Uh oh Essence! You done did it now. Obviously, black women have been patronizing Essence magazine because it was the black women’s magazine. Now you’ve gone and got yourself a white woman to sit at the helm of the fashion pages and tell a black woman what’s right for her image? Her fierceness? Her swag? The move to hire a white woman in the top spot was not celebrated and has ruffled the feathers of some black women who are incensed by a sort of break in tradition.
The previous editor for fashion was Michaela Angela Davis. (Is there any relation between her and Angela Davis? There is the paleness of her complexion as one resemblance.) She wrote a biting little diatribe on the 40-year old magazine’s decision on her Facebook page. One part of her rant said, “I love Essence and I love fashion. I hate this news and this feeling. It hurts, literally. The fashion industry has historically been so hostile to black people — especially women.”

According to CNN, the white woman in question is Elliana Placas, who Angela Burt-Murray, present Editor of Essence, explained had worked for Essence for six months before being hired on permanently in the position. She shot back at Davis letting her know that her decision was not made all willy nilly, but with thoughtful consideration of someone who had proven themself to be a great addition to the Essence team. Read her side of the story here.

Now, Michaela is simply expressing her point-of-view on the sitch-ee-ayshun! But, do you feel she has a point? I have to admit, there are some valid points in some of the controversial words that have been expressed. But is it time for us to racially “grow up?” Or is she right to try and hold some things sacred?

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