In 1970, Essence magazine was born out of struggle — a glossy lifestyle publication that celebrated Black women when no one else would. But behind the covers and beauty features was a story of betrayal, lawsuits, corporate takeovers, near collapse, and ultimate rebirth.
This is not just a media story. It’s a business thriller.
From its turbulent founding and a bitter legal battle between its co-founders, to its corporate sale to Time Inc., to its eventual return to Black ownership under Richelieu Dennis — Essence has refused to die. Even as scandals and industry collapse threatened its future, the magazine endured because its audience demanded it.
Join us as we uncover the untold business history of Essence, the magazine that changed representation in America forever.
This is Aggressive Intelligence: Black Business Files.
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The official YouTube Channel for ESSENCE. We love Black women deeply since 1970. #ESSENCE #Weloveus…Watch on SloppBoxx.Com.
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💬 Question for You:
What’s YOUR first memory of Essence? Did it sit on your mother’s or grandmother’s coffee table? Do you remember a cover that changed how you saw Black beauty?
Drop your memories below — let’s build an archive of Essence stories together.
And don’t forget: when you own your culture, you own your power. ✊🏾
Essence isn’t tha sane as the Essence of old. This new Essence is trying to erase FBA/ Black American culture and trunks it into so kind of celebration of Africa!!!! No African CREATED BLACK CULTURE!!! NO ONE IS CHECKING FOR DAMN AFRICA!!! BOYCOTT ESSENCE
@UNOfficeforOuterSpaceAffairs , @essencemag slows our work @nasajpl down all the time… I wasn’t a spouse. I need to clear my self in other countries that want to grow. A.erica dying and I want a plan b @hollyjmitchell @repkarenbass