With the new season approaching, travel is at the top of everyone’s list. As an island girl, for me, summer is all about festival! My idea of the ultimate getaway always includes having my feet in the sand, but I also believe there are many other ways to experience another space and time, to unwind and renew your spirit. There is a sense of freedom that comes with making an escape. That’s the theme of this issue.
June marks the official start of summer, of course, and it also serves as Black Music Month, which is why we chose 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys to grace our cover in all her luminous natural beauty. During the 17 years since her first ESSENCE cover, she has achieved global success and inspired us every step of the way. And while we continue to be awed by the free-spiritedness she exudes in her music, we’ve also witnessed her evolution as a wife, a mother of a blended family, a philanthropist and an activist.
Speaking of strong women, we’re thrilled to feature the ever-talented Lizzo on our style pages. Not only is she opening doors and shattering standards, but she’s doing so unapologetically. Her infectious album, Cuz I Love You, is proof that her moment is happening right now. We’re honored to include an exclusive excerpt from Project Runway judge Elaine Welteroth’s debut book, More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say). The title speaks for itself, and her words are equally as meaningful.
Just as a good song or powerful book allows you to escape, packing your bags and venturing out expands your vision of the world. For our beauty section, veteran actress Meagan Good shimmers in gold on the beaches of Los Angeles and offers us a peek into her self-care rituals. We also take you to Grenada with actress–comedian Amanda Seales and media maven Yvette Noel-Schure leading the way. When it comes to the Motherland, there’s so much of our culture to discover as well, so we’ve compiled a guide for making your trip a fulfilling, well-rounded experience.
That’s just a snapshot of the adventures we’ve assembled for you this month. As Black women, we must always remember that this world is ours to explore. No matter where you are or the places your travels take you, my hope is that you feel as at ease in your skin as you do in your own place in the world. I hope you feel free.
Enjoy your journey!
Here are three things I’m loving this month:
