Celebrity Coverage
Taylor Rooks is putting mental health front and center with LG’s “Transparent Conversations.”

A sports reporter Taylor Rooks has gained widespread respect within the sports industry for offering invaluable insights as an NBA and NFL broadcaster. Now, with a while in the sport, she’s adding just a few latest titles to her repertoire, including her latest podcast with her friend and co-host Joy Taylor, in addition to becoming the host of season two LG . The latter is a traveling podcast series in partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA®) “that focuses on college student-athletes discussing mental health and well-being.”
Rooks, graduate University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign draws on his own experiences to attach with his guests and speaks to the experiences of faculty athletes. In each episode, he travels to different college campuses to debate mental health on the earth of faculty athletes.

“When I heard about , it really resonated with me because that’s what I try to do both in my career and in real life. I think the basis of everything is communication, and if we can all be honest about ourselves and our experiences and feel that these words reach safe spaces with people who really care, who want to learn more and want to help in this way, that they can – that’s what transparency is all about,” Rooks says on the ESSENCE podcast. “The feeling that you can be vulnerable and that you can be open, open enough to talk about the things that really matter in your life or the things that are maybe bothering you. So when I heard that LG wanted to be able to have these kinds of discussions on college campuses with young student-athletes who are really trying to find a solution outside of the pressures of sports, school, family, friends and it just grows. It just felt right and really important. And something I was truly called to do.”
Rooks has already had university interviews with NBA star Kenny Anderson, Fisk University men’s basketball head coach, 2X NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse and Vanderbilt head coach, in addition to current college players.
In support of those intergenerational conversations, LG is reaching out to advocates, administrators, coaches and student-athletes to debate the work-life balance that characterizes the student-athlete world. Just last month, Rooks traveled to the NCAA Final Four to film two latest episodes that focused on the role coaches play in student-athlete mental health and the importance of collaboration in implementing effective mental health initiatives.
While she says she learned so much from the experience, what really stuck out to Rooks was an exchange with Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley during which the 2 discussed the role coaches play in keeping players’ mental health each on the sector and and beyond. “It was incredibly insightful to hear a coach have such a keen awareness of how he can both positively and negatively impact a student-athlete’s mental health and how he wants to make sure he is always doing the right thing,” Rooks explains. “Above all, beyond wins and losses, the important question was: Are my student-athletes feeling well and am I doing everything I can to support them?”
The NBA host continued to debate how many colleges have beefed up their athletic staffs, in order that sports teams usually are not just limited to coaches and trainers, but additionally expanded to incorporate mental health professionals. “It was a real eye opener and it was great to see these positive steps that schools have taken to ensure their athletes feel supported. There are a lot of people who employ sports psychologists, a lot of mental fitness coaches, some they really call mental coaches, people who work there and their job is to make sure you feel supported,” Rooks continued.
In addition to keeping players in good mental and physical condition for on-court performances, these professionals also help with the transition away from post-graduate sports, as for a lot of student-athletes, sports turn out to be a big a part of their identity. Drawing from my very own experiences as a school athlete, I noticed a paradigm shift in my life and how I needed to rediscover my identity away from sports – because life doesn’t at all times have the identical outlook that may be translated into wins and losses. “It’s cool that mental health is being talked about so loudly and so proudly, and right in front of our faces, in order that athletes know that they’re greater than only a champion or a winner or someone who plays football or basketball or soccer , which is just a part of them. This is the vital part. But that is not the entire part.
When Rooks turns the tables on me, he asks, “But how did you manage to do that? Did you rely on therapy or did you rely on self-reflection?” In response to Rooks’ inquiry, I share that while therapy played a pivotal role in my journey, it was ultimately self-reflection and a commitment to non-public growth that paved the way in which for navigating the complexities of mental health in athletics after graduating from university. She praised me for this, confirming that life after sports is a difficult journey. “Especially when you’ve been seen as a person for most of your life. This is what I hear a lot of athletes talking about both in , but also in the conversations I’m having now [with] current athletes, the identity issues they have and how they deal with it.”
As a Black woman in sports, Rooks, while excited by the sudden surge in interest in a women’s sport, namely basketball, also believes it calls for a much-needed audit of what it took to get here. “I think what we really lose is that this moment can exist, fortunately and fortunately, because of the many moments that preceded it. For it to be long-lasting, I think it’s a validation of all of us, athletes and media fans, how we all contributed to this very positive moment that we’re seeing now and which I hope will last forever, but also how way we contributed to why it took so long. Because that’s how we’ll continue to see the game really grow.”
She passionately advocates for changing the narrative around women’s sport, calling for a deeper dive into their individual stories and achievements. “I would like to proceed to see the expansion of girls’s sports based on who they’re, not only the indisputable fact that they’re women. I feel that was an issue,” he says. This feeling resonates inside her WNBA player Angel Reese’s recent criticism of sportscaster Emmanuel Acho’s views on the LSU team.
As Rooks points out, “Me personally, in the media, we still talked about these athletes from the point of view and perspective of the fact that they are women, without really telling their story.”
For women’s sports to actually reach its peak, Rooks says, the narrative needs to vary. By encouraging much-needed conversations and storytelling, you can too profit the long run of the sport for generations to come back by utilizing a podcast. “they concentrate on their humanity, and we center their experiences. In my opinion, this is the way you develop the sport because this is the way you develop the athlete.
Celebrity Coverage
Like Queen Laany’s digital art, it has become a cultural time capsule – essence

Queen Laany. Thanks to the kindness of the artist.
Multi-Hyfenate Saloan Goodwin Dunlap, also often known as Queen Loana, will be known contemporary, will be known for her digital works of pop art, but her artistic journey becomes much deeper. Initially, working in photography, she landed to clients each locally and in the entire country. After her and her husband decided to expand her family in 2019, it was difficult for her to create through this medium, as she wanted.
“I started designing digital pop art at the end of 2019, when I was too pregnant to shoot,” says Dunlap. “The first song was an element of the collection that I still share a lot, as well as a piece of Rihanna, which I have not yet released. In February 2020 I created my piece of black hair and became viral. Immediately afterwards the world closed. “
What began as a creative outlet in the course of the transitional period in her life soon flourished into a powerful type of self -expression. She found inspiration from black experience, moments of popular culture in Black America, in addition to her own basic memories and things she saw in her community and round her. Due to the knowledge of all this, her work immediately resonated with people on the Internet, especially black women who saw one another in her songs. “When I see a photo that moves me, almost as if I had no control over my hands,” says the artist. “I will turn on the music and just go for it.”

This ability to allow to photo caused its creative juices in such a way that he produces something so fascinating, also caught the favored fashion stylist June Ambrose. Like the remaining of the world, Ambrose found latest stores during a pandemic and asked Dunlap to design art for her and the virtual program of her daughter – it was a match made in heaven.
“I got DM since June, saying:” You have a job! “It surprised me because I wasn’t sure what happened, and I didn’t even remember to apply for anything,” recalls Dunlap. “People marked her in the article I did and she contacted me about my work and asked me to create photos from the cover for her live concert. It seems to me that Pandemia was really a blessing in a disguise, because it also forced people to release and pay attention to things. “
Despite finding success so quickly, Dunlap also realized what she wanted when it involves her art. Yes, the viral was amazing, but additionally undesirable expectations were created on the terms of other people in comparison with her own. She discovered that only to feel when the song was really in the very best and last form.

“I know that it is difficult for people to look at digital artists as real artists, so I have already fought with it,” he explains. “In addition to receiving requests here and there from people who demanded from me to chop my art based on how they wanted it to look. Everything became overwhelming and I just closed myself. “
Given herself for a moment, she returned in 2021 with a latest emphasis on artistic endeavors based on affirmation. These strengthening projects, containing the spirits, still construct their loyal supporters. She even raised the stake by designing the layers of affirmation cards, which also contain her creations.
“It started as a hashtag,” listen to yourself, turn to you, “says Dunlap. “When I put my songs on this planet, I just don’t share that my story, I also need to encourage people. Because sooner or later I experienced and went through it. This is where my affirmations come from. At the start I just tried to feed me, but it also became a have to feed people. There was the purposefulness that bloomed after the primary wave, which was simply popular. “
The same need for motion with the intention also forced her to create more elements that also positively reflect the black male experience in America. He wants black men to feel the identical as of their work, as black women do, especially amongst today’s social climate.

“The inspiration of black men just behind my father’s and my husband’s strength, as well as other people around me,” explains Dunlap. “Of course, creating a job that appeals to black women comes easily because it is my living reality. But when it comes to black men, I want to turn them on more because I don’t think they often receive reflection in such a beautiful way and I want them to have this experience. ”
Looking to the longer term, Queen Loany is worked up to cooperate closely with the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the longer term. Meanwhile, he hopes to begin the debut exhibition of Solo art this 12 months in his hometown of Charlotte.
When all this is claimed and done, she wants her art to be seen as a healing medium, which allows her to attach with people in a significant way. “I want people to connect with the same energy that kept us alive as children again. When they accept my songs, I hope he speaks to these basic memories that were full of joy and simplicity of life. “
Through his living digital works, he definitely does this, while raising his community and maintaining the fantastic thing about black American experience.
Celebrity Coverage
Spirit of Black Creativity continues with the re -opening of the Hampton University Museum – Essence

Thanks to the kindness of Hampton University
Black cultural institutions are greater than just buildings full of artifacts; They are history guards, defenders of the truth and spaces during which narratives could be told by those that lived them – subsequently re -opening Hampton University Museum is so essential. As each the oldest African American Museum, and the longest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, its revival shouldn’t be only about refreshed galleries-it’s about to proceed to honor and share the depth of black experiences. Thanks to the latest exhibits and the renovated vision of the museum, it’s an affidavit of immunity, creativity and the strength of our stories.
The structure, founded in 1868, has turn out to be a lighthouse of African -American art for over 150 years, having one of the most versatile African, African -American and indigenous art collections on this country. Thanks to the re -opening, guests can now experience the prolonged space of the gallery, which easily connects the newly acquired masterpieces with iconic works that determine its unusual heritage.

One of the most enjoyable additions is the veterans exhibition, honoring Hampton graduates who served in the armed forces. But perhaps the most striking latest function is the costume collection designed by the legendary graduate Hampton Ruth E. Carter, the first African American who won many academy awards for designing costumes. Her songs, worn by Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy and Oprah Winfrey, are an intimate take a look at some of the strongest black narratives in Hollywood.
However, aside from the latest exhibits, the heart of the establishment stays its deep historical roots, and the treasures he has secured for generations. Among the most famous works of the museum is Painted in 1893 by Henry Ossawa Tanner. A masterpiece of African -American art, the picture reflects the intimate moment between an older man and a young boy, bathed in a warm light when the elder teaches a toddler patiently. It is a presentation of a black life – free stereotypes and full of dignity – it was groundbreaking when such performances were rare. The song was one of the first acquisitions of African -American art by the American institution and continues to be a favourite amongst visitors.
“And another track Tanner, creating the foundation of our collection,” says Dr. Thaxton -ward, director of the Museum of the Hampton University. “They are an important part of our heritage.”

For a long time, the location has consistently expanded its collection, opposing the barriers which have long tried to cut back black artistic expression. In 1967, the Harmon Foundation gave a whole lot of works from the Harlem Renaissance and never only, strengthening its role as a guardian of black creativity. He also boasts the collection of the art of the countess and Ida Cullen, with 29 works obtained from the widow of the legendary poet. These songs, along with the works of John T. Biggers, Elizabeth Catelett and Samelli Lewis – artists who share deep connections with Hampton’s heritage – hand over the popularity of the museum as the most vital institution of African American art.
When Black Art was excluded from the predominant galleries and rejected as “folk” or “primitive” over the years, the Museum of the Hampton University remained lifting and behavior. “Thanks to historically black institutions, we all have our strengths,” wonders Dr. Thaxton -ward. “Spelman focuses on artists of women from African Americans – their strength. In Hampton, our strength concerns the relationships that we built with artists, graduates and donors. “
The revitalized constructing still sends forward, not only as an area for watching art, but as a spot of education and conversation. His everlasting exhibitions are presented by African masks, Indian textiles and contemporary masterpieces, offering visitors to a large journey through global artistic traditions. From over 9,000 works in your collection. This ensures that every visit discovers a brand new layer of black artistry and history.

The leadership of Thaxton -ward also secured the financing of the predominant cultural institutions, including the Mellon and the National Trust for Historic Conservation Foundation. “These funds helped in the documentation, maintaining and ensuring that our collections remain safe for future generations,” he explains. “You have to keep it or you don’t have anything to see in the future.”
As the talks about racial equality and representation in art evolve, the Museum of the University of Hampton stays the foundation stone of these discussions. His involvement in maintaining black artistic perfection is unwavering, and this constructing is firmly a storyteller, defender and lighthouse of artistic triumph. His re -opening shouldn’t be only an event – it’s a catalyst that can encourage generations to return.
Celebrity Coverage
The best look of beauty from Oscars 2025 – ESENCE

Emma Mccintyre/Getty Images
From the late Nineteen Twenties, the Akademia Awards were probably the most prestigious awards within the film industry. To complement this system, the red carpet has long been a call to probably the most effective appearance of the actors. This 12 months, the nominees proved it once more.
Cynthia Erivo, nominated for the best actress for her role, wore a golden clock, not on the wrist, but on her nails. Zoe Saldana was within the winning series of awards this season, and today nominated for the best actress supporting she got here in a skinnymalistic appearance with delicate Hollywood waves. As for Whoopi Goldberg, a deep, almost black lip kept all of the depth on her reflective dress.
The Supermodel Anok Yai participated within the Black Pixie jet, who juxtaposed her light naked lip and manicure. Both Halle Berry and Da’vine Joy Raldolph crawled with copper beans that fit their oval, metallic nails. Meanwhile, the quiet touch of the blush and insole surrounded the eyes of the Queen Latifah.
All the best moments of beauty on this 12 months’s Red Oscars carpet, see below.
Cynthia Erivo

Zoe Saldana

Whoopi Goldberg

Anok Yai

Halle Berry

Da’vine Joy Randolph

Queen Latifah

Lupita nyong’o

Coco Jones

Coco Goufff

CAT

Colman Domingo

AVA DUVERNAY

Storm Reid

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