Glamazons,
Huge news in the publishing world: Essence Magazine has officially announced an Editor-in-Chief, Vanessa K. Bush. Bush is an award-winning journalist, editor and author who has served the magazine over a decade. She first joined as the Beauty and Fashion Features Editor over ten years ago and was promoted to Lifestyle Editor in 2003 and Executive Editor in 2005.
After Constance White‘s departure, Vanessa served as the acting Editor-in-Chief. I had the pleasure of seeing her passion for the magazine firsthand during that time, when she spoke at the dinner for Janelle Monae‘s beautiful cover.
Watching her speak, it was clear she was dedicated to uplifting black women and celebrating our beauty and strength. She was adamant about combating negative images of us that often pervade the media.
Vanessa put her words to action by introducing Essence’s #HeIsNotASuspect social media campaign to combat racial profiling. She also spearheaded the “Guns Down” initiative to fight gun violence as well as “Where Smart Starts,” their program around education. Essence has always been a strong fixture in the community and that legacy will continue under Vanessa‘s direction.
The mom of two, who worked at Life and Glamour Magazines and co-authored “Tyra’s Beauty Inside & Out,” wrote a letter to readers on Essence.com about her new position. Her words:
“The ESSENCE mission of empowerment has never been clearer–we must continue to counter the stereotypes that pigeonhole us in ways that stunt our success. We must celebrate our achievements, offer wise counsel in ways that bring meaning and peace to our lives, and provide a forum for critical conversations to take place, the kind of conversations that will help push our community forward.
It is my sincere hope that you will always see ESSENCE as a source of hope and inspiration. We will continue to build on our history of raising community awareness, and we take pride in our place as a trusted authority and source of journalistic excellence.
So as we look ahead with a new direction full of promise and joy, I make this promise to you: ESSENCE will always be the place where Black women come first. There’s nothing I’m more passionate about than bringing you the best, because you deserve nothing less.”
Martha Nelson echoed Vanessa‘s sentiments, saying in a press release: “Vanessa’s more than 10 years of experience as an editorial leader at ESSENCE will ensure continued success for the preeminent African-American women’s media brand. She has the full support of Time Inc. to execute on her vision to honor this loyal and cherished audience.”
Vanessa will be very hands-on with readers, already inviting them to join her for a Google hangout next Friday, August 9th at 12 noon ET where she’ll take questions and advice about how Essence can better serve its audience. Love that!
Her commitment to serving black women and passion for our communities is exactly what Essence needs to be restored to its former glory. What do you think about Vanessa‘s new role, Glamazons? Do you think she’s the right choice for EIC?
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
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