Founded in 1970 by Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, and a group of African American entrepreneurs, Essence was created to celebrate and empower Black women through media. The founders came up with the idea after recognizing a lack of representation and coverage of issues important to Black women in mainstream media. Today, Essence is owned by Essence Communications, Inc., which is part of the Essence Ventures group. Based in New York City, Essence covers a wide range of topics including entertainment, politics, beauty, health, and lifestyle, all with a focus on the experiences and interests of Black women. The publication aims to inform and inspire its audience by providing articles, interviews, and resources that reflect their culture and community. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of Essence is its annual festival, the Essence Festival, which celebrates Black culture and features music, empowerment workshops, and discussions, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the United States.