Celebrity Coverage
Angel Reese opens up about expectations for the league ahead of draft day
Before a crucial evening that can determine her skilled future, Angel Reese stopped by Raising Cane’s in Greenwich Village in New York to “work a shift” and greet fans one last time as a school athlete.
When asked what she must remember as she goes from NCAA star to big league rookie, Reese says she is motivated by the impact she has on the next generation.
“We give young girls the impression that they can do these things,” Reese says. “You never really see a young black girl being able to do that, so I want them to have a face [to look to] and understand that they can have the same opportunities that I have.”
“Being able to leave a mark… it’s bigger than basketball,” she continued, talking about her impact. “I know I’m a great basketball player, but a lot of people look up to me as an inspiration and I want to be that when I leave the game and hang up my jersey for the last time.”
Although the beautiful ballista is well aware that tens of millions of young eyes at the moment are taking a look at her, she once found herself in such a situation, drawing her own inspiration. For her, her mother was a hero.
“My mom was a single mom and she took care of me and my brother,” she tells ESSENCE. “Me and my brother are 11 months apart, so the schedule was crazy, [us] I could play so many alternative sports, but my grandparents were amazing too. She gave me the inspiration that you could do anything you set your mind to. Never depend on anyone. That’s why I’m so independent and may be so strong. It’s because of her.
Reese’s undeniable talent and fiery on-court personality earned her each praise and excessive ridicule during her time at LSU. Despite the ups and downs of her collegiate profession, Reese remained focused, along with her famous crown firmly attached to her head – literally and figuratively. While she says the crown is something she probably won’t bring along with her to the WNBA, it’s one of many fond memories from her time in Baton Rouge.
“Being able to be at LSU is a family,” Reese said of the lessons she learned as a Tiger. “Every night they come out to show love for women’s basketball and that gives me hope. It gave me a platform where I can express my opinion and know that they support me.”
“Through everything I know I will always be Bayou Barbie because Louisiana will always be home to me.”
As she says goodbye to the school and athletic program that helped shape her, Reese is able to begin the next chapter of her profession. While she’s willing to present it her all and pursue her goal of becoming one of the biggest people in the sport, she says she approaches it with great respect for the women who already hold the position she aspires to.
“I will be a rookie in a big league with a lot of women who were great before me and they set the tone,” she says. “I go there with respect because of who they are and what they have done.”
“I’m excited. I do know the game is about to go crazy. I do know the viewership is growing and I’ve seen all sorts of things on social media about how we are able to get it up – even when only the newbies can deliver it [extra] promoting for vets because they deserve it.”
But make no mistake, this hardwood star plans to make just as big a mark in the pros as he did in the NCAA.
“Of course I want to be ready to learn and grow from the vets, but I can’t [do] I want to come in and dominate.”
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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