Serena leads September issue of ESSENCE Magazine

Serena Williams continues to make waves in the sport, business and fashion industries. The 37-year-old leads theSeptember issue of *Essence* **which features a special redesign.

In the issue, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, activist and mother opens up about her body, her achievements and how they effect the black community, and how she started investing in herself.

ESSENCE chief content and creative director Moana Luu felt compelled to tell her story, and believed Brooklyn artist Laolu Senbanjo and Serena could create the perfect combination together.

"This Nigerian print that we put on her face, on her body, in the background, it's tribal but it's modern," Luu said.

"Black women are pieces of art," Luu said. "And that's the way we are treating this cover. So it's a piece of art, and I really hope that people will understand."

The issue also features ESSENCE's Best in Black Fashion Awards, which recognizes standout individuals in design, photography, styling and more.

The Serena-led issue will hit newsstands on August 16, just ahead the US Open.