Essence Celebrates 40th Anniversary in 2010: Where Black Women Come First

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- ESSENCE will mark its 40th anniversary in 2010; beginning a year long celebration in honor of African-American women during Black History Month.   Specifically, ESSENCE will commemorate its 40th anniversary with initiatives aimed at helping Black women put themselves first, including new ESSENCE magazine features, Essence.com content and a series of special "ESSENCE Presents" events.

"ESSENCE will celebrate its 40th anniversary all year long by touting what Black women have accomplished, and, more importantly, helping her to shape her perspective on the future.  With three generations of Black women now represented in the White House, and African-American women making enormous strides both professionally and personally - studies show that African-American women feel more optimistic and powerful than ever before," said Essence Communications Inc. President Michelle Ebanks. "Because ESSENCE empowers her to put herself first, Black women are poised to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled - as she strives to reach her full potential."

Throughout the year, ESSENCE magazine will debut new features, profiles and celebrity columns each month, and Essence.com will unveil new video programs, flashbacks and exclusive interviews daily. In addition, ESSENCE is presenting several special events throughout the year to commemorate its 40th anniversary - including ESSENCE Presents Black Women in Music during Grammy week, ESSENCE Presents Black Women in Hollywood during Oscar week, and the signature 16th annual Essence Music Festival during 4th of July weekend in New Orleans.  

"Beginning our celebration during Black History Month provides the perfect context for us to note the significant achievements of Black women, as well as renew our commitment to the ESSENCE legacy of offering information, inspiration and unconditional affirmation," said Angela Burt-Murray, Editor-in-Chief, ESSENCE. "As the place 'Where Black Women Come First', ESSENCE is dedicated to strengthening African-American women, and by extension African-American families and African-American communities."

The celebration culminates with the ESSENCE magazine commemorative 40th anniversary collector's edition issue in September 2010.  

About Essence Communications Inc.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the leading media and communications company dedicated to African-American women. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online, the Essence brand is "Where Black Women Come First". The company's flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, Window on Our Women (WOW I & II) and Smart Beauty I, II & III consumer insights, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 40 years, ESSENCE magazine, which has a readership of 8.1 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives. Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at essence.com.

SOURCE ESSENCE