Susan Taylor, former editor of Essence magazine, will speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Luncheon in January.
Annualy, the Multicultural Center (MCC) brings prominent figures from the African American community to speak about present issues in society and how to continue King’s dream.
Writing as fashion and beauty editor, editorial director and editor and chief, Taylor was a main asset behind one of the most respected black-owned businesses in our lifetime.
Taylor is also the creator of Essence’s most popular column, “In the Spirit,” running 27 years.
Along with her work at Essence, Taylor is the founder of National Cares Mentoring, an organization created to recruit one million able adults to help secure underprivileged children.
“Susan L. Taylor is a good influence to have, not just (for) young African American women but (for) all,” biology major Ariel Crenshaw said. “Taylor can show us we are able. If we motivate ourselves, we can do anything.”
Taylor has received numerous awards, including the Henry Johnson Fisher award, the highest recognition from the Magazine Publishers of America, and was the first African American woman to be recognized by with the award.
Taylor is also in the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame and a recipient of the NAACP President’s Award for her leadership and excellence.
Taylor is the author of five books, including her newest, “All About Love: Favorite Selections from In the Spirit.”
Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center, Kacheyta McClellan said she feels students will be impacted by Taylor.
“These students could be next in line to do something similar,” McClellan said.
The MLK Memorial Luncheon will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Carter Hall.
Tickets are $5 for USI Students, $10 for USI Employees and $15 for the general public and are on sale now.
Tickets are available for purchase through Sodexo and in the Multicultural Center.
“It’s going to be interesting to hear what Taylor has to say,” senior French major Emily Schkeryantz said. “Someone so established is able to come inspire others to do the same.”