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ESSENCE Launches ‘WeLoveUs.shop Powered by ESSENCE’
ESSENCE Communications Inc. proudly launched WeLoveUs.shop powered by ESSENCE, a community commerce platform built to support Black women-led and culturally rooted brands with stronger cash flow, consistent visibility, and direct access to consumers during the holiday season and beyond. With the debut of a new, curated digital retail destination, featuring a mix of emerging and beloved Black-owned brands across beauty, wellness, home, lifestyle, and gifting – all vetted through ESSENCE’s trusted editorial lens – consumers can meet the moment with purchases that directly invest in a founder’s dream.
LOUIS CARR APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF BET
Paramount recently announced that Louis Carr has been appointed President of BET, expanding his longstanding leadership at the largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Carr assumes leadership of BET from Scott Mills, who earlier today announced his departure after 23 years at the company. Carr will report to George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media at Paramount.
NAACP & BET Announce Date of “57th NAACP Image Awards” Comedian, Actor, and Writer Deon Cole Returns as Host
Recently, NAACP and BET announced the "57th NAACP Image Awards" will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. Beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole will return as host.
Chicago Teachers Union President Advocates For Young People
Stacy Davis Gates was recently elected President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Gates is also the President of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Local Husband And Wife Team Own Luxury Home Fragrance Brand
Jess Osi founded Mahoghany House Candles in 2022. Drew Osi has supported his wife through the journey. Jess worked as a nurse and during her pregnancy with her first child, she transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom. She wanted to carve out her own space, using her creativity and she started out making candles as a hobby. As friends and family positively responded to the candles she gifted them, Jess decided to turn the candle making into a business.
Local Schools To Participate In Science Olympiad
Six schools on the Southeast side of Chicago will have the opportunity to participate in the Science Olympiad in 2026. Thomas Hoyne Fine Arts Elementary School, Robert A Black Magnet Elementary School, Ninos Heroes Elementary School, James Madison Elementary School, Bowen High School and Saint Francis De Sales High School will participate in the STEM competition.
‘Phantom’ Of The Opera Actor Brings His Authentic Self To The Role
Isaiah Bailey’s first stage experience came when he was 10 years old and attended an opera camp while growing up in Little Rock, Ark. In high school, he was introduced to musical theatre and from there, he really got thrown into theatre.
Cultivating A Positive Outlook Going Into The New Year
With so many things going on, not just locally, but globally, it can be difficult to find the silver lining. Finding ways to cultivate a positive outlook can help create a mindset shift going into the New Year.
From Prison to Prosperity: Ken Johnson’s Real Talk Story Anchors Joseph Business School Panel
Kenneth Johnson is as real as it gets. After serving three prison sentences, he vowed during his third stint that he would never go back. Determined to rebuild his life, Johnson tried the family restaurant business, maintenance work, and construction, but none of those jobs fit. At 50, he took a leap of faith and opened Bro-N-Laws Bar-B-Que in the city’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood.
Illinois Joins Multistate Enforcement Action for SAFE Act Violation
A mortgage loan originator (“MLO”) has received serious sanctions and fines from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and 20 additional state financial regulatory agencies that accused him of directing another person to take required education on his behalf and taking the credit for himself.
Finding Meaning and Connection During the Holidays with Alzheimer’s
The holidays are often a time of joy, connection, and shared memories, but they can also bring added stress, disappointment, or sadness. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the season may heighten feelings of loss as familiar traditions and abilities change. Caregivers, too, may feel overwhelmed as they try to balance long-standing holiday customs with caregiving responsibilities and safety concerns.
Be Ye Ever So Prepared…
Scripture reminds us that life is uncertain and that tomorrow is not promised. Still, nothing prepares a parent for the sorrow of losing a child. That pain is often magnified when the child who dies was also the trustee, executor, or decision-maker in the parent’s estate plan—the very person relied upon for care and protection in later years. In such moments, grief is frequently compounded by confusion and unanswered questions, especially when no backup plan exists.
Insulin Isn't Enough. Nutrition Can Transform Type 1 Diabetes.
I was 16 when I ended up in a hospital bed and heard three words that changed my life: type 1 diabetes. What I didn't know then -- and what too few doctors acknowledge today -- is that dietary changes are often the best way to combat the disease.
Rep. Evans Celebrates Launch of Chicago State University Football Program and Vision for the Future
State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago) is celebrating the historic launch of the Chicago State University (CSU) football program, hailing it as a vital step toward ensuring the university’s long-term sustainability and the prosperity of Chicago’s South Side.
