About the Mag

Remember all those times you’ve wished there was a teen magazine you could legit relate to, and *gasp*, actually see yourself in? Wish no more because now you can have all that IRL! We created Sesi to give you a voice and a media space where you’re no longer invisible. “Sesi” means “sister” in Sotho, a Bantu language mainly spoken in Southern Africa. The only print magazine for Black teen girls in the U.S., Sesi reps to the fullest. Peep our squad:

🌟Featured on NBC LX, NBC News Washington, ABC’s Let’s Talk Live, and Elite Daily🌟

Team Sesi. Headshot of Andrea Butler, Sesi magazine's editor-in-chief/publisher. She's a Black woman wearing long box braids and a black and gray sweater.

Andréa Butler

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

As a teen, I had what my mom called, “an intense obsession” with magazines. But I got sick of reading mags I couldn’t relate to: Essence was too old, and the Seventeens and YMs of the world left me singing, “Where My (Black) Girls At?” One night, as I was flipping through a few of those mags (I had to read something!), I thought to myself, “If there’s still not a teen magazine that speaks to Black girls by the time I’m done with school, I’ll start one myself.” And I did, with Shannon, my friend since high school. We’ve been killin’ it ever since.

Shannon Boone

Art Director, Emerita

Print and magazine design are my first loves. I design for Sesi to share an experience with our audience that they can relate to. I am committed and passionate about providing enjoyable, entertaining layouts to enhance every girl’s love for herself.

A photo of Shannon Boone, Sesi's art director, emeritus. She's a Black woman wearing short hair and black glasses.
Team Sesi. Photo of Laswhawn Hudson, contributing writer. She's wearing a curly afro, a black sweater with white flowers/leaves and black leather pants. She's smiling and posing with one hand on her hips and one making the peace sign.

LaShawn Hudson

Contributing Writer

Writing for Sesi magazine is personal for me; it’s my gift to young Black girls all around the globe. Their stories, thoughts and experiences matter — and now it’s time that we shine a light on them. Dear beautiful Black girl, you are enough. Not even the sky is a barrier for you. Go courageously after your dreams.

Tracey L. Rogers

Astrologer/Horoscope Writer

I am thrilled to be a part of #TeamSesi, and I hope my horoscopes resonate deeply with you! I write for Sesi because it is an opportunity for me to share messages of empowerment with young, Black women who will go on to change the world, promoting a new set of values that reflect tolerance, humility, and a shared humanity for all. #ProudToBeBlack

Photo of Tracey Rogers, astrologer and horoscope writer. She's wearing an afro, a red polka dot shirt, and is drinking from a mug of tea.
Headshot of Miaira Jennings, videographer for some of Sesi's photo shoots. She's wearing long box braids and an off-the-shoulder, striped dress against a beige background.

Miaira Jennings

Videographer

I’ve always had a passion for video production and hosting, and I’m proud to contribute to Sesi’s mission of celebrating Black girl magic, portraying positivity, and sharing inspirational content for young girls everywhere. Creating media that is both entertaining and meaningful is important to me, and I am able to do that as part of #TeamSesi. 

Kindra Moné

Contributing Writer

I’m a freelance fashion & beauty writer based in New York City. I love writing for Sesi to create inclusive content that reflects young, Black women; content that I wish I had during my time as a style-obsessed teen.

Team Sesi. Headshot of Kindra Mone, contributing writer. She's a Black woman wearing her straightened hair in a low bun. She's smiling and resting her face on one hand.
Team Sesi. Headshot of Jamie Yu, lead layout designer. She's an Asian woman, wearing a gray turtleneck. Her black hair is short, and she's smiling for the camera with one hand gently pulling on the neck of the sweater.

Jamie Yu

Lead Layout Designer

As a self-proclaimed pack rat that has collected copious piles of magazines, I love designing for Sesi. It is so rewarding being able to help girls through my own passion for print design.

Sire Leo Lamar-Becker

Contributing Writer/Photographer

I write for Sesi because Black girls and teenagers seeing themselves represented and being the focus of a magazine is so important. Stories curated based on their specific interests and experiences allow them to see that the world sees them as valid. All of my life I’ve been obsessed with pop culture, entertainment, and magazines; Sesi allows me to merge my passion for all of these things and gives them purpose

Headshot of Sire Leo Lamar-Becker, contributing writer and photographer. He's a Black man and is wearing is hair in a curly bun; he's also wearing black glasses, a nose ring, and a salmon-colored T-shirt with a light wash denim jacket over that. He's standing against a red background, holding his hands up by his face.

Alisiana Chanise Marshall

Contributing Writer

When I was a young girl, magazines were the only thing that came in the mail directly addressed to me. The magazines I was subscribed to never discussed the Black experience, but now I get to bring our stories to all of you! Writing for Sesi is a lifelong dream of mine actualized.

Cass Yu

Contributing Layout Designer

Empowering and supporting girls? Uh, yes! This is why I design for Sesi, and why I am proud to be a part of the #SesiTeam.

Team Sesi. Black and white headshot of Cass Yu, contributing layout designer. She's an Asian woman wearing her hair long. She's got on a white sweatshirt that says, "Live Fast, Live Long."
Team Sesi. Headshot of Jeana Aaron, contributing layout designer. She's a Black woman, and in this photo, she's seated in a red and white chair by a table. Her hair is short, one leg is crossed over the other, and she's wearing dark denim jeans, a taupe blouse, and a blue, black, and taupe necklace.

Jeana Aaron

Contributing Layout Designer

I’m so honored to be a part of the Sesi team. I consider myself an old-school designer because while I appreciate the digital world, I still LOVE the opportunity to work on print design projects. Sesi also gives me an opportunity as a Black mother of two daughters to be a contributing factor to a magazine that represents #blackgirlmagic.

Ryan Oakley

Contributing Illustrator

Representation REALLY matters! I illustrate for Sesi because Black teens should be able to see themselves in art, TV, and in media in general. Sesi is that needed outlet of positive imagery and stories for Black teens.

Team Sesi. Photo of Ryan Oakley, contributing illustrator. She's wearing large Senegalese twists and is standing outside by a flower bush. She's looking off to one side and is wearing a blue and black short-sleeved top with angels on it.

Ellanjé Martin

Contributing Writer

As a Black child that grew up collecting magazines, the lack of representation was always something I noticed and what ultimately led me to study journalism in college. Being a contributing writer for Sesi magazine is exactly what my younger self aspired to be. Having a place for young, Black teens to see themselves in all aspects is amazing!

Naajia Shukri

Contributing Writer

I write for Sesi because it allows me to foster the kind of inclusive content and representation that I didn’t see growing up. I love being able to share beauty tips that will help Black teens everywhere to be creative and come into their own style. In this way, writing for Sesi couldn’t be more rewarding. 

Jordan LeGras

Social Media Contributor

I chose to do social media for Sesi because I love being creative and connecting with audiences through brands. Also, I was really inspired by Sesi’s message/representation of young Black girls in the media!  

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