black
futures
month
2024
This year for Black History Month, ESSENCE is honoring a small group of changemakers who are fighting for our collective liberation with our second annual “Black Futures Now” list. Honorees buck the status quo and are working towards social, economic, and racial justice from a progressive or radical Iens. Meet the activists, academics, and more working to ensure we have a beautiful, bold, Black future NOW.
black
futurists
Academia
Dr. Brandon Frame
Dr. Brandon Frame is a visionary leader, educator and advocate for Black male excellence. He serves as a professor of social-emotional learning at Sacred Heart University and is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of TheBlackManCan, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the narratives of Black men and boys. Through programs and events, The Black Man Can has impacted over 15,000 Black men and boys, cultivating an online community of over 1 million followers and generating 8 million monthly impressions. Beyond his work in education and non-profits, Dr. Frame is the co-founder of #hiphoped and the author of Define Yourself, Redefine the World: A Guided Journal for Boys and Men of Color and the beloved children’s book My First Tie. His contributions have earned him accolades such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, BET’s Next in Class honor in education, and NY1 New Yorker of the Week. Dr. Frame holds a doctorate from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College. In all he does, he relentlessly pursues excellence with impeccable effort.
What is one actionable step that someone can take regarding racial justice and human rights to ensure our future is Black, bold, and beautiful?
W. Mondale Robinson
W. Mondale Robinson is the mayor of Enfield, NC and electoral engagement advocate and expert committed to increasing Black political power. He is the Founding Principal of the Black Male Voters Project (BMVP), the first national organization dedicated solely to mobilizing Black men in electoral politics. His innovative BMEP Additory Approach©️ has expanded Black male voter engagement across 21 states, revolutionizing outreach strategies. Robinson is also the Founder of The C. Institute, an NGO focused on equitable governance for people of African descent worldwide, and CEO of WMR Consulting, where he has worked on over 160 political campaigns at all levels. In 2021, he made history by unseating an incumbent by 53 points to become Enfield’s youngest mayor. He also founded #ALLACTION, a digital organizing group specializing in community advocacy and civil disobedience training.
A recognized political analyst, Robinson has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, Democracy Now, Al Jazeera, and other major media platforms. He writes for The Village Celebration and co-hosts the political podcast Clickbaity: Political ThirstTrap, using activism, governance, and media to challenge systemic barriers and empower Black communities.
Elected Official/ Activism
Alencia Johnson
Alencia Johnson is an award-winning cultural commentator, author, political advisor, and leader at the intersection of social impact and culture change, uniquely experienced at marrying cultural cornerstones- advocacy, politics, corporate and entertainment- together for good. She is the Founder of 1063 WestBroad — a social impact consultancy and media company connecting brands, organizations, and people to purpose-driven solutions. Her debut book, Flip The Tables: The Everyday Disruptor's Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change, will be published in March 2025.
She has worked for the presidential campaigns of President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren and was a senior advisor to both President Biden 2020 campaign and Vice President Harris' 2024 campaign. Alencia also held national roles at Planned Parenthood and GEICO -- leading efforts in each organization to address systemic issues facing marginalized communities through brand, engagement and narrative strategies. During her six years at Planned Parenthood, she was one of the architects behind the "Stand With Black Women" branding and framework, as well as led the organization's election media strategies with Secretary Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
Alencia has been recognized by Harvard University with a "Woman of the Year" award, EBONY Magazine's "Power 100"list of influential African Americans, PRWeek's "40 Under 40" list and more. Her board service includes the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation's Social Justice Fund as well as Human Rights First and she was appointed to the Virginia Council on Women by Governor Ralph Northam. She is currently a Georgetown University Institute of Politics Fellow. Alencia is a sought-after thought leader and cultural critic who is regularly featured on MSNBC, CNN, ABC, BET, NPR, Washington Post, ESSENCE, Glamour and more.
Media/ Social Impact
Dr. Topeka K. Sam
Dr. Topeka K. Sam is a visionary leader in criminal justice reform, finance and media. She is the Founder of The Ladies of Hope Ministries, Inc. (TheLOHM) and President of EPIC Financial PBLLC, TKS Ventures LLC, and Faces & Voices Inc. She also co-founded Music Thera-P and MyFRSH Financial Services, using these platforms to address trauma and promote emotional well-being. A trusted advisor and advocate, Dr. Sam serves on the boards of The Marshall Project, Operation Restoration, Pure Legacee, and the United Justice Coalition, and provides strategic guidance to RBIJ and HARP. Since her release from federal prison on May 5, 2015, Dr. Sam has become a sought-after speaker, media personality, and consultant, using her lived experience to drive systemic change. She hosted The Topeka K. Sam Show on SiriusXM Urban View Channel 126 for three years and is now developing scripted and unscripted TV and film projects as an Executive Producer, continuing her fight to reform the criminal justice system for incarcerated women.
Activism
Nia Faith
Justice and Nia Faith are sisters and the co-founders of Révolutionnaire and The Rév Shop, two platforms dedicated to empowerment. Révolutionnaire is a movement that mobilizes young people to drive meaningful impact across causes, while The Rév Shop is an inclusive apparel and accessories line designed for everyone to celebrate the skin they're in. Through educational content and large-scale giveback initiatives, Révolutionnaire amplifies youth voices, fosters community, and champions diversity. In collaboration with Deborah Cox, Justice and Nia have led large-scale donation drives and HBCU service days that have benefitted disaster-stricken and food-insecure communities in Canada, the United States, and across the Caribbean. Révolutionnaire leverages purpose-driven content to educate the next generation of changemakers through its podcast, digital community, and leadership workshops, as well as interview series created in collaboration with national media companies and the United Nations.
The Rév Shop partners with globally recognized brands to co-create shade and size-inclusive product collaborations, ensuring that everyone feels seen, recognized, and celebrated. Their collaborations include sold-out clothing collections with Roots, a curated collection with L'Oréal's Essie, and an eyewear line with New Look featuring over 70 inclusive frames. Beyond their work with Révolutionnaire and The Rév Shop, the Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees proudly serve as VOW for Girls Ambassadors and Misty Copeland Foundation Young Patrons. Nia is a proud alumna of the Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and justice graduated as valedictorian from Columbia University.
Activism
Justice Faith
Justice and Nia Faith are sisters and the co-founders of Révolutionnaire and The Rév Shop, two platforms dedicated to empowerment. Révolutionnaire is a movement that mobilizes young people to drive meaningful impact across causes, while The Rév Shop is an inclusive apparel and accessories line designed for everyone to celebrate the skin they're in. Through educational content and large-scale giveback initiatives, Révolutionnaire amplifies youth voices, fosters community, and champions diversity. In collaboration with Deborah Cox, Justice and Nia have led large-scale donation drives and HBCU service days that have benefitted disaster-stricken and food-insecure communities in Canada, the United States, and across the Caribbean. Révolutionnaire leverages purpose-driven content to educate the next generation of changemakers through its podcast, digital community, and leadership workshops, as well as interview series created in collaboration with national media companies and the United Nations.
The Rév Shop partners with globally recognized brands to co-create shade and size-inclusive product collaborations, ensuring that everyone feels seen, recognized, and celebrated. Their collaborations include sold-out clothing collections with Roots, a curated collection with L'Oréal's Essie, and an eyewear line with New Look featuring over 70 inclusive frames. Beyond their work with Révolutionnaire and The Rév Shop, the Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees proudly serve as VOW for Girls Ambassadors and Misty Copeland Foundation Young Patrons. Nia is a proud alumna of the Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and justice graduated as valedictorian from Columbia University.
Activism
Monica Simpson
Monica Raye Simpson is the Executive Director of SisterSong, the southern-based national Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. Monica is a proud, Black Queer Feminist and graduate of Johnson C Smith University, a historically black university (HBCU) based in Charlotte, NC. For over 20 years, Monica has been organizing extensively for LGBTQ liberation, civil and human rights, and sexual and reproductive justice from a Southern to a global scale. As a creative and cultural strategist, Monica lives by the charge set by Nina Simone, who says, "It's an artist's duty to reflect the times," and is deeply committed to using the power of cultural organizing to educate and ignite the masses and dismantle systems of oppression. She is certified in "Power, Innovation & Leadership." from the Harvard Kennedy School and is a published writer. Monica has also received numerous awards and acknowledgments for her innovative leadership, including being named a New Civil Rights Leader by Essence Magazine, a visionary leader by the Ms. Foundation, one of Fast Company's awardees on their Queer 50 list, and one of TIME 100's most influential people of 2023.
activism
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents Texas' 30th Congressional District and is a former civil rights attorney and Texas State Representative. Throughout her career—as a public defender, civil rights advocate, and legislator—she has fought for economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, and voting rights. As the youngest Black lawmaker and sole Black freshman in Texas during the 87th Legislative Session, she played a key role in passing landmark reforms and was a leading architect of the 2021 Texas House Quorum Break against restrictive voting laws. Since 2023, she has served in Congress, where she sits on the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees and holds leadership positions, including Vice Ranking Member and Democratic Women's Caucus Communications Task Force Co-Chair. Congresswoman Crockett holds a B.A. from Rhodes College and a J.D. from the University of Houston and is licensed to practice law in Texas, Arkansas, and federal courts. She has held various leadership positions within the legal community and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Elected Official
Tevon Blair
Tevon Blair, a strategic communicator and social equity advocate, is the co-founder of Xceleader and leads the non-profit's nonpartisan Vote HBCU program. He develops strategies that empower young people to engage in politics, equipping them to be informed and active participants in the democratic process at the local, statewide, and national levels. He was honored by I am a Voter, Headcount, and The Rockefeller Foundation in their inaugural "Democracy Heroes" list. Tevon is a graduate of Dillard University and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Civic Engagement/ Academia
Jotaka Eaddy
Jotaka Eaddy is an award-winning strategist, advocate and connector with more than 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy and movement building. As the Founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, LLC, Jotaka has led transformative change and global impact for clients, including advising Oprah Winfrey: OWN Network's award-winning OWN Your Vote Campaign; supporting the expansion of inclusive policy and platform changes for some of the world's largest tech companies and venture firms; and guiding the launch of Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women Initiative that created a historic one billion dollar investment in Black women. In 2020, Jotaka founded #WinWithBlackWomen, an intergenerational, intersectional group of Black women leaders representing business, sports, movement, politics, entertainment, and beyond who stand united in support of Black women. The network made history in championing Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential bid, raising over $3 million for the Harris-Walz ticket and inspiring more than 200 pro-Kamala affinity groups that collectively raised over $20 million for the campaign.Jotaka's previous accomplishments range from her election as the University of South Carolina's first Black Woman Student Body President and groundbreaking work to abolish the juvenile death penalty in America to her pivotal leadership as Senior Advisor to the NAACP - all before her successful transition to the C-Suite of Silicon Valley.
Social Impact
Q & A :
Dr. Brandon Frame
One actionable step that anyone can take to ensure our future is Black, bold, and beautiful is to commit to radical investment in Black futures—financially, educationally, and emotionally. This means intentionally pouring resources into Black-led organizations, businesses, and institutions that are building the world we deserve. It means advocating for policies that dismantle systemic barriers and ensure equity in education, housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity. It means standing in unwavering solidarity with Black people—not just in moments of crisis but in the everyday, unseen work of liberation. It is not enough to be a bystander. Racial justice and human rights require active participation, not passive observation. Buy from Black businesses. Elevate Black voices. Protect Black children. Challenge anti-Blackness wherever it appears, whether in your workplace, your community, or your own family. A future that is Black, bold, and beautiful is not a wish—it is a demand. And that demand is met when we commit, every day, to action that ensures Black people do more than survive—we thrive, we create, we lead, and we shine.
Tevon Blair
Prioritize learning and uplifting the work of Black leaders who have paved the way for us in the fight for basic human rights. We have the power to shape our narrative and create a future that is unapologetically Black, bold and beautiful.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
One real move you can make is to stay plugged into your community and support Black-owned businesses and organizations that are making a difference. That's the foundation right there. If you're in a position to invest in Black people's work—whether that's through your dollars, your voice, or your time. Also, use your platform, whatever it is—social media, your job, your family dinners—to have the hard conversations about race, inequality, and what real justice looks like. It's about holding people accountable, making noise when needed, and showing up for the cause, especially when it gets uncomfortable. These actions, big and small, show that we're all about Black power, Black beauty, and Black liberation. It's a movement, not a moment.
Monica Simpson
For those of us working in and committed to advancing racial justice and human rights, we are gearing up for the fight for our lives. The presidential election results were disappointing–and that's saying it lightly–but that doesn't mean we are giving up hope. Our survival depends on the strength of our communities and in realizing our collective power–it never solely depended on who sat on judicial benches or resided in the White House. As we look to rebuild and win back our rights, we must double down on our commitment to the tenets of Reproductive Justice, which is an intersectional movement fighting for the human rights to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. To ensure our future is Black, bold, and beautiful, I urge our community to connect to a movement home to organize and build political power. If you don't have one yet, the doors of the Reproductive Justice movement are open. Don't forget that the same politicians trying to ban abortion are the ones banning books and gender-affirming care. Oppressive systems are interlocking, so our movement must be intersectional. Our collective liberation is linked to each other. We are so powerful when we organize and fight together, and they know it.
Justice Faith
At Révolutionnaire, we always say that change starts with being informed. Through consulting reliable sources and having conversations with the people most impacted by the causes we care about, we can build strategies that effectively serve communities and shape a better future.
A lack of education remains one of the most powerful tools of oppression. Knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions, challenge injustice, and create real impact. By engaging with informative resources, collaborating with the organizations that are leading the charge, and most importantly, learning our history, we can marshal the courage of our ancestors, understand the present, and boldly shape the future our world deserves.
Nia Faith
At Révolutionnaire, we always say that change starts with being informed. Through consulting reliable sources and having conversations with the people most impacted by the causes we care about, we can build strategies that effectively serve communities and shape a better future.
A lack of education remains one of the most powerful tools of oppression. Knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions, challenge injustice, and create real impact. By engaging with informative resources, collaborating with the organizations that are leading the charge, and most importantly, learning our history, we can marshal the courage of our ancestors, understand the present, and boldly shape the future our world deserves.
Alencia Johnson
Taking care of ourselves and healing ourselves so that we can be in better community with one another is an imperative. Too often, we let the work of challenging oppression consume our lives so much that we ignore ourselves and can sometimes cause harm to the very people we are supposed to build with. Learning how to be in healthy community is critical. It builds a strong foundation. An immovable community that can stand together in the face of the systems and institutions that want to destroy us. Deepening our relationship with our community expands our empathy and interest in humanity. We've been through this before and we know that the harm will hit us the hardest. We must go into the community and reduce harm both underground and offline, and we can only do that if we heal ourselves first. A healed and healthy soul is an unmovable soul. When we love ourselves deeply, we develop the courage to face an uncertain and unjust world. Alice Walker said, 'There has to be some way to keep a healthy soul. To keep a real centered part of yourself that is not touched, that is not overrun by the oppression you encounter on a daily basis.
W. Mondale Robinson
One undeniable step that one can take to be in concert with the movement for racial justice is to ensure they are rejecting every institution designed to prop up the lie of white supremacy. There is no equitable Black future that doesn't include a robust critique of our present and past. As inheritors of blood that water and feed the entire "New World," we are also obligated to announce with God-fearing authority that which constantly harms our growth. So, in short, standing erect with all of the wrongs of the past is the only way to ensure we are cuddled properly in our Blackest futures.
Dr. Topeka K. Sam
One actionable step you can take today to ensure our future is Black, bold, and beautiful is to amplify and invest in Black-led organizations and grassroots movements that are driving systemic change. Our liberation is tied to our ability to build economic power, shift policies, and create sustainable opportunities for our communities. That means not just showing up in moments of crisis but consistently supporting the work—whether through funding, advocacy, mentorship, or leveraging your platform to uplift the voices of those on the front lines. When we invest in ourselves and our people, we create a future where justice isn't just an ideal—it's a lived reality.
Jotaka Eaddy
One of the most powerful steps we can take is to commit to collective action: standing together, speaking truth to power, and staying informed. Change does not happen in isolation. It requires us to listen, learn, and boldly challenge systems of oppression - wherever they exist. We must advocate for policies that protect and uplift marginalized communities, use our voices to hold institutions accountable and ensure that those being pushed to the margins are centered in conversations about justice and equity. Equally important as the fight for justice is the practice of self-care. Self-care is an act of resistance. Civil rights activist Audre Lorde reminded us that self-care is not a luxury; it is a radical act of preservation. If we are to continue the work of building a future that is Black, bold, and beautiful, we must prioritize our well-being - especially as Black women- because a movement that sustains itself is a movement that wins.
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