Vibrant Magazine

In her article "Could You Be Happier?", Life Style Editor Skyanna Taylor explores the science of personal well-being, breaking down how small, intentional daily habits—like gratitude journaling and finding your flow—can help boost overall life satisfaction.

To explore more lifestyle insights and full feature stories, visit www.mytaylormedia.com to read more articles like these!

Judge Gray is fundamentally reshaping how young adults interact with the legal system. As Presiding Judge of the first south suburban Restorative Justice Community Court in Cook County, she brings together local colleges, service providers, and municipal leaders to create a powerful ecosystem focused on trauma-informed practices, accountability, and genuine healing.

From developing gun violence prevention curricula in local classrooms to serving as an Erikson Institute Executive Fellow, Judge Gray is proving that when young people are offered paths toward repair and opportunity, communities grow stronger. 🏛️

📖 Read full feature profiles and explore more editions at www.mytaylormedia.com

From over two decades of dedicated advocacy protecting children and families to her official appointment to the Circuit Court of Cook County, attorney Ashonta C. Rice is breaking barriers and redefining compassionate leadership in the legal system.

Read her inspiring feature in our latest edition of Black Women of Excellence to learn how her unwavering purpose, resilience, and commitment to equity paved her path to the bench.

👇 Check out the full feature below and join us in celebrating her historic journey!

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…" ✨

We are honored to feature Dr. Kimberly M. Foy-Smith in this edition of Black Women of Excellence! Her story is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and unwavering grace. From making the life-changing decision in 2021 to return to school, to overcoming health challenges and earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—Dr. Foy-Smith proves that obstacles don't have the final word when God is writing your story. 🕊️🎓

Special appreciation to her family, New Hope Christian Community Church, and her sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for their continuous love and support throughout her incredible journey.

📖 Read her full feature above!
“I am not defined by the challenges I faced. I am defined by the God who carried me through them.” — Dr. Kimberly M. Foy-Smith

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Behind the national coverage of a heartbreaking loss stands Christine Wells-Wonsley—a dedicated nurse, devoted parent, and a mother who refuses to let her son’s story be reduced to a statistic.

On July 4, 2026, 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, a talented college football player and strong swimmer, went missing during a boating trip to Horn Island, Mississippi. After days of overwhelming uncertainty, his body was recovered on July 6. While initial reports suggested an accidental drowning, critical questions surrounding timeline discrepancies, delayed notifications, and contradicting witness accounts remain unanswered.

Alongside attorney Ben Crump and civil rights advocates, Christine is actively demanding a fully transparent, independent, and federally overseen investigation. Her resolve is absolute: securing clarity, accountability, and justice for Nolan.
Read the full feature in our latest digital edition and join us in keeping his story heard.

Empowering women of color in Illinois & surrounding areas is at the heart of the of Vibrant Magazine!

This edition enters a powerful season of abundance, wellness, and rest—doubling down on the promise of "More Good Days, Together" while honoring the visionaries, mentors, and matriarchs who sustain and elevate our communities.

Inside This Issue

2026 Black Women of Excellence: Celebrating outstanding leadership and impact, featuring Judge Ieshia E. Gray, Ashonta C. Rice, Dr. Kimberly M. Foy-Smith, Myesha "BawseLady" Anderson, Skyanna Taylor, Stacey Perry, Donna Miller, and Cecilia Cuff.

Red Carpet Royalty: Turn to page 17 to see 4x Stellar Nominee Bobbi Lane command the red carpet at the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

Community & Culture: Uplifting the rich history and dynamic spirit of our African American and Caribbean American communities, featuring a tribute on page 3 honoring the legacy of longtime Southland public servant Kimberley R. Bond.

Published by Taylor Media Inc. and serving Chicago and the South Suburbs. Grab your copy today and move through this season feeling deeply seen, cherished, and unapologetically vibrant.

Click here to read more: https://mytaylormedia.com/2026/08/august-2026-vibrant-magazine/

The August 2026 issue of Vibrant Magazine is officially out now.

Inside This Issue

2026 Black Women of Excellence: Spotlighting extraordinary leadership and community impact, featuring Judge Ieshia E. Gray, Ashonta C. Rice, Dr. Kimberly M. Foy-Smith, Myesha "BawseLady" Anderson, Skyanna Taylor, Stacey Perry, Donna Miller, and Cecilia Cuff.

Red Carpet Spotlight: Flip to page 17 as 4x Stellar Nominee Bobbi Lane commands the red carpet at the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

In Loving Memory: Turn to page 3 as the Southland community honors the life and legacy of longtime public servant Kimberley R. Bond.
Serving Chicago and the South Suburbs. Grab your copy today.

Click this link to subscribe to our publication:

https://mytaylormedia.com/2026/08/august-2026-vibrant-magazine/

Talk about a stunning hometown return! Malia and Sasha Obama completely stole the show in Chicago this week, bringing all the style, grace, and effortless beauty to the South Side.

Real-world heroes don’t wear capes—they’re out in our communities changing lives every single day. 👑✨

Page 15 of our June issue shines a well-deserved spotlight on two remarkable forces of nature for our Black Women of Excellence feature:

✨ Dr. Katrina Lake, MD ( if available) — an exceptional OB/GYN, advocate, and founder of Sister MD, a mentoring network uplifting the next generation of minority healthcare professionals. 🩺

✨ Melinda Collins — a dedicated licensed professional therapist and DCFS Child Protection Investigator whose empathy and service bring hope and healing to families when they need it most. 💛

Let’s celebrate these incredible leaders, and tap the link in our bio to read their full inspiring stories!

Teyana Taylor is officially being honored as the 2026 BET Icon of the Year! Coming off a massive year of Golden Globe wins, Oscar nods, and Grammy nominations, there is absolutely no denying her impact.