Known for constantly rotating the same half dozen stars on their covers - typically Gabrielle Union, Mary J. Blige, Nia Long, Tyler Perry, Beyonce and Mo'Nique - Essence magazine has shaken things up by showcasing the Tony Award-winning actress behind Disney's first Black princess, Anika Noni Rose.

In the cover feature, the star of the 'Princess and the Frog' dialogued with Hollywood moms like actress Nikki Micheaux ('Lincoln Heights') and her daughter, in addition to a rising Tinseltown star Amber Riley ('Glee') about the enduring need for positive images of Black female in the media.

The January 2010 issue of Essence is on newsstands now.