PASSING the TORCH

Honoring our past. Boldly walking into our future. Our Chief Content Officer, Michele Ghee, pens a love letter to ESSENCE—and to the women we fearlessly and unapologetically continue to serve

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There are moments in a woman's life that feel sacred. This is one of them. To be a part of this anniversary issue of ESSENCE—with the incomparable Susan L. Taylor on our cover—is more than a full-circle moment. It is a spiritual passing of the torch. Susan taught generations of Black women how to lead with love, to write with purpose and live in truth. She didn't just run a magazine—she mothered a movement. Today, I accept the torch she extends, with a commitment to carry it boldly, reverently and in deep service to you.

ESSENCE has never been just pages or pictures—it has always been a reflection of our brilliance and beauty. When I felt invisible in corporate America, ESSENCE saw me. When boardrooms questioned my worth, ESSENCE reminded me who I was and who I could become. For 55 years, this brand has been a sanctuary, a source and a standard for Black women. Now, I have the honor of helping to shape its future. I am committed to making sure we see all of you, for the next 55 years and beyond.