ESSENCE 55: Made Like This Since our first issue, ESSENCE has been a mirror and a megaphone for Black women worldwide. We’ve told the stories others overlooked, amplified the voices that move history, and built a platform where Blackness—in all its beauty, brilliance, and complexity—has always been the headline. We were born out of a deep love for Black women but powered by the community that has carried us every step of the way. For 55 years, you’ve trusted us to reflect who we are and who we’re becoming. This legacy is yours, too. And now, as we mark this milestone, we’re unveiling our Special Edition 55th Anniversary cover star, who embodies the very essence of “Made Like This.” The moment is monumental. ESSIES, can you guess who’s covering our 55th special edition? #ESSENCE55 #MadeLikeThis