Category: Celebrity

Celebrity /

ESSENCE DIGITAL COVER FEATURES ACTRESS ZAZIE BEETZ

ESSENCE’s hot new digital cover features Emmy-nominated actress Zazie Beetz who stars in the upcoming Netflix original film, The Harder They Fall. The stunning actress, who is as known for her loosely structured textured hairstyles and natural makeup as she is for playing “Domino” in Deadpool 2 and “Van” in the FX series Atlanta, looks resplendent in Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti, Alexander Wang, Lagos KSL and more. In the story, A Reluctant Star, she talks to ESSENCE’s Senior Entertainment Editor Brande Victorian about chasing excellence and not fame, choosing acting and being accepted in the entertainment industry so quickly:
  • The Rise of Her Profile: “It was an adjustment in terms of what I felt I deserved and what I earned. I questioned whether I had earned my place yet. ‘Was I just lucky?’ That was very tortuous for me for a long time…”
  • On Choosing Acting: “After I graduated, I was like, ‘I’ve spent so much time acting. I can’t not try it.’ I think after high school, I was like, ‘I can’t get trapped in this. What are my other things?’ And then I had an opportunity to see those other things–and I chose acting again…”
  • On Fame: “The amount of people that are famous nowadays is so much more than 10 or 20 years ago, and there’s a much larger sort of gray space in terms of mid-fame, mid-level and B-list celebrity versus A-list celebrity. Sometimes I wonder, ‘Am I continuing down the path of no return?’ Like, would I want more? Would I not want more? But I’m speaking about it in terms of fame rather than artistry. What is arrival? I don’t really know, but I think there’s a lot more I want to do…”
Accessories /

SERAYAH UNVEILS NEW COLLABORATION WITH JESSICA RICH FOOTWEAR

Multi-hyphenate artist, actor, entrepreneur SERAYAH unveils her special collaboration with Jessica Rich footwear. Available today, shoe-lovers will be able to shop from Serayah’s hand-picked shoe selection from the Jessica Rich brand.

The Starz drama series, “Black Mafia Family,” actress Serayah says, “I absolutely love Jessica Rich Collection, and what better way to show that than a collaboration. Each piece I chose is a personal favorite and all-year-round must-have.”

Jessica Rich’s fearless footwear sets the tone for any occasion. The luxurious, high-quality heels can be seen on runways and at Sunday Brunch. Known for her signature, clear PVC heels, shoe lovers can’t get enough! In addition, Jessica Rich has been seen on many A-list celebrities including Kylie Jenner, Cardi B, Normani, Saweetie, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Hedi Klum, Rita Ora and more.

For more information on Serayah x Jessica Rich Collaboration visit: https://jessicarich.com

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ABOUT SERAYAH

Serayah is a show-stopping trifecta of talent in Young Hollywood as a multifaceted actress, singer, dancer and entrepreneur. The rising superstar is best known for her breakout role of ‘Tiana Brown’ on FOX, iconic series “Empire,” and several other acclaimed roles in the space and television and film. Serayah is not only a talented, beautiful and intelligent actress but also an incredible music artist.

Over the past three years, Serayah has begun to flourish as a music artist, writing and co-producing her songs and videos. Her hot first single, “Driving Me,” released in August of 2017, was such an independent phenom that the producers of Freeform’s hit show “Grown-ish” decided to play it in Season 1 of popular series. Driving Me (+1.5M views) had so much traction it garnered radio play in both huge markets in Los Angeles and New York as all well as other major cities across the nation and caught the ears on shows such as MTV’s “TRL” and “Wild’ In Out”. Serayah also dropped her single “So Good” in July 2018, which also left fans wanting more music from the young and talented artist. As she prepares the release of new music leading up to her highly anticipated debut project, Serayah can be seen on the STARZ new series “BMF” produced by Curtis “50 Cents” Jackson this Fall and more. With her immense social following of millions and status as “One to Watch,” there are no limits when it comes to Serayah as she keeps soaring to the top on-screen and with her music.

Accessories /

Summer Sparkle: DSW Taps Chrishell Stause For Fun, Flirty Capsule

DSW is teaming up with actor, realtor and Selling Sunset star, Chrishell Stause on a curated capsule of footwear and accessories that will bring back high wattage glamour in a big way this summer. Launching today, June 17th, the Chrishell x DSW Collection features a selection of strappy heels, flats, metallics, whites and bold colors and tie dye accessories from various brands and designers, including Marc Fisher, Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson and more!
Known for her feminine, fun and flirty style, Chrishell ensured her collection was fashionable without sacrificing function, offering trendy as well as timeless options and a touch of her signature sparkle.
“I am thrilled to partner with DSW so I can show people how to get that designer look without the designer price tag. Shoes don’t need to break the bank to be amazing! As we get into the summer season, it’s time to start getting dressed up and back out in the world. “ says Stause. “Of course, you want to look great, but you also need to feel great to pull off the look! Even on casual days, wear at least one thing that makes you happy.”
The Chrishell x DSW Collection is available at DSW.com and all 500 store locations, the 10 piece shoe and accessories collection is all under $100 and ranges in price from $35 to $75.
Celebrity /

ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES 2021 VIRTUAL DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME LINE-UP

ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, announces its daytime and nighttime schedule for its virtual 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola—the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience. With the theme “Live Loud,” ESSENCE curated an invaluable hybrid experience that offers the best of in-person and virtual worlds via a celebration of the resilience, power and achievement of Black communities and the omnipresence of our culture. Under strict adherence to guidance from local health agencies, ESSENCE produced live-to-tape activations in early June available only to New Orleans and Louisiana residents honoring essential workers and first responders. As a result, the entire Festival will present a “taste of New Orleans” with a full schedule of can’t-miss content centered around culture, equity and celebration—and a tribute to the city that the Festival has always called home.

It will be broadcast on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com–Friday-Sunday over two weekends, June 25-27 and July 2-4. In addition, for the first time, this year’s Festival will host a live Verzuz battle to remember on Thursday, July 1, with soon to be announced guests. For more details, visit ESSENCE.com.

The Festival’s virtual programming will include powerful daytime interactive sessions and star-studded evening concerts and connections. The star-studded lineup will feature performances by: Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Khaled & Friends, Ne-Yo, Amerie, Tank, Kirk Franklin, Davido, Lucky Daye, Carl Thomas, D-Nice and more. The Festival’s powerful interactive sessions will also showcase leading voices throughout the two weekends including: Mary J. Blige, Angela Yee, Michelle Williams, Adrienne Bailon, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Tracy G., Tiana Major9, Big Freedia, Miss Lawrence, Supacent, Shantrelle P. Lewis, Jesseca Dupart and more. See below for highlights across the two weekends: 

THURSDAY, JULY 1: 

  • ESSENCE Dear Black Men (6 PM-8 PM): ESSENCE Studios presents Dear Black Men—an all-male summit that salutes the contributions of our brothers who speak vulnerably about their respective experiences as family men, community advocates and leaders of this generation.  
  • ESSENCE Festival Verzuz Battle (LIVE at 8 PM-10 PM) 

FRIDAYS: 

  • PITCH, Please! New Voices Pitch Competition (3 PM-4 PM EST): Tune in to PITCH PLEASE!, powered by Pull Up for Change’s Impact Fund and the New Voices Foundation to watch up-and-coming Black women-owned beauty brands make their pitch to change the beauty business game! During this pitch competition, eight Black women founders will compete for cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, plus valuable business coaching to launch and execute or grow and scale their beautiful entrepreneurial dreams.
  • Coca-Cola Juke Joint Kick Off with D-Nice (6/25 ONLY 5:30pm-6pm EST) : D-Nice kicks off the party with a set of our favorite songs from New Orleans at the historic Howling Wolf Venue.
  • ESSENCE Beauty Carnival [6 PM-10 PM (ET)]: Enjoy presentations from industry insiders and top brands on makeup, skin, body, and hair care that provide a fresh perspective on caring for and embracing the hair and skin you’re in. Speakers include: Adrienne Houghton, Melyssa Ford, Claudia Jordan, LisaRaye, Supacent, Miss Lawrence, Big Freedia, Demetria Lucas, India.Arie, Tina Knowles and more.
  • ESSENCE GU After Dark [10PM-11 PM (ET)]: Tune in for music curated by ESSENCE’s Girls United brought to you by your favorite rising stars. Featuring performances by Raiche, Tayla Parx & Makenzie and also a world premiere music video by MuMu Fresh.

SATURDAYS:

  • Wealth & Power [1 PM-5 PM (ET)]: Discover how to be an agent of change during this virtual town hall. Topics include tools for investing, business, entrepreneurship, policy, voting and more. Speakers include: June Ambrose, Jemele Hill, Tamika Mallory, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Angela Yee, D-Nice and others.  In addition, watch a  special segment featuring our Black Female Mayors.
  • Entertainment All-Access [5 PM-7 PM (ET)]: Catch your Hollywood faves in Q&A’s and be the first to watch exclusive sneak peeks of the hottest upcoming releases! With appearances by: Gina Torres, Lil Rel, Yvonne Orji, Yandy Smith, Mary J. Blige and more.
  • Evening Concert Series [7 PM-10:30 PM (ET)]: ESSENCE® is giving you Saturday Night Vibes with our legendary evening concert series with a must-see lineup (*scroll down for talent line-up.)

SUNDAYS:

  • ESSENCE Wellness House [10 AM-1 PM (ET)]: A multi-faceted collective of self-care resources for you! Through our curated sessions, you will walk away equipped with the resources to prioritize your nutrition, spirit, relationships, and more.
  • Get Lifted Gospel Sunday Celebration [1 PM-3 PM (ET)]: Get your spirits lifted as the annual all-star Gospel tribute hits your screen for two Sundays back to back! Tune in for powerful words of praise by your favorite spiritual leaders and music by your favorite gospel artists. Performances by Kirk Franklin & Friends, Israel Houghton and more.

WEEK 1 (Saturday Evening Concert Line-up): 

SATURDAY, 6/26: 

  • Ha Sizzle 
  • Teedra Moses 
  • KES 
  • Lucky Daye 
  • Tank 
  • Jazmine Sullivan 

WEEK 2 (Saturday Evening Concert Line-up): 

SATURDAY, 7/3: 

  • Case 
  • Carl Thomas 
  • D-Nice, Ne-Yo and Amerie 
  • Davido 
  • DJ Khaled and Friends 

*Artists and schedules are subject to change. 

For more information, pick up the July/August “ESSENCE Festival of Culture” split-cover issue, featuring headliner Jazmine Sullivan on the cover. To register or for a full line-up, visit www.essencefestival.com. Join the conversation via social @EssenceFest. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola® is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. Sponsors of the 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors Estée Lauder, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Walmart as well as premium sponsors AT&T, Disney and UnitedHealthcare.

Celebrity /

Tyler Perry in First Trailer for ‘Tyler Perry: Man of Many Faces

From a traumatic childhood to the redemptive role of faith, discover the rags-to-riches rise of Tyler Perry, one of America’s most respected entertainers in the new feature-length biography ‘Tyler Perry: Man of Many Faces’ from Legacy Distribution.

The feature-length biography ‘Tyler Perry: Man of Many Faces’ is now available on Roku Channel, Google Play, XUMO, Glewed, STIRR, and LocalNow.

Produced by Dana Webber and distributed by Legacy Distribution.

Beauty /

ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES ITS 2021 “LIVE LOUD” VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE

ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, announces its stellar talent line-up for its 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola—the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience. Incorporating virtual for the second year in light of the pandemic, this year’s event will live up to its theme of “Live Loud” by featuring exciting content across all of its stages centered around culture, equity and celebration. As the nation continues to reopen, ESSENCE’s exciting and elevated hybrid experience will present a celebration of the resilience, power and achievement of our community and omnipresence of our culture — and a tribute to the city that the Festival has always called home. The star-studded lineup will feature performances by: Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Khaled & Friends, Ne-Yo, Tank, Michelle Williams, Kirk Franklin, Davido and D-Nice. The Festival’s powerful interactive sessions will also showcase leading voices throughout the two weekends including: Mary J. Blige, Angela Yee, Adrienne Bailon, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Tracy G., Tiana Major9, Big Freedia, Miss Lawrence, Supacent, Shantrelle P. Lewis, Jesseca Dupart  and more. The Festival will stream on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com—Friday-Sunday over two weekends, June 25-27 and July 2-4.

“The ESSENCE Festival of Culture, now the largest festival in the nation by per day attendance, is an unparalleled convening and celebration of global Black culture and continues to have even deeper impact on our communities via our expanded focus on economic inclusion, cultural ownership and community development,” said Latraviette Smith-Wilson, ESSENCE Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer. “As a live experience, the ESSENCE Festival normally attracts more than 500,000 attendees annually during July 4th weekend in New Orleans — but last year, we made the necessary decision to shift our multi-day celebration to an innovative virtual format due to COVID-19. The ESSENCE Festival was the first of its kind and scale to be executed virtually during the pandemic, and our team worked tirelessly to deliver the content, programming and resources that our community desired. As a result, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture provided much-needed, only-at-ESSENCE content and experiences that inspired, entertained, informed and empowered—resulting in 45+ million full-stream views of 2020 Festival content to date. This year, we are thrilled to bring forth another exciting talent line-up, curated programming and a new hybrid experience that will directly touch the people of New Orleans and Louisiana while also further extending our reach, engagement and impact via enhanced digital, technology and streaming capabilities to connect more of our community in the U.S. and across the diaspora.”

For the 2021 Festival experience and under strict adherence to guidance from local health agencies, ESSENCE will produce live activations available only to New Orleans and Louisiana residents— honoring essential workers and first responders—that will be integrated into the virtual experience during both weekends.

For more information and to register, visit www.essencefestival.com. Join the conversation via social @EssenceFest. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola® is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. Sponsors of the 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors Estée Lauder, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Walmart as well as premium sponsors AT&T, Disney and UnitedHealthcare.

Accessories /

Jessica Alba Wears Vagabond Shoemakers and Victoria Emerson Jewelry!

Jessica Alba was photographed wearing a chic look in Los Angeles complete with accessories from Vagabond Shoemakers and Victoria Emerson! The seasoned actress and mom kept her look casual with Vagabond Shoemakers’ Judy Sneakers ($140; www.vagabond.com/us) and added a touch of sparkle with Victoria Emerson‘s Paperclip Style Gold Necklace ($39, similar styles available on www.VictoriaEmerson.com).

Celebrity /

14TH ANNUAL ESSENCE BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD AWARDS AND 2ND ANNUAL ESSENCE HOLLYWOOD HOUSE

Building on its years of providing platforms to ensure Black creatives “receive their flowers” for their contributions to Hollywood and global culture, ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, today announced the honorees for its highly-anticipated 14th annual Black Women in Hollywood and feature programming for its 2nd annual Hollywood House. As the yearly can’t-miss event for Black Hollywood taking place during Oscars Week since 2008, the Black Women in Hollywood experience spotlights some of the most renowned and accomplished women leading at the forefront of the film, television and creative industry and has now honored 65 Black actresses, directors, producers, writers, costume designers and more. This year’s stellar roster of honorees include EGOT winner, producer and entrepreneur Whoopi Goldberg (The View, The Stand); GRAMMY, EMMY and TONY Award-winning and OSCAR-nominated actress, singer and producer Cynthia Erivo  (Genius: Aretha, Harriet); EMMY Award-winning actress/producer Zendaya (Malcolm and Marie, Euphoria); writer, actress and showrunner Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You); and Golden Globe winner, Oscar-nominated actress and GRAMMY-nominated singer Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), who will also perform. The event will be hosted by actress and producer Laverne Cox (Promising Young Woman and Disclosure). Presenters will be announced at a later date.

Previously produced as an invite-only luncheon, this year’s ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood will be streamed as a virtual experience for the first time and will air Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 7-10 P.M. (ET) on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com. The theme, “Mastering Our Stories,” will focus on the resiliency of Black women in Hollywood through the years—including during the unprecedented pandemic.

“ESSENCE has demonstrated our commitment to highlighting the power and resiliency of Black women for 50 years, and part of that has included creating opportunities to uplift and recognize each other when no one else would,” said Latraviette D. Smith-Wilson, ESSENCE Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer. “In a world where finally the needs and contributions of Black women are increasingly – though not always sustainably – being acknowledged in new ways, ESSENCE’s platforms such as Black Women in Hollywood remain unparalleled cultural forums that uniquely convene us in celebration and encouragement of each other and in recognition of the perseverance, fortitude, grace and innovation that have been required on our journeys. ESSENCE is incredibly proud to celebrate all our Black Women in Hollywood honorees for their immense talent and achievements, as well as for being a voice for Black women everywhere in ways that may not always be apparent and in rooms where we may not always be present. We see you. We hear you. We honor you.”

“Every year, we start our planning for ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood with one important question: What stories amplified Black women’s experiences?” said Cori Murray, ESSENCE Deputy Editor and co-producer of Black Women in Hollywood since its inception. “This year’s honorees and their individual projects have helped reframe and expand the narrative of Black women’s joy, pain, challenges and triumphs on screen that have allowed so many of us to see pieces of our own lives within. With the added layer of the pandemic, these master storytellers have kept us sane and more importantly, seen.”

In addition, ESSENCE’s Oscar week activities will culminate with its second annual ESSENCE Hollywood House, which will be held on Friday, April 23rd. Hosted by actress Storm Reid (A Wrinkle in Time, The Invisible Man), ESSENCE Hollywood House was developed to provide compelling and engaging live content aimed at sparking meaningful conversation and action to drive more inclusion in Hollywood, as well as to provide an opportunity for Black creatives – aspiring and established – to educate, collaborate and empower one another with a purpose. The experience features thought leaders, industry stakeholders and members of the creative community including actors, directors, writers, showrunners, studio heads and others who will lead a curated schedule of interactive conversations, virtual panels, masterclasses, fireside chats and more. (Reid will also host the Black Women in Hollywood red carpet pre-show.) Presenters will be announced at a later date. To register or for more details, visit ESSENCE.com.

ESSENCE’s upcoming May/June 2021 issue (on newsstands in April) will feature its annual Black Women in Hollywood package highlighting each honoree. Stay tuned to ESSENCE.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access to the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards and ESSENCE Hollywood House. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @essence #BlackWomeninHollywood. Join in the discussion on Facebook.

ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and ESSENCE Hollywood House are presented by Ford and sponsored by L’Oréal Paris.

For more details on the 2021 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, visit ESSENCE.com/BWIH. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and ESSENCE Hollywood House are produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Beauty /

Tune-In Alert: Black Beauty Roster Virtual Summit – Gabrielle Union, Kim Kimble, and more

The upcoming BBR Virtual Summit, hosted by Black Beauty Roster (BBR) and powered by Bonnti, has announced ten additional partners to their lineup of organizations and companies driving change for people of color. This first-of-its-kind digital summit will bring together beauty pros and Hollywood insiders to learn, discuss, and advocate for a much-needed shift in representation in the entertainment and beauty industries. BBR is proud to welcome its new partners, alongside existing sponsors, L’Oréal Paris and SHOWTIME, who represent a cross-section of stakeholders needed to increase representation in Hollywood.

“The BBR Virtual Summit is, at its core, about uplifting people of color in beauty and entertainment and driving large-scale change. We are so excited to partner with organizations that continue to progress the work we are doing through initiatives like TRESemmé’s Future Stylist Fund and Color of Change’s #ChangeHollywood Diversity initiative ” said Maude Okrah, co-founder of Black Beauty Roster and Bonnti.

In September 2020, TRESemmé launched the inaugural TRESemmé Future Stylists Fund, an annual $100,000 scholarship program created to help Black women interested in becoming licensed hair professionals offset the cost of tuition for an accredited cosmetology school of their choosing.

“Black women are underrepresented in women’s initiatives and receive fewer tools, resources, and support to advance their professional ambitions. There is more to be done, but the Future Stylists Fund is one way that TRESemmé can provide a long-term solution that specifically supports Black women,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, EVP and COO Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever NA.

The BBR Virtual Summit will take place on Sunday, February 28 from 12pm EST to 8pm EST. In addition to showstoppers like Gabrielle Union, Kim Kimble, and L’Oréal Paris US Makeup Artist and Creative Director, Sir John, BBR is excited to announce additional guest speakers including actress Monique Coleman, journalist Jemele Hill, celebrity natural hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood, and a special guest appearance from model Tyra Banks. Attendees can look forward to engaging and informative panels and breakout sessions, as well as networking opportunities and a virtual happy hour sponsored by Indoggo Gin by Snoop Dogg.

To register for the BBR Virtual Summit please visit: blackbeautyroster.com.