The Most Influential Black Designers In History
In celebration of both Black History Month and New York Fashion Week, ESSENCE.com is paying homage to the great designers of the past, present and future whose unique perspective has helped shape the fashion landscape. Read more: Top Ten Black Beauty MavericksThe History of Revolutionary HairThe Most Stylish Black Women in History
read more...Commentary: Black Motherhood Celebrating Our History
Momlogic blogger Kimberly Seals Allers reflects on Black History Month, but with a twist. She celebrates Black women and motherhood. The writer pens, "As a mother, I believe that our Black history is a tale of painful beginnings followed by triumphant gains. Of course, I'll never forget the moment Michelle Obama became First Lady of the United States. She epitomizes everything modern Black motherhood is about: career success, loving partnership and commitment to being the mom-in-chief of your own family command center." She continues, "But getting to Michelle Obama has been a long and sometimes troubling journey..." Read More: Does Vanity Fair Hate Black Girls? Political Correctness And The Word "Negro"John Mayer Says N-Word, Tweets Apology
read more...The Most Stylish Black Women in History
We doubt Michelle Obama ever fathomed that her personal style would be of such interest to the American public. But one year into being First Lady, it's undeniable that her daily looks have not only been a boost for American fashion but also reaffirmed both the buying power of African-American women and what we've always known--that Black women are tastemakers. Michelle Obama may be one of the very few Black women celebrated for her impeccable taste by mainstream America, but she certainly isn't the first stylish sista. Black women have long demonstrated their personalities through their inventive fashion transformations. From acclaimed author Zora Neal Hurston's more minimal lady-like chapeau to Josephine Baker's sensual style to Grace Jones' strong edge, fashion has always been part of our lives. In honor of Black History Month, we're taking a look back at the most stylish Black women in history to pay tribute to their timeless style. Take a look at the Most Stylish Black Women Throughout History.
read more...Black Astronaut Gives Back To America's Kids
In 1993, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. was the first Black man to walk in space. The astronaut later became a successful doctor, humanitarian and business man. He, along with a team of sponsors, have created non-profit programs to help encourage inner city youth children in mathematics, technology, engineering and science fields. ESSENCE.com caught up with him to find out what his new mission is. Read More Click through our list of 40 Boundary Breaking Black Women.Motorcyclist Peggy Llewellyn is Black History
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ESSENCE.com's Christmas Playlist
Holiday PlaylistESSENCE.com's Christmas PlaylistWe here at ESSENCE.com would like to wish you a Happy Holiday! Spend time with the family, smile and enjoy every bit of grandma's famous Mac and Cheese... Here's a Christmas playlist for this blessed day."Oh Santa" by Mariah CareyMariah Carey burned up the charts with her amazing new holiday song, "Oh Santa." Listen Here."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Luther VandrossThe legendary Luther Vandross remade this classic — adding his silky smooth R&B voice. Listen Here."The Christmas Song" by Toni BraxtonChristmas wouldn't be complete without "The Christmas Song." See how Toni Braxton put her own spin on this holiday classic. Listen Here."Hark the Herald Angle Sing" by Mary MaryGospel's sister act brings their soulful take to this classic carol based on a chorus from Classical composer Felix Mendelssohn. Listen Now:"The Last Month of the Year" by The Staple SingersThe legendary gospel group made this holiday gospel tune by folk group The Kingston Trio their own this rendition. Listen Now:"Santa Clause is Coming to Town" by The Jackson 5Michael and his brothers brought a youthful spirit to this Christmas classic that has made a staple in homes every holiday season. Listen Now:"Let It Snow" by Boyz II MenThe Philadelphia foursome brought Motown Philly to the holidays with their remix of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Listen Now:"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" by Faith EvansThe original first lady of Bad Boy really spread her wings with this gospel-tinged Christmas song. Listen Now:"Merry Christmas" by Silk'90s R&B bad boys showed their softer side by covering this traditional holiday carol. Listen Now:"Be There for Christmas" by LedisiJazz/R&B chanteuse Ledisi offers this hypnotic, upbeat tune that offers a new take on Christmas music. Listen Now:"All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah CareyMC landed an instant Christmas classic with this original song from her 1994 Merry Christmas album. Listen Now:"8 Days of Christmas" by Destiny's ChildBeyonce, Kelly and Michelle turned the "12 Days of Christmas" on its ear with an updated, uptempo urban version - complete with new-school gifts. Listen Now:"Merry Christmas Baby" by B.B. KingWho said Christmas can't be bluesy? Blues legend B.B. King stays true to his sound - and Lucille - while celebrating the holidays right. Listen Now:"Christmas in Hollis" by Run-DMCWho knew Christmas in Queens could be so much fun? The "kings of rock" had heads nodding in the '80s with this new holiday classic. Listen Now:This Christmas by Donny HathawayBrother Donny might have made the classic R&B Christmas record. There isn't much more to say other than it's not Christmas until you hear this song! Listen Now:"Little Drummer Boy" by The TemptationsMotown has turned out many Christmas classics. One of our favorites has to be the Temps take on this tried and true X-Mas tune. Listen Now:"Someday At Christmas" by Stevie WonderLil' Stevie did his thing in the late '60s with his album Someday At Christmas. The album is filled with great songs, among them the soulful title track about finding peace during the holidays. Listen Now:
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How to Avoid Those Extra Holiday Pounds
The holiday seasons are always full of family, friends, joy and let's not forget lots and lots of food. Coming together with loved ones almost always involves a hearty, home-style cooked meal this time of the season, so sticking to the usual healthy diet you've worked so hard maintaining the rest of the year can seem as hard as climbing Mount Everest right now. Everywhere you turn is temptation. Before you even think about reaching for a second helping of mash potatoes and gravy, or another slice of pie, we've got some helpful tips to ensure you keep up with your eating habits and avoid packing on some extra pounds this holiday. Just think about all the things you can do instead of giving in to food comas this holiday!
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Curly Cues: Ten Textured Holiday Party Hairstyles
Whether you sport bouncy curls, loose waves or rippling ringlets, nothing says "holiday party pretty" like a tousled, textured 'do. These well-coiffed celebs demonstrate ten different ways to sport spirals this season.
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Inside the White House at Christmas
Washington, D.C. has been popping with holiday parties this month, but the most coveted tickets in town were for the White House soirees. This holiday season President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have hosted 17 parties and 11 open houses for members of Congress, White House staff, journalists and tourists from around the country--racking up to 50,000 holiday visitors in total. ESSENCE.com takes you inside the White House during this very special time of year. For more from Washington correspondent Cynthia Gordy's "Obama Watch," click here.
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Holiday Party Etiquette Do's and Dont's
You may know this holiday scenario all too well: a family member says something someone else thinks is kinda grimy. Words are exchanged. And just like that, grandma's peach cobbler is flying across the dinner table. Why holiday gatherings bring out the sweet in some and the savage in others, we'll never know. Here are 10 ways to err on the side of caution so your manners are in check during the festive season.
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Holiday Party Gadgets For the Hostess With the Mostest
The holiday party season is upon us. Whether you're planning to do it up on Christmas or New Year's Eve, this is the time you should be getting all your supplies together. We've rounded up some funky and playful gadgets to make holiday party hosting that much more effortless. Read Holiday Party Gadgets for the Hostess With the Mostest. Read more Holiday stories.
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The present is also the only place you'll ever be truly happy or ever be able to experience true love.