News
ESSENCE Debates Now
For this very special and timely video series, ESSENCE brought together some of the most interesting thought leaders and activists to discuss the current #BlackLivesMatter movement.
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Videos
Aug 12, 2015
F. Gary Gray Dishes on the Making of 'Straight Outta Compton'
‘Straight Outta Compton’ director F. Gary Gray opens up about deleted scenes, pivotal moments and the possibility of a releasing a director’s cut version of the film.
Videos
Aug 12, 2015
'Straight Outta Compton' Cast & Director on How NWA Made History
From dealing with the FBI to everyday encounters with the LAPD police, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ director F. Gary Gray and actors Jason Mitchell and Corey Hawkins talk the importance of NWA making the decision to speak up.
Videos
Jul 29, 2015
Is the Black Lives Matter Movement the Civil Rights Movement of Our Generation?
During a special ESSENCE Debates at our 2015 ESSENCE Festival, Rev. Al Sharpton and Devon Franklin compare—and contrast—the racial climate, now and then.
#BaltimoreRising
News
Apr 30, 2015
7 Lessons Learned from Special Episode of 'ESSENCE Debates Now'
David Banner, DeRay McKesson, Keke Palmer and more joined us for a special episode of ESSENCE Debates Now where we discussed the protests in Baltimore and asked: Where do we go from here? Here are the lessons we learned from our guests and from the protesters responding to the death of Freddie Gray.
Videos
Apr 30, 2015
Talking Good Cops and Bad Cops
Rapper David Banner and former Orange, New Jersey mayor Eldrige Hawkins, Jr. debate on police responsibility and the reality of good and bad cops.
Videos
May 1, 2015
Is Rioting the Answer?
Is rioting the answer? David Banner and Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. explore the many causes and effects of the unrest in Baltimore.
More Stories
Travel
Apr 10, 2025
This Is What Business Trip Travelers Should Be Aware Of In This Political Climate
From FAA deregulations to new, evasive TSA and homeland security rules – things are changing. Don’t let it stop you from traveling.
Money & Career
Apr 9, 2025
He Was The Face Of Famous Amos. Now His Son Is Uncovering The Man Behind The Brand
The son of the Famous Amos founder, Wally Amos, reflects on how his father redefined business Black masculinity—one cookie at a time.
News
Apr 9, 2025
ESSENCE Exclusive: Chicago Beyond Commits $2 Million To Empower Four Birth Advocates To Transform Black Maternal Health – "This Will Have Generational Impact"
From Miami to Massachusetts, four visionaries will each receive 500K in unrestricted support to reshape perinatal care and build a more just future for Black mothers.
News
Apr 8, 2025
Angela Rye, Tamika Mallory & More Lead 'State Of The People Power Tour': "We Can’t Keep Centering Whiteness In Black Advancement"
The 10-city tour which will kick off in Atlanta on April 26th brings together 50+ organizations, local leaders and activists to advance a “national Black agenda.”
News
Apr 8, 2025
Did You Know That April Is International Black Women's History Month?
Meet Sha Battle, the woman behind the movement to create this holiday, which the Virginia state House and Senate and just passed.
Money & Career
Apr 8, 2025
Why More Black Women Should Look Into Fractional Leadership
From flexibility to financial freedom, fractional leadership offers a powerful new lane for Black women rewriting the rules of success.
Hometown Hero
Apr 7, 2025
From Big Chop To Big Impact
Dermatologist Camille Howard-Verović’s Girl + Hair line helps Black women embrace their tresses in all their glory—and features products designed with natural strands in mind.
News
Apr 7, 2025
On The Radar: References To Harriet Tubman Removed From National Park Service Webpage, Protests Against Trump’s Policies, Deadly Southern Storms & More
From the controversy over Harriet Tubman’s removal from the Underground Railroad webpage to nationwide pushback against federal policies, deadly storms and more, here's what on the radar this week.
Sports
Apr 7, 2025
NBA Star Jayson Tatum Is Investing in His Hometown Of St. Louis With $2M Homeownership Initiative
Through a partnership with SoFi, the Celtics star is helping nearly 100 St. Louis families move from renting to owning.