Melissa Noel

5 days ago | essence.com | Melissa Noel

The Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Ras Baraka, walked free Friday night after spending hours in federal custody following his arrest at the controversial Delaney Hall immigration detention center—a facility he’s been fighting to keep from opening in his city. Baraka was arrested while protesting the newly opened ICE detention site, which he and other critics say lacks proper permits and inspections, according to CNN.

5 days ago | essence.com | Melissa Noel

President Donald Trump has abruptly fired Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African American to lead the Library of Congress. The firing, first reported by the Associated Press, came in an email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office late Thursday night. “Carla,” the message began. “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately.

6 days ago | essence.com | Melissa Noel

When Deidre Sears stood center stage at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, watching her students take their bows to a roaring audience, it wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a full-circle moment. From humble beginnings in Pennsylvania with just five students, Sears has grown Elevé Dance Theater into a movement, a safe haven and a beacon of possibility for Black and brown dancers in places where opportunity once felt out of reach.

6 days ago | essence.com | Melissa Noel

“This wasn’t just fashion. This was history walking down the carpet.” That’s how Adrienne Jones, acclaimed fashion designer, professor at the Pratt Institute and curator of the Black Dress Exhibition, described this year’s Met Gala. With a theme that emphasized tailoring, Black elegance and dandyism, the night was ripe for cultural resonance—and many delivered.

1 week ago | essence.com | Melissa Noel

An Ohio father has been charged with aggravated murder after allegedly striking and killing a sheriff’s deputy with his car, just one day after Cincinnati police fatally shot his 18-year-old son during a stolen vehicle investigation. On May 1, 2025, Ryan Hinton was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer responding to a report of a stolen vehicle. Police say Hinton fled the vehicle and, during the pursuit, pointed a handgun at officers.