Celebrity Coverage
NFL History Makers: Meet Edy Lawson-Jackson and Samira Jackson, the First Mother-Daughter Agent Team – Essence
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SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 6: The NFL logo on the field before and during the NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6, 2024 at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Leandro Bernardes/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Breaking barriers in the world of sports is not any easy task, especially in a league as male-dominated as the NFL.
Edy Lawson-Jackson and her daughter Samira Jackson did just that by becoming first-ever mother-daughter duo to be certified by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) as sports agents. Their journey will not be only historic, but in addition a testament to the resilience, exertions and dedication of Black women who’re making strides in industries where they’re underrepresented.
Edy Lawson-Jackson, a Maryland native, began her profession in sports law in the late Nineteen Eighties, with a deal with athlete representation. Throughout her profession, Edy has been an advocate for expanding opportunities for girls and people of color in the sports industry. In 2010, she earned her NFL agent certification, becoming one among the few Black women to represent skilled football players at the highest level.
For her daughter Samira, following in her mother’s footsteps was a natural step. Samira, a company finance skilled with a law degree, saw first-hand how her mother navigated the competitive world of national sports and decided to follow an analogous path. In 2022, Samira received NFLPA certificationmaking history as a member of the first mother-daughter team to represent NFL athletes.
The path to becoming an NFL agent is rigorous. Both Edy and Samira had to satisfy rigorous criteria to earn their NFLPA certifications, including passing a comprehensive exam, fulfilling continuing education requirements and demonstrating extensive knowledge of NFL regulations. The certification process is designed to make sure agents are fully prepared to represent the interests of NFL players in contract negotiations, marketing agreements and other skilled opportunities.
In an industry where women — especially Black women — are vastly underrepresented, the mother-daughter duo’s certification marks a pivotal moment. According to recent statistics, of the nearly 1,000 certified NFL agents, only 88 are womenand an excellent smaller fraction of them are black women. That makes the Jacksons’ achievement all the more remarkable, as they proceed to pave the way for future generations of ladies of color to follow of their footsteps.
Edy Lawson-Jackson’s profession in sports law spans greater than three a long time. After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam in the early Nineties, she worked in a wide range of legal fields, including entertainment and sports, gaining precious experience before becoming a licensed NFLPA agent in 2010. She has represented athletes, entertainers and other high-profile clients, with a deal with expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry.
In an interview for Edy reflected on her journey and the importance of working along with her daughter, “It’s been a long journey, but being able to do this work with my daughter is a dream come true. It’s really important to us to show that Black women belong in this space and that we can have a significant impact.” Samira echoed similar sentiments, stating that working along with her mother was each inspiring and empowering.
The sports industry, especially at the NFL level, has long been dominated by men. Both Edy and Samira faced challenges navigating a career that always excludes women and people of color from positions of power. Yet their determination to succeed and break barriers was unwavering.
Samira’s path to becoming an NFL agent wasn’t without its challenges. As a Black woman in corporate finance, she needed to prove herself in an industry that’s each competitive and proof against change before moving on to sports representation. But her resilience paid off, and in 2022, Samira joined her mother at Affiliated Sports Advisors (ASA), their joint firm, where they represent NFL players and proceed to develop their roster.
Edy and Samira’s historic accomplishment is greater than just a private milestone; it’s a robust reminder of the changing face of the NFL. As the first mother-daughter team to earn NFL agent certification, they’re a part of a broader movement to extend diversity and inclusivity in sports. Their work creates opportunities for other women—particularly Black women—to enter and thrive in industries where they’ve historically been excluded.
For many young women trying to break into the sports industry, Edy and Samira are role models who show that perseverance, exertions, and dedication can open doors. Their story is a testament to the power of family, heritage, and the influence of Black women in shaping industries which have long been dominated by others.
Celebrity Coverage
The best moments of beauty from the NOACP award at NAACP 2025 – Essence
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Leon Bennett/Getty Images for NAACP
. 56. Annual NAACP IMAGE awardsThe host of actor Deon Cole, this yr was one of the darkest red rugs. And tonight, the last part of the two -part ceremony took place in Los Angeles Pasadena Civic Auditorium near the historical Altadena, known for his black community and legacy in art. They match the location when the ceremonies were celebrated by this: film, television, music and literature. In addition, additionally it is price emphasizing the aspiration appearance.
On the first night of The Uneaired Image Awards Creative Honors invited Jennifer Hudson – a everlasting series of discussions and the best winner of the host – donated by a blunt bob and a muted lip. Then Ebony Obsidian-the best actress supporting and outstanding groundbreaking performance in the winner of the movies-viewed along with her star Kerry Washington in brilliant tones: one in blue eye shadow and the other in a red lip.
Until the second night, stars reminiscent of Gabrielle Union in Stary Hollywood Bob and closed updo on Chloe Bailey stole the program. For example, the actor and activist Laverne Cox wore almost white eyebrows with pixie cutting. Shanola Hampton directed Cindy Lou, who in UPDO growing flowers. And Cynthia Erivo? The star flashed a green and chrome manicure to complete the night.
Below look at the best beauty at the NAACP awards.
Ebony Obsidian
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Sheryl Lee Ralph
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Skais Jackson
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Lynn Whitfield
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Danielle Pinnock
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Naturi NaTGHTON-Lewis
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Arnold in China
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Jennifer Hudson
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Zoe Siedaña and Kerry Washington
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Laverne Cox
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Gabrielle Union
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Cynthia Erivo
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Chloe Bailey and Keke Palmer
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Shanola Hampton
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Halle Bailey
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Tai Beauchamp
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Celebrity Coverage
New music this week: Keke Palmer, Coco Jones and more – Essence
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Happy Friday, people. When we still enjoy the fantastic thing about black until the tip of the month – and all year long – some talented artists have published great music for you. From the spiritual R&B to alternative hip-hop, this week comprises certainly one of the most well liked music.
Today, the winning singer who’s awarded by Grammy, Coco Jones broadcasts her very anticipated debut album and celebrates the news of the talented fans of the primary project of the project, a stuffy song entitled “Taste”. Before the premiere of the fourth season, Joey is investigating $$ continues his continuous records with “Pardon Me”, Keke Palmer shows his creative range on “Imposter”, and Afrobeats Burna Boy will present “Update”, putting “update”, putting the “update” Soul II Soul’s Classic song.
Check out our list of the perfect recent music to hearken to this week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Ici: Blondes Beyonce’s Blonde Micro and more – Essence
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Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for the Recording Academy
Last week was the time for the primary. From the primary front rows in Paris Couture Week to the primary wins of Grammy Award, celebrities closed the primary month of 2025 (and the start of the black history) with a bang. Of course, this also included the looks of beauty. In other words, we saw gravity that defile hair, recent classic French suggestions and eye makeup of gray-with avant-garde with classic spins.
Megan Thee Stallion participated in her first week Couture, knocking on make -up artist Rihanna Priscilla it to get a matte look to match her inverted manicure. Kelly Rowland, within the Black Bob jet, took her Couture Week “Make a 15 -percentage gala to mix with a set of naked nails.
And the Reality Television Star, Tiffany “New York” Pollard’s Cool Toned Beauty-Mac’s Kissliquid jancolour powder in chestnut with Lip insole The stone was used – she was seen in her first MAC campaign.
Makeup Artist Dee Carrion’s Look for the Grammy Award winner required for the primary time Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette with an outlined tight line. Meanwhile, we also saw Coco in Coco. Coco Jones at Coco Chanel Beauty, I mean! The singer shook Naked liquid lip AND Glow stick in champagne.
To finish the week, Beyoncé-who added her first album award to her thirty fifth collection-she wanked a brand new concert tour in bleached micro braids and a red lip. Of course, you furthermore may cannot forget concerning the diamonds of the grills through which the passage passes.
If you missed this, have a look at the 9 best moments of the fantastic thing about celebrities from the week.
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