Earlier this month, Essence Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray made the stunning announcement that she is stepping down from her position and will move to Atlanta with her family.
Although Burt-Murray was the EIC of Essence for five years, rumor has it that she decided to resign last July, over controversy with new fashion director Elliana Placas. It is the first time in the publication’s 40-year history that a white person was appointed to the staff. The decision angered even the most loyal readers, who threatened to discontinue their subscription.
During her tenure at Essence, Angela Burt-Murray launched both the Essence Book Club and “Hot Hair” special issues, popular additions among the magazine’s readership.
Meanwhile, Essence hired former Time Inc. editor-at-large Sheryl Tucker as the new interim EIC until they find a permanent replacement.
~Dee Lockett
