Essence Just Published Its First-Ever ‘Woke 100’ Women List

Shonda Rhimes, Circle of Mothers founder Sybrina Fulton and Women’s March co-chairs Tamika Mallory, Linda Sarsour and Carmen Perez are all being honored on Essence’s first-ever Woke 100 Women list.

The list celebrates 100 women “at the forefront of activism across the political, social and creative spectrum,” according to a statement. The cover of the magazine’s May issue, which hit newsstands on Monday, features 12 of the noted women, and interviews with the honorees about why it’s so important for black women to get involved in “the fight for Black liberation.”

“Women can empower ourselves by embracing the intersections of our advocacy and educating ourselves on the issues impacting others,” activist Janaye Ingram, one of the Woke 100 Women, told Essence.

Actress Zendaya, author Luvvie Ajayi and journalist Joy Reid also made the list, and all honorees will be recognized at the Essence Festival in June.