Kenesha Traynham-Cooper was born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. She graduated with her Bachelor of Psychology from Medgar Evers College and received her Master of Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York 2010. After her mother passed away, she decided to create a program in her mother and uncle’s memory entitled the Sharon […]readmore
This month is Women’s Business Month, but philanthropist Simone Gordon, the nation’s first Black Fairy Godmother, makes helping others her business all year long. A Gates Foundation grant recipient, Gordon has become a major force — with invisible wings — for community goodwill. Among other major efforts, Gordon’s Foundation assists Black and Brown marginalized families impacted by the COVID-19 […]readmore
Ms. Arrington’s Grandchildren Have Their Say …Part III of III My mom, Esther J. Arrington, was blessed to have a life with a loving family that was extended to include her many friends, and enjoyment of her wide-ranging interests. She managed to maintain it all, despite having a responsibility at work that meant she had […]readmore
Story in Words and Images When we talk about the people who infuse Bedford-Stuyvesant with life, we generally refer to publicly known figures. In October, the community annually shows its appreciation to those in the background by casting a light there through such events as Bed-Stuy Alive and this year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary […]readmore
James “Rocky” Robinson, Jr. was born on July 15, 1940, in Marietta, North Carolina, and moved to Brooklyn, NY. After attending Eastern District High School, Rocky served 5 years in the United States Army. His Army duty included serving as a member of the honor Guard posted at the Arlington National Cemetery, where he stood guard […]readmore
Beautiful, Black, Man The following sentence rests at the root and the spirit of America.The bodies of Black Men are to be worked and to be used for the service of America.The trauma associated with this truth rests in the muscles and ligaments of young Black boys way before they are ever able to understand […]readmore
A Blaxit Life in Paris for Essence WomenAudrey Edwards and Karen Thomas By Fern GillespieOn the eve of Donald Trump’s January 20, 2017 inauguration, veteran journalist and Brooklyn realtor Audrey Edwards landed in Paris. Her “blaxit” was the beginning of her journey as a Black American expatriate in Paris. It is legacy that includes cultural […]readmore
I had been a fisherman in the waters along the coasts of Zanzibar and the Island of Mafia, Tanzania for several years. I had had the privilege, honor and joy of steering our sail and diesel-engine craft at night into the sparkling, diamond-like path of the moon upon the ocean. But upon the arrival in […]readmore
