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In fact, between her, Oprah Winfrey and Condoleeza Rice, it's hard to think of any other sista that has been so influential in the last generation.The New York Times reports that Taylor, 61, would be stepping down as the publication's editorial director to focus on the Essence Cares initiative, a mentoring project aimed at bringing adults and youths together. The move ends a 37-year tenure at the magazine that saw it become one of the largest African American-owned publications in the nation until it was purchased by Time-Warner in 2005.
Now, women who grew up with Essence will remember the mark she made not just starting out as a freelance beauty and fashion editor, but as a single mom trying to balance family and career at a time when many of her readers were experiencing the same thing.
But for younger readers, both male and female, her stewardship of the magazine came to represent a type of post-civil rights movement black empowerment. Thus the growth of Essence seemed to come right along with the growth of other mainstream black pubs like Black Enterprise and the now-defunct Emerge. So what's next for Taylor? Well, worthy causes seem to strike a chord. Her emphasis on Essence Cares as she partners with the National Urban League, 100 Black Men of America, the Links, Inc., and the YWCA, will likely keep her busy but at the same time usher in lots more beneficial work for the community.
It would be interesting to hear what is coming up next in her admirable career.
Comments: (81)
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By: Tiffany James on 5/27/2008 9:03PM
I have been going through so much that I haven't kept up with the news but I started receiving my Essence magazine and as I did for the last past year turning to the last page to read "In the Spirit" I was truly disappointed when I didn't see it, next issue same thing. I decided to look up what was happening since I was out of the loop to only see this article. I wish Susan the best her words captured my heart every month giving me the strength to keep going. I love to write & encourage so when you always give out it's so refreshing to take in and that's what I did each month sharing with my friends & family. She will truly be missed.
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By: Desiree Maple on 1/01/2008 10:24AM
I am speechless and inspired at the same time. I can't imagine maneuvering from childhood to womanhood without Essence magazine especially during Susan's era. All the best to you Susan enjoy the next season of your fame.
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By: Andrea on 12/31/2007 5:35PM
No I was never influenced by Susan Taylor, but maybe other black women were? Not real sure about that. I have read the magazine over the years, but I have not read Essance Magazine in years.
Any ways, if any one is interested in finding real work at home jobs, check out my site:
http://www.jobs-from-home.com
Thanks,
Andrea
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By: MARILYN on 12/31/2007 5:35PM
Susan is an awesome and inspirational woman. I will miss her on the pages of Essence but I know her influence will shine forever!! Best Wishes to her!!
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By: blakgrl on 12/31/2007 5:29PM
Susan Taylor should have inspired Black Women to work harder at achieving their goals. I love Essence magazine. I think one of the problems in our society is that we don't celebrate each other. I am very sorry to hear that she is leaving Essence magazine but I'm sure she will still make her presence known throughout the African American community.
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By: Hedy on 12/31/2007 5:57PM
I loved Essence magazine when I was a young woman in college in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The magazine was inspiring and entertaining. I wish Susan all of the luck in the world.
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By: heleny on 12/31/2007 6:15PM
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By: Cee Cee on 1/01/2008 1:21AM
I love Susan Taylor's news letters in Essence, she has inspired me tremendously.Good luck in the future Susan...
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By: heleny on 1/01/2008 12:03PM
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By: Pam Webb on 1/01/2008 10:59AM
Greetings Susan:
Reading Essence magazine each month for me, is like taking that next breathe, I need it! I remember when I wasn't working and I would walk up to my cousin house to read the magazine each month when I was young. I promised myself then that when I got a job I would always have my own Essence issue, I haven't broken that promise in over 20 something years. Having Susan along on my personal journey each month it seems more than likely that her front page, that later became the back page was addressing something that I was going thru, or had been thru. As a true lover of self-improvement it didn't get any better for me every month.
I'm going to miss you Susan, you are in my top *5* list of people to meet. Lots of love to you my sister for feeding me with great food for thought.
Thanks for all the great years and good luck in your new endeavor.
Peace,
Pam Webb
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