Black Sections in White Magazines

While historically, general market magazines are often led primarily by white women, those in leadership positions recognize the importance of authenticity with black voices. Shown by the many publications that have dedicated black-focus divisions that boost conversation. These sections highlight black narratives. The rise of these black sections within these white magazines has allowed black writers to break through and represent a joint effort that reshapes images and showcases our values.

The ongoing historical relevance of Black Voices in white spaces continues. There are vital and journalists who open doors for others:

Greg Tate shaped the hip-hop narrative through his 20+ years at New City’s Village Voice. His essays made noise and opened conversation when it came to speaking about Black music, art, literature, and culture and what it brought to the community, which is why people called him the “Godfather of Hip-Hop Journalism.” He was later replaced by Bongani Madonso, a profound writer, culture critic, and writer from South Africa. 

Claire R. McIntosh is a respected journalist and editor-in-chief of Sisters From AARP and a senior editor at AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. These platforms are dedicated to Black women of all ages and lifestyles. Claire has been in journalism for 30+ years and has enjoyed contributing her penmanship to award-winning content on platforms such as Essence, Ebony, and Working Mother.

Jessica Cruel, is making waves as the editor-in-chief of Allure. She showcased her talents as the deputy beauty director at Refinery29, where she gained audiences with her perspective on beauty married with her culture. As she took the lead as editor-in-chief, Cruel started the conversation about black beauty. The Allure team launched “ The Melanin Edit” in 2021, creating a platform, especially dedicated to the dialogue of black beauty, skincare, trends and history.

Nikki Ogunnaike is the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire. After having senior  editorial positions at Hearst and Condė Nast including Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair, she is also the host of IRL, and IGTV's The Run Through. 

Radhika Jones, the daughter of famed musician Quincy Jones, started her profession as the editorial director of Moscow Times and continued her journey with European spaces until her appointment as editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, historically the first woman of multiracial descent to take such a position. 

Touré started his career as an intern at Rolling Stones Magazine and continued as an entertainment contributor largely giving voice to hip hop artistry and storytelling. His bylines have appeared in  publications The New Yorker, The New York Times and The Village Voice and most recently on  his daily podcast, the “ Tourè Show.”

Danyel Smith started as a freelance columnist at The New York Times before becoming the R&B editor of Billboard Magazine, making her the first Black woman at both establishments.