If you are black and complaining that this was a job that should have been offered to a black person, let me be the first to tell you that you’ve taken a position that is considered reverse racism. I am a black woman who recognizes that the fashion industry is a snow white entity and Essence magazine is not black-owned, so it’s only fitting that they would turn to their own to fill the position.
I applaud Essence’s editor-in-chief, Angela Burt-Murray, for standing behind her decision to hire Ellianna Placas, formerly of O: The Oprah Magazine and US Weekly. I am sure Placas comes highly recommended and has a plethora of contacts and relationships that she can tap to advance the magazine and keep them on strategy.
Believe me, I really respect urban style and fashion critic Michaela angela Davis’ position and I am sorry she feels that the publication’s new hire leaves her feeling like she’s lost a girlfriend. But, I know this sister is prescient and with her back turned and her eyes closed, she saw this coming. C’mon Sis!
For my True Religion, Ed Hardy, Ralph Lauren, BCBG-wearing readers, if you’re not familiar with or don’t support b. michael, Stephen Burrows, Tracy Reese, Korto Momolu or any other black, African, or African American designer, you need to zip-it!
Essence readers need to accept the fact that Placas will make her official debut with Essence in their 40th anniversary commemorative issue in September. –yvette caslin
Here’s a statement from Burt-Murray worth reading:
“Our new fashion director, Ellianna Placas, is part of a growing fashion team at Essence. We are making a number of new hires in the coming months.
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.”
To read more of what Burt-Murray has to say, check out her op-ed.
