Ed Lewis, Clarence Smith, Susan Taylor of Essence Carved a Path For a Black Media Powerhouse
Since its first issue appeared on newsstands in April 1970, featuring a Black woman crowned with an Afro and all of her regal glory, Essence’s adoration for Black women still holds a place in today’s changing landscape.
Founded at the height of the Black Power Movement, social justice was always a core editorial component. Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth and Jonathan Blount recognized that Black women were an overlooked demographic and saw Essence Communications, Inc. (ECI) as an opportunity to tap the virtually untouched market of Black women readers.
Originally titled Sapphire Magazine, the publication was born out of the Black Is Beautiful movement, representing a shift towards Afrocentric pride. Its founders aimed to have the title reflect the gem-like resilience and beauty of Black women, including the richness of their history and culture.
In essence, the durability of a sapphire is second only to diamond, but the name change was attributed to readers’ likelihood to associate the magazine with the harmful and disrespectful “sapphire” stereotype.
Essence now exists in a different time than it was created.
Essence in the making
In 1968, Lewis, a First National City Bank executive trainee, Smith, a Prudential insurance salesman, Hollingsworth, a graphics consultant, and Blount, an advertising salesman, founded Hollingsworth Group before transitioning to publishers of the first general-interest magazine aimed at African-American women.
(left to right) Blount, Hollingsworth, Lewis, Smith / Facebook
It was during a time when “Black Capitalism” was both a Washington policy initiative and thrust of black business and civil rights leaders promoting self-determination and empowerment.
Despite it all, Essence Communications Inc. remained a perennial on the BE 100s until Time Inc. acquired the entire company in 2005.
Essence magazine started as a publication that celebrated the beauty and potential of African American women, and triumphed as a voice for them but not without tribulations. Obtaining funding was an issue, three editors-in-chief left within the first year, and Blount and Hollingsworth resigned after four years.
As the company’s majority owners, Lewis and Smith continued to capitalize on their focus during their 35-year partnership. The next step was ramping up product diversification to generate additional exposure and revenues.
The magazine went on to enlist a strong voice and direction with editor-in-chief Marcia Ann Gillespie until the owners made the game-changing move of elevating Susan Taylor to Editor-In-Chief in 1981. Taylor served as the publication’s face and voice for more than 20 years.
Susan L. Taylor
Taylor, who started out as a beauty writer and held many roles at the magazine before ultimately stepping in her chief role, only built on the founder’s legacy, taking the magazine to new heights. From empowering wellness content and monthly columns Say Brother and Back Talk to powerful Black imagery and photography, Taylor strived to not only bring Black women’s deepest truths alive on the pages of the magazine but also those of Black men.
During Taylor’s reign, the monthly readership surpassed five million people and captured the attention of Black women across the globe.
(Facebook)
Essence Music Festival
Known for being the “party with a purpose,” the first-ever Essence Music Festival kicked off in 1995 to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary. The visionaries behind the festival, Lewis and Smith, would eventually grow it into the nation’s largest Black culture and music attraction, drawing roughly 500,000 attendees to New Orleans every year.
Today, the festival is presented by Essence magazine featuring entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and performances each night. Bringing in millions of revenue for the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana, the July 4th weekend of eventsalso strives for capital access for female entrepreneurs and glowing partnerships to help empower communities.
(Image: McDonalds USA) McDonald’s USA® Partners with Keke Palmer to Surprise “Future 22” Change Leaders at Essence Fest.
During the 2014 festival season, the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) leveraged its platform on access to capital to reach black female entrepreneurs by participating in a pitch competition hosted by PowerMoves.
Launched in 2018, AT&T Dream in Black partnered with the Essence Music Festival to connect, empower, and uplift Black and Afro-Latinx communities through a full weekend of experiences and opportunities.
Creative director and stylist J. Bolin and singer LeToya Luckett
A legacy continues
Back in 1997, Ed Lewis, Essence Communications co-founder, told BLACK ENTERPRISE that he never ruled out the possibility of selling the publication. “Anything is possible, but we have to see how the world is conducting business and be mindful of our shareholders’ interest.”
In 2000, Time Inc. purchased a 49% percent stake from owners Smith and Lewis, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported. The company bought the remaining 51% percent in 2005, marking the first time in the company’s 34-year history, that it was no longer Black-owned, and completely under white ownership.
(Image: Black Enterprise Magazine. June 1997)
Twelve years later, in 2017, the now-defunct Time Inc. decided to sell Essence Communications Inc. to Shea Moisture founder Richelieu Dennis. Dennis launched Essence Ventures, LLC. to continue the legacy of the magazine. Essence magazine became Black owned again and still is as of today.
BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Chief Content Officer Derek T. Dingledescribed the transaction as “groundbreaking,” adding that this is an exemplary move of how African-American entrepreneurs “can execute with vision and wherewithal to return valuable institutions to African American ownership.”
REFORM Alliance Hosts Its First Iowa Job Fair In Partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Iowa Events Center
On February 15th, REFORM Alliance hosted its first Iowa Job Fair in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Iowa Events Center.
While open to all, the event’s focus was on eliminating barriers to employment for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Hundreds of attendees joined, receiving free career development resources, job readiness support, professional attire, haircuts, and most importantly, interviews with employers.
More than two dozen local employers and community partners attended the event. Participating employers included UPS, The Rasmussen Group, Amazon, Popeyes, Hy-Vee, Accumold, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Amazon, and Mom’s Meals, and others were hiring for hundreds of open positions at all levels.
REFORM Alliance and Greater Des Moines Partnership Host Iowa Job Fair at the Iowa Events Center – (Image credit: REFORM Alliance & Greater Des Moines Partnership)
Leading community-based organizations such as the Evelyn K. Davis Center, Project Iowa, Dress for Success, Men on the Move, and Your Coffee for a Cause were also on-site.
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, Council Members Josh Mandlebaum & Connie Boesen. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst and State Rep. Ross Wilburn also stopped by the fair to show their support.
The Iowa Job Fair arrived as the state continues to look for opportunities to grow its talent base. The latest statewide workforce assessment finds that there are more open jobs than those who are unemployed, showing the need to further find untapped talent.
REFORM Alliance and Greater Des Moines Partnership Host Iowa Job Fair at the Iowa Events Center – (Image credit: REFORM Alliance & Greater Des Moines Partnership)
“Employment is one of the key factors in reducing recidivism and preventing future crime. That’s why extending resources and equitable opportunities for quality jobs is fundamental to building safe communities and a thriving economy,” said Kam Middlebrooks, Iowa State Organizer, REFORM Alliance and Iowans United for Opportunity coalition lead.
“Many of these community members can and want to work, but haven’t been exposed to the right opportunities.”
“The need for talent is a top need we hear from our Investors and Members, and the resources we’ve assembled for this event were some of the best in the region to help bridge the gap between employers eager to fill critical roles and job seekers who are ready to work,” said Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
OUTFRONT Media Celebrates Black History Month with Campaigns to Honor Black Creators and African American Artists
OUTFRONT Media (NYSE: OUT) launched several OOH campaigns to celebrate and honor the lives, legacies, and artistry of Black Americans throughout Black History Month this February.
The campaigns include a partnership with AdAge spotlighting Black creators on billboards throughout the United Statesand two series celebrating African American artists and artists of color via separate partnerships with MoMA and Artsy. The following provide more details about each campaign:
Celebrating Black Creators with AdAge – OUTFRONT is partnering with AdAge for their annual Black History Month feature celebrating Black creative excellence, which debuted on 1. The project highlights key moments in the careers of inspiring and influential creators from across the creative industry on OUTFRONT’s digital out-of-home media across the U.S. Each billboard will feature a photo of a Black creative executive making an impact on the industry. Utilizing transit and street-level locations, the campaign will also include a QR code that will direct commuters to learn more about the full Black Creative Excellence series on AdAge.com. OUTFRONT’s East Coast Regional Creative Director Tim Wasicki, the artist behind the award-winning “Black Heart” campaign, kicked off the month of celebration.
Moments in Art (MoMA) – This February, Moments in Art celebrates Black History Month with the series Just Above Midtown: Changing Spaces. Just Above Midtown was an art gallery led by Linda Goode Bryant that foregrounded African American artists and artists of color. Open from 1974 until 1986, it was a place where Black art flourished and debate was cultivated. This exhibition will be running at MoMA through February 18th.
Moments in Culture (Artsy) – This February, Moments in Culture is proud to present Celebrating Black Art Historyin honor of Black History Month. This series will showcase works of Black Art History from the 1930s all the way up until current day.
“These partnerships and campaigns help propel black creatives into the forefront by diversifying design conversations,” said Tim Wasicki, OUTFRONT’s East Region Creative Director. “OOH sets the stage to drive further recognition through its mass reach and connectivity. We are proud to display this creative on our very visible media across the country.”
Ready Life Advisors Montel Williams, Dr. Bernice A. King and Ashley D. Bell Co-Host National Town Hall on Homeownership
Fifty-nine years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, the United States continues to suffer from long-term systemic bias that results in a variety of disparities–including significant wealth and homeownership gaps.
State of Homeownership in America: A National Town Hall
Today, Black mortgage applicants are denied at an 84 percent higher rate than white applicants.1 In an era of reckoning where the U.S. is acknowledging systemic discrimination that has negatively impacted communities for centuries, “The State of Homeownership In America: A National Town Hall” will identify the current hurdles to homeownership and explore solutions for increasing homeownership in underrepresented communities. The live webinar will commence Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM EST. Registration is free and open to the public at bit.ly/readytownhall.
The event is co-hosted by national television host Montel Williams, former White House Policy Advisor Ashley D. Bell and Dr. Bernice A. King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King.
“As a financial technology company committed to helping all families create generational wealth, we are very proud to present our first national town hall on homeownership,” states Ready Life founder and CEO, Ashley D. Bell. “Homeownership is a cornerstone to wealth-building and the barriers to homeownership must be identified and addressed head on.”
On the last day of Black History Month, Ready Life will gather its distinguished Advisory Council members, along with representatives from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a live webinar to address areas within the American housing landscape where systemic bias still exists, and discuss practical solutions. Some of the areas of systemic bias include: credit scoring, real estate appraisals, redlining and down payment requirements.
Montel Williams,Ready Life Advisory Council member and co-host of the Town Hall, believes it is important that stakeholders address the real hurdles American’s face and offer real solutions for families who seek to own a home. “I believe that everyone should have access to homeownership, which is a building block in obtaining the American Dream. There is no one size fits all, and those who may not qualify for traditional mortgages should have options available to them.”
With its innovative Ready Pay fintech platform, Ready Life aims to help individuals begin building generational wealth early in life by purchasing their first home at least a decade sooner in life. Ready Life’s program evaluates one’s ability to pay a mortgage based on rental payment history and overall spending habits.
“We live in an era where technology can be used as a tool to help level the playing field and remove historic barriers–as long as we’re willing to think outside the box,” states Dr. Bernice A. King, co-founder of Ready Life and Advisory Council Chair. “As a nation of brilliant innovators, we have a significant opportunity before us to change the trajectory toward a more inclusive economy, if we choose to rise to the occasion.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Has Atrial Fibrillation, Partners With Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer to Raise Awareness
NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer for its“NoTime To Wait” campaign in an effort to raise awareness for atrial fibrillation.
Today Showreports that close to 12.3 million people could have atrial fibrillation by 2030, however, many will remain undiagnosed because they lack symptoms.
Atrial fibrillation is close to Jabbar because he was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
“I had shortness of breath, fatigue, I had no energy. I was worried about it, but it wasn’t consistent. It would come and go,” Abdul-Jabbar said to theToday Show. “I thought, “Hey, I’m in the shape of my life. It’s not going to affect me.'”
Jabbar was on vacation in Europe with his son when he began having shortness of breath, but disregarded it because he felt he was in great shape. Then one day, Jabbar didn’t have the strength to get up.
“They had to help me out to my car. While I was going past the trophy case, I collapsed against it,” Jabbar recalled. “It was rough. And I didn’t know what was going on — that was the whole problem. I didn’t understand what was happening.”
Jabbar ignoring signs is not uncommon, yet dangerous.
“In my experience, I have seen many patients ignore or dismiss their symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Andrea Russo, director of cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia services at Cooper University Health System, said ina press release.
Russo added: “Because AFib can lead to serious consequences, including increasing the risk of stroke, its critical individuals are empowered to speak with a healthcare professional about any symptoms they may have. No symptom or concern is too small or insignificant.”
In other Jabbar news, Lebron James recently passed Jabbar’s record as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Jabbar held the record for 39 years.
‘His Subscription About to Expire’: Social Media Roasts Lori Harvey and Damson Idris Red Carpet Debut
Lori Harvey and Damson Idris made their red carpet debut at the “Snowfall” premiere. But social media thinks the couple is displaying a lack of chemistry.
Harvey accompanied her beau on the red carpet for the premiere party for the final season of FX’s “Snowfall,” Yahooreports. The happy couple smiled while posing for photos together throughout the night. Harvey wore a Black Tom Ford off-the-shoulder gown that paired beautifully with Idris’ tailored navy suit and white button-up shirt.
However, the video footage of their red carpet-debut didn’t receive the same response. Fans were quick to make a mockery of the pair, who went public at Harvey’s birthday party last month, and claim they lacked chemistry.
“They standing as if, if this don’t work out they can crop each other out the picture and still keep it,” one critic said.
Why tf does all her relationships look “business savvy” 🤣 like when is she gonna find real love. I could be wrong tho,” another user wrote.
“It’s looking like his subscription about to expire,” one onlooker jokingly added.
One even claimed Idris forgot to “pay for the PDA add-on that day.”
But once Lori caught wind of one Instagram user who left a comment on The Shade Roomclaiming the celebrity couple had no “chemistry,” she did something she doesn’t often to and clapped back.
“Or maybe I just had on body makeup and told him don’t stand too close to me because I didn’t want to get it on his suit,” she quipped.
“Lol y’all try to find a problem with anything,” she added.
Black Winery Owners Set Pace for Women, African American Winemakers to Follow
These Black women are working to amplify diversity in the wine industry.
Wine enthusiasts Kimberly Johnson and Denise Matthews are five years into the growing culture of the wine industry with their old-world, classic vintner Philosophy Winery.
According to Barron’s, the duo launched Philosophy Winery in 2018 and became the first Black- and woman-owned winery in Maryland.
“In the U.S., there are fewer than 1% of African-Americans in this industry. We’re setting the pace here for others to follow. We’re sending a message that there’s an opportunity that’s open to everyone. We’re breaking down barriers,” Matthews, 57, said.
Although part of their mission is to spotlight the Maryland-grown grapes in their superior wines, Johnson and Matthews are also working to provide information and resources to those who don’t think they have a way into the industry.
“Even though we are identified as African-American, we don’t want to be known just for that,” Johnson, 45, said. “We want to be known for making quality wines that can withstand time, age gracefully, and will be sold and shared both inside and outside of Maryland.”
Matthews shared that the winery follows the French or Italian production style while still incorporating U.S. techniques. Philosophy Winery ferments its white wines in stainless-steel tanks, while the red wines are aged in six French oak barrels.
“All of our wines are dry, which makes us unique,” she said.
Johnson and Matthews launched their winery with a single Rosé, and presently, the company has expanded to five wines, including its award-winning Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Rosé wines.
According to the company, Philosophy Winery bottles range from US$24 for a 2019 Reign Rosé to US$40 for a 2019 Cabernet Franc. The wine products are sold online and featured in several Baltimore shops.
Johnson is the first African American Female Vintner in the state of Maryland, leading a second year as president of the 100-member trade group, the Maryland Wineries Association. Matthews is a certified sommelier who curates the company’s presentations, providing customers with an intimate and poetic wine experience.
Johnson and Matthews plan to eventually open their own brick-and-mortar tasting room and retail space in 2023.
Usher Celebrate’s Valentine’s Day By Surprising Legendary Songstress Anita Baker
Usher celebrated Valentine’s Day by hitting the stage to surprise Anita Bakerduring her live concert by giving the legendary soul singer her flowers.
Baker was performing at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Tuesday when out of nowhere, Usher stepped out on stage to present the Rapture of Love singer with a bouquet. Baker was clearly taken aback by Usher’s presence and sang a few notes after telling the crowd, “my nephew never fails.”
Usher then grabs the mic and continues singing Baker’s classic hit Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year).
“Usher surprised Anita Baker and he sounded amazing too,” one fan captioned the heartwarming moment.
The two shared some time on stage dancing and singing together before Usherexitedt. Fanspraisedg the surprising moment.
“I was there, it was lit,” one concertgoer wrote.
“I lost my voice! This was an incredible show!!!” added someone else.
The Atlanta stop was the first in Baker’s first tour in nearly 30 years, TMZreports. Baker is touring with Babyface to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut solo album, The Songstress.
Baker isn’t Usher’s aunt by blood. The two singers share a special bond they enjoy sharing during their live shows.
Last September, fans captured a video of Usher serenading Baker with his single Superstar during his Las Vegas residency.
Baker followed things up one month later by signing “Happy Birthday” to Usher in front of a live crowd at his residency. The two singers aren’t shy about expressing their genuine admiration for each other through song.
It was a star-studded affair backstage at Baker’s Atlanta show as Usher, and Jermaine Dupri came together to pose for photos with the queen of R&B. Tamia and Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and John Gray were also in attendance.
Louisiana Police Officer Charged With Negligent Homicide After Shooting Unarmed Black Man
A Shreveport, Louisiana, police officer was charged with negligent homicide for the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man.
According toNBC News, Alexander Tyler’s bodycam footage showed Alonzo Bagley with his hands up as Tyler fired shots after the officer responded to a domestic disturbance call. Bagley’s wife informed emergency operators that he was “loaded on something” and threatened her and her daughter.
Bodycam footage revealed Tyler firing one shot before walking over to Bagley with his gun in hand. In the video, Tyler places Bagley on his back as he begins first aid and calls for EMS.
Tyler can be heard saying, “Come on, dude,” and “Stay with me,” as his partner performs CPR until EMS arrives.
“That’s just from not understanding…why did a domestic call turn deadly?” Bagley’s brother, Xavier Sudds, said to CNN. “I think at this point, the only thing I’m wondering is just, you know, the procedure, the procedure. Why did it happen like it happened?”
Tyler is being held at the Caddo Correctional Center, and will be placed on administrative leave,NBC News reported.
Five Memphis Police officers were fired and were charged last month with second-degree murder, kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression in connection with the deadly January 7 assault on Tyre Nichols.
Nichols’ family and their attorneys sent a letter to the United Nations demanding change in MPD and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
“Today, we filed an Urgent Appeal before the United Nations asking it to condemn the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols, to demand transparency from the police department, and to demand that Officer Preston Hemphill and all officers that participated in the incident are criminally charged. The video evidence shows that all who were involved in Tyre’s death committed reprehensible acts that require international condemnation.”
See Where Black History Lives: The HistoryMakers Featured On Upcoming 60 Minutes Episode
Ever wonder where some of Black history actually lives?
The HistoryMakers will be featured on CBS’ 60 Minutes Sunday, highlighting the importance of preserving Black History. CBS News reports the nonprofit educational institution is an expansive digital archive that features a “who’s who of Black Americans.”
So far, the archive holds 3,500 interviews, which can be found in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. With Black history being attacked and erased, highlighting this collection comes at a pivotal times.
In the segment, 60 Minutes reporter Bill Whitaker interviews NFL legend Jerry Rice on how his family’s backstory is included in The HistoryMakers.
“It’s almost like just going into the Football Hall of Fame,” Rice said. “This is big for me.”
The retired 49ers wide receiver will be in good company.
Of the numerous testimonies, according to the website, there are some that viewers would be lucky to lay their eyes on. Like mathematician Katherine Johnson’s historic calculation of John Glenn’s orbit or activist Angela Davis’ false accusation, capture, imprisonment, and acquittal. Some interviews may not be as popular but still have massive resonance such as Alonzo Pettie, who was the oldest living Black cowboy at the time of the interview.
Some of the interviewees, like Fortune 500 CEO Ursula Burns, have praised HistoryMakers founder Julieanna L. Richardson for her efforts.
“I would like to commend Julieanna Richardson for creating The HistoryMakers,” Burns said, via the website. “The archives are a more inclusive chronicle of American history. Thank you for offering it to the world.”
Other interviews will amaze history lovers such as talks with veteran actor James Earl Jones, comedian and activist Dick Gregory, and author Alice Walker (The Color Purple). Former President Barack Obama was highlighted when he was still an Illinois state senator.
The 60 Minutes segment premieres Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern.
