Boycott: Essence Magazine Is Erasing Freedmen History

Freedmen Nation has officially launched a boycott of @Essence Magazine. This decision comes after repeated attempts to engage with Essence leadership were ignored, and after continued coverage that erases the unique history of American Freedmen—especially in stories like Dear New Orleans.

On February 10, 2025, we sent a formal email to Richelieu Dennis, owner of Essence, demanding accountability for their historical distortion. That email was ignored. On February 18, we mailed a certified letter to escalate our demand for accurate representation. A delivery attempt was made on February 22 and redelivery has been rescheduled.

Essence continues to push a broad “African” or “diasporic” narrative that glosses over the distinct history of Freedmen—those whose lineage traces back to chattel slavery and emancipation in the United States. We reject this erasure.

Our demands:

1. Stop erasing Freedmen history in your publication.

2. Acknowledge New Orleans as a Freedmen city.

3. Represent us as a distinct, status-based group, not a vague cultural category.

Until Essence addresses these issues publicly, Freedmen Nation calls for a full boycott of their magazine, events, and media platforms.

Withdraw your support. Speak out. Share this message.

We’re not just protecting history—we’re protecting identity.