Essence
Corporate brand
UnclaimedAn American lifestyle media brand serving Black women through its magazine, digital publishing, events, entertainment coverage, and cultural programming.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Essence is an American lifestyle and media brand created for Black women, best known for its monthly magazine covering fashion, beauty, hair, celebrity, relationships, lifestyle, news, and issues affecting Black communities. Although it began as a print publication, Essence has developed into a broader cultural platform that includes digital media, live events, conferences, awards programs, books, video, and branded entertainment. The magazine was founded by Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, and Jonathan Blount through Essence Communications Inc. The founders identified an underserved readership: affluent and aspirational Black women who were not being represented adequately by mainstream women's magazines. The first issue appeared in May 1970. During its early years, Gordon Parks served as editorial director, helping establish a visual and editorial identity that combined fashion and beauty coverage with social, cultural, and political perspectives. Essence initially positioned itself primarily as a fashion and beauty publication, but its editorial scope expanded substantially. Its coverage has included family life, health, relationships, social justice, Black women in the military, HIV/AIDS, entertainment, politics, and cultural representation. The publication's importance has often been linked to its use of Black women as both the central audience and the principal subjects of its editorial imagery. Its pages have featured prominent figures including Michelle Obama and Whitney Houston, while also giving visibility to emerging artists, writers, activists, and professionals. The magazine grew from an initial circulation of approximately 50,000 copies per month to a stated rate base of about 1.6 million. Subscriptions historically accounted for most circulation, with single-copy sales making up the remainder. In the digital era, Essence has organized its online presence around sections such as Celebrity, Fashion, Beauty, Hair, Love, Lifestyle, News, and Videos. Ownership became a major issue in the brand's history. Time Inc. acquired a 49 percent stake in Essence Communications in 2000 and purchased the remaining interest in 2005. The transaction ended more than three decades of Black ownership and generated debate about representation, editorial independence, and the ownership of Black media. In January 2018, the publication returned to full Black ownership after its acquisition by Richelieu Dennis, founder of Sundial Brands, through the business associated with Essence Ventures. Essence's influence extends beyond publishing. The Essence Music Festival, launched in 1994 in New Orleans, became one of the largest annual gatherings focused on African-American music and culture. The three-day event combines concerts with empowerment sessions, cultural programming, and appearances by major entertainers. It was renamed the Essence Festival in 2013 to reflect its broader scope and later expanded through an announced Durban edition in South Africa. The brand also operates recognition and leadership programs, including the Black Women in Hollywood Awards and the Young Women's Leadership Conference. Its initiatives have addressed misogyny in hip-hop, healthy living, political engagement, representation, and the advancement of Black women in entertainment and public life. Essence faced renewed scrutiny in 2020 when an anonymous group identifying itself as Black Female Anonymous published allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, pay inequity, and mistreatment involving senior personnel. An investigation followed, and Richelieu Dennis stepped down from leadership, with Caroline Wanga named interim chief executive. The same year, the COVID-19 pandemic led the company to furlough staff; the publication also received assistance through the U.S. Paycheck Protection Program. Essence remains an active media and events brand whose core identity is rooted in serving Black women and amplifying Black cultural expression.
History
Essence was established in 1968 as Essence Communications Inc. by Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, and Jonathan Blount. The company began publishing Essence magazine in May 1970. Its founders conceived the publication as a lifestyle magazine for upscale African American women, a readership they believed was insufficiently served by mainstream American media. The first issues combined fashion and beauty with cultural coverage and a distinct focus on Black women's experiences. Gordon Parks served as editorial director during the magazine's first three years. The magazine's audience expanded substantially from an initial circulation of approximately 50,000 copies per month. Over time, Essence became a major Black women's publication, with a stated rate base of about 1.6 million. Its editorial subjects broadened beyond fashion to include celebrity interviews, hair, relationships, family, health, social issues, politics, military service, HIV/AIDS, and questions of representation. The magazine's identity rested on showing Black women as central subjects rather than peripheral figures in lifestyle media. During the 1980s and 1990s, the publication developed a durable editorial franchise under editors including Susan L. Taylor. In 1994, it launched the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. The event combined major musical performances with empowerment seminars and cultural programming, eventually becoming one of the largest annual gatherings centered on African-American music and culture. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton appeared at the festival in 2007. The 2009 edition was connected to the celebration of Obama's inauguration and presidency and featured Beyoncé as a headliner. In 2013, the event was renamed the Essence Festival to signal a broader cultural proposition than music alone. An associated Durban, South Africa edition was announced in 2016. Essence also expanded into activism and institutional programming. In 2005, it launched Take Back the Music, a year-long initiative addressing misogynistic portrayals of Black women in hip-hop. The brand introduced the Young Women's Leadership Conference in 2009 and created the Black Women in Hollywood Awards in 2008. These initiatives reinforced its role as both a media outlet and a platform for professional recognition, public dialogue, and community engagement. The company also published books and special projects, including a tribute to Michelle Obama. Ownership became one of the most consequential turning points in the brand's history. Time Inc. purchased 49 percent of Essence Communications in 2000 and acquired the remaining 51 percent in 2005. The transaction ended 34 years of Black ownership and generated controversy because Essence was one of the leading Black-oriented magazines in the United States. The debate reflected wider concerns about whether ownership changes could affect editorial priorities, staffing, cultural credibility, and accountability to the publication's core audience. The magazine encountered additional criticism in the 2000s over the hiring of white editorial staff, including a fashion editor and Michael Bullerdick, a white male managing editor responsible for production. Bullerdick later left the magazine after conservative political views expressed on a private Facebook account became publicly controversial because they were perceived as inconsistent with Essence's mission. In January 2018, the brand returned to full Black ownership following its acquisition by Richelieu Dennis, the Liberian American founder of Sundial Brands. The ownership change renewed attention to Essence's historical role as Black-owned media and to its potential as a broader platform spanning publishing, events, entertainment, and commerce. In 2020, a group using the name Black Female Anonymous published allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, pay inequity, and mistreatment involving senior executives. The allegations led to an investigation. Richelieu Dennis subsequently stepped down from leadership and Caroline Wanga was named interim chief executive. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused operational disruption and staff furloughs, while Essence received support through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. The brand continues to operate as an active lifestyle and cultural media platform, with print and digital editorial products complemented by events, awards, conferences, and entertainment programming.
- 2020
Workplace allegations and pandemic disruption
[1]Allegations by Black Female Anonymous lead to an investigation, while the pandemic causes furloughs and operational strain.
- 2018
Essence returns to full Black ownership
[1]Richelieu Dennis acquires the publication through the business associated with Sundial Brands.
- 2013
Music Festival is renamed Essence Festival
[1]The new name reflects the event's expansion into wider cultural and empowerment programming.
- 2008
Black Women in Hollywood Awards begins
[1]Essence establishes an annual awards event recognizing Black women working in Hollywood.
- 2005
Time Inc. acquires the remaining stake
[1]The remaining 51 percent is sold to Time Inc., ending the original Black-owned structure.
- 2000
Time Inc. takes a minority stake
[1]Time Inc. acquires 49 percent of Essence Communications.
- 1994
Essence Music Festival launches
[1]The brand begins its annual New Orleans music and cultural festival.
- 1970
First issue of Essence magazine
[1]The first issue is published in May as a lifestyle magazine for Black women.
- 1968
Essence Communications is founded
[1]Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, and Jonathan Blount establish Essence Communications Inc.
Products and positioning
A leading Black women's lifestyle and culture media brand combining editorial authority, representation, entertainment, community-building, and live experiences.
Monthly lifestyle magazine · 1970
Essence magazine
The core print publication covers fashion, beauty, hair, celebrity, relationships, lifestyle, news, health, and cultural issues from a perspective centered on Black women. It developed from a primarily fashion-oriented magazine into a broad lifestyle and public-affairs publication.
Digital publishing
Essence digital media
The digital platform extends the magazine's editorial model through sections such as Celebrity, Fashion, Beauty, Hair, Love, Lifestyle, News, and Videos. It also distributes feature stories, visual packages, social content, and other online programming.
Live cultural event · 1994
Essence Festival
A major annual event in New Orleans combining concerts by leading Black artists with empowerment seminars, cultural celebrations, and public appearances. The event began as the Essence Music Festival in 1994 and adopted the Essence Festival name in 2013.
Awards program · 2008
Black Women in Hollywood Awards
An annual awards and recognition event launched in 2008 to honor Black women who have achieved distinction in Hollywood. Its format has included named awards and, from 2017, thematic recognition of selected honorees.
Leadership conference · 2009
Young Women's Leadership Conference
A leadership and empowerment program focused on young women, professional development, public dialogue, and community advancement.
Books and editorial projects
Essence books and special publications
The brand has published books and special projects, including a tribute volume about Michelle Obama and other material connected to Black women's culture, health, achievement, and public life.
Controversies
2020
Black Female Anonymous workplace allegations
An anonymous group of former and possibly current employees alleged sexual harassment, bullying, pay inequity, and mistreatment by senior staff. An investigation followed, and Richelieu Dennis stepped down from leadership.
2020
Essence commissions independent review amid workplace allegations
Essence said it was hiring law firms and other independent external experts to review company policies and practices and conduct employee interviews, including a review of possible harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace-culture issues.
2005
Controversy over the end of Black ownership
Time Inc.'s acquisition of Essence Communications ended more than three decades of Black ownership, prompting criticism and debate about control of Black media.
2000
Debate over white editorial staffing
The hiring of white editorial personnel, including Michael Bullerdick in a senior production role, generated criticism because of concerns about representation and alignment with Essence's mission.
Marketing campaigns
- 2005Take Back the Music
United States
A 12-month initiative addressing misogynistic portrayals of Black women in hip-hop and encouraging public discussion about gender representation in rap music.
Outcome. The campaign established Essence as an active participant in debates about popular culture and the treatment of Black women in music.
Brand decisions
2018
Restore full Black ownershipM&ABackground
The publication had been under Time Inc. ownership since 2005, generating ongoing debate about control of Black media.
Action taken
Richelieu Dennis acquired Essence through the business associated with Sundial Brands.
Aftermath
Essence returned to full Black ownership and continued developing as a broader media, events, and culture platform.
2013
Broaden the festival brandStrategyBackground
The annual event had grown beyond a conventional music festival through its seminars and cultural programming.
Action taken
The Essence Music Festival was renamed the Essence Festival.
Aftermath
The new identity emphasized a wider entertainment, cultural, and empowerment platform.
2005
Sell remaining ownership to Time Inc.M&ABackground
Time Inc. already held a minority stake in Essence Communications.
Action taken
The remaining 51 percent was sold to Time Inc.
Aftermath
The deal ended the magazine's original Black-owned structure and became a major point of controversy.
2000
Accept minority investment from Time Inc.M&ABackground
Essence Communications sought a transaction with Time Inc. while retaining a substantial portion of ownership.
Action taken
Time Inc. acquired 49 percent of the company.
Aftermath
The transaction began a change in ownership that culminated in Time Inc.'s full acquisition five years later.
Recent events
Reported
Essence launches Media Health Check[4]
Essence unveiled its Media Health Check service, which provides marketers with analyses and implementation roadmaps intended to improve digital media campaign performance.
Reported
Google launches Google Nest campaign[5]
Google Australia, with 72andSunny, Essence and PHD, launched a campaign showing how Google Nest can help customers enjoy shows and movies in any room at home. The campaign includes digital and television ads, as well as social, radio and outdoor executions.
Reported
Google launched the Caught On Nest Cam campaign in Australia[6]
Google Australia and 72andSunny Sydney, in collaboration with Essence and PHD, launched a campaign to introduce the new Google Nest Cams and Doorbell in Australia.
Reported
Green Thumb Industries enters California cannabis market[7]
Green Thumb Industries entered California’s cannabis market by opening its first store in Pasadena.
Reported
ESSENCE collaborates with Rihanna and Lorna Simpson on cover art[8]
ESSENCE collaborated with Rihanna and multimedia artist Lorna Simpson on original collages for its Jan/Feb 2021 cover and an accompanying portfolio.
Reported
Essence names Caroline Wanga interim CEO[3]
Essence announced that Caroline Wanga would step in as interim CEO of Essence Communications and oversee the independent review process.
Reported
Essence CEO steps down and Caroline Wanga becomes interim CEO[9]
Essence CEO Richelieu Dennis stepped down amid sexual misconduct allegations, and Caroline Wanga was to serve as interim CEO. The allegations are reported as accusations, not as established findings.
Reported
Essence commissions independent review amid workplace allegations[3]
Essence said it was hiring law firms and other independent external experts to review company policies and practices and conduct employee interviews, including a review of possible harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace-culture issues.
Reported
ESSENCE CEO Michelle Ebanks announces resignation[10]
Michelle Ebanks announced her resignation as CEO of Essence Communications, Inc.; it is to take effect March 31. She plans to join the board of parent company Essence Ventures after her departure.
Sources12 sources
- 1Essence (magazine)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Daryl Royster Alexander biographythehistorymakers.org
- 3Essence commissions independent review amid workplace allegationsblackenterprise.com
- 4Essence推出Media Health Check服务marketing-interactive.com
- 5Google推出Google Nest营销活动mumbrella.com.au
- 6Google 在澳大利亚推出 Caught On Nest Cam 营销活动mumbrella.com.au
- 7Green Thumb Industries进入加州大麻市场nbcconnecticut.com
- 8ESSENCE与蕾哈娜及洛娜·辛普森合作创作封面艺术laineygossip.com
- 9Essence首席执行官离任，Caroline Wanga出任临时首席执行官wdsu.com
- 10ESSENCE首席执行官Michelle Ebanks宣布辞职thegrio.com
- 11Essence launches Essence Data Health Check consulting serviceindiantelevision.com
- 12Group M agency Essence appoints new APAC CEOmumbrella.com.au
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