EBONY is celebrating #BlackJoy all summer, and we teamed up with one of our favorite shows for a July cover shoot that embodies the feel good vibes of the season. We caught up with he cast of Emmy winner Lena Waithe’s coming-of-age drama series, 'The Chi' in partnership with SHOWTIME.

The hit series centers around a group of residents in a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. On a warm summer afternoon, the EBONY team headed to the windy city to photograph the cast ahead of their much-anticipated Season 6’s launch.

Stars Jacob Latimore, Luke James, Yolonda Ross, Curtiss Cook and Birgundi Baker showed out in a series of colorful looks in pastel tones and brights pulled by stylist Alexander Julian-Gibbson. The cast embraced our 'Garden Party' theme amid lush greenery, stunning floral arrangements, decadent desserts. and festive cocktails.

In their EBONY cover story, the cast reflects on the show’s elevation and evolution going into its sixth season. Check out the behind-the-scenes action in this exclusive video and click here for the full digital cover experience.