40 Women Essence LovesSisters with VoicesAs Black women, we have a unique legacy of excellence that the following women have undoubtedly helped to create. From concert stages, all the way to the White House, Black women we love can be found everywhere. As we celebrate Women's History Month, these women deserve a standing ovation for their many outstanding accomplishments and inspirational endeavors in the fields of fashion, entertainment, politics, and beyond.Oprah WinfreyOprah has paved the way for future generations of female media moguls and entrepreneurs.Maya AngelouMaya Angelou's historic poem "Still I Rise" inspired black women across the world to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. This is just one of the many reasons why we love her so.Diahann CarrollDiahann Carroll's various successes in film, theater, and music inspire us all to live out our dreams to the fullest!Halle BerryHalle Berry's Academy Award win for Best Actress made her the first Black woman to do so. For that reason, she will always be in our hearts.Michelle ObamaWe adore our First Lady for epitomizing great style and being a positive role model for Black women nationwide.Diana RossNo one can deny that Diana Ross is one of the most legendary divas of our time.She is a constant reminder that "ain't no mountain high enough" to keep us from achieving our dreams!Mary J. BligeMJB's heartfelt lyrics and passionate music is one reason why this Queen of Hip Hop Soul will always reign supreme in our eyes.Susan RiceSusan Rice has used her power and voice to stand up for our country as a faithful civic servant.SadeSade's timeless music has been on heavy rotation since we first fell in love with her in the early 80's.Mo'NiqueMo'Nique's confident persona, hilarious sense of humor, and superb acting skills are just a few reasons why she is one of our favorite Black women.Susan L. TaylorAs the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan L. Taylor served as an ambassador for Black women, encouraging us to connect with our spirituality and live with passion and purpose.Tina TurnerTina Turner is a true ageless beauty with a body to die for who rocks the stage like no other performer in our lifetime!Beverly JohnsonBeverly Johnson was the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine, making her a role model and champion of equal rights in the fashion world.Grace JonesTo this day, we love Grace Jones' fearless audacity in crafting her unique look and as a performer and talented vocalist.BeyonceBeyonce' came on the scene encouraging us all to become a "Survivor" and her upbeat tunes always keep us moving and grooving!Pam GrierPam Grier's role as the iconic Foxy Brown had us all rocking our afros with gleaming pride, proudly professing to be "a whole lotta woman!"Serena WilliamsOn and off the tennis court, Serena Williams is always a champion and on top of her game.Whitney HoustonThis Jersey diva is definitely one of our favorite vocalists of all time. Her prominence in the music world enabled several Black female artists to follow in her footsteps.Tyra BanksTyra Banks has broken down barriers in the modeling world, proving to be more than just a pretty face.RihannaHer edgy fashion sense and empowering, upbeat music are reasons why she has icon status in our eyes.Alicia KeysWe are totally in love with Alicia Keys' talent as a pianist and singer.Kerry WashingtonWashington is a talented actress Broadway and on the big screen, who also has an elegant sense of fashion that we have grown to adore.Robin RobertsWaking up to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America everyday, provides a daily reminder of how strong and beautiful Black women indeed are!Naomi CampbellNaomi Campbell is a timeless beauty who has graced runways worldwide and broken barriers in the world of fashion modeling.Wendy WilliamsHer unique, over-the-top personality and flair make Wendy Williams one of our most favorite talk show and radio hosts!Vanessa WilliamsVanessa Williams is a prime example of how Black women are capable of a dramatic comeback. We love her for being bold and beautiful!Erykah BaduErykah's unique neo-soul music and eclectic fashion statements make her one of the top women we have grown to love.ImanTalk about talented! After a long career as a successful fashion model, Iman is now an accessories designer and beauty entrepreneur.Queen LatifahQueen Latifah has reigned in the areas of music,acting and modeling.By creating her cosmetics line, CoverGirl Queen Collection, she has given Black women yet another reason to be beautiful!Thelma GoldenAs Director of the Studio Museum in Harlem, Thelma Golden encourages us all to preserve our precious and upstanding legacy as Black women.Jada Pinkett- SmithNot only is she simply gorgeous, but Jada Pinkett-Smith encourages other Black women to see their inner and outer beauty as well.Jill ScottJill Scott's success as a vocalist and actress is truly a prime example of living life like it's Golden!Sherri ShepherdSherri Shepherd is a strong, Black woman whose presence on daytime television we admire and adore.Janet JacksonHer impeccable dance moves, iconic music, and talented acting skills have made Janet Jackson one of our favorite artists of all time.Gabrielle UnionNot only do we adore Gabrielle's standout smile and dimples, but she has an inner glow and resilience that is truly unmatched.Nia LongNia Long is a radiant beauty on and off the big screen, whose fashion sense we secretly envy.Tracy Ellis RossTracy Ellis Ross is a leading actress whose sense of humor and fashion truly makes a statement.Angela BassettESSENCE 2011 Black Women In Hollywood honoree Angela Bassett is a woman we love because of her amazing biographical film roles portraying real life women in African American culture.Tisha CampbellWe all remember and loved Tisha Campbell as Gina on the hit series Martin.She sure kept us laughing!Sanaa LathanSanaa Lathan is truly talented, appearing as an actress on Broadway and the big screen.We think Sanaa is totally gorgeous too!