I have been reading around the net and it looks like Essence, one (if not THE) premiere magazine for Black woman, has copped a white woman as its fashion director. I am reading around the net that many of the readers are upset. After a lengthy search for the right fit, the magazine chose the accomplished Ellianna Placas, a former fashion editor at O: Home and Us Weekly.

When forced to respond, Editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray had this to say;

“I understand that this issue has struck an emotional chord with our audience,” said Burt-Murray, “however I selected Ellianna, who has been contributing to the magazine on a freelance basis for the last six months, because of her creativity, vision, the positive reader response to her work and her enthusiasm and respect for the audience and our brand. We remain committed to celebrating the unique beauty and style of African-American women in Essence magazine and online at Essence.com.” [Source]

I have mixed feelings about this issue. I certainly don’t have a problem with anyone of any race doing what they do best but I also believe that African-Americans should do their best to preserve the unique spirit of our culture by employee its sons and daughters. It’s not that a white woman cannot capture Black fashion. Our fashions aren’t in any way different. I just feel that the essence of Essence is Black.

That being said, I realize that most of the Black-owned companies ou there are not completely owned by Black people. I understand that. I also would not like to hear a white-owned magazine say they wouldn’t hire a Black woman as their fashion director… So like I said.. I am not sure how I feel!