Essence Magazine

Essence Magazine is a monthly periodical published primarily for African-American women. It regularly features famous women of color on the cover, as well as printed interviews in the magazine. Articles generally discuss women's issues, primarily as they relate to the Black community, including love and relationships, beauty, health and money.http://www.essence.com/magazine/

The August 2010 issue of Essence features Janet Jackson as the cover model and a printed interview with her inside the magazine. In the interview, Jackson talks about her struggles with weight loss, her recent appearance in the movie "For Colored Girls" directed by Tyler Perry and her own directorial work in a film with Adam Rodriguez.http://www.essence.com/magazine/janet_jackson_graces_august_cover_of_ess.php

In the news section of the Essence website, topics are regularly updated to reflect the most recent stories. In July of 2010, stories covered included the shooting of Oscar Grant, an unarmed Black man, by a White police officer and the Supreme Court's decision that state governments cannot place a ban on gun ownership.http://www.essence.com/news/

Essence Magazine was founded in 1970. It is published by Essence Communications Inc. The company has headquarters in New York and regional offices in Los Angeles, California, Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. From an initial circulation of 50,000 for the first issue, Essence has grown to a readership of over 8.5 million and a monthly circulation of 1.5 million. It has won several awards for its journalism, including 12 awards from the New York Association of Black Journalists for its coverage of public affairs, arts & entertainment and business.http://www.essence.com/about/

In 1995, Essence branched out to form the Essence Music Festival, which is held annually during the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana.http://www.essence.com/about/ The most recent event held July 2 - July 4, 2010 included performances from Alicia Keys, Trey Songz and Janet Jackson.