Articles by: Bridgette Bartlett

For most five-year olds, dressing up in Mommy's stilettos and lipstick is a rare treat. But for pint-sized beauty queens, this is far from child's play. And if child pageant-themed reality shows like "Little Miss Perfect" and "Toddlers and Tiaras" are to be believed, the number of little Black girls competing for the crown is on the rise. So, is putting false lashes on a preschooler harmless or just plain sick? Here, we take a look at the growing phenomenon. Click here to check out our roundup of history-making (grownup!) Black pageant queens. Read More: International Brown Beauties: Miss Universe 2009The New Miss America 2010 is Black

Model Veronica Webb is making moves off the catwalk. The style icon is preparing to race in the New York City ING-sponsored 26.2 mile marathon this Sunday and is spilling the beans on how she prepared for the long run. Read how Jay-Z and Kanye West are helping this diva get right for the race.

Fashion stylist June Ambrose is spreading her wings to the world of travel. The style veteran who helped transform the looks of stars like Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey has just been announced as the island of Antigua's latest Tourism Ambassador. Find out all about her exciting new role.

Although the President has officially only been in office since January 2009, the Obama marriage has forced even the most cynical men and women to have a new outlook on the state of our unions. The history-making couple are featured in today's New York Times Magazine discussing their relationship, being a couple in the public eye and the importance of dating after saying "I do."

I am notorious for having delayed reactions. So when the whole New York magazine/Michelle Obama/Martha's Vineyard debacle came up in our morning meeting today I was admittedly embarrassed that it hadn't been covered in the Michelle Obama Daily Diary (the First Lady photo blog I pen for ESSENCE.com). But now that some things have settled in, lil' mama has something to say.