Essence magazine has long been a staple in many Black homes. It remains one of the few publications that honors the beauty, power, and contributions of African American women. When we yearn for representation, we can always count on Essence to tell our stories.

Now, we can celebrate the fact that Essence is fully Black-owned again. And Michelle Ebanks and Richelieu Dennis are the biggest players in the deal that made this a reality in early January 2018. Dennis is the founder and chairman of Essence Ventures, LLC. and Executive Chairman of Sundial Brands, a skin and hair care company that owns Shea Moisture and Nubian Heritage. After selling Shea Moisture to Unilever, Dennis acquired Essence under Essence Ventures LLC.

Ebanks is a key part of the new all Black women executive team, which is remarkable in itself. She recently said of the transition, “it represents a critical recognition, centering and elevation of the black women running the business from solely a leadership position to a co-ownership position.”

Kudos to that and to thriving Black businesses. Register now to hear from these two trailblazers in August.