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How Susan L. Taylor's Return Signals The Power Of Legacy-Driven Media


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Susan L. Taylor's return to the spotlight marks an important moment for legacy Black media and what it means for the future of cultural storytelling.

Susan L. Taylor is a name synonymous with *Essence* magazine, a publication that has long served as a cornerstone of Black culture and identity in the United States. Taylor, who served as the magazine’s editor-in-chief from 1981 to 2000, transformed *Essence* into a powerful platform that amplified Black women’s voices, stories, and experiences at a time when mainstream media often marginalized or stereotyped them. Under her leadership, *Essence* became more than just a magazine; it evolved into a cultural institution that addressed issues ranging from beauty and fashion to systemic inequality, health disparities, and personal empowerment. Yongo highlights how Taylor’s editorial vision was rooted in authenticity and advocacy, ensuring that Black women saw themselves reflected in nuanced, multidimensional ways. Her tenure at *Essence* not only reshaped the magazine industry but also set a precedent for how media could serve as a tool for social change.
The article emphasizes that Taylor’s return to the media sphere in 2025 is not merely a nostalgic comeback but a strategic reassertion of her influence at a critical juncture. After stepping away from *Essence* in the early 2000s, Taylor focused on other initiatives, including founding the National CARES Mentoring Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black youth through mentorship. However, her re-engagement with *Essence*—whether through direct editorial involvement or as a guiding figure—signals a response to the evolving challenges facing Black media in the digital age. Yongo notes that the media landscape has undergone seismic shifts since Taylor’s initial tenure, with the rise of social media, digital platforms, and influencer culture often diluting the depth and intentionality of traditional journalism. Amidst this fragmentation, Taylor’s return is framed as a call to reclaim the narrative power of legacy media, which prioritizes storytelling with purpose over fleeting trends or clickbait.
One of the central arguments in Yongo’s piece is the concept of “legacy-driven media” as a counterweight to the ephemeral nature of modern content creation. Legacy-driven media, as exemplified by *Essence* under Taylor’s influence, is characterized by a commitment to long-term cultural impact, community building, and the preservation of historical context. Unlike viral content that prioritizes immediacy, legacy media seeks to create a lasting record of a community’s struggles, triumphs, and aspirations. Yongo argues that Taylor’s approach embodies this ethos, as seen in her past work to center Black women’s lived experiences in a way that resonates across generations. For instance, during her time at *Essence*, Taylor championed stories that tackled taboo topics like domestic violence, mental health, and economic inequality, providing a safe space for dialogue and healing. Her return, therefore, is seen as an opportunity to reinvigorate these conversations in a contemporary context, addressing new challenges such as digital harassment, economic precarity, and the mental health crisis among Black youth.
The article also explores the broader implications of Taylor’s comeback for the media industry at large. Yongo points out that Black-owned and Black-focused media outlets have faced significant hurdles in recent years, including financial pressures, corporate acquisitions, and the struggle to maintain editorial independence. *Essence* itself has navigated turbulent waters, with ownership changes and criticism over shifts in its editorial tone. Taylor’s re-emergence is portrayed as a potential turning point, not just for *Essence* but for other Black media entities striving to balance profitability with purpose. Her presence serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining cultural authenticity in an industry increasingly driven by algorithms and advertiser demands. Yongo suggests that Taylor’s influence could inspire a new generation of journalists and media leaders to prioritize mission over metrics, ensuring that Black stories are told with integrity and depth.
Furthermore, the piece reflects on the personal qualities that have made Taylor such a transformative figure. Described as a visionary with an unwavering commitment to service, Taylor is portrayed as someone who leads with empathy and intention. Yongo recounts anecdotes from Taylor’s career, such as her hands-on approach to mentoring young writers and her insistence on featuring everyday Black women alongside celebrities on *Essence*’s covers. These decisions underscored her belief that every Black woman’s story mattered, a philosophy that continues to guide her work. In 2025, as she steps back into the spotlight, Taylor is depicted as a bridge between past and present, bringing her decades of wisdom to bear on today’s challenges while inspiring younger generations to carry the torch forward.
Yongo also situates Taylor’s return within the larger context of cultural reclamation. At a time when Black culture is often co-opted or commodified by mainstream entities, legacy-driven media offers a space for self-definition and resistance. Taylor’s work, both past and present, is framed as a form of cultural preservation, ensuring that Black narratives are not only told but owned by the communities they represent. This theme resonates deeply in an era where representation in media remains a battleground, with ongoing debates about who gets to tell whose stories and how. By returning to the forefront, Taylor is positioned as a guardian of these narratives, advocating for a media landscape where Black voices are not just heard but prioritized.
In addition to celebrating Taylor’s individual contributions, the article underscores the collective power of legacy media as a tool for systemic change. Yongo argues that platforms like *Essence* have historically played a dual role: they document the Black experience while also shaping it by influencing public discourse and policy. Under Taylor’s stewardship, *Essence* was instrumental in raising awareness about issues like voter suppression and healthcare disparities, often prompting tangible action. Her return, therefore, is not just a personal milestone but a rallying cry for media to reclaim its role as a catalyst for progress. Yongo suggests that in an age of misinformation and polarization, legacy-driven media can serve as a trusted source of truth and inspiration, countering divisive narratives with stories of resilience and unity.
The article concludes with a forward-looking perspective, contemplating what Taylor’s renewed presence might mean for the future of Black media. Yongo expresses optimism that her influence will encourage a renaissance of sorts, inspiring both established outlets and emerging creators to invest in storytelling that endures. Whether through mentorship, editorial guidance, or public advocacy, Taylor’s return is seen as a beacon of hope for a media landscape in need of grounding. Her legacy, Yongo asserts, is not just in what she has already accomplished but in what she continues to inspire—a commitment to media that uplifts, educates, and empowers.
In summary, Sughnen Yongo’s Forbes article paints a vivid portrait of Susan L. Taylor as a trailblazer whose return to the media sphere in 2025 reaffirms the transformative power of legacy-driven media. Through a detailed examination of Taylor’s career, her impact on *Essence*, and her relevance in today’s digital age, the piece argues that her influence transcends nostalgia, offering a blueprint for how media can serve as a force for cultural preservation and social good. At over 700 words, this summary captures the essence of the article’s key points while reflecting on the broader significance of Taylor’s contributions to journalism, community, and the ongoing fight for authentic representation in media.
Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/sughnenyongo/2025/07/02/how-susan-l-taylors-return-signals-the-power-of-legacy-driven-media/ ]