“In my dreams I didn’t think about how many shows I would be on and how many people would tweet me…it’s so cool!” –Gabrielle Douglas
ESSENCE is proud to honor extraordinary Black women each month, and in this issue it features its “2012 Women of the Year” — including Gabrielle Douglas, First Lady Michelle Obama, Robin Roberts and more! In the cover story Gabby Takes Flight, see what life has been like for “America’s Sweetheart” after making Olympic history — and why she continues to steal our hearts today. Plus, ESSENCE remembers the shared triumphs (Serena’s top wins at Wimbledon, the Olympics and the U.S. Open), personal storms (Sybrina Fulton’s fight for justice for slain son Trayvon Martin) and bittersweet good-byes (to Whitney, Donna, Ms. Melodie and more) that made us cheer, grieve and strengthen our resolve.