which<br />

is only offset by all the military. The random appearance<br />

of soldiers who are based near Susanville. The sense of<br />

impending war. The American flags in every size you can<br />

imagine. What must it be like to live hoping for and invested<br />

in war and crime because without them the people of<br />

Susanville must believe that the world would collapse?<br />

On the way back to the motel, we stop at a small store<br />

to buy microwavables. There are no restaurants we want<br />

to eat in; plus this is cheaper. We buy premade chicken<br />

sandwiches or something like that. We are trying to be<br />

healthy. The motel has a microwave. We eat and we get on<br />

my laptop. Eating and waiting for the verdict to come in. I<br />

go on my Facebook page because that’s where everyone<br />

is updating what’s happening. I am nervous but Facebook<br />

keeps me connected.<br />

And then it happens.<br />

I start seeing the timelines update. The killer is acquitted<br />

of the first charge. And then he is acquitted of<br />

all of them. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. I go into<br />

shock. I lose my breath. My heart drops to my<br />

stomach. I am stunned and for a moment cannot<br />

move. When I begin to move, I go into denial.<br />

No! This is impossible. Wait a minute. Hold on.<br />

This doesn’t make sense.<br />

But as soon as I deny it, I know that it is true,<br />

and I am overcome with embarrassment and<br />

Including prisoners and their wives. I officiated Taina and<br />

Richie’s service, their exchange of vows inside of jail, and<br />

there has not been a weekend in all the years that they’ve<br />

been together when she has missed seeing him.<br />

So even thoughI amnot somuch olderthanthey are,<br />

whether Richie or Taina or Haewon or even Trayvon, I am<br />

old enough to feel responsible. I have become my big<br />

brother Paul. I feel the weight of being with two Black<br />

women who are younger than me in this prison town, and<br />

I wonder, if it came down to it, would I be able to protect<br />

them,protectus?DoIhaveanypowertoensurethatthey<br />

will live long—that their Black lives will be full and healthy?<br />

I cannot stop myself from crying. As much as I want to.<br />

I weep hard. We all do. And then I get angry. Once again<br />

my world is defined by cognitive dissonance: To be in this<br />

town where this little boy, literally this 18-year-old boy, who<br />

had hurt no one, would be locked up for ten years and this<br />

White-presenting man could kill us and go home.<br />

And then my friend Alicia writes a Facebook post. Alicia,<br />

whom I’d known for seven years at this point, whom I’d met<br />

at a political gathering in Rhode Island where, at the end of<br />

the day, our goal was to dance until we couldn’t<br />

dance anymore. She and I danced with each other<br />

all night long and began a friendship that holds<br />

us together to this very day. But she writes these<br />

words in the wake of the acquittal: “btw stop say-<br />

that we are not surprised. that’s a damn<br />

ing<br />

shame in itself. I continue to be surprised at how<br />

little Black lives matter. And I will continue that.<br />

stop giving up on black life. Black people, I will<br />

shame. How could this have happened? Why<br />

couldn’t we make this not happen? And then I<br />

start crying. And I feel wrong about crying. My<br />

tears make me want to hide. I feel like I have to be<br />

the particular kind of strong Black people are<br />

always asked to be. The impossible strong. The<br />

strong where there’s no space to think about your<br />

own vulnerability. The space to cry.<br />

I look around the room, this small motel room,<br />

and I look at the two women I have traveled here<br />

with. In my role as a counselor at Cleveland, I<br />

played such a particular role for them. Haewon,<br />

a junior when Richie entered their high school as a<br />

Khan-Cullors<br />

bandele<br />

NEVER give up on us. NEVER.”<br />

And then I respond. I wrote back with a<br />

hashtag: #BlackLivesMatter<br />

Alicia and I brainstorm over the course of the<br />

next few days. We know we want to develop<br />

something. We know we want whatever we create<br />

to have global reach. Alicia reaches out to her<br />

friend Opal Tometi, a dedicated organizer who is<br />

running Black Alliance for Just Immigration,<br />

based in Brooklyn. Opal is a master communicator<br />

and develops all the initial digital components<br />

we need to even get people to feel comfortable<br />

saying the words Black Lives Matter, for even<br />

ninth-grader, embraced him as her little brother. I held them<br />

both close to me, mentored them both, trained them to be<br />

organizers for justice in our communities, organizers against<br />

the prison industrial complex, organizers for human rights.<br />

And Taina. Taina, who fell in love with Richie months<br />

before he was arrested, committed to him, which made me<br />

commit to her. When they decided to marry after learning of<br />

his sentence, I was the one to marry them. I had become<br />

ordained in 2004, primarily because I was determined to<br />

marry Queer people despite what was then marriage<br />

inequity in California and the nation. As time moved forward<br />

and marriage equity took hold, my ordination and desire to<br />

marry people expanded to include all those, who for differ-<br />

ent reasons, were prevented from legally being families.<br />

among those closest to us, there are many who feel the<br />

words will be viewed as separatist, that they will isolate us.<br />

Opal pulls together the architecture for our first Web site<br />

and Twitter accounts, our Facebook and Tumblr. We are<br />

determined to take public this basic concept: that our lives<br />

mean something. That Black Lives Matter.<br />

After a few days, I return to Facebook and I begin to post.<br />

I write that we are going to begin organizing.<br />

I write: “I hope it impacts more than we can ever imagine.”<br />

º<br />

Excerpted from When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives<br />

Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele.<br />

Copyright © <strong>2018</strong> by the authors and reprinted by permissionion<br />

of St. Martin’s Press.

&<br />

L<br />

TRAVIS BROXTON/BROXTONART.COM<br />

O & FINDING<br />

LOVE AT<br />

ANY AGE<br />

MARRYING YOUR SOUL<br />

MATE HAS NO EXPIRATION<br />

DATE. MEET TWO NEW<br />

WIVES WHO SAID “I DO”<br />

FOR THE FIRST TIME<br />

AFTER TURNING 60<br />

BY MITZI MILLER<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 101

LOVE & LIFE : BRIDAL BLISS<br />

The couple’s children, along with the groom’s<br />

best friend, were in the wedding party.<br />

Mona and Nate<br />

entered the<br />

sweet state of<br />

matrimony together<br />

at 62 and 65.<br />

Mona Terrell & Nate Wallace<br />

“My mother told me,<br />

‘You hit the jackpot with<br />

Mona,’ ” Nate shares.<br />

Mona’s mom,<br />

Zoma, then 93,<br />

walked her<br />

down the aisle.<br />

“He is the same guy I met more<br />

than 12 years ago,” Mona says of<br />

her husband and best friend.<br />

As her fiftieth birthday approached, New Jersey publicist Mona Terrell prepared<br />

to enjoy the fruits of her successful life as the single mother of two daughters.<br />

But the universe works in mysterious ways, and six months before celebrating the big<br />

5-0, Mona found herself seated next to a mysterious new guy at a work event.<br />

“We met at a leadership conference. I’m a research scientist and normally don’t<br />

attend. I happened to go because it was in my area,” admits Nate Wallace, 65, then a<br />

divorced father of three in Pennsylvania. “When I met Nate, I’d kissed enough frogs. In<br />

our convo we both were trying not to brag about our kids,” says Mona, 62, laughing.<br />

“Turns out that one of his sons attended the same college as my daughter. We realized<br />

we had a lot in common.” Having daughters to talk about was a dream come true in<br />

itself, as a teenage Mona had been told by a doctor that bearing children would be<br />

difficult. She welcomed her two girls, by an older partner, when she was in her thirties.<br />

Despite an 80-mile distance separating Mona and Nate, their friendship quickly<br />

blossomed. “It was nice to meet someone who understood the things that I was going<br />

through, especially with the kids. Mona was even giving me dating advice,” says Nate. As<br />

things progressed, Mona found herself eagerly anticipating their conversations, and<br />

sharing her troubles. “At the time I was having a health challenge. No one knew, but I<br />

decided to tell him.” After months of talking, e-mailing and texting, the friends finally reconnected<br />

in person for dinner at Mona’s favorite restaurant in New Jersey. “I was attracted to<br />

his spirit, strength and smile,” says Mona. “After that date I said, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you with<br />

your other relationship anymore because I really like you.’ ” Nate accepted Mona’s resignation<br />

as his wingman and, eight months later, asked her to be in a committed relationship.<br />

“That was the defining difference. He asked to be with me versus letting it just morph.”<br />

Even though the two maintained separate homes, any time spent together was filled with<br />

love and fun. “Nate would greet me with a big smile, a hug and a glass of wine when I drove<br />

to Pennsylvania,” she continues. “He sang love songs to me and served candlelit breakfast.”<br />

Though full of romance, Nate wasn’t sold on getting hitched again. “I was married once<br />

and it didn’t work,” he says. “My thing was, we’re committed—let’s just continue the way<br />

things are.” But after 12 years, Nate had a change of heart. “I started thinking, Mona always<br />

wanted to be married. I knew this was a woman I could grow with.” An impromptu trip to<br />

the mall became a milestone, Mona recalls. “As we passed the jewelry store, he said, ‘Let’s<br />

look at rings.’ I thought, Yeah, right, and sat while he looked. He found one and asked me<br />

to put it on. We left and continued shopping. Later he said he wanted to return to the<br />

jewelry store. He proposed to me right there. He’d had the ring sized while we had been<br />

shopping. I almost fell out.”<br />

Eleven months later Mona’s 93-year-old mother, Zoma, walked her down the aisle on<br />

May 20, 2017. “From the first date, I wanted this man to be a part of my life,” Mona says.<br />

“My grandmother used to tell me, ‘The heart is like a magnet. You get what you call for.’ ”<br />

PHOTOS, TRAVIS BROXTON/BROXTONART.COM (5). FLOWER ICON, DIANE LABOMBARBE/GETTY IMAGES.<br />

102 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

Rhonda McLean & William Craig<br />

The duo<br />

discovered<br />

a dance<br />

partner for life.<br />

The newlyweds met at church<br />

and said “I do” at The Yale<br />

Club of New York City.<br />

“Being married has<br />

elevated our relationship,”<br />

McLean-Craig says.<br />

A sweet<br />

kiss for the<br />

mother of<br />

the bride,<br />

Georgianna<br />

McLean, 91<br />

PHOTOS, REGINA FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY (4). FLOWER ICON, DIANE LABOMBARBE/GETTY IMAGES.<br />

Rhonda Joy McLean-Craig, 65, is a woman accustomed<br />

to defying the odds. “I integrated my high school when<br />

I was 13, accompanied by a sheriff carrying a gun. I finished<br />

high school at 16 and college at 19. I have two advanced<br />

degrees and have been blessed with a 40-year career,” she<br />

states. However, despite her growing up in the church—her<br />

parents were co-ministers of music for more than 50 years<br />

in their North Carolina congregation—marriage didn’t rank<br />

high on her list of life goals. “I was determined to save the<br />

world and didn’t do much dating until my twenties. I dated<br />

and agreed to marry a man from Kenya,” she says. “My<br />

mother was terrified he would take me away, and for that<br />

and other reasons we ended up breaking up.”<br />

A failed engagement couldn’t slow down the trailblazer.<br />

Rhonda enrolled in Yale University and, after earning her<br />

juris doctorate, moved to New York City to become the first<br />

Black female attorney at a private firm. Once again she was<br />

integrating a new space and weathering the storm that<br />

came with it. She worked her way up to deputy general<br />

counsel of Time Inc., the parent company of ESSENCE.<br />

While Rhonda climbed the corporate ladder, her<br />

future husband, William “Bill” Craig, 71, was experiencing<br />

highs and lows of his own as he healed from two<br />

marriages that ended in divorce—the first in his twenties<br />

and one in his forties. “I am absolutely a romantic. Even<br />

though they didn’t work out, both unions gave the gift of<br />

children,” says the proud father of two.<br />

When Rhonda and Bill finally met, the pieces fell into<br />

place. “When I first saw him, I was 44 years old. I was<br />

visiting his church. I assumed that he was married, so I didn’t<br />

ask his name. It took a couple of years before a mutual<br />

friend realized we were interested in each other. She<br />

introduced us in the fall of 1999 and away we went.”<br />

Although Rhonda initially struggled with Bill’s firm<br />

antimarriage stance, over time she focused on the blessing<br />

of meeting a man who was devoted and who encouraged<br />

her to continue to lead a fulfilled life. “I enjoyed that she<br />

was her own person. I was attracted to her freeness,” says<br />

Bill. Then about ten years ago, something shifted and the<br />

retired nutritionist started asking Rhonda to move into his<br />

Brooklyn home. Much to his chagrin, she refused. “I was<br />

like, ‘I have my own place. I’m in Manhattan. I’m happy to<br />

see you on the weekend.’ I was a busy lady,” she says with a<br />

laugh. It took five years for her to accept. “He had become<br />

my center. I wanted to come home to that every night.”<br />

Bill also came to see matrimony was worth another try. “I<br />

realized some time ago that I wanted to make us ‘official’<br />

and proposed several times,” he says. Rhonda would agree<br />

but they never made plans—until one starry night last spring.<br />

“It was a quiet conversation after dinner, sitting out on the<br />

deck that he had built at his Brooklyn house. That time, the<br />

question felt different and so did my answer.” A month later<br />

the two exchanged vows at The Yale Club of New York City<br />

as Rhonda’s 91-year-old mother, who was the matron of<br />

honor, looked on. The couple kept the guest list to 80,<br />

inviting friends they’d known for at least 20 years. “He<br />

surprised me with a poem he wrote in the 1980’s. There<br />

wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Since then he calls me ‘wifey.’ ”<br />

Bill has settled in to his new marriage and proudly wears his<br />

wedding ring: “I make sure to show off our connection.”<br />

Follow ESSENCE Senior Editor, Lifestyle & Relationships<br />

Charreah K. Jackson on Instagram at @CHARREAH.

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FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 105

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Consider incorporating JJ’s Belly Fat Detox drink into<br />

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Citrus fruits<br />

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the liver, it can’t burn fat.<br />

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106 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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LOVE & LIFE : WEIGHT LOSS<br />

BOOST YOUR<br />

METABOLISM<br />

STAND UP<br />

Inactivity of four or more<br />

hours causes an enzyme<br />

that metabolizes fat to<br />

almost shut down, according<br />

to a 2007 University of<br />

Missouri study. Throughout<br />

the day, leave your desk<br />

and walk around. Set an<br />

alarm on your phone, or use<br />

your watch or fitness band.<br />

EAT BREAKFAST<br />

A high-protein breakfast<br />

wakes up your liver and<br />

jump-starts your metabolism.<br />

When you skip<br />

breakfast, your body runs<br />

without fuel for many hours<br />

and will automatically store<br />

fat because it thinks it is in<br />

a deprived state.<br />

Why Black Women Carry More Weight<br />

The facts don’t lie: African-American women have higher rates of being overweight in<br />

the U.S. Along with cultural reasons, as we are more accepting of our fuller bodies,<br />

there is also hard data on why we are predisposed to extra pounds<br />

1WE HAVE A SLOWER<br />

METABOLISM<br />

A 1999 study in The<br />

American Journal of<br />

Clinical Nutrition found<br />

that Black women had a<br />

lower resting metabolism.<br />

However, all hope is not<br />

lost, because good eating<br />

habits and positive lifestyle<br />

shifts can speed up our<br />

metabolic rate. (See the<br />

“Boost Your Metabolism”<br />

sidebar, right.)<br />

2WE ARE MORE<br />

PRONE TO INSULIN<br />

RESISTANCE<br />

Even at a favorable weight,<br />

Black women are at a higher<br />

risk for insulin resistance.<br />

This can lead to excess fat<br />

storage, according to a<br />

2006 report from the<br />

Wake Forest University<br />

School of Medicine.<br />

Managing our diet and<br />

sugar intake can help<br />

counteract this problem.<br />

3WE CAN BE<br />

HEAVIER YET<br />

STILL BE HEALTHY<br />

Black women are<br />

more likely to still<br />

be fit while having<br />

a higher body mass<br />

index (BMI), according<br />

to a 2011 study by<br />

the Pennington Biomedical<br />

Research Center. Your<br />

numbers don’t dictate<br />

your health, but how you<br />

live does.<br />

EAT FREQUENTLY<br />

Having a nutritious bite at<br />

least every four hours<br />

keeps your energy levels<br />

up and fat burning.<br />

RESIST BEFORE-BED<br />

EATING<br />

Eat dinner at least two to<br />

three hours before you<br />

retire and try to consume<br />

your heavier meals earlier in<br />

the day. While you sleep at<br />

night, the fat-burning<br />

systems in the body slow,<br />

rest and repair.<br />

FROM TOP: JOSE LUIS PELAEZ, INC./GETTY IMAGES; RUSLANDASHINSKY/GETTY IMAGES.<br />

108 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

LOVE & LIFE : SPIRITUALITY<br />

MANIFEST<br />

YOUR GREAT<br />

LOVE STORY<br />

GO WITHIN TO GET READY FOR<br />

ROMANCE WITH TIPS FROM<br />

ESSENCE.COM CONTRIBUTOR ZYA<br />

Somewhere between entering into arranged marriages and<br />

swiping right on Tinder, some of us have lost our way to realizing<br />

an abundance of romantic love. As an energy healer and the<br />

founder of 360magick.com, I’ve discovered common barriers<br />

that stop people from connecting as well as spiritual tools that<br />

help to usher in the divine healthy relationships we all seek.<br />

Explore energy healing with a special<br />

focus on your heart chakra.<br />

The same way we cleanse our bodies, we must also purify our<br />

spirits. The state of your heart chakra, one of your body’s<br />

spiritual centers, is crucial to you being able to receive and give<br />

affection. When it is blocked, it’s harder for us to love ourselves<br />

and trust others. Try Reiki, which is a form of energy healing<br />

that helps clear the chakras.<br />

CUT ENERGY CORDS WITH GRATITUDE.<br />

Ever thought about a friend or family member and then they<br />

called? Well, you most likely have an invisible etheric cord that<br />

connects your chakras and aura to theirs and those of other<br />

people in your life. That’s great when you’re in the enamored<br />

phasebutnotidealafterasplit.ThisiswhenIrecommendthat<br />

clients cut cords with their past lover. Here’s how:<br />

1Set the intention that you wish to no longer be<br />

attached to that person in any way.<br />

2Disengage completely—that means nixing all forms<br />

of communication, especially social media. Be sure<br />

to remove your ex’s number from your phone.<br />

3Give thanks for the relationship. No matter what<br />

happened, you learned something from this association<br />

about yourself, your needs and your boundaries.<br />

LIGHT A FIRE FOR WHAT YOU DESIRE.<br />

Treat yourself to a decorative baby pink candle, which<br />

will be your “love manifesting candle.” Slip your<br />

handwritten must-haves under it and light that wick.<br />

BE SPECIFIC ABOUT YOUR REQUIREMENTS.<br />

Another good practice is to record in your journal what<br />

you want in a lover, including your emotional needs.<br />

Here’s a fill-in-the-blank template to follow:<br />

I am seeking the healthy, whole, divine love that<br />

seeks me.<br />

In my romantic life partner, the following qualities are<br />

important to me (for example: emotionally supportive,<br />

motivated, upbeat, loving):<br />

____________, ____________, ____________.<br />

In return I will bring the following qualities to the<br />

relationship _________, ________,________.<br />

I am clear that we will help each other grow mentally,<br />

emotionally and physically, but I ask that these life<br />

lessons be undertaken with compassion, love, integrity,<br />

mutual respect and harmonious intentions.<br />

Thank you, Universe, for already providing us with our<br />

divine love.<br />

_____________________________________<br />

(It’s vital that you sign your name.)<br />

Consider a session with an empathcentered<br />

psychic.<br />

To facilitate growth, you can focus on revisiting your<br />

past life, removing energy blockages and nullifying any<br />

soul contracts—nonformal pacts that we make with<br />

ourselves regarding life lessons before our birth.<br />

PURCHASE AND CARRY HEALING CRYSTALS.<br />

Wear crystals as pendants or perhaps place them inside your bra or on your bedside table. Try rose quartz, the love<br />

manifesting stone; rhodochrosite, the crystal for healing childhood wounds; or ruby rose for strengthening the heart.<br />

RECITE LOVE MANTRAS.<br />

We are what we think, believe and repeat to<br />

ourselves. Use your inner voice for good and<br />

get in the habit of chanting a daily mantra to<br />

show love both for yourself and the partner<br />

you’re looking for. Start with these three:<br />

I deserve love and I get it in abundance.<br />

Love and forgiveness is the foundation of every relationship.<br />

In all my relationships, with my parents, my life partner<br />

or my friends, I only give love and seek love. º<br />

110 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong><br />

Ava,<br />

Oprah<br />

& Storm<br />

MAKE #BLACKGIRLMAGIC<br />

IN A WRINKLE IN TIME<br />

EXCLUSIVE<br />

HILL<br />

SPEAKS OUT:<br />

HER YEAR<br />

UNDER FIRE<br />

BOOK BONUS!<br />

WHEN THEY CALL<br />

YOU A TERRORIST:<br />

A BLACK LIVES<br />

MATTER MEMOIR<br />

BY PATRISSE KHAN-CULLORS<br />

HISTORY IN<br />

THE MAKING<br />

CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE, FROM<br />

ALVIN AILEY TO STEM’S BRIGHTEST STARS<br />

ON THE COVER<br />

Photography by Warwick Saint. For Ava<br />

DuVernay: Stylist, Jason Bolden for Tack<br />

Artist Group. Hairstylist, Vernon François<br />

using Vernon François for Artists & Co.<br />

Makeup artist, Uzo for Nars at Vision Nation<br />

Artists. Manicurist, Nettie Davis for Ken<br />

Barboza. For Storm Reid: Stylist, Jason<br />

Bolden. Hairstylist, Lacy Redway for Nexxus<br />

at The Wall Group. Makeup artist, Mylah<br />

Morales for Dior at Vision Nation Artists.<br />

Manicurist, Nettie Davis for Ken Barboza.<br />

For Oprah Winfrey: Stylist, Annabelle<br />

Harron for The Wall Group. Hairstylist,<br />

Nicole Mangrum. Makeup artist, Derrick<br />

Rutledge. Set designer, Walter Barnett for<br />

Opus Beauty.<br />

COVER<br />

From left, on Ava DuVernay: Valentino<br />

dress*, matchesfashion.com. Alexis Bittar<br />

earrings, $145, saksfifthavenue.com. On<br />

Storm Reid: Emanuel Ungaro dress,<br />

$2,209, farfetch.com. David Yurman<br />

hoops*, davidyurman.com. KatKim ring*,<br />

katkimfinejewelry.com. On Oprah<br />

Winfrey: Alaïa dress*, alaia.fr for stores.<br />

Rebecca de Ravenel earrings, $445,<br />

modaoperandi.com. Neil Lane rings*,<br />

neillanejewelry.com for stores.<br />

TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

Page 5: Leanne Marshall dress*, shop<br />

leannemarshall.com. Page 6: Emanuel<br />

Ungaro dress, $2,209, farfetch.com.<br />

David Yurman hoops*, davidyurman.com.<br />

KatKim ring*, katkimfinejewelry.com.<br />

Schutz sandals, $119, schutz-shoes.com.<br />

POWER UP!<br />

Page 21: From left: (nude) top, $220, Avant<br />

Garde, Beverly Hills, 310-550-0504. Jill<br />

Stuart pants, $498, jillstuart.com. Eric<br />

Javits beret, $395, ericjavits.com. Vera<br />

Wang Eyewear sunglasses, $275,<br />

baxterandbonny.com. On right hand: Via<br />

Saviene ring, $155, and on left hand: ring,<br />

$155, both at viasaviene.com. Sigerson<br />

Morrison booties, $375, shopbop.com.<br />

Earrings and bandeau, stylist’s own.<br />

Center: [BLANKNYC] jacket, $368,<br />

blanknyc.com. Diesel shirt, $148, diesel<br />

.com. Alice McCall skirt, $310, alicemccall<br />

.com. Eric Javits beret, $340, ericjavits.com.<br />

On<br />

right hand: Via Saviene ring, $155, and<br />

on<br />

left hand: ring, $155, both at viasaviene<br />

.com. Zara boots, $179, zara.com. On right:<br />

Smythe top, $250, shopsmythe.com.<br />

Kenneth Cole trousers, $135, kenneth<br />

cole.com. Vera Wang Eyewear sunglasses,<br />

$275, baxterandbonny.com. Zazzle<br />

activists button, $4, pinback button, $3,<br />

fist button, $3, unite button, $4, and fight<br />

button, $3, all at zazzle.com. Zara<br />

gloves, $26, zara.com. Diesel belt, $280,<br />

diesel.com. Stuart Weitzman heels, $455,<br />

saks.com.<br />

Page 22: All items credited on page.<br />

PROTECT YOUR TRESSES<br />

Page 45: Soluna Swim swimsuit, $98,<br />

everythingbutwater.com. Flaca Jewelry<br />

earrings, $125, flacajewelry.com. Via<br />

Saviene ring, $125, viasaviene.com.<br />

Page 46: Soluna Swim swimsuit, $98,<br />

everythingbutwater.com. Flaca Jewelry<br />

earrings, $125, flacajewelry.com. Other<br />

earrings and nose ring, subject’s own.<br />

Page 48: Becca by Rebecca Virture<br />

swimsuit, $124, lordandtaylor.com<br />

(available April <strong>2018</strong>). Krystle Knight<br />

Jewellery ring, $114, krystleknight<br />

jewellery.com.<br />

Page 49: Clockwise from left: On<br />

Constance Stamatiou: Becca by Rebecca<br />

Virture swimsuit, $124, lordandtaylor.com.<br />

Krystle Knight Jewellery earrings, $99,<br />

and ring, $114, krystleknightjewellery.com.<br />

On Ashley Mayeux: Soluna Swim<br />

swimsuit, $98, everythingbutwater.com.<br />

Flaca Jewelry earrings, $125, flacajewelry<br />

.com. Nose ring and other earrings,<br />

Ashley’s own. On Fana Tesfagiorgis:<br />

Soluna Swim swimsuit, $98, everything<br />

butwater.com. Via Saviene ring, $125,<br />

viasaviene.com.<br />

A DIFFERENT WORLD<br />

Page 81: From left: On Ava DuVernay:<br />

Petar Petrov dress, $1,445, net-a-porter<br />

.com. Alexis Bittar earrings, $145, saks<br />

fifthavenue.com. On Storm Reid: Gucci<br />

dress*, Gucci stores. David Yurman<br />

earrings*, davidyurman.com. On Oprah<br />

Winfrey: Alaïa dress*, alaia.fr for stores.<br />

Rebecca de Ravenel earrings, $445,<br />

modaoperandi.com.<br />

Page 82: Gucci dress*, Gucci stores. David<br />

Yurman earrings*, davidyurman.com. Via<br />

Spiga sandals, $295, nordstrom.com. Ring,<br />

stylist’s own.<br />

Page 83: Petar Petrov dress, $1,445,<br />

net-a-porter com. Alexis Bittar earrings,<br />

$145, saksfifthavenue.com. Ring,<br />

subject’s own.<br />

Page 84: Alaïa dress*, alaia.fr for stores.<br />

Rebecca de Ravenel earrings, $445,<br />

modaoperandi.com. Neil Lane rings*,<br />

neillanejewelry.com for stores. Sophia<br />

Webster pumps, $495, sophiawebster.com.<br />

GAGA FOR GUGU<br />

Page 90: Leanne Marshall dress*,<br />

shopleannemarshall.com. Atelier Mon<br />

earrings, $112, and cuff, $82, both at<br />

ateliermon.com.<br />

Page 91: Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet<br />

dress, $440, aliceandolivia.com. M&S<br />

Schmalberg pin, $75, by custom order,<br />

customfabricflowers.com. L’Oréal Paris<br />

Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara,<br />

$11, lorealparisusa.com. Chanel Lip Colour,<br />

$37, chanel.com.<br />

Page 92: Josie Natori jacket, $1,295,<br />

natori.com. Ramy Brook top, $285,<br />

ramybrook.com. Paxmonde earrings, $42,<br />

paxmonde.com. Urban Decay Eyeliner,<br />

$20, Sephora. Urban Decay Eye Pencil,<br />

$20, urbandecay.com. Iman Lip Shimmer,<br />

$11, walgreens.com. L’Oréal Professionnel<br />

Gel, $26, us.lorealprofessionnel.com.<br />

Kérastase Paris Concentre Essentiel, $58,<br />

kerastase-usa.com.<br />

Page 93: (nude) sweater, $205, jujutheshop<br />

.com. Ray-Ban glasses, $168, ray-ban.com.<br />

Guess earrings, $15, macys.com. Glossier.<br />

Boy Brow, $16, glossier.com. Chanel Colour<br />

Stick, $45, chanel.com.<br />

Page 94: Black Halo jumpsuit, $498, similar<br />

styles at blackhalo.com. Veronika<br />

Unrivaled choker, $189, veronikaunrivaled<br />

.com. Lancôme Eyeshadow Palette, $50,<br />

and Eyeliner Marker, $25, both at lancomeusa.com.<br />

Revlon Blush, $9, walmart.com.<br />

Jay Manuel Beauty Lipstick, $24, jaymanuel<br />

beauty.com. Kérastase Paris Blowdry<br />

Créme, $21, 50ml, and Spray Oil, $58,<br />

both at kerastase-usa.com.<br />

Page 95: Black Halo jumpsuit, $498,<br />

blackhalo.com. Veronika Unrivaled<br />

choker, $189, veronikaunrivaled.com.<br />

Mordekai by Ken Borochov ring set,<br />

$495, mordekai.com. Christian Louboutin<br />

heels, $795, christianlouboutin.com.<br />

Lancôme Eyeshadow Palette, $50, and<br />

Eyeliner Marker, $25, both at lancomeusa.com.<br />

Revlon Blush, $9, walmart.com.<br />

Jay Manuel Beauty Lipstick, $24,<br />

jaymanuelbeauty.com. Kérastase Paris<br />

Blowdry Créme, $21, 50ml, and Spray Oil,<br />

$58, both at kerastase-usa.com. º<br />

*price upon request<br />

112 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

GOOD CREDIT. GOOD JOBS.<br />

GOOD REFERENCES.<br />

BUT THE LANDLORD DENIED THEM THE<br />

APARTMENT BECAUSE OF THEIR RACE.<br />

AND THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY.<br />

It’s against the law for landlords to deny your application, give you the run around, charge you more rent,<br />

or steer you away from a rental complex or neighborhood because of your race. If you suspect housing<br />

discrimination, file a complaint with HUD or your local fair housing center, so we can investigate it.<br />

To file a complaint, go to hud.gov/fairhousing<br />

or call 1-800-669-9777<br />

FAIR HOUSING IS YOUR RIGHT. USE IT.<br />

A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the National Fair Housing Alliance. The federal Fair Housing Act<br />

prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

SHOWCASE<br />

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 1.800.938.4660<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

SHOWCASE<br />

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FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong>

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HOROSCOPE<br />

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the<br />

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products. Become an Insider at<br />

ESSENCEINSIDERS.COM<br />

OVERVIEW<br />

Although many will be looking to<br />

bask in the romantic atmosphere<br />

of Valentine’s Day, be encouraged to<br />

focus on the love of humanity in an<br />

all-out celebration of Black History<br />

Month. Introduce other cultures to<br />

previously untold stories of our rich<br />

narrative and a legacy of contributing<br />

to the betterment of society as a<br />

whole. A new moon solar eclipse<br />

in Aquarius on <strong>February</strong> 15 will<br />

ensure this expanded outlook, as it<br />

helpsusto focus on accepting<br />

diverse groups, unique rituals and<br />

unexpected friendships. Love has<br />

no boundaries, and exploring our<br />

differences often just makes us<br />

realize we are all the same.<br />

GOOD CREDIT.<br />

GOOD JOB.<br />

GOOD REFERENCES.<br />

BUT THE LANDLORD DENIED<br />

HER THE APARTMENT<br />

BECAUSE OF HER DISABILITY.<br />

AND THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY.<br />

TO FILE A COMPLAINT, GO TO<br />

hud.gov/fairhousing<br />

AQUARIUS<br />

January 20 to <strong>February</strong> 18<br />

Calling all Aquarian queens: Get<br />

ready to come out of your cave<br />

because it’s your time to shine. You<br />

may feel incredibly confident right<br />

now. Perhaps you’re losing weight<br />

or changing that hairdo you’ve had for<br />

a long time. Give yourself a high five<br />

for making improvements—increasing<br />

your self-worth could lead to<br />

monetary gains. The more you<br />

exercise the cycle of abundant living,<br />

the better you feel; the more you give,<br />

the more you receive. Everybody wins!<br />

PISCES<br />

<strong>February</strong> 19 to March 20<br />

Your personal winter may have arrived,<br />

so hibernation and self-reflection are in<br />

order. You have expended a lot of<br />

physical energy over the past few<br />

months, but a vacation from daily<br />

stress can help you reset. Why not<br />

expand your mind or gain a new skill<br />

while you’re hiding out? Using your<br />

imagination will put you on a different<br />

path to express your gifts to the world.<br />

ARIES<br />

March 21 to April 19<br />

While it’s well known that you have an<br />

independent nature, you should be<br />

aware that a brilliant business partner<br />

or your significant other may be the<br />

element you need to take your career<br />

to higher heights. You are being<br />

taught how to play nice with others<br />

and to be patient. Have faith that<br />

everything is working toward your<br />

good and that we were not designed<br />

to do everything on our own.<br />

TAURUS<br />

April 20 to May 20<br />

Everyone appreciates your work<br />

ethic. You’re the reliable matron they<br />

call on in the middle of the night.<br />

Well, this month your friends are<br />

eager to reciprocate. It will be a nice<br />

break in routine, since you’ve<br />

recently spent countless hours<br />

invested in your career. Ride the<br />

wave gracefully because before you<br />

know it, someone is almost guaranteed<br />

to need to borrow $50.<br />

GEMINI<br />

May 21 to June 20<br />

Go ahead and take that luxury trip<br />

out of town to satisfy your curiosity.<br />

To facilitate necessary change in your<br />

life, you must seek the unknown and<br />

learn from the varied wonders that<br />

await you. There may be opposition<br />

at work urging you to account for<br />

your daily responsibilities. However, if<br />

you start planning now you can do<br />

both. Don’t forget that you are the<br />

goddess of duality.<br />

PHILECE ROBERTS

CANCER<br />

June 21 to July 22<br />

Remember the days when a stranger<br />

would spark a casual conversation that<br />

was both intellectually stimulating and<br />

intriguingly sensuous? <strong>February</strong> may<br />

usher in a new freedom reminiscent of<br />

old courtships. Recent connections or<br />

rekindled relationships could lead to<br />

romance. Be sure to determine your<br />

beau’s intentions. It may save you from<br />

a broken heart and dramatic endings<br />

that could take years to recover from.<br />

LEO<br />

July 23 to August 22<br />

You instantly command attention<br />

whenever you enter a room and<br />

often wish others could do the same.<br />

When they fall short of your<br />

expectations, you bum-rush the<br />

spotlight to show how it’s done. Now<br />

is the perfect time to share your<br />

secret so they can showcase their<br />

talents. Success is much sweeter<br />

when we can achieve it together.<br />

VIRGO<br />

August 23 to September 22<br />

Stack up on your vitamins, sweet<br />

Virgo. You’ll be extremely busy from<br />

sunrise to sunset. To bring balance to<br />

your days, keep a detailed list of what<br />

needs to be done, and when you can’t<br />

do anything more, go to bed. Remember,<br />

you are human, not a machine.<br />

Your health could be compromised if<br />

you push too hard. Perfection is a<br />

popular illusion, so be easy on yourself.<br />

LIBRA<br />

September 23 to October 22<br />

Love, laughter and little ones have the<br />

potential to capture your soul now. To<br />

be compassionate, you must forgive<br />

others and lend unconditional support<br />

wherever it’s needed. Share stories<br />

that may expose your own insecurities<br />

and watch folks reveal theirs. You may<br />

quickly be reminded that we are all<br />

doing our best to make sense of this<br />

thing called life.<br />

SCORPIO<br />

October 23 to November 21<br />

There’s no place like home. The perfect<br />

linen, your favorite pillow and a sip of<br />

your best tea—how great is that?<br />

Although you may feel pulled into<br />

hustling mode, your dwelling is quickly<br />

becoming a safe haven where you can<br />

regain your sanity. Make family and<br />

the foundation it promises your<br />

superpower. Finding simple pleasure<br />

in a home-cooked meal relieves the<br />

pressures of the outside world.<br />

SAGITTARIUS<br />

November 22 to December 21<br />

Sagittarians can be quite selfish.<br />

(That’s right, I said it.) However, that’s<br />

not always a bad thing. You teach the<br />

rest of us about self-care so that we<br />

can offer the best of who we are.<br />

<strong>February</strong> gives you the chance to<br />

do so by speaking publicly or<br />

starting a blog on the subject of<br />

self-development. Soon the knowledge<br />

you offer may prove to be worth<br />

all the dollars you could ever earn.<br />

CAPRICORN<br />

December 22 to January 19<br />

If you’re at a party, there’s probably a<br />

moneymaking opportunity, as your<br />

practicality generally leads you to<br />

purposeful socializing. You may<br />

receive invitations from friends or<br />

social groups and be forced to<br />

communicate with those unlike your<br />

usual crowd. If you refrain from<br />

judgment, you may learn something<br />

new because of your willingness to<br />

accept other views. Trust the process<br />

of your life by meeting it halfway.<br />

º<br />

Horoscope by astrological intuit Sonja Marie (wordlifeastrology.com).<br />

Copyright © <strong>2018</strong> by <strong>Essence</strong> Communications, Inc. (ISSN-0014-0880) (GST 126301159) Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No.<br />

40110178. ESSENCE is published monthly, except January and August, by <strong>Essence</strong> Communications Inc., 225 Liberty St., New York NY<br />

10281. Return undeliverable Canada address to Postal Stn A, P.O. Box 4015, Toronto ONT M5W 2T2. Printed in the <strong>USA</strong>. All rights reserved.<br />

Cover and contents may not be reproduced in part or in whole without prior written permission. Magazine available on microfilm and<br />

CD-ROM from ProQuest Information and Learning, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48106. ESSENCE® is the registered trademark of<br />

<strong>Essence</strong> Communications Inc. Periodicals postage paid at New York NY and additional mailing offices. U.S. subscriptions: $22 for one<br />

year. Allow six weeks for change of address. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Articles in<br />

ESSENCE are in Index to Periodical Articles by and About Blacks (G.K. Hall & Co.). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ESSENCE,<br />

P.O. Box 62120, Tampa FL 33662-2120. Along with new address, please send old address as printed on last label. SUBSCRIBERS:<br />

Occasionallyweprovideourcustomerlisttocompanieswhoseproductsmightinterestyou.Ifyoudonotwishtoreceivethesemailings,<br />

send your request and a copy of your mailing label to us at ESSENCE *Mailing Preferences,* P.O. Box 62120, Tampa FL 33662-2120. If<br />

the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address<br />

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.<br />

Customer service and subscriptions: For 24/7 assistance, please visit our Web site: ESSENCE.com/customerservice. You can also<br />

phone 800-274-9398 or write to ESSENCE, P.O. Box 62120, Tampa FL 33662-2120. For international licensing and syndication<br />

requests,pleasevisittimeinc.com/syndicationorcall212-522-5868.Itwilltakecustomersto ourautomatedsyndicationform.<br />

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FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> ESSENCE.COM 117

CROSSWORD PUZZLE<br />

Before she<br />

became a bestselling<br />

novelist,<br />

1 ACROSS was<br />

the winner<br />

of ESSENCE’s<br />

first college<br />

essay contest.<br />

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF<br />

BLACK HISTORY, POP CULTURE<br />

AND ESSENCE TRIVIA<br />

Puzzle by Jan Buckner Walker of Kids Across/<br />

Parents Down. The Kids Across Parents Down family<br />

activity book series is available on amazon.com.<br />

ACROSS<br />

DOWN<br />

1. Ms. McMillan, saucy author<br />

of some of our favorite books<br />

including I Almost Forgot<br />

About You, which was excerpted<br />

in ESSENCE’s May 2016 issue<br />

4. What people notice<br />

immediately if you arrive with<br />

Kate Spade by your side<br />

8. Late-night funk: Musical<br />

front man beloved by Philly<br />

folks and Fallon’s fans<br />

9. Danny, who made his first<br />

Lethal Weapon in 1987 (or<br />

not-so-childish funnyman<br />

Donald, whose awardwinning<br />

sitcom, Atlanta, has<br />

an all-Black writers’ room)<br />

11. Who knows why? It’s the<br />

male chromosome makeup<br />

12. Hold it right there! It’s<br />

an aluminum spray container<br />

(or is the ability to<br />

accomplish something)<br />

13. Campus coed’s home away<br />

from home<br />

15. Follower of Faith, Tony and<br />

Florida<br />

20. Food for the fireplace or a<br />

record of day-to-day activities<br />

21. Not a speaking part:<br />

In the History channel’s<br />

Roots remake, _____ Phifer<br />

plays Jerusalem, a mute slave<br />

“who is not quite what he<br />

appears to be”<br />

22. Pastor’s place<br />

24. Catana Starks, Ph.D.,<br />

became the first Black female<br />

head coach of a top men’s<br />

____ team, inspiring the 2010<br />

film From the Rough<br />

27. Soulful night crew that was<br />

instrumental in the success of<br />

band man Jon Batiste: Stay _____<br />

28. Harpo’s daddy, played by<br />

9 Across, in The Color Purple<br />

29. Nouveau name many<br />

schools use with or instead of<br />

“library”: _____ center (or the<br />

collective press)<br />

30. Elbow’s gray, lotion-thirsty<br />

condition<br />

31. How to turn a pencil skirt<br />

into a mini (or word often used<br />

with “haw” to indicate someone<br />

is not quite sure what to say)<br />

32. What an actor holds close,<br />

like Tony or Oscar<br />

1. Host a party (or heave a ball)<br />

2. Better known as a meteorologist,<br />

he’s also the author of The<br />

Morning Show Murders<br />

3. To celebrate sisterhood on<br />

the yard (or the first move in<br />

anyone’s journey)<br />

4. Sunday wear: Highfalutin term<br />

for your grandmother’s ornate pin<br />

5. Mustard that is never yellow<br />

6. To engage in a sometimes<br />

spirited verbal tug-of-war in<br />

pursuit of the best price<br />

7. Popular online outlet where<br />

artsy-craftsy entrepreneurs<br />

can make money selling their<br />

handmade wares<br />

10. Actor’s last act, after the<br />

last act (and, when chatting<br />

with a Chihuahua, sometimes<br />

precedes “wow”)<br />

14. Popular Weekend Today<br />

coanchor Sheinelle Jones told<br />

ESSENCE.com she started as an<br />

unpaid newsroom intern and<br />

worked at this “choice” location<br />

to earn money<br />

16. Nothing to do with Noah:<br />

Christians in Ethiopia have long<br />

claimed to have this revered<br />

relic: the ___ of the Covenant<br />

17. In slang terms, to deliver rap<br />

in freestyle fashion (or a<br />

pig-roasting rotisserie)<br />

18. For Taye Diggs fans who<br />

stream reruns of the ABC<br />

drama, _____ Practice still<br />

makes perfect sense<br />

19. Celebrity’s personal space<br />

saver (or 1992 thriller starring<br />

Whitney Houston: The _____)<br />

21. That captivating and<br />

inimitable Black girl quality<br />

celebrated on ESSENCE’s<br />

fabulous <strong>February</strong> 2016 covers<br />

23. Yeah! Stargazers can now<br />

find this R&B hottie’s name on<br />

the Hollywood Walk of Fame<br />

25. Timeless storybook genre<br />

that promotes frog-kissing in a<br />

quest for a prince: _____ tale<br />

26. 2005 movie featuring Will<br />

Smith as a date doctor (or a<br />

complication in an otherwise<br />

workable plan)<br />

29. Degree sought by Stanford<br />

students in “Prof” Tyra Banks’s<br />

class (abbr.)<br />

JC OLIVERA/GETTY IMAGES<br />

118 ESSENCE.COM FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> Visit ESSENCE.COM for solutions

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