During the 6th annual short film competition at the 2023 Peachtree Village International Film Festival, JARO took pride in presenting a selection of over 40 finalists from diverse corners of the world. The top honor of first place was awarded to In the Matchbox, a film written by Jermi Little and directed by Mike Rae […]
In her latest book, “Imagine Freedom: Transforming Pain into Political and Spiritual Power,” esteemed journalist Rahiel Tesfamariam delves into the strategies available to Black Americans for advocating social justice while avoiding burnout, anxiety, and depression. Tesfamariam shared with ESSENCE that the idea of writing a book had been simmering within her for the past 18 […]
Steven Goard, the head of SDG Quantum Productions, has tapped Alonge Hawes to assist in the development of a brand-new animated project, ‘The Uptown Chronicles’, with an eye for the first ‘phase’ of the project to be released sometime in 2024.
Washington D.C.-based food advocate and driven mother Tambra Raye Stevenson has been determined to create healthier communities through her inspiring work with the Food Bill of Rights. Fueled by Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative, which aimed to improve children’s diets, Tambra founded WANDA: Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture. Her late father, Calvic C. Hill, […]
Faith Ringgold, a pioneering educator and activist, passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday, April 13th. Her lifetime was a testament to a vibrant tapestry of creativity that transcended the confines of medium, style, and cultural identity. Born on October 8, 1930, in Harlem, New York, Ringgold’s artistic journey was characterized by her […]
Gwendolyn Wallace’s children’s book Joy Takes Root is a thoughtful and beautiful ode to the natural world. It follows Joy, a young black girl, as she learns about herbal medicine and mindfulness through her grandmother’s wisdom passed down through generations. The synopsis reads: “It’s Joy’s first summer in her grandmother’s South Carolina garden—a rite of […]
Mychal Threets, known as Mychal the Librarian, has captivated social media with his passion for books and libraries, aiming to reignite a love for reading in everyone. In a serendipitous twist, Threets has joined forces with one of his beloved PBS characters, fostering excitement for learning once again. Now 34, reading and the library has […]