Clarence O. Smith, one of many co-founders of Essence journal, died on April 21, 2025, in keeping with his obituary revealed by the outlet. He was 92.
Smith co-founded the “Essence” model with Edward Lewis, Cecil Hollingsworth, and Jonathan Blount in 1968; the model revealed its first situation of the now legendary journal in Could 1970. Within the a long time since its founding, “Essence” would grow to be a staple imprint of the Black neighborhood, changing into important to the cultural dialog, particularly for its concentrate on the celebration, empowerment, and affect of Black ladies.
Throughout Smith’s tenure, the model expanded with its “Essence Awards,” “Essence Tv,” and the massively profitable “Essence Competition of Tradition. ” The annual convention and live performance collection takes over New Orleans each July 4 weekend and has grow to be one of many Black neighborhood’s most anticipated annual occasions.
Smith stayed with Essence for over thirty years, serving most of that point as president, specializing in advertising and promoting. He’s credited with shifting the model’s focus towards investing in Black audiences, significantly Black ladies, a call whose impacts are nonetheless positively felt as we speak.
Susan L. Taylor, former editor-in-chief of Essence journal, mentioned of Smith, “We now have misplaced a mighty thoughts, however not a legacy. It lives on.”
Born within the Bronx, New York, in 1933, Smith served within the U.S. Military earlier than changing into an entrepreneur and businessman. His accolades embody numerous awards, together with the A.G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. He’s survived by his spouse, Elaine, and their household.
