Too many times, we underestimate our own power. We limit ourselves, placing imaginary lines and stop signs in places where there are green lights and signals to go. At times we do not even understand the value of our own worth. As I was listening to the song ‘Rolling Hills’ off of Jill Scott’s latest …
Expressing our true selves is our purest form of release. Whether it’s exposed in the form of visual arts, creative writing, a theatrical performance, dance or a vocal rendition; self-expression is the voice we all have when we cannot speak. Somehow it formulates our thoughts and emotions into beautiful pieces of art stationed for the …
Dear Essence Magazine Editor in Chief Angela Burt-Murray, As a child growing up in a sheltered environment, books were my means of escapism. During summers, while most children went to camps and participated in extra curricular activities, I was home. In the comfortable restraints of my house, I let my eyes demolish anything with written …
Hebrews 11:1- “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstrations of realities though not beheld.”Over this year, this scripture keeps replaying in my head. It is a source of solace, encouragement, and enlightenment. As I grow and mature, I find myself becoming settled in my adulthood. Content with the idea that …
A common issue in the African American community Under normal circumstances, I would have never noticed him. He was a piece of chocolate tucked behind the shelves of the gas station convenience store. I briefly noticed the smooth surface of his forehead peaking above the butterscotch krimpets and the honey buns. It was very early …
For me, forgiveness and regret were two unified entities, which were knotted together and wrapped around my throat. There was no separation between the two, and in my world, forgiveness and regret co-existed in each thread of my noose. There was no way of understanding why I accepted past distress, knowing that my future would …
Every so often people have the need for a change in their lives. It could be a physical change, a mental change or an emotional change. One thing is for sure, everyone needs a reinvention at times. This past summer, I had the pleasure of seeing women reinvent themselves in many different ways. Some went …
Hey you!!!! Hope you are doing well and staying ever so fabulous. I wanted to ask you for some advice/recommendations. OK, so I am seeing this girl. She’s great. BUT she is not as fashionable. She is really into Polo’s and conservative sporty looks. I change for no (wo)man, but I thought it would be …
Actress Jada Pickett Smith with glowing skin It’s that time again, to pull out the swim suits, tanning lotion, and sunscreen. You’re hitting the gym harder than ever to get the “quick fix” six pack, and the treadmill is your new best friend. Yes summer is officially here, but are you ready? There are so …
The phrase Bold and Beautiful is one commonly used in today’s society. After all, there is an entire soap opera bearing this phrase. However throughout the decades the connotation that it carries has been an over glamorized, watered downed version of courage with the phrase often placed next to words like ‘fierce’ and ‘hotness’. Its …
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