On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States—
the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected to this position.
As Vice President, she brought people together to advance opportunity, deliver for
families, and protect fundamental freedoms. She led the fight for the freedom of women
to make decisions about their own bodies, the freedom to live safe from gun violence,
the freedom to vote, and the freedom to drink clean water and breathe clean air. She
took particular focus on job creation through the investment in our nation’s small
business and community banks. She also presided over the vote to confirm the first
Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court. While visiting 36
states and making history at home, she represented the nation abroad — embarking on
17 foreign trips, traveling to 21 countries, and meeting with more than 150 world leaders
to strengthen critical gl
As one of the most influential families in comedy and entertainment, the Wayans dynasty has transformed the landscape of film, television, and stand-up comedy for decades. At the forefront of this movement is Keenen Ivory Wayans, who created the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color. This show launched the careers of Hollywood heavyweights like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez, along with many members of the Wayans family, all while setting new standards for diverse storytelling. At a time when mainstream comedy often sidelined Black talent and perspectives, Keenen shattered barriers as an actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer by centering diverse voices while addressing race, class, and pop culture with unapologetic humor.
In addition to In Living Color, Keenen co-wrote and co-starred in Hollywood Shuffle alongside Robert Townsend, directed the hit film Scary Movie, and wrote, directed, and starred in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. His fearless approach ent
Dave Chappelle is an award-winning American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer who stands as one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Internationally recognized for his trademark wit, fearless social commentary, and no-holds-barred approach, he deliberately steps over society's red lines and builds his sharpest material from the other side. His groundbreaking achievements include creating the best-selling TV show in DVD history with 'Chappelle's Show,' winning multiple Emmy and Grammy awards for his stand-up specials, and setting records with his unprecedented runs at Radio City Music Hall.
Born into a family of educators in Washington, D.C., Chappelle began his comedy career at age 14. After early success in film and television, he created the groundbreaking "Chappelle's Show" (2003-2006). In a move that shocked the industry, he walked away from a $50 million deal at the height of the show's success, a decision later viewed as a principled stand for creati
Jotaka Eaddy is an award-winning strategist, advocate, host and connector who Forbes Magazine describes as the“Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley.” With more than 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and movement building, Jotaka is a highly sought after speaker and strategist whose accomplishments include: her trailblazing election as the University of South Carolina’s first Black Woman Student Body President and her groundbreaking work that led to the abolition of the juvenile death penalty in America though the 2005 landmark US Supreme Court decision in
Roper Vs Simmons. Not to mention, her pivotal leadership as Senior Advisor to the NAACP where she led Initiatives to expand and defend voting rights through state legislative wins and executive orders, all before her bold and successful transition to the C- suite of Silicon Valley and the private sector.
As the Founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, LLC -, Jotaka leads a team of individuals committed to advancing transformativ
ESSENCE Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 20 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. From the pages of its signature magazine, to its unmatched live experiences, to its always-on mobile and digital, ESSENCE occupies a special place in the hearts of Black women everywhere. Whether bringing news, politics, culture, entertainment, or inspiration for her aspirations, ESSENCE is committed to telling her stories – in her voice and in her image – and has become a most trusted confidante and “home” for global Black culture.