The tale initially appeared in the special 55th-anniversary July/August 2025 edition of ’s magazine, available on newsstands today.
In a woman’s lifetime, certain instances hold an almost holy significance. This occasion stands as one such instance. Being included in this milestone anniversary edition featuring the peerless Susan L. Taylor on the cover transcends merely completing a cycle; it feels like receiving a profound mantle of leadership. Through her guidance, Susan has inspired countless Black women to lead from their hearts, communicate with intent, and embrace honesty in all aspects of living. Her role extended beyond managing a publication—it was akin to nurturing a societal shift. As I take up the baton she offers today, my pledge is to uphold it with courage, respect, and unwavering dedication to your cause.
Has never merely been about pages or images; it has consistently mirrored our radiance and splendor. During moments when I felt unseen in corporate America, it showcased me. In boardroom discussions where my value was doubted, it reaffirmed my identity and potential. Over the past 55 years, this brand has served as a haven, an inspiration, and a benchmark for Black women. Today, I have the privilege of contributing to its evolution. My dedication lies in ensuring that every one of us feels acknowledged not only for the next 55 years but well into the future.
It was like looking into a mirror—one of the scarce glimpses I had of the person I aspired to be someday.
I came of age in Oakland as a young girl whose world view was limited by her immediate surroundings. At the time, I harbored no aspirations for my future. My associations were not constructive. It took me until the age of 30 to finally earn my college degree. The thought of doing anything beyond reading magazines seemed far-fetched; becoming someone who writes for them and eventually rises to be the Chief Content Officer was unimaginable. Yet, something resonated with me even when I lacked the vocabulary to articulate self-empowerment. This experience revealed that embracing one’s identity as a Black woman held both strength and attainability.
Right at the heart of that radiance stood Susan L. Taylor—our guiding light, our anchor. Her “In the Spirit” essays functioned as revered missives meant to steer us through challenging moments and help us grasp the promise of a luminous future ahead. To this day, I recall purchasing her work, titled “In the Spirit,” amidst a period when my existence felt tumultuous—a disordered romance, an estranged bond with spirituality, and virtually no clear purpose. Though I managed to persist, I wasn’t truly fulfilled.
PQ: ‘It wasn’t merely a magazine she ran; she nurtured an entire movement.’
Michele Ghee
The book resonated with me profoundly and initiated the process of healing within me. Susan allowed Black women the space to rest, to stand up, to believe, and to move ahead. She made us realize that we share this journey both in our challenges and aspirations.
Today, after many years, I bear the profound duty of continuing the legacy she ignited. It’s my task to guide this brand that once kept me whole as I crumbled. My aim is to maintain it as a refuge for our narratives, our talent, and our recovery.
I was the first person in my close-knit family to earn a college degree. Though my journey wasn’t straightforward, each step was filled with intention. I’ve risen thanks to the support and hard work of countless Black women and men who came before me, those who cared for, encouraged, and strived alongside me. This achievement belongs not just to me but to all of us they have inspired and supported along the way.
To serve Black women—with fullness, depth, and unabashed affection—is my mission. This guides each sentence, choice, and narrative we create. As we mark this 55-year landmark, remember that our gaze is set firmly ahead, not dwelling on the past with longing but propelling ourselves further with intent.
Thank you, Susan, for showing the path and for “Passing the Torch” of excellence.
Thank you, sis, for putting your trust in us as we journey alongside you and help lead you toward becoming the finest version of yourself. We’re family, and I have faith in you. I recognize all that you do. I am always here for you. My love for you runs deep. May you also one day pass this torch onto another person.
Filled with love and thankfulness, driven by passion and intent,
Michele Ghee
Chief Content Officer, Ventures
Photo Production Credits
Makeup: Andrea Fairweather Bailey utilizing Fairweather Faces Traveling Beauty Kits for Fairweather Faces
Nails: Arlene Hinckson with Morgan Taylor represented by The Only Agency
Set Design: Jenny Correa managed by Walter Schupfer Management
Tailor: Shirlee Idzakovich
Lighting Director: Andrew Espinal
Photography Assistant: Ashley Markle
Digitouch: Guillermo Perez
Styling Assistants: Audra Gooch, Baldwin Virgin, Daniel Castaneda, and Lili Marner
Set Assistant: Andy Meerow
Production: The Morrison Group
Production Assistants: Maian Tran, Isaac Taylor Shane, and Alexzandria Ashton
Post-Production: One Hundred Berlin
Location: Pier59 Studios
