Since its inception in May 1970, pictured above, Essence has been a source of great pride for African American women and men. It was and still is a place where we can see our own stunning beauty reflected on glossy pages. There have been great moments from the magazine over the years. And today, in honor of Black History Month and in our constant celebration of black women, we’re featuring some of the most iconic Essence covers of all time. (Kanye voice.)
June, 1982
Hand me my late pass. I had no idea that model Iman was married before David Bowie. She’s pictured here with her ex husband basketball player, Spencer Haywood and their daughter Zulehka.
October, 1982
This cover may appear understated on first glance, but the contrasting colors, varying textures and the angle of her hat make it stunning.
December, 1983
This issue featured a beautiful family, complete with an adorable child grabbing this nice man’s chin.
June, 1985
All hail Grace Jones. One minut, she’s snarling in your face, then the next she’s looking demure and chic. No matter the facial expression, you can’t deny that Grace is always the epitome of ferocity.
April, 1987
Two years later, the book went back to that same poppy, electric color scheme. This time Lisa Bonet is the focal point. She’s gorgeous. Did anyone else notice her thick and unkempt eyebrows? This look might not adhere to today’s standards but it certainly works here.
April, 1991
Heey Naomi! In a more relaxed and less couture look and pose, Naomi is still serving her own legendary brand of seemingly effortless beauty.
June, 1991
As much as we loved Dewayne and Whitley together, can we all admit that this cover with Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy is just a tad too much?! The fact that they’re standing there nakey, as if they were a real couple is comical. I’m including it because I’m sure it was a hit on newsstands. This cover is a sign of the times.
January, 1993
Remember Alva Rodgers from School Daze and Daughters of the Dust? Well, check her out on this special hair issue. Her hair is a force, her skin is radiant and she looks sincerely happy. Love this one.
June, 1993
Tyra channels her inner Africaness for this cover. With her outfit and the way she’s elongated her neck in this shot is regal.
October, 1993
I live for this cover. I love a good updo and the one Queen Latifah’s rocking on this 1993 cover does everything an updo is supposed to. It frames her face and she looks regal, like her name would imply. And don’t even get me started on these colors. Werk Queen!
February, 1994
Another nudey, couple cover. Whitney and Bobby, probably thee most talked about couple of the ’90’s in the black community, Bobby and Whitney loved up on each other for this issue and tried to convince the world that they were actually perfect for each other… In all fairness, they had their moments.
December, 1994
Essence made a bold step in featuring Rae Lewis-Thorton on the cover of this issue. In the early ’90’s there was still plenty of misinformation being spread about this disease, Lewis-Thorton’s story helped to dispel some of the misconceptions and put a relateable face to the disease that used to represent a death sentence. Fortunately, this cover was wrong. Rae Lewis-Thorton is still very much alive and well today. This December, it will have been 20 years since she posed for this picture. Blessed.
May, 1996
Here Toni is giving us the sexay sultress brand she’s known for. Does anybody else think Toni looks East African here?
September 1998
You would think this was a younger Alek Wek. But it’s not, just a woman who favors her. This coat is fabulous, right?!
March, 2000
My love for Missy is well documented, so it’s only right I include her in this slideshow. The lashes, the nails and the lip color. Fly.
May, 2000
This was almost the feature image. So much beauty and sisterhood in one shot. Love this one.
September, 2000
And now for the real Alek Wek. The woman is a goddess.
September, 2007
Is that velvet?! I love Jill Scott with big, fluffy hair. I little cleave, a jutted hip and a big smile. She looks great.
September, 2008
Awww! Look how Malia and Sasha have grown in just a few short years. This issue definitely deserved to be a collector’s edition. Such a great image.
December, 2008
Look at these two! So photogenic and so inspirational with their thoughts on marriage.
December, 2010
Another celebration of sisterhood with the cast of For Colored Girls.
December, 2012
Probably one of the youngest people featured on the cover, Essence decided to put Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas on the cover.
October, 2013
You made it to the end! And lucky for you, I saved the best for last. We’ve seen some beautiful covers throughout these last 24 pages but honestly this is my favorite. It’s simple but Viola’s skin against this hunter green is everything! The hair, the makeup, the smile…flawless.
Do you have a favorite Essence cover that didn’t make the list?
