daughter, father, grammys
(Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
by Kandiss Edwards

December 23, 2025

Vocal Royalty: Chaka Khan And Whitney Houston To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Grammys

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the Grammy Week.

The Recording Academy has named music legends Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan among this year’s recipients of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the 2026 Special Merit Awards that the Recording Academy will present during Grammy Week on Jan. 31, 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards scheduled for Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.

Houston, who died in 2012, is being recognized posthumously for her influential career, during which she sold more than 200 million records worldwide and achieved multiple chart-topping hits that helped shape pop and R&B music.

The Recording Academy recognized her in its press release, stating that she was a record-breaking vocalist whose talent and more than 220 million records sold made her one of the most celebrated artists in music history.

Chaka Khan, a 10-time Grammy winner whose career spans more than five decades, will also be honored. She is widely credited with blending R&B, funk, soul, and jazz across her work with Rufus and as a solo artist, with hits such as “I Feel For You” and “Ain’t Nobody.”

“She is a trailblazer, storyteller and the voice of power and freedom for many generations. Her live performances are nothing short of electrifying. Chaka Khan remains a living force in music – an artist whose work and life continue to inspire, elevate and redefine what is possible,” said the statement.

Honorees are chosen for their “creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording,” the Academy said in a press release. 

In addition to Houston and Khan, the full roster of Lifetime Achievement honorees for 2026 includes Paul Simon, Cher, Carlos Santana, and Fela Kuti, the Academy said in its announcement. The awards celebration will also honor other music figures with Trustees Awards and a Technical Grammy Award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony. 

Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., said in the press release that the group of recipients represents “an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres and the very foundation of modern music.” 

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the Grammy Week festivities leading up to the main televised Grammy Awards event. 

RELATED CONTENT: Fela Kuti Becomes First African Musician Honored With Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Charlamange Tha God, IHeartMedia, the breakfast club,
Photo Credit: The Tyler Twins
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 23, 2025

Charlamagne Recalls Shading Kelly Rowland After Wendy Williams Ordered Him To ‘Get Her’

Charlamagne reflects on the time he tried to provoke Kelly Rowland on-air after Wendy Williams ordered him to "get her."

Charlamagne Tha God is reflecting on his early days in radio, when he reportedly felt pressured to shade Kelly Rowland on air after Wendy Williams encouraged him to act as an “attack dog” toward celebrities.

The veteran radio host and media mogul appeared on the Dec. 22 episode of Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast, where he reflected on his time working with Wendy Williams at WBLS in New York City. As Williams was preparing to launch her celebrity gossip–driven daytime talk show, Charlamagne recalled how her push to secure the TV role shaped his on-air duties in ways he says “compromised” his personal values.

“Wendy was the one because I got with Wendy, I was really compromising myself for a position,” Charlamagne said in a clip captured by The Neighborhood Talk.

“Like, I was really the pitbull. Like purposely, that was my job, and she would be like ‘Get get get them. I want you to get that person.’”

Charlamagne believes Williams pushed him to antagonize celebrities because “she was trying to make the transition” to television, he said. However, at the same time, the then-rising radio host struggled internally with how he was being pushed to treat the people he targeted on air.

“It would be sometimes where, like, my conscience would be like, why?” Charlamagne shared, recalling his first on-air encounter with Kelly Rowland, where he purposely shaded her to see her reaction.

“Like, and the one I always remember is Kelly Rowland. Like, she was like, ‘Get her.’ And I’m like, ‘Kelly Rowland? Like, why?’ Like, what did Kelly Rowland do?” he said.

Martinez asked Charlamagne how he tried to provoke Rowland, and he said he did so by referring to her as Beyoncé’s “sidekick” in Destiny’s Child.

“I think I came up with this angle. Like, we both know how it feels to be sidekicks. So I’m a sidekick to Wendy. She’s a sidekick to Beyoncé,” he recalled.

Charlamagne now says the remark was “stupid, disrespectful sh-t for no reason,” with both he and Martinez acknowledging how nice and friendly Rowland is. Fortunately, the two later made peace after Charlamagne apologized.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevate Your Excellence: From Comedy Stage To Global Empire, Byron Allen Is Taking Over The Media Space

Betty Reid Soskin, park ranger, oldest
Geoff Livingston, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
by Kandiss Edwards

December 23, 2025

The Nation’s Oldest National Park Ranger Dies At 104

Betty Reid Soskin was the oldest ranger ever to serve the U.S. National Park Service retiring at 100-years-old.

Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest ranger ever to serve the U.S. National Park Service, died Dec. 21, 2025, at age 104, peacefully at her home surrounded by relatives, according to family statements.

Soskin became a celebrated figure in American history for her work as a National Park Service interpreter and ranger at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, where she helped shape the park’s narrative to include overlooked stories of women, people of color, and the home front during World War II.

Born Sept. 22, 1921, in Detroit, Soskin grew up in a family with deep roots in African American history and faced racial segregation throughout her youth and early career. During World War II, she worked in a segregated union hall, gaining firsthand experience that later informed her work as a park ranger.

Soskin joined the National Park Service in 2007 at age 85, initially serving as a docent and later becoming a permanent employee in 2011. She continued to guide visitors and share her personal recollections of the era, becoming known for her engaging storytelling and passion for inclusive history. She retired in March 2022 at age 100 as the nation’s oldest serving park ranger. 

Her influence extended beyond the parks. Soskin co-founded Reid’s Records, one of California’s earliest Black-owned music stores, and was active in civil rights and community work. She delivered presentations that connected national visitors with local and national stories of resilience and service. 

The Obama Foundation made a post on X praising Soskin’s lifetime dedication, stating, “In addition to telling her own stories, she also ensured the stories of countless people of color who faced discrimination at home during the war were added to our collective understanding of that time.  

RELATED CONTENT: National Parks Ordered To Remove Perceived DEI Merchandise

Spirit Airlines Flight, Racial Slur, Woman, FEES, FEE-FREE, BAGGAGE,
(Photo: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 23, 2025

From Boarding Pass To Handcuffs: 2 Spirit Employees Arrested In Louis Vuitton Theft At Ft. Lauderdale Airport

Olukunle Idowu and Hyacinth Linton were arrested on a charge of petit theft of $101 to $749

Two Spirit Airlines employees were arrested for allegedly stealing a $500 Louis Vuitton bag from a passenger.

According to The Miami Herald, Olukunle Idowu, a supervisor, and Hyacinth Linton were arrested on a charge of petit theft of $101 to $749 in connection with an incident at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Both suspects are from Tamarac. Idowu has pleaded not guilty, while Linton has not yet entered a plea.

The two have been accused of leaving the airport with a $500 Louis Vuitton wrist purse belonging to a passenger.

Arrest reports from Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives stated that airport security cameras showed that, on Oct. 19, a passenger boarding a Spirit flight to Austin, Texas, left a Louis Vuitton wristlet (the passenger said it was a $505 purse) at the check-in counter at Terminal 3. The wristlet was then given to another employee, who placed the item in a drawer at the gate.

The reports state that on Oct. 22, around 5:37 a.m., Idowu was seen on camera removing the wristlet from the drawer. After retrieving the item, he checked its contents and then took it to a nearby gate for a complete inventory. At 5:54 a.m., Linton is seen taking a plastic bag from Idowu, who placed items from the wristlet into the bag and then placed the wristlet in her backpack. At 5:59 a.m., both suspects are seen leaving the area after Idowu tossed the plastic bag into the garbage. Linton was taken into custody Nov. 13, while Idowu was arrested Nov. 21.

“We are aware that two employees were charged in November for an alleged theft,” Spirit said in a written statement. “One employee has been suspended without pay, and the other is on a leave of absence. We are conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and will take further action as deemed necessary following the conclusion of our investigation.”

People reported that court records show that Linton posted a $500 bail. An initial hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 8, 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Don Rafael Ithier, Afro-Puerto Rican ‘El Maestro’ Of Salsa And Founder of El Gran Combo, Passes at 98

Detty December, Africa, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria
Photo by Luke Barky: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-fire-cracker-2407130/
by Ahsan Washington

December 23, 2025

Detty December Turns African Cities Into December-Long Hubs For Music, Culture, And Diaspora Connection

It's turning up in Ghana, South Africa, And Nigeria.

The global movement Detty December turns African cities Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Cape Town, South Africa, into cultural centers for music, nightlife, food and Black diaspora connection during December. Detty December honors culture and global Black excellence through stadium-sized festivals, beach raves, carnivals, and open-air concerts. Detty December is mainly celebrated in Ghana and Nigeria as a month-long, year-end celebration of music, culture, and wild fun, drawing huge crowds and boosting local economies. It is also being celebrated in South Africa.

Every destination delivers unique vibes and a motivation to attend its parties, whether you choose to dance in Accra nightlife, explore Lagos electric party scene, or celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cape Town’s summer weather. 

Detty December is more than a holiday in party mode; it is a homecoming event and an economic engine that makes a cultural statement, establishing African cities as central hubs for global gatherings and celebrations. Africa offers the ultimate festive experience, making the mother continent a solid destination for year-end cultural activities. 

Accra & Greater Ghana

Detty Rave

The high-energy dance and music rave, Detty Rave, which fuses reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats, will take place on Dec. 27 at Untamed Empire, Spintex, Accra. The event draws both residents and diaspora visitors who want to experience the electrifying party atmosphere, which is popular among DJ enthusiasts and Afrobeats fans.

AfroFuture Festival 

The AfroFuture Festival, formerly known as Afrochella, brings together music fans, creative individuals, and people who love pan-African culture. The event showcases leading African musicians, along with cultural activities, across two days, Dec. 28-29, at El Wak Stadium in Accra. It serves as the main event of Detty December by uniting musical performances with artistic expressions, fashion shows, and diaspora homecoming experiences.

Afro Beach Ghana

Afro Beach Ghana is a lively event that attracts both beach party lovers and cultural travelers through its Afro-Caribbean blend of music and food. The event occurs on Dec. 27, at Alora Beach Resort in Laboma, Accra, where DJs perform alongside local food vendors.

Nigeria 

Flytime Fest

The Flytime Fest music festival takes place every year for several nights and is an essential event for music fans. The festival takes place at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, from Dec. 21 to Dec. 25 and presents a variety of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B performers. The Flytime Fest event has established itself as a regular feature of the Lagos party scene, drawing music fans from across Nigeria.

Eko Fiesta

Eko Fiesta is a three-day entertainment and trade fair that honors music, art, food, and community. The event serves as a free cultural hub for Detty December, featuring live shows and local makers. The fair creates a lively atmosphere that draws people to Muri Okunola Park on Victoria Island in Lagos.

Euphoria: Detty December Rave

The Detty December Rave event takes place at Euphoria. The Rave brings together the beach crowd and the party crowd for an electrifying night of entertainment. The beachside rave at night features DJs spinning current tracks, while the festive atmosphere creates a lagoon-like experience. The unforgettable experience awaits you at Athena Beach on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

Cape Town

New Year’s Eve Celebration at V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town will host a free live music party and midnight fireworks display on Dec. 31 to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Families and tourists are welcome to commemorate the event. The Cape Town New Year’s Eve show preserves its traditional experience through free event access while delivering energetic city vibes and stunning riverfront views.

House Party Open Air Festival

The House Party Open Air Festival is an open-air music celebration featuring EDM and festival-goers. The event will occur on Dec. 29, at the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. The attendees will experience a high-energy, year-end event at one of Cape Town’s most iconic outdoor venues.

RELATED CONTENT: Fela Kuti Becomes First African Musician Honored With Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Black songs, Music, Black music, Chicago
Photo by Cord Allman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vinyl-records-display-at-toronto-music-store-29216171/
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 23, 2025

Chicago Record Store Targeted With Death Threats For Selling ‘Black Music’

Bridgeport Records has made a name for itself for its inclusive and diverse approach to the Chicago music scene.

A Chicago record store is facing racist harassment and death threats for stocking “Black music” and other works by artists of color.

Bridgeport Records first opened in 2024, being a beacon of creativity and diversity for the neighborhood and its namesake. However, the record shop’s owner recently received a death threat, targeting the store for its diverse collection.

Bridgeport Records mainly stocks dance and house music, thus befitting why it has a wide-range of artists to select from. The assortment had not appeared to spark issue until recently, when a distressing call alerted owners Jerry Morrison and Vick Lavender on Dec. 20.

The duo were watching the Chicago Bears’ game at the shop when a man told them he had plans to kill them.

“An older white man called and said he was on his way to kill us,” Morrison told the Chicago Sun-Times. “This was someone who had been in the store, knew the layout, knew our music. He said he knew we sell Black music, rap music, Spanish music in Bridgeport. And he said we were going to die.”

Not wanting to risk their lives or their patrons, the owners shut the store down for the night. The threat appeared to have real legitimacy, as Chicago police determined the man’s location in the neighborhood.

While the death threat was concerning, the owners and their customers remain undeterred by the racist harassment. Since their opening, they have felt embraced by the local community. Through this mission, they want Bridgeport Records to be a “third space” for artists and creatives in the city’s famed Southside.

“The neighborhood loves us. We have close ties with lots of prominent deejays and producers,” Morrison said. “We’ve become a social hub in the music scene on the South Side.”

Evidently, not everyone appreciated their growing place and impact in the city’s music scene. Despite the backlash, Morrison wants young people of color to continue feeling empowered and welcome at the record shop.

“We’re not a typical white rock ‘n’ roll record shop,” Morrison said. “He was probably irritated that he saw young, Black and Latino kids in and out of our shop.”

The man reportedly not only threatened to kill them with a bomb, but claimed that they were infringing on the status quo of the South Side. However, Morrison is unafraid to bring about good, inclusive change to the area.

In fact, he plans to turn the music up by Black and Brown artists for the foreseeable future, making sure this art remains heard throughout Chicago.

“They ain’t messing with us. We’re going to turn up some Black dance music and turn it up loud,” exclaimed Morrison.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘There Will Always Be Room For Great Music’: R&B/Soul Singer KEM Revives Kemistry Records


u.s. dollar, decline
(Photo: Pepi Stojanovski/Unsplash)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 23, 2025

How Much Would The Average American Have If Wealth Was Distributed Evenly?

The numbers would solve a lot of problems, but create others.

Research shows that the average American would have a six- to seven-figure income if the nation’s wealth were distributed equally.

Nearly two-thirds of America’s private wealth is concentrated among the top 10%, leaving just one-third for the remaining 90% of the population. But research suggests that if wealth were distributed equally, each person would receive about $471,465—$942,930 per couple and $1.89 million for a family with two children, Upworthy reports.

Although the U.S. holds the world’s largest amount of privately held wealth, $160.35 trillion, many Americans live their lives in financial stress. In addition, 68% lack enough savings to retire, 56% struggle with the cost of living, and 45% worry about debt. Much of the financial strain stems from the heart of America’s wealth being held by a small segment of the population.

However, if the nation’s wealth were distributed evenly among the 340 million people living in the United States, it would be a life-changing boost for the vast majority of Americans. The average family could easily pay off their mortgage, save for a comfortable retirement, and fund both children’s college or trade school. There would be plenty to cover the cost of groceries, afford a car, and go on a regular vacation.

Redistributing America’s wealth is largely a thought experiment. A sudden, drastic redistribution would require liquidating investments to transfer assets, potentially destabilizing the economy. The resulting surge in wealth for many, without a corresponding increase in goods and services, could trigger extreme inflation—similar to how the government stimulus during the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily lowered poverty to a record 7.8% in 2021 but contributed to historic inflation.

Such a shift could discourage work and innovation, and some argue that those with wealth-generating skills would quickly rise to the top again, leaving others behind. Without fundamental changes to the capitalist system, a one-time radical redistribution of wealth likely wouldn’t be sustainable in the long run.

The research highlights the extreme wealth inequality in the U.S., the world’s richest nation. While achieving full income equality may be unlikely, Americans can still make a meaningful impact through targeted measures like stimulus payments, child tax credits, and Universal Basic Income to reduce poverty and improve lives.

RELATED CONTENT: Numerous Actions To Help Black Americans Build Wealth In 2026

UNCF, Mayor’s Masked Ball
Courtesy of UNCF
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 22, 2025

UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball Raises Millions For HBCU Scholarships In 42nd Year

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined corporate partners and instrumental figures for HBCU upliftment at the soiree.

The United Negro College Fund’s Atlanta chapter celebrated the 42nd year of its famed Mayor’s Masked Ball, raising millions to promote HBCU scholarships.

The high-profile event took place Dec. 20, with local and civic leaders showing off their best black-tie outfits for its admirable mission. For decades, the UNCF has championed HBCUs and Black students, while ensuring these esteemed institutions remain filled with the best and brightest scholars.

“Wow, thank you, Atlanta community, for showing up and showing OUT for the 42nd UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball! Because of your support, students are gaining access to life-changing scholarships, opening doors to education, leadership, and opportunity,” captioned UNCF Atlanta.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined corporate partners and instrumental figures for HBCU upliftment at the soiree. The night alone also secured $250,000 in additional HBCU scholarship funding, bringing the fundraising effort to $4 million.

The caption added, “To the honorable Mayor @andreforatlanta, the @cityofatlantaga, our member-institutions, and all of our sponsors and partners, we offer our sincerest gratitude for your generosity, partnership, and unwavering commitment to advancing educational access and student success.”

With title sponsor Norfolk Southern, the event furthered the opportunities and legacies of member institutions while strengthening academic pipelines for future diverse leaders. In line with the UNCF’s motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” supporters graciously opened their wallets for the momentous occasion.

Alongside its donors, the event highlighted the 2025 UNCF Atlanta Social Media Immersion Program scholars. Students hailing from HBCUs across the Southeast also attended the festivities, with their own black-tie attire sponsored by Amazon.

With the event signifying another year of ensuring students matriculate through HBCUs, the Mayor’s Masked Ball promises to keep its tradition going.

“The Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball stands as one of UNCF’s premier national fundraising events, reflecting this city’s unwavering commitment to educational equity, opportunity and achievement,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “The generosity of Norfolk Southern and all of our presenting sponsors ensures we can continue opening doors for thousands of students and advancing our mission to invest in better futures.”

RELATED CONTENT: MacKenzie Scott Dropped A Beau Coup Bag On These HBCUs

New York Knicks, NY, NBA Cup
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 27: A detail is pictured of the New York Knicks uniform and New York Knicks logo during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 22, 2025

Knicks Stars Spreading The Wealth: NBA Cup Prize Money Shared With Team Staff

Each player took home $500,000 for their victory.

The New York Knicks are champions once again, and with the earnings the players received for winning the NBA Cup, they will graciously given some of the prize money to employees who work with the team on and off the court.

According to The New York Post, after the team rallied from behind in the fourth quarter to beat the Spurs 124-113, each player took home $500,000 for their impressive victory. One of the players, Josh Hart, confirmed to the media outlet that the gesture was directed at non-playing Knicks employees.

He explained that his generosity and that of other players wasn’t a “hard decision” to make.

“I don’t think it was a hard decision,” Hart said to The Post. “Some of those people don’t get a bonus, and they’re working to make sure we’re at the top of the game, no matter who they are. We want to make sure those people are also compensated for their extra time and their efforts.”

Hart did not discuss what employees would receive or how it would be divided, but the staff included massage therapists and PR staff as among those who would benefit from their winnings. “We’re compiling that list together now.”

He admitted that some players had discussed compensating support staff before they went out and captured the NBA Cup.

“It’s something we talked about before (giving NBA Cup prize money to support staffers). Me and [Brunson] talked about it at one point,” Hart said. “And we were like, ‘Yeah, we’ll figure it out.’ Like I said, we want to make sure we take care of everyone.”

The franchise’s expectations have risen following their last two playoff showings; last season, they were one win away from competing for the NBA Championship.

The good news for the New York franchise is that since the midseason tournament began three years ago, every team that has played in the finals has made the playoffs that season (the Los Angeles Lakers, the Indiana Pacers, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder). Last season’s Cup champions, the Thunder, went on to win the 2025 NBA Finals.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Knicks Rally Past The Spurs To Win NBA Cup Championship

Zoom Meeting, Win With Black Women
(Photo: PICHA Stock/Pexels)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 22, 2025

Essence Launches Black Women-Led Marketplace ‘WeLoveUs.Shop’

Essence is supporting Black founders in a challenging economic climate with the launch of Weloveus.shop, a marketplace showcasing Black women-led brands.

Amid a challenging period for small businesses, Essence is supporting Black women entrepreneurs with the launch of Weloveus.shop, an online marketplace showcasing Black women-led brands.

Launched on Dec. 3, WeLoveUs.shop, powered by Essence, is a community commerce platform designed to support Black women-led and culturally rooted brands. The marketplace aims to support Black-owned small businesses with visibility and direct access to consumers during the holiday season and beyond.

Showcasing a curated selection of 100 brands and 1,000 products across beauty, wellness, home, lifestyle, and gifting, all vetted by Essence’s editorial team, shoppers can confidently support Black founders while buying Black the block.

“Black women are building businesses in the midst of economic uncertainty, and they often do it without access to the retail infrastructure their peers rely on,” said Chief Content Officer at ESSENCE Communications Inc., Michele Ghee, in a press release. “The WeLoveUs.shop platform was designed to offer stability and a real pathway to scale in a moment where that support is needed most.”

The marketplace launches amid challenges for small businesses, including the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, widespread job losses across sectors, and the loss of visibility for Black founders after Target and other retailers rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

“There was a lot of pushback, especially on social media, and you couldn’t really talk about being in [Target],” LaToya Stirrup, founder of Kazmaleje, told Digiday. “That limits you from being able to advertise, because we were getting the response of, ‘We’re not shopping there.’”

Stirrup debuted on Target’s shelves in 2022 alongside 20 other Black-owned beauty brands as part of the retailer’s plan to spend over $2 billion with Black-led businesses by 2025. However, Target’s rollback of its DEI initiatives earlier this year sparked backlash and a boycott, leading many loyal shoppers to avoid the store.

Stirrup experienced “a complete sales slowdown” before Target removed her haircare products from shelves, selling them online only. This prompted her and other founders, like Brittny Horne of RVL Wellness Co., to join Weloveus.shop. For Horne, who was also affected by Trump’s tariffs, the marketplace launch has provided a “really big boost” in sales.

The platform offers bi-weekly payouts, real-time inventory syncing via Shopify Collective, centralized customer service, and a transparent 30%-35% commission structure. While higher than other marketplaces—Amazon, for example, takes 8%-15% per sale, depending on the product category, but also charges for services like advertising and fulfillment—WeLoveUs.shop’s commission provides access to Essence’s complete media ecosystem, including editorial coverage, social promotion, newsletters, and PR support. Brands have also expressed appreciation for the bi-weekly payouts, compared to the typical 90–120-day payment cycles in wholesale and consignment arrangements.

“For [Essence] to be able to put their media power behind more Black-owned brands at a time of great need, when small incomes are struggling, can really support them,” said Sky Canaves, a principal retail analyst at eMarketer.

RELATED CONTENT: Aunt Allegedly Drowns 6-Year-Old Niece For ‘Looking More Beautiful’ Than Her At Wedding

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