As a teenager growing up in Philadelphia, I remember relishing the issues of Ebony and Jet magazines. But how about launching the first monthly magazine explicitly targeting African American women in May 1970? Imagine the impact of five decades of Black beauty at Essence Magazine.
Essence Magazine debuted in May 1970 and is now the oldest Black women’s magazine. Interestingly enough, Black men, not women, Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, and Jonathan Blount founded Essence Communications in 1968.
According to online sources, Lewis and Smith called the publication a “lifestyle magazine directed at upscale African American women.” The men recognized that Black women were an overlooked demographic.
The original format was initially launched as a fashion magazine; Essence evolved to guide African American women in many aspects of life. Ninety-one percent of Essence readers are Black women, ages 18 – 49, who read Essence in the United States.
A timely magazine debut with positive black women, inspiration, and articles significantly impacted almost fifteen-year-old me. It would be four more years until Beverly Johnson appeared on the American cover of Vogue in August 1974.
How about Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who also celebrated 50 years in May because of COVID-19, shot her cover for the Essence Anniversary issue?
I still read Essence Magazine, but AARP Sisters is more my speed now, especially since I’m nearing retirement when I turn 65 in September. In November, when best friend Cynthia and I won the AARP Sisterhood Is Beautiful Contest, we met the lovely former Essence 2000 editor, Monique Greenwood. Monique and her husband, Glenn, own Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast in Brooklyn, where we stayed during our makeover.
Congratulations, Essence Magazine🎈 Thanks for helping Black women continue to bring and define the culture.
As always, thank you for reading. Happy 4th 🇺🇸 Stay safe.😷
