The magazine's 40th anniversary issue celebrates 40 fierce and fabulous women. Some of the women featured include Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Serena Williams and Vanessa L. Williams. The issue also includes a message from First Lady Michelle Obama about how Essence has helped to shape her life and others.
Michelle commented: "I think the cover is beautiful. I wish Essence would get back to putting models on the covers. I grew up with the magazine and enjoyed seeing different models every month. Less stars. More models."
