*In the age of #MeToo and #TimesUp, women of color continue to wield their power for the greater good of our community and beyond. ESSENCE’s second annual “Woke 100” list salutes the change makers who fight the good fight for us everywhere, from the health care field to the Hill to Hollywood.
The special May issue package—featuring actress, producer, activist and “woke honoree” Kerry Washington on the cover—showcases the change agents, shape-shifters and power players who inspire us and ignite movements.
The 2018 Woke list includes: Tarana Burke; Jemele Hill; Anita Hill; Erica Garner (posthumous recognition); Robin Thede; Gabrielle Union; Lena Waithe; Black Panther costume designer Ruth Carter and more. Additional highlights from the #Woke100 package include:
• Kerry Washington: The Exit Interview: After taking her final bow as TV’s handler, ESSENCE #WokeWoman Kerry Washington shares her thoughts on the impact of Scandal and the landscape of #TimesUp.
• The Women Who Turned the Tide: In a key yet controversial Senate election in Alabama, Black women answered the call to serve by organizing and voting to secure empowerment for us all.
• Saving Our Landmarks: Meet three women on a quest to preserve our history for generations to come.
READ THIS: R. KELLY MOUNTING ‘COMEBACK CAMPAIGN’ AFTER BEING DROPPED BY PUBLICIST, LAWYER, AND ASSISTANT
*In other news, R. Kelly‘s daughter is speaking out and standing up for her daddy because that’s what family does, she says.
TMZ got with Joann Kelly — who goes by her artist name, Buku — in Atlanta Monday, and asked about the ever-growing scandal surrounding her father, who’s been accused of grooming young women to be “sex pets” while allegedly holding them against their will.
Joann is reluctant to say too much about the situation, but you can tell the issue hits close to home. She does admit, though, to feeling “terrible” about the whole thing.
As we reported earlier, Kelly’s inner circle is reportedly falling apart. As reported by the BBC, his publicist, lawyer and assistant all quit last week. With that in mind, Joann/Buku was asked if she was still close with her father. All we can say is that her response is definitely not a ringing endorsement for Daddy of the Year.
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
