Culture Loft has released its August issue, bringing together stories that celebrate the people, ideas, and experiences shaping Black culture today. The issue features Miko Branch on the cover, offering readers a closer look at her journey, perspective, and the legacy of Miss Jessie’s. Inside, readers will also find Dion Dawson, founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, and Jay Rush Jennings, alongside editorial coverage of the Black Women’s Expo in Chicago. From entrepreneurship and

Black Women’s Expo 2026: A Celebration of Community, Conversation & Culture For more than 30 years, the Black Women’s Expo has created a space where entrepreneurship, culture, wellness, education, and community intersect. Founded by Merry Green, the expo has grown into one of the country’s most recognized celebrations of Black women, providing a platform where businesses, leaders, creators, and change-makers can connect and thrive. The 2026 Black Women’s Expo returned to Chic

For many Black families, wellness didn’t begin with expensive supplements or luxury health stores. It started in our kitchens, gardens, and conversations in the family. Over time, the knowledge and just the concept of wellness became harder to access and understand. Wellness began to feel complicated and harder to access. Holmes Hydration is helping to change that. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, the Black-owned wellness brand creates small-batch herbal teas, infused honeys, in

By Deola Gaiter, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Culture Loft Magazine Some moments are bigger than an event, they become memories that stay with you forever. Covering the official Watch Party and Opening Day of the Obama Presidential Center was one of those moments. The Official Watch Party Upon walking into the official Grand Opening Watch Party at Midway Plaisance Parkway, the atmosphere immediately felt familiar. It was as if a family reunion, a neighborhood barbecue, and a su

Every year on June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks freedom, history, resilience, and the continued progress of Black Americans. While many people know it as a holiday filled with cookouts, music, festivals, and family gatherings, Juneteenth carries a much deeper meaning that deserves to be remembered and honored. Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed that they were free, more than two years a

The new year offers a fresh start and an opportunity to rethink how we support Black culture and businesses. Recent pullbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by many corporations have created setbacks for Black entrepreneurs and communities. These changes have made it harder for Black-owned businesses to thrive and for Black culture to receive the recognition and support it deserves. This moment calls for intentional actions that go beyond corporate prog

After being diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), L. Marie Asad transformed her personal journey into a mission to support others facing the same reality. As the founder and president of the Friends of the PBC Foundation, she is creating space for education, connection, and empowerment for individuals navigating this rare liver disease. With more than two decades of experience helping others access healthcare and community resources, L. Marie brings both professi