Latest news with #EssenceMagazine
New York Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Clarence O. Smith, a Founder of Essence Magazine, Is Dead at 92
Clarence O. Smith, who convinced skeptical mainstream advertisers of the power and worth of the Black female consumer market as a founder of Essence, the first general-circulation magazine directed at Black women, died on April 21. He was 92. Mr. Smith, who lived in Yonkers, N.Y., died in a hospital after a short illness, his niece Kimberly Fonville Boyd said. She provided no other details. Essence began publication as a monthly in May 1970 in an era when negative and sometimes hateful stereotypes of Black women were commonplace, said Edward Lewis, who was one of four founders of Essence and who became its chief executive. 'We had to overcome this perception,' he said in an interview. 'Clarence suggested that we start telling the story of Black women as strivers.'
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Performers announced for 2025 Essence Festival: Dates, tickets, hosts, what to know
Performers announced for 2025 Essence Festival: Dates, tickets, hosts, what to know The 2025 Essence Festival of Culture will bring "legacy, rhythm, and resilience" to New Orleans this summer. Attendees can expect performances from major artists like rapper GloRilla, R&B songstress Muni Long, and hip hop trailblazer and NOLA native Master P, according to a festival announcement. The festival, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of Essence Magazine, is set for the Fourth of July weekend. "This year's festival will be both a time capsule and a forward-looking celebration — honoring the legacy that began on the page and now lives boldly on the stage," Essence said. Here's what we know about this year's festival. Coachella 2025: Shaboozey, Megan Thee Stallion and other Sunday highs and lows 2025 Essence Festival of Culture: Dates, tickets, venue, hosts The 2025 Essence Festival of Culture is set for July 4-6 in the New Orleans. The festival said "elevated daytime experiences" would take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, while evening concerts are at the Caesars Superdome. Tickets are currently available on Ticketmaster. Comedian and "Black-ish" star Anthony Anderson and cultural multi-hyphenate Kenny Burns will serve as the hosts at the Caesars Superdome. According to Essence, this year's theme is "We are Made Like This," which "speaks to the generations of Black brilliance that have shaped the world and continue to move it forward. " Confirmed performers According to Essence, current and legacy acts will take the stage at the Caesars Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Performers announced so far include: Muni Long Summer Walker GloRilla Maxwell Davido Master P Boyz II Men Donell Jones Buju Banton The Isley Brothers Nas Who is curating the Quincy Jones tribute? Legendary producer Jermaine Dupri will spearhead a tribute for Quincy Jones. The late music icon died in late November at the age of 91. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Express Tribune
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Lori Harvey graces cover of Playboy's first print issue in five years
Supermodel Lori Harvey is gracing the cover of Playboy's first print issue in five years. The 2025 edition showcases Harvey wearing a silver bikini top adorned with mint green feathers, flaunting her cleavage. The cover, shot by photographer Greg Swales, was shared on Instagram Thursday morning, quickly attracting attention from Harvey's celebrity friends, including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Jordyn Woods, and Blac Chyna. Some of her friends, like Chanel Iman, even added fire emojis in response. The highly anticipated issue, which hits shelves on February 10, represents a new direction for Playboy. The reimagined version promises cutting-edge content, bold storytelling, and cultural insight. The magazine seeks to bring back the elements that made Playboy iconic, while offering a fresh perspective that resonates with today's audience. In her interview, Harvey opens up about her personal journey, career, and what it means to be a modern icon. In addition to Harvey's cover, the return of the Playmate of the Year will be celebrated, with the announcement set for Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans. Playboy's editor-in-chief, Mike Guy, emphasized that the magazine is blending nostalgia with innovation to inspire a new generation of readers. Founded in 1953 by Hugh Hefner, Playboy has featured iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Pamela Anderson, and Kate Moss. Lori Harvey joins the ranks of these cultural legends, following her previous cover for Essence Magazine in 2022.
