Susan L. Taylor is a Real Life Diva
Former ESSENCE editorial director and editor-in-chief gets personal on her rise from beauty writer to the face of a national Black women’s magazine
By Charreah Jackson

real life divas

(May 17th, 2008) Susan L. Taylor shares her personal story of success with help from former president Bill Clinton and her godson Sean “Diddy” Combs BETJ’s Real Life Divas, a series that pays tribute to women whose work has not only made a difference but contributed to pop culture, now airing

“Self-discovery is thrilling,” Taylor says. “My goal is to keep hitting a higher and higher octave, to keep learning and sharing.”

For 19 years, Taylor served as editor-in-chief of ESSENCE, a lifestyle magazine for African-American women. Her dedication to delivering groundbreaking stories that were relevant to Black women and the community quickly cemented her as a household name. Now she has taken a new charge and mission to help today’s youth nationwide with the National Cares Mentoring Movement.

“Historically, Black women have suffered tremendously, but today's Black women are the triumph,” she says. “We have choices, and that's what freedom is all about--having the power to choose.”

The BETJ series will also feature Jill Scott, MC Lyte and CeCe Winans.

Tune in for the premiere episode of Real Life Divas featuring Susan L. Taylor on May 18th at 10:30 P.M., May 19th at 2:00 P.M. and May 21st, 8:30 P.M.

RELATED LINKS:
Susan L. Taylor discusses the power of love »
See exclusive photos of Sean Combs, Kim Porter and their family »
See personal pictures from Kim Porter and Sean Combs's baby shower »





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What do you think


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-5 latest comments

My,My,My, Ms. Taylor! I was very fortunate to catch your family and friends giving you Honor and Love this past Saturday. I must say the program gave me and my talented awesome husband such a boost, especially with the world turning the way it is today. I wanted to come by and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, for allowing me, my husband, and the rest of the world into your world. You my friend bestow Life, Passion, Love and a resurrection of the words *HOPE, DREAM, & BELIEVE* back into our souls. So again Thank You!


-Tiwana Lewis & Family

I think that it is a wounderful thing to hear Mrs. Taylor speak of the importance of having a relatinship with God and doing what ever it takes to not only be productive but to always to remember to go back and help others. My hats off to her much love

-Tracey

This past weekend I got a chance to view the celebration of Ms. Susan L. Taylor on BET. It was simple wonderous and very much heart felt. Ms. Taylor spirit illuminates love for the black community and she is truly a blessing to us all. Ms. Taylor has certainly inspired me to care more for the black community. Ms. Taylor thank for all your many contributions to our people. We love you so very much!

-Tracy Lloyd

Hi Mrs. Susan L. Taylor,

I happen to watch Real Life Diva while tossing, turning and trying to get back to sleep last night. I met you years ago as a young girl on a class trip. You have always been inspirational to me! I have read your monthly messages of inspiration and your life story and now I am ready to continue growing and am looking for a mentor as a 43 year old, single separated African American mother of two-(25yr-woman and 8yr-boy)Master degree, 11 years with the state of NY and most importantly a God fearing

-Avery Smith

Ms Taylor - I am a parent writing to ask for help or where I can get help for my daughter she has finish college with a degree in Biology and her plans is to become a Physical Therapy but you would need a masters to get a job - she wants to continue to go to graduate school to get her masters in Physical Therapy but I can't afford to help with with that I have helped her with undergraduate for 5 years and can't not afford to help with her getting her masters - I want to help and support and encourage mychild but I just can

-Margo Eady