

Melissa Noel
Posts
NAACP Sues Department Of Education Over DEI Rollbacks: Here’s What To Know
The NAACP is suing the U.S. Department of Education over recent efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools. In a federal...
“This Is Not Tradition, It’s Trauma”: Caleb Wilson’s Family Launches Anti-Hazing Billboard Campaign In New Orleans
A prominent digital billboard in downtown New Orleans is drawing attention this week, honoring the memory of Caleb Wilson, a Southern University student who died...
From North Philly To National Advocacy: “The Twin Sister Docs”Are Redefining What It Means To Care For The Culture
When Dr. Elana McDonald and Dr. Delana Wardlaw walk into a room, it’s more than a physician’s visit—it’s representation, familiarity and a reminder that change...
“We Can’t Shrink From The Fight”: Black Maternal Health Advocates On The Crisis—And The Hope—Driving Change
When Dr. Faith Ohuoba, a board-certified OB-GYN in Houston, Texas, noticed swelling in her legs after delivering her baby via C-section, she trusted her instincts....
NFL Draft Hopeful Kyren Lacy Dies At 24 From Apparent Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound During Police Chase
Kyren Lacy, a former standout wide receiver at Lousiana State University (LSU) who had just declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, died over the weekend...
On The Radar: A Historic Black Museum’s Future In Limbo, Navy Vet Killed In NYC Helicopter Crash, Controversy Over Fundraiser For Teen Charged With Murder And More
The Museum of African American History in Boston is calling on the public for support after a key federal grant was suddenly terminated, threatening its...
LeVar Burton To Deliver 2025 Commencement Speech At Howard University
Howard University has announced that actor and literacy advocate LeVar Burton will serve as the keynote speaker for its 157th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May...

ESSENCE Exclusive: Chicago Beyond Commits $2 Million To Empower Four Birth Advocates To Transform Black Maternal Health – “This Will Have Generational Impact”
In a bold move to address one of America’s most persistent healthcare crises, Chicago Beyond has launched a groundbreaking fellowship initiative, committing $2 million to...
Angela Rye, Tamika Mallory & More Lead ‘State Of The People Power Tour’: “We Can’t Keep Centering Whiteness In Black Advancement”
On the heels of the “State of the People“— a 24-hour livestream marathon that served as a powerful counter to Donald Trump’s congressional address and...

From Big Chop To Big Impact
The hair journey of Camille Howard-Verović, D.O., started like that of many other women: She was seeking convenience and practicality in managing her curls. But...