Articles by: Cathy Chermol

Deonte Bridges, Booker T. Washington High School's first Black male valedictorian in a decade, is making headlines after his touching graduation speech was posted on YouTube. In it, the Atlanta native speaks on overcoming arduous adversities, like being robbed at gunpoint, and his mother, Paris Hardaway, being diagnosed with leukemia. He spoke with ESSENCE.com about what helped him excel in school and his message to students in their daily lives. Here's what you had to say: Darlene commented via Facebook: "As a retired educator and a Metro Atlanta resident, I am so proud of Deonte and all that he has accomplished." Ebone wrote via Facebook: "Congratulations, Deontae. Keep striving for your dreams and don't let anyone turn you around."

ABC News correspondent John Quinones was traveling to Mexico to cover the story of the "Survivor" producer suspected of killing his wife when he took a moment to speak with ESSENCE. com about the premiere episode of his "What Would You Do?" series this Friday night at 9 PM, and its undercover investigation of "shopping while Black."

With two prominent Black men in the headlines for infidelity--Tiger Woods and now, Tiki Barber--ESSENCE.com wanted to get some answers on questions about cheating and fame from the Black man's point of view. We went to Anthony C. Rucker, a Black relationship expert, life coach, and author of "Relationship Cookbook" with Chris Rock's claim from his 1999 HBO special "Bigger and Blacker" that "a man is only as faithful as his options." Is this the truth? Read more: Dr. Michelle On The Cheating Ways Of Pro AthletesCommentary: Tiger Cheats For The Adrenaline Rush Here's what you had to say: Vee commented: "This situation further proves that a man will cheat if he wants to--no matter what color he is, or what color his wife is." Bri said: "I do believe that men of any race have a higher chance of cheating if their options increase. If you're a celebrity and you've got tons of girls that are willing to get with you and don't care if you're married, it messes with your judgment. Period."

Like Brenda and Steve, the married couple struggling with Steve's sex addiction in yesterday's story, Casi and Levi have been watching every step of Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin. And like Brenda and Steve, they have a personal interest in what Tiger says and does, and whether he and Elin remain together, because Casi and Levi are a married couple struggling with the same problem in their own marriage. The only difference is, in this case, Casi, the wife, is the sex addict... Read more: Moving On: Living & Loving A Sex AddictCommentary: Tiger Woods Addiction or Human Nature?Commentary: Tiger Cheats For The Adrenaline Rush

This week, for the first time, Tiger Woods shared some extremely intimate truths about his sexual infidelities. Truths like, "I just couldn't stop cheating," and that he, the world's greatest golfer, was "living the life of a lie." ESSENCE.com reached out to two married couples who can relate to what Tiger called his "disgusting" behavior. Read more: Commentary: Tiger Woods Addiction or Human Nature? Commentary: Tiger Cheats For The Adrenaline Rush Here's what you had to say: Informed and enlightened commented: "The only thing you can do is move on. They go back and forth saying that they love you and driving you nuts. Been there." Princess P wrote: "I really wish people would stop making excuses for Tiger, and making up titles for his uncontrolled sexual behavior."

Too tired for sex? Does your race make you sleep less? The National Sleep Foundation just released their annual study on the bedtime habits and sleeping patterns of Americans, For the first time, the Foundation studied the effects of race on sleep. ESSENCE.com reached out to Dr. Barbara Phillips, who worked on the comprehensive study and is one of the nation's leading sleep experts, to find out why--among other things--African Americans get less sleep than Hispanics, Whites or Asian Americans. Read more: Sex and Prayer For Better Sleep Seven Ways to Recharge and Renew at Home

Mrs. Rita Owens is a legendary educator who has taught, nurtured and mentored hundreds, if not thousands, of students at Irvington High School...not far from the controversial Akoo Jeans bulletin board advertisements in Newark, New Jersey. Owens is also mother of Queen Latifah, who will be honored this afternoon at ESSENCE's annual Black Women In Hollywood event. ESSENCE.com reached out to Mrs. Owens for her insider take on the Akoo billboard controversy of this week, and how it affects the kids in her neighborhood. Read more: Exclusive: Akoo Jeans Model Speaks About BillboardUpdate: TI's Akoo Billboard To Be Taken Down

As an ESSENCE.com woman, you probably know of the four "Will You Marry Me?" couples, and seen the stories of how they met and fell in love. But you may also be wondering to yourself, "Why not me?"   Dr. Michelle Callahan, TV host, psychologist, and author of dating guide Ms. Typed, says it may be because you are not you--not the real you when it comes to romance, that you may be sabotaging yourself with men and not even realizing it, that you are "Ms, Typed." And, as an African American woman you could be particularly vulnerable to losing your best self in the dating game. Read more: The Dating Diva On Dating Like A ProMen Say "You Should Hit On Us"

Tiger Woods finally spoke about his transgressions and apologized for his "irresponsible and selfish behavior." But what does it all mean for his image now that he has taken responsibility for his actions? ESSENCE.com spoke with crisis management consultant Judy Smith who has had a high-profile career handling a wide array of crises involving Fortune 500 companies, political figures, celebrity and sports figures. Check out what she had to say... Read More: What To Expect From Tiger Woods' Press ConferencePublic Figures and Public Apologies

Judy Smith has had a high-profile career as a crisis management consultant. As President of Impact Strategies, she has handled a wide array of crises involving Fortune 500 companies, political figures, celebrity and sports figures. ESSENCE.com reached out to Smith for an insider's perspective on Tiger Woods' very controlled press conference at 11 AM EST this morning. Check out what she had to say... Read more: Poll: Will The World Forgive Tiger Woods?Tiger's Wedding Pastor Says 'It Will Work Out'

Quarterback Michael Vick is back in the headlines this week, due to his canceling an interview with Oprah. Ahead of booking Vick, she accepted a $300 "bet" with CNN host Piers Morgan that she could land an interview with him before he could. He lost the bet when Oprah confirmed Michael last week. However, Vick suddenly canceled his appearance due to "personal and professional" reason, said his spokesman. Many are anxious to hear from the man who spent close to two years in prison for his dog-fighting ring. ESSENCE.COM was able to secure an exclusive interview with Michael Vick one year ago...Here is that interview from February, 2009...

Sonny Hostin, legal analyst for CNN and contributor for "In Session" (formerly "Court TV"), breaks down what will happen to Michael Jackson's doctor when he surrenders. Find out what he will be charged with, what will happen next, and why she predicts this may be the trial of the decade. Read more: For the latest on Michael Jackson, click here.

ESSENCE.com contacted Kristin Heaton, an adoptive mother of two Haitian little girls, who flew over from the devastation in Haiti on the U.S. Military C-17 that landed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The flight--which transported 53 Haitian orphans and garnered attention from around the world--was made possible by President Obama's decision to relax some of the red tape surrounding adoption laws to save more Haitian children. Kristin Heaton and her husband Scott started the adoption process with Haitian authorities in 2006. Read a Haitian-American's account of waiting to hear from family after the earthquake. Find out why a popular Haitian musician is singing "Haiti Will Never Die."

ESSENCE.com spoke with Joel Trimble, a missionary who founded Haiti for Christ more than three decades ago to hear his account of the catastrophe through his eyes. This is his first-person account of Trimble walking through the streets and mountain regions affected by the 7.0 earthquake.

Does having a man make you fat? We were curious so we asked celebrity nutritionist/national nutrition coach Dr. Ro what she thought. Find out what she had to say.

Relationships expert Dr. Michelle gives insight into why professional athletes cheat and how even squeaky-clean golfing champ Tiger Woods could have an affair.