Rivea Ruff

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Rivea Ruff

This story originally appeared in the March/April issue of ESSENCE, available on stands now. When the pandemic cast us out of our social settings and into isolation at home, the popularity of podcasts skyrocketed. Though the talk radio–style medium had been around for more than 15 years at that point, interest hit a fever pitch as more eyes and ears sought new ways to fill the long days. Everyone was eager to hear from both veteran creators and an onslaught of new entrants.     Fast-forward to 2025.

2 months ago | essence.com | Rivea Ruff

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for The American Heart Association On January 30, The American Heart Association kicked off American Heart Month with its annual Go Red for Women® Red Dress Collection® Concert at NYC’s Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Sep 24, 2024 | essence.com | Rivea Ruff

Douglas Evans Halle Berry is taking her passion for women’s health and wellness to the next level. The star actress, producer, and director has been refreshingly frank about her harrowing personal experience with severe symptoms of perimenopause and her desire to break the stigma and taboo surrounding women’s midlife experiences.

Aug 30, 2024 | essence.com | Rivea Ruff

Emayatzy Corinealdi knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to go after it. As the star of Reasonable Doubt on Hulu, she comes to streaming screens weekly as Jax Stewart, a beautiful mess of power and vulnerability, taking on high-profile, controversial court cases by day while navigating ambiguity in her own values and love life by night.

Aug 30, 2024 | essence.com | Rivea Ruff

Salli Richardson-Whitfield’s mid-career pivot has paid off. The actress-turned-producer/director earned her first-ever Emmy nomination for her work on a critically acclaimed HBO series this year, casually making history as the first Black woman to be nominated in the category of Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series. Ironically, it was for her work on a show that was criminally cut short before its time, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.