This story is featured in the July/August 2025, 55th anniversary issue of ESSENCE. ESSENCE has long been attuned to what Black women want and need—especially when it comes to conversations about sex.

This story was originally published in ESSENCE’s special 55th anniversary July/August 2025 issue, on stands now. It began, as most sacred things do, in the quiet. Before the language was polished into ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Clarence Smith (R) and Ed Lewis (L) at "The 2002 Essence Awards" at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Ca. Friday, May 31, ...

In a blog post at Black Blue Dog, Dr. Boyce Watkins weighs in on the recent announcement by former Essence Editor-in-Chief Constance C.R. White that she was fired because of clashes over the way her ...

Clarence O. Smith, one of the co-founders of Essence magazine, died on April 21, 2025, according to his obituary published by the outlet. He was 92. Smith co-founded the “Essence” brand with Edward ...

Smith, who passed away on April 21, helped to launch the magazine that would become a Black cultural staple in May 1970. Clarence O. Smith, one of the co-founders of Essence magazine, died on April 21 ...