Magazine Icon Susan L. Taylor to Speak on ‘Living Fearlessly’

Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence magazine, will visit Howard University to discuss her new book, All About Love: Favorite Selections from in the Spirit on Living Fearlessly, from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16 in Blackburn Ballroom.

Taylor will focus on the power of mentorship and its relevance to Howard University women to foster mentor/mentee relationships. A short DVD presentation will follow the discussion. She will sign copies of her book. The event is sponsored by Women as Change Agents.

Taylor was born on Jan. 23, 1946 in New York City. As a young woman, she worked with her father, who operated a women’s clothing store in East Harlem. She is a fourth generation entrepreneur. Taylor began her own cosmetic line, Nequai Cosmetics, which led to her role as freelance beauty editor for Essence in 1970.

Taylor’s career at Essence magazine spanned nearly four decades. Her positions at the publication included editor-in-chief, editorial director, fashion editor and beauty editor. She once described her time at Essence as a “life-transforming experience.”

For Taylor’s work in the magazine industry, the Magazine Publishers of America recognized her with the Henry Johnson Fisher Award. She was the first African-American woman to receive this honor. The American Society of Magazine Editors inducted her into its hall of fame in 2002.

She is the recipient of the NAACP President’s Award as well as honorary degrees from more than a dozen colleges and universities.

Taylor is also the author of In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor, Lessons in Living and Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives, which she co-authored with Khephra Burns, her husband.

Her philanthropic efforts include the founding of National CARES Mentoring Movement in 2006, which she began as Essence CARES. In 2007, Taylor decided to leave Essence to devote more time to building the mentoring campaign. She is also the co-founder of Future PAC, a national political action committee to provide support and funding resources to progressive African-American women seeking political offices.

Macy L. Freeman, media relations intern, contributed to this release.

PS: I have never met this lady, but I have always admired her from far. I hope to make my way to Howard that day to hear what she has to say. I'll keep you posted.