Essence Communications Inc.

Dear New Orleans, Your Vieux Carré streets were reclaimed by Black women, boasting all our shades and shapes, sashaying in colorful, silky sundresses, two-piece linen sets, and hoochie-mama shorts. With our singin’ and sanctified! It felt like I’d arrived in Black heaven. Watching thousands sway together, our spirits intertwined, I realized then that something special lived here—not merely in Frankie Beverly and Maze’s music, but in your essence, New Orleans. Without our ancestors, there would be no New Orleans. This country tries to hide the truth of our genius, but your existence reveals what it means to build, resist, and remember. The scent of fried fish and creole dishes, seasoned to perfection and reminiscent of Haiti, wafts from the food trucks and sidewalk set-ups that offer staples like red beans and rice. Whether we walk these streets as locals or as visitors, we must acknowledge that ESSENCE Fest would not be the haven it is without the heart-posture of Black New Orleanians. We Love You, We Love Us! For our July/August issue, we are celebrating 30 years of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture and paying tribute to the people of New Orleans with a love letter to the city that has become our home! Get your copy on newsstands on 6/25! Read the cover story here: https://lnkd.in/gi7fWf-T The Credits: Writer: Stevona Elem-Rogers  Photographer/Director: Edward Buckles, Jr.   Assistant Director: Marcus Brown  Photography Assistants: J. Alejandro Moreno, Peter Philips, and Val Dagrain  Gaffer: Cyr Eugene  Production Assistant & Movement Director: Ammara Khalid  Retouching: Molly Solorzano    ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: Corey Stokes ESSENCE, Senior Content Director: Nandi Howard ESSENCE, Visual Director: Michael Quinn ESSENCE, Design Director: Anthony Bryant

Team USA Men Basketball is heading to the Olympic final! After trailing by as many as 17 points, the USA, led by Steph Curry with 36 points and LeBron James with a triple-double, turned up the heat and won 93-91. The USA will play France for the gold medal on Saturday. Congratulations, Team USA!

Tara Davis-Woodhall has jumped into the history books after winning the women’s long jump at the Olympics! Tara jumped a 7.10 meter to claim her first Olympic medal! Gon’ head Cowgirl! Congratulations! 📸: Getty Images

Back to Back! Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone confirmed her status as one of one with her victory in the Olympic 400m hurdles final, breaking her own world record. With this gold medal, she becomes the first American to defend gold in an individual track event since Michael Johnson’s back-to-back 400m golds in 1996 and 2000. She has now broken the world record six times! That's how Black Girl magic works! 📸: Getty Images

One time for Botswana! Letsile Tebogo pulled off the upset win over Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles, who won silver and bronze in the Olympic 200m in 19.46. This is Botswana’s first Olympic gold medal! Congratulation Letsile! 📸: Getty Images

All the fashion girlies (and guys) get in here, NEOW! We are excited to announce that our 2024 ESSENCE Fashion House returns to New York Fashion Week! We are bringing opulence and innovation through Black creativity with the designers and brands who combine our cultural heritage with avant-garde to redefine luxury.  On September 6th, celebrate “Luxury Undefined” through panels, networking opportunities, vendors, and more! We can’t wait to see you! Read more about ESSENCE Fashion House at https://lnkd.in/gnRVtHxH

The Comeback Kid! Quincy Hall has won gold in the Men’s 400-meter race at the Paris Olympics. Quincy ran down the competition from behind to win with a time of 43.40 seconds. Congratulations Quincy! Swipe to see just how this race had us on the edge of our seats! 📸: Getty Images

Gabby Grabs The Gold! Gabby Thomas has won the gold medal in the Women’s 200-meter Olympics race! This is the first time in 12 years Team USA has taken home the gold in this event! Congratulations, Gabby! 🏅 📸: Getty Images

BREAKING NEWS: Multiple sources report that Kamala Harris has finally chosen her vice presidential pick. Reports say that she has chosen Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, to add to her historic campaign for president. Before becoming Governor in 2018, Walz joined the Army National Guard, worked in agriculture and manufacturing, and was once a high school teacher. Head to ESSENCE.com for more on this breaking news.

Black Women Win, AGAIN! For the first time in history, three Black women swept the medals for the Floor Exercise, all while competing to Beyoncé songs, proving that they’re all THAT GIRL. Congrats, Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, and Jordan Chiles! 📸: Getty Images