Yeah you heard right. Essence Magazine the magazine that is the go to place for African-American women, hired a white fashion editor for the very first time. This sparked ALOT of controversy because, black people feel as though Caucasians are once again taking something from us. They said that mainstream fashion is whited dominant and they took the one reserved seat for black women in the fashion industry.
Here's what Editor-In-Chief Angela Murray had to say:
"I understand that this issue has struck an emotional chord with our audience,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."
Former Fashion editor, Michaela Davis has a different outlook on the situation however.
It's with a heavy heart I've learned Essence Magazine has engaged a white Fashion Director. 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. The 1 seat reserved for black women once held by Susan Taylor, Ionia Dunn-Lee, Harriette Cole(+ me) is now-I can't. It's a dark day for me."
Justin's Opinion:
Why and the hell should it matter the color of the fashion editor of the magazine. Clearly this lady understands black culture if she's working with one that has dedicated their life to bringing african american culture to the magazine. ALSO since when Essence Magazine been a GO TO guide for FASHION anyway, Essence covers topics that is within the culutre, not Fashion, it's just never been their forte`. But I'm going to leave with this little food for thought. Wouldn't it be considered racism that a white lady be fired because of the color of her skin? Wouldn't that be going against everything that WE have fought for, being the minority in this country?
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