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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ICEM: Megan Thee Stallion’s Coachella Red Curls and more – Essence

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ICEM: Megan Thee Stallion's Coachella Red Curls and more

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From red hair and a round blush in Coachella to the resurrection of the minimum manicure for Easter, this week the celebrity Beauty moments concerned heat and length within the spring.

Megan Thee Stallion took over the Coachella weekend in curly red hair. This color has recently been signed by many celebrities, comparable to Keke Palmer in Medium length cutting and Chloe Bailey in very long locations.

After presenting the SS25 collection last yr, Martine Rose rejected a pastel nail trend for a gray manicure, within the meantime, Lori Harvey’s micro-French suggestions reminded us of how small the impact could also be.

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Hairdresser Vernon Francois showed an intensive consistency of her editorial work, while Lizzo and the Paloma Elsesser model undressed to underwear and bikini accordingly – distinguishing his bodies some love.

Finish the week, S’able LabsSabrina Elba revealed her supply chain in Ghana, on the occasion of the month on the occasion of the Earth-walking women behind their ingredients.

If you missed this, take a look at the 11 best moments of the great thing about celebrities from the week.

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Jozzy says a new album, Old Faiters and “Stage Play 2 Get Her Back” – Essence

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Jozzy, 2025. Photo Credit: Kobe Boateng

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,,,, all of which became the premise of black cinema, but increased to larger heights as a consequence of the undeniably music accompanying their visualization. Today, it appears that evidently the outcomes have develop into a less priority, almost non -existent. In addition to such and – of which Ryan Coogler, for irony – sound backgrounds to probably the most memorable moments of the silver screen at the moment are limited to conversations about previous years. Fortunately, the artist is recognized with Memphis who goals to revive this nostalgia in some ways.

“I fell in love with R&B through soundtracks,” he says JozzyThe singer/creator of the lyrics on the sting of the superstardom and one in all the resumption. “They were a big part of me. Watching movies with a great song, and you would be:” Damn – what’s it? “And so I found a lot of my music, but now I don’t know what happened to the soundtracks – I think it’s lost art. “

Born Jocelyn Adriene Donald, combining musical media, and the film film was essential in telling its full story. Then she combined her craft with the theater to her stage debut. The just one -day event took place at El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, which provides viewers insight into the consistently evolving craftsmanship of Jozzy. The solid included Clarke Lauren, Janina Gavankar, Angel Ann Craig, Khadi Don and Sarae; Written by Brianca Williams, acquired by Stevie J, and presented a visual direction led by Pierre York. This undertaking was each passion and the goal of the musician, and the emotions were felt throughout your entire production.

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“Making this art was an experience outside of the body and I love to create my own belt with things,” says Jozzy Essence. “I wanted to do something destructive because I needed people to eat music in a different way.” Today, the common date is a bit greater than just dinner and film, about which Donald is fully aware. “People want to enjoy something outside the norm,” he says. “So I thought that violating these two worlds – they both go hand in hand.”

She also served as the correct introduction to her upcoming set of albums to release this 12 months. Jozzy, who has been standing within the industry for many years, just isn’t a foreign to the creative process. Her subtitles for writing songs are “Old Town Road”, “Mr. At the moment”, “low” Sha and “Virgo’s Groove” Beyoncé with many others. She also appeared as a performance in songs with Lil ‘Wayne, Lecrae and SKOOLBOY Q, but now the 34-12 months-old is able to the world in her profession.

Jozzy says a new album, old feelings and
Jozzy, 2025. Photo Credit: Hudson Palethorpe

“People have not heard music from me as an artist – actually my shit,” he explains. “I was blessed that I was on the last album Q. I was blessed that I was on one of the biggest home songs,” 10 “with Fred. So I still dropped the songs. But it’s not like giving your own things – your own project that allows people to hear what comes from your mind and heart. ” Although this just isn’t the primary trip of Jozzy as a soloist (see 2023), her upcoming album means a little more.

“To practice this in the world – it will be a moment for me,” he says. Jozzy began implementing with the discharge of “MaybePlaying as the first installment of her theatrical history of love and turmoil. Strange, the singer feels that she has “Bigger Songs on the Album”, but she wanted to be “sensitive” for this particular song. Falling into the spirit of the legend R&B/Soul, Jozzy says: “I feel she needed a song within the atmosphere.”

“I just had to spend it because I was thinking about” what would Anita Baker did? “(It was in relation to the award -winning Baker’s performance in 1994” from 1994 “Sorry“The song that Jozzy felt was no less than unique.) She published [that song] And since then there was no album wherein the girl apologized to the person – he continues, laughing between the answers.

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As an artist with several distinctions to her name, Penning Hits for Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Mary J. Blige, Chlöe and the artists’ collection, Jozzy still has a layer for her, which has not yet been seen. She wants the listeners not only enjoy music, but in addition understand every thing that concerns her process and how hard she works along with her craft. “I want them to see vulnerability,” he notes. “I want them to see a student in me.”

“I didn’t drop anything as an artist last year,” adds Jozzy. “I was in a dark space. I think I had to cleanse. I think I had to find my real goal – and this album was for me.”


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Erykah Badu wore an orange bob on billboard women in music in 2025

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Erykah Badu didn’t intend to simply accept the Icon Award for Billboard Women in Music 2025 without the long-lasting appearance. Even before her performance, where she appeared in a knitted, filled with “pitch” and blurred eyeliner-you couldn’t miss her hair from the red carpet, which was as bodily.

Erykah Badu wore an orange bob on the Billboard Women in 2025
Inglewood, California – March 29: Erykah Badu participates in the Billboard Women in Music at YouTube at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Filmmagic)

As an appetizer for what she was called BBL suitFruit hair appeared to be an ideal compliment to its message about fertility, femininity and image image. Her eye -catching, wealthy orange hair has been chopped in Bob, one of the popular cuts this season, with hit the ends of its jaw line.

The wig isn’t latest, nonetheless. Throwed here and there on her Instagram, then the disheveled Badu hair was first a golden blonde. But lifting her wig, immersing her in a bowl of hair dyeing just before this yr’s undisputed icon was similar to that.

Erykah Badu wore an orange bob on the Billboard Women in 2025
Inglewood, California – March 29: Erykah Badu participates in the Billboard Women in Music at YouTube at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo of Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

To pair with him, the fronts reached the height of deep, matte red lipstick, while a big eyeliner and pale orange shadow were blurred about her beer eyes. While her hair was covered with a knitted hood for the remainder of the night, she couldn’t start more iconic prizes.

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