Bridgette Bartlett Royall

Oct 15, 2024 | essence.com | Bridgette Bartlett Royall

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2022 issue of ESSENCEMajor motion pictures have been centered around the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) homecoming—from Spike Lee’s iconic 1988 School Daze to the 2002 dramedy Drumline. Revered hip-hop artists, such as The Notorious B.I.G., have included quotable mentions about them in their lyrics. Beyoncé in 2018 created and named an epic Coachella performance based on one; it aired on Netflix in 2019.

Sep 18, 2024 | essence.com | Bridgette Bartlett Royall

Tricia Lee has been that girl. Long before she wowed audiences with her enviable style, likable personality and keen business savvy on the hit show Owning Manhattan, which was just renewed for a second season, she was giving her grade school classmates makeovers in the bathroom. As she was growing, so was her entrepreneurial spirit. “In college I did makeup for other students before parties in my dorm room,” Lee recalls with a chuckle.

Sep 6, 2024 | nytimes.com | Bridgette Bartlett Royall

Kimberly Lauren Stokes and Dexter Clay Mason did not meet until adulthood, but their paths could have crossed much earlier in life. Ms. Stokes and Mr. Mason are both from Detroit. Both were members of Jack and Jill of America, a social organization for Black families. Both of their mothers, who happen to be former co-workers, are members of the Links, a nonprofit organization for Black women.

Aug 20, 2024 | essence.com | Bridgette Bartlett Royall

“Rugged whisky (rugged whisky) ’cause we survivin’ (’cause we survivin’)Off red cup kisses, sweet redemption, passin’ time, yeah”– Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”When the living legend, also known as Beyoncé, dropped the lead single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,“from her album Cowboy Carter earlier this year – the world was stunned by the Houston native’s bold stab at what many felt was a risky step into an unfamiliar musical genre. (The real ones know that Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter been country.

Jun 18, 2024 | essence.com | Bridgette Bartlett Royall

Nestled midway along the eastern seaboard lies Charleston, South Carolina – the most populous city in the state. Affectionately also known as Chucktown, the charming Southern city is easily accessible, just over a two-hour flight from New York City and just under two hours via plane from Washington, D.C. Unlike most Southern locales, Charleston is a walkable city. However, bike riding and horse-drawn carriages are also common modes of transportation.