Essence, a black magazine, recently hired Elliana Placas as its fashion director, a white lady. This decision has sparked controversy over whether or not a white woman should have such a high position at one of our most esteemed magazines. I’m not sure if they’re questioning her qualifications or not, but Elliana has worked for O: The Oprah Magazine and US Weekly. Here are some of the statements that have been made:
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. How do you feel?” – Michaela Angela Davis, former Fashion Editor of Essence and former Editor in Chief of Honey Magazine via her facebook wall
“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.” – Angela Burt Murray, Essence Editor-in-Chief
I believe in equality for all, but we had to fight to gain entrance into mainstream establishments. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but we should not so easily hand over what took blood, sweat, and tears to build. I’ll leave it at that. What are your thoughts?
