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Let’s turn on the light: books worth reading in ESSENCE in spring 2024
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Spring has arrived and the remnants of growth and recent beginnings hang in the atmosphere. This is the time after we start spring cleansing and reorganizing our homes and wardrobes. In the spirit of renewal, it’s equally vital to activate your mind with each season that comes. And after all, books are an incredible approach to restore and refresh your pondering!
Our favorite must-read books for spring include the genres of fantasy, historical fiction, kid’s literature, kid’s romance, Southern Gothic, magical realism, and more. For those that enjoy positive depictions of black love, books like Etta Easton are on the list. For others preferring historical fiction, there may be bestselling creator Lauren Blackwood. And for others preferring suspenseful psycho-thrillers, there is a gripping recent novel by Alyssa Cole.
by Piper Huguley (April 2, 2024)
In , the very close relationship between Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt, the daughters of Booker T. Washington and President Theodore Roosevelt. The twentieth century was a time of great changes. In many circumstances, racial and social constructs have attempted to be defined based on ethnicity and social status. But in this beautiful historical novel, the daughters of two powerful statesmen forged a real bond that transcended race and politics.
by Ciera Burch (April 2, 2024)
There is a clever and clichéd saying that what happens in the dark at all times involves light. And that is the case with Ciera Burch’s good young adult novel. The motion takes place in a haunted town bathed in secrets, where “echoes” of ancestral spirits flow through the atmosphere, family dramas, racial trauma and supernatural elements collide. If you’re keen on the Southern Gothic genre combined with magical realism, you will likely be enchanted by the pages of this nuanced and intriguing read. If you liked Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou, you may be pleased.
by Etta Easton (April 9, 2024)
When Amerie Prince meets her ex and his recent girlfriend, she panics and pretends to be dating a hot guy she just met, and she or he happens to simply accept. However, this fake boy just isn’t an bizarre man, he’s an astronaut! And its gravitational pull on Amerie is powerful. With only three months left until his next start, Amerie must determine whether he desires to follow his heart or stay protected. This book is ideal for many who love positive depictions of black love. And what’s cuter than an astronaut combined with an event planner? Yes, opposites do attract in this fun read!
by Alyssa Cole (April 16, 2024)
Bestselling creator Alyssa Cole has masterfully written a riveting and fascinating book that intricately weaves the story of the good preservationist Kenetria Nash, who suffers from dissociative identity disorder, a historic estate on an isolated island in the Hudson River, and murder. Kenetra and her alter personalities are in for a surprise when a gaggle of strangers appear and disrupt her life on the island. is an intriguing read from start to complete, shedding light on the often misunderstood diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder.
(April 16, 2024)
is a fast-paced read that quickly transports the reader right into a well-crafted story that focuses on class, race, female friendship, grief, social justice, and the belief that nothing is because it first seems. Elizabeth Smith lives a seemingly perfect life, but after her best friend dies, her obsession together with his murder begins to unravel her. So he hires a private assistant, the very composed Brianna, who soon proves to be an incredible asset. Although Brianna is hired to distract Elizabeth from her preoccupation along with her friend’s death, she soon learns that Brianna also has her own reasons for searching for to find the truth behind the murder. Brianna desires to know who killed her black son, who in Elizabeth’s neighborhood called the police on him, and “why.” This gripping novel not only explores grief, but additionally justice, motives, and the deeply flawed nature of man, regardless that he often has good intentions.
by Myah Ariel (April 16, 2024)
Kaliya Wilson has at all times desired to make movies, but after a few years of working as a receptionist at a movie studio, she feels bored and like her dreams are out of reach. Until Danny Prescott, a former friend and now a renowned director, makes her a suggestion she will’t refuse. If you’re keen on second probabilities, see positive depictions of black love, and browse well-written, multi-dimensional characters, you may love Myah Ariel’s debut novel. Ariel has spent several years working in the entertainment industry and this real-life experience has contributed to the concise writing that is certain to make this book successful! It reads like a cute romantic comedy that may definitely make an interesting movie.
by Kellye Garrett (April 30, 2024)
When Bree wakes up in the fancy Airbnb that her boyfriend rented for a pleasant getaway, she quickly realizes that her boyfriend is not any longer there. And in the hall there may be the body of a dead white woman. A suspenseful, page-turning, honest talk from Black crime creator Kellye Garrett Missing white woman syndromehow social media currently affects the judicial system, and in the recent reality in which the rush to offer information first can negatively impact the integrity of journalism.
by Lauren Blackwood (May 14)
Named as “one of the most anticipated books of the year” by , is a historical fantasy novel set in Pennsylvania in 1863 and a fresh take on the Civil War. Jerusalem is a Saint working for the union who fought for her freedom and just isn’t easily moved. “War doesn’t frighten Jerusalem. She is a saint. With powerful reflexes, stamina, and demigod-style strength, she is fearless. And he has one goal – revenge. If you enjoy reading about demigods (think Percy Jackson and the Olympians), hatching vampires, and “love under the stars,” you may love reading the latest from this bestseller.
by Terah Shelton Harris (May 14, 2024)
delves into the current topic of huge corporations attempting to buy up historically black land. When King Solomon, the patriarch of Solomon’s house, lay on his deathbed, he had just one request. It reads: “Don’t let the white man take over the house.” After their father’s death, the 4 Solomon siblings return home to North Carolina on a mission to avoid wasting their ancestral land. Their worlds appear to collapse as intergenerational trauma, family secrets and facades crumble. This book is a force that lightly sheds light on the bonds that bind family, history, and so rather more.
by Renee Watson (May 7, 2024)
Newberry Award and Coretta Scott King Award winner Renee Watson comes from her recent adult novel, Skin & Bones, which follows 40-year-old Lena Baker, who’s finally getting married. She’s thriving, has an incredible group of friends, and is getting married in a number of weeks. Everything is high quality until her fiancé drops a bombshell that shakes her to her core and changes the trajectory of her seemingly balanced life. After her fiancé’s confession, Lena must now teach her daughter self-love while dealing along with her self-esteem and life. Skin & Bone skillfully explores sisterhood, motherhood, faith and love.
by Andrea Hairston (May 7, 2024)
Andrea Hairston’s book is out of this world, implausible and brilliantly written. This book is the epitome of the fantasy genre and more. The book’s description reads: “The water wars shook the world. Flood refugees flee. Disruptors and nostalgia militia roam the roads, wreaking havoc. The Invisible Lords of the Darknet troll the web, asserting their power, while Cinnamon, her three Circus Robots, and two dogs work with a community of farmers, Motor Fairies, and Wheel Wizards to offer housing, health care, and education to flood refugees. ” Hairston, who also wrote the books: , , , , has extensive experience in playwriting and theater, in addition to teaching African and African-American literature. All these elements come together and this book is certainly a must-read for spring!
by Vanessa Riley (May 21, 2024)
From the bestselling creator comes a masterfully written historical novel that sets high stakes, breaks convention and is stuffed with drama. When the prince learns that the woman he loves has been deceived into marrying one other man, he vows to assist her sisters marry and do the whole lot in his power to win her back. We discover Tony’s inner workings in this alluring Regency-era book, and this page-turner will keep you on the fringe of your seat.
by Claire Kann (May 21, 2024)
centers on a black heroine and takes place in an old Victorian mansion that seemingly has a mind of its own. In this supernatural romance, Lucy Hart falls in love on the set of a magical drama series. What sets this book aside from others is its eclectic mixture of genres, including romance, horror, suspense, and more. The creator presents a singular and suspenseful romance.
By Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar (June 4)
In , Former friends of Muslim Americans, Said and Tiwa reconnect to stop the destruction of an Islamic center in their hometown. This YA novel is ideal for teens, tweens, and young adults from all walks of life, but will especially be appreciated by those from different cultures. As sweet as this book is, it delicately weaves a narrative around faith and protecting what we imagine in most. This book can be an excellent tool for encouraging teenagers and young adults to fight for what they imagine in, and in this case Tiwa wants to avoid wasting the Islamic Center. This book is a fast and straightforward read.
by Riss M. Neilson (June 11, 2024)
Love Like the Sun beautifully shows that in many cases the richest and deepest love is first born in authentic friendships. Laniah is a homebody who loves her privacy. Isaac is known on the Internet and has a whole lot of influence. When Isaac returns to his hometown and realizes that his childhood best friend, Laniah, and her mom are struggling to maintain her natural hair shop afloat, he proclaims on social media that they’re dating. While this just isn’t true, Isaac knows the power of social media. In turn, not only do Laniah’s business take off, but she soon begins to comprehend that the strong feelings she had for Isaac as a baby are still present inside her. is the perfect read for many who love books whose important theme is friendship with lovers.
Celebrity Coverage
How Diana Ross’s Halloween look was created Uche Moxama – essence
Courtesy of Cindy Romero
Halloween is the perfect time of 12 months to advertise an icon. This 12 months, for instance, Beyoncé morphed into funk rock star Betty Davis and Coco Jones referenced Donna Summer’s album covers. And for the content creator Uche Moxamrecreation of the 1969 Diana Ross film.I’ll wash this guy out of my hair” on the duvet, the immediate answer was “yes.”
“I grew up listening to great artists: Whitney, Diana, Donna Summer, the list goes on,” Moxam tells ESSENCE. “Not only were they the powerhouse of their decade, but they also provided representation of beautiful, strong and talented black women who were rarely represented in the media at the time.”
For a protracted time, Moxam had been waiting for the suitable moment to rework into Diana Ross’s mountain of curls (as if released from a set of very large curlers) from the GIT Broadway special. However, probably the most iconic a part of the look was also probably the most difficult to create. “The biggest challenge was supposed to be the hair,” she says, contacting a hair stylist Alan Schober.
“Alana managed to arrange each bundle of hair individually and artistically to achieve the effect shown in Diana’s film,” he says. “I wanted the hair texture to be three-dimensional, not just using Photoshop or a black board.” Using a 65-inch cardboard as a base and more bundles of hair than she could count interwoven with Moxam’s real hair, Schober turned her costume right into a masterpiece.
“I focus on a natural look [for everyday beauty] but Halloween is truly a time to become someone else,” she says.
However, Uche Moxam’s makeup veered away from Ross’s neutral lip with glazed lips and cheeks sculpted with blush, becoming an icon in its own right. “I’ve been wanting to bring it to life for some time and this year I managed to do it.”
Celebrity Coverage
The best beauty moments of Halloween 2024 – essence
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Celebrities have been known to bring creative costumes every Halloween. From area of interest cosplay to Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween party with high-budget SFX makeup and rugged references, stars never fail to live as much as their past looks. And last night turned out to be no different.
For example, when Janelle Monaé called a surreal version of ET, it took a team of five SFX artists to create the life-size costume. Lizzo has 4 looks starting from red body paint to scissored skin: the set includes an Ozempic pack, a honey bunny, Edward Scissorhands, and a never-rejected face card.
Although Doja Cat as a sunflower is a reference to the 2001 video game, Halloween will not be limited to fictional characters. Beyoncé took on the persona of funk-rock singer Betty Davis, Winnie Harlow referenced Diana Ross, and Coco Jones referenced Donna Summer’s album covers. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion proved that Halloween lasts all 12 months long by dressing up within the anime cosplay she probably would ever wear.
Below, ESSENCE rounds up our favourite beauty moments from Halloween 2024.
Celebrity Coverage
WNBA earnings are rising, but will they be enough? The real story behind the numbers – the essence
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 06: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces brings the ball up the court against Betnijah Laney-Hamilton #44 of the New York Liberty in the first quarter of Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs Semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 6, 2024 . in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 76-62, winning the series three games to 1. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this image, User consents to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
When Angel Reese signed with the Chicago Sky and was chosen seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, it entered a league completely different than five years ago. The compensation landscape has modified dramatically – but let’s be honest about whether these changes are truly transformational or simply an incremental step towards what these athletes deserve.
The raw numbers tell the story of progress. 2024 WNBA season boasts the highest earnings in the history of the leagueand top players will be capable of earn as much as $241,984. Supermax pay has increased 94% since 2019, when the league’s elite players reached $121,500. Even minimum wage for newbies increased to $64,154 – greater than double the amount in 2019. But that is where it gets complicated. While The WNBA salary cap has reached $1.4 million per team in 2024, The NBA salary cap is $140 million. Yes, you read that right. And before anyone makes the “but revenue” argument, let’s acknowledge that even after accounting for differences in league revenue, WNBA players receive about 33% of the league’s revenue, while NBA players receive about 50%.
For most WNBA players, to make it work, meaning playing year-round. According to AP, about 50% of players also compete abroad during the WNBA off-season. Stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson can fetch top dollar in each markets, but this double duty comes at a value – physical fatigue, time away from family and the mental strain of never really having an off-season season.
Marketing dollars tell a totally different story. League Collective labor agreement for 2020 included provisions for increased marketing opportunities, but in 2023, only a handful of players have signed deals with major brands. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s NIL valuation has reached $3.1 million before she even declared for the WNBA draft – highlighting each the potential and the disparity in how women’s basketball talent is valued.
The racial dynamics are particularly striking. In the league where over 60% of gamers are black womenthe conversation around fair pay is not only about gender – it’s about racial equality in sports. When we discuss WNBA salaries, we’re talking about undervaluing the work of Black women, and it is a story that reverberates far beyond the basketball court.
The league has taken steps in the right direction. The latest CBA introduces progressive elements similar to fully paid maternity leave, improved travel accommodations and potential income sharing opportunities. These changes come after years of player activism, led by women like Angel McCoughtry and Nneka Ogwumike who weren’t afraid to demand higher.
But let’s be clear, higher than before does not imply ok. When the WNBA minimum salary is barely above median household income in the USwe’re not only talking about the gender pay gap – we’re talking about the fundamental devaluation of girls’s skilled sport.
The query is not whether WNBA players should be grateful for these raises. The query is why, in 2024, we still have to make the case for fair compensation for skilled athletes who consistently produce world-class results, drive civil conversations, and encourage the next generation of athletes.
Pay rises are the starting, not the end. As viewership increased, the 2024 WNBA Finals saw: Viewership increase by 115%. in comparison with the previous 12 months – the pace of real changes is gaining momentum. The numbers are growing, yes, but until they reflect the true value these athletes bring to the game, our work isn’t done.
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