Ella Britten, Diane Weathers, Editor in Chief of Essence Magazine and Mikki Taylor, Beauty and Cover Editor of Essence Magazine during the Tea and Tranquility Sponsored by Toyota and Essence Magazine at the St. Regis Hotel in Century City, California. Even though Essence was the top Black magazine then, one million subscribers strong, it was still hard as hell to attract companies that remained incredulous that Black folk wielded so much economic power. Dion loved Black people and believed at his core that our creativity, energy, and dedication were immeasurably valuable. They devoted their careers to Black culture. Harriette Cole is the former Contemporary Living Editor and former fashion director of Essence magazine.