ESSENCE urged our readers to help in our #ESSENCEGunsDown initiative, a national effort to protect our children and get guns off the streets, and many of you took to your social networks in a step towards making a difference in our national movement.

Introducing the short film "The Long Shadow of Incarceration's Stigma," former journalist Sheila Rule shares how finding love with an inmate sparked her mission to stop the marginalization of those who have served time.

A new landmark ruling on Plan B—also known as “the morning-after pill"— allowing all girls "of reproductive age" access to the emergency contraception has some parents worried.

“My brother came home wearing an afro,” Judith Wilson recalls of the day her brother changed her life.

Learn how one simple birthday party idea inspired this busy mom to be even greater.

It's time to celebrate our beauty! This writer shares her thoughts on the India Arie controversy as well as colorism in our community.

Are we really criticizing pregnant women for gaining weight now?

Are you the type of person who would never go to anyone but your trusted hairstylist or barber?

Join our Guns Down initiative by downloading and signing our letter to President Obama.

Wondering where to find a good man these days? Matchmaker Paul Carrick Brunson shares new dating data that may surprise you.