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Photos: Multiple ‘Black Love’ Ebony Covers for Feb. Issue

*The February edition of Essence magazine has a “black love” theme and features three different covers of couples who represent passion, purpose and power in their own distinct ways.

Passion – Actors Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker
Purpose – President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Power – Jay-Z and Beyoncé

“These couples exemplify how being partners, lovers and friends can and does result in powerful and meaningful relationships and accomplishments,” Ebony announces in a press release.

The issue’s annual roundup of hot couples will also help to launch a yearlong exploration of black relationships through the Ebony Partner Project, a look at how men and women are relating and how they can improve their relationships. The survey garnered some surprising new findings, including:

• 62% of AA men and women believe there is a one and only soul mate for them,

• 26% of married African American (AA) women have cheated on their

current partner vs. 9% of married AA men,

• 40% of AA women have used pornography vs. 29% of AA men, and, in the true spirit of Valentine’s Day.

The February Ebony also includes a special section, The Politics of Hate – a close look at race and hatred and how it has affected the first two years of Obama’s Presidency. Just as the new, Republican-led Congress takes its seat, Ebony debates a critical question: “Is Obama Tough Enough?”

Also, in her last interview ever the late Teena Marie talks about Rick James’ career-defining 1981 hit “Super Freak,” 30 years after its release. Ebony’s Senior Writer Margena Christian delves into the King of Punk Funk’s insatiable appetite for defiance, drugs and women in the “Super Freak Diaries.”

And finally, after more than a decade, Malcolm X’s daughters reunite to take back their father’s legacy. In an Ebony exclusive interview, sisters IIyasah, Gamilah and Malaak Shabazz tell their compelling story of forgiveness and purpose with hopes that their father’s work would, “not be in vain.”

On iPad and newsstands nationwide Tuesday, Jan. 11.