Former Essence Editor Invites You to Join the Mentoring Movement

 In the wake of the most recent protests in Baltimore, there is a growing urgency among communities around the country to address the numerous social issues that have produced the sporadic violence erupting during the largely peaceful demonstrations in Baltimore, New York City, and Ferguson.

Unemployment, lack of inclusion that leads to opportunity, and failing school systems are served up as a few of the problems frustrating young African Americans.

“Young people are standing strong,” says former Essence magazine editor, Susan L. Taylor. Taylor worked for the magazine for 37 years. In 2008 she resigned to found the non-profit National CARES Mentoring Movement.

“This is a call to action to the black community,” Taylor told the audience attending the Memphis Black Business Association awards luncheon. The regal Taylor, who started her career at Essence as the beauty editor and through tenacity coupled with talent worked her way to the helm of the publication, urged the leaders in the room to “leave the community, the country, and the world better” than they found it.

Memphis is one of the 58 cities where National CARES Mentoring is active.

Taylor recalled, “We walked with brothers and sisters with children leading the way. Children held signs that read, ‘I need a mentor.’” It was a fall day in 2008 when Memphis signed on to support the mission.  

Seven years later the Memphis ballroom where Taylor spoke hummed with the news of Marilyn Mosby’s decision to file charges against the six Baltimore police officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray.

“There is joy in Baltimore today and around the country because we think justice is being done,” Taylor said.

She touched on the country’s history of brutality but did not linger, saying “I’m not pointing fingers.” But, she did not negate the impact of sustained racism. Taylor described it as “leaving you feeling shrunken.”

The woman who led a cultural icon for decades and created one of the world’s largest festivals, the Essence Festival, believes the antidote is an involved and caring community of mentors. And, Taylor is inviting you and her list of powerful connections to take the first step. For more information on the National CARES Mentoring Movement, visit www.caresmentoring.org.