Marcia Ann Gillespie, visiting professor in the American Studies Department, recently received the Black Enterprise Women of Power "Barbara Graves Legacy Award" at the magazine's 12th annual summit in Phoenix, Arizona. Gillespie, who has taught Writing for Media and a special course in African Americans and the Mass Media since 2010, is a trailblazer in the magazine industry, a leader in the women’s movement, and a respected and award-winning activist, editor, educator and writer.
She is a former editor in chief of Essence (1971-1980) and Ms. (1993-2001), and was also the President of Liberty Media for Women, the company she co-founded with Gloria Steinem that took ownership of Ms. in 1998. Appointed the editor of Essence at the age of 26, Gillespie rapidly transformed the then fledgling publication into one of the fastest growing women's magazines in the United States. During her tenure, Essence won a National Magazine Award - the industry's most prestigious honor. In addition to her role as editor she also served as vice-president of Essence Communications and as a member of the board of directors.
Prior to taking the reins at Ms. magazine, Gillespie was a contributing editor and featured columnist for the feminist publication, and also served as the executive editor. Under her leadership Ms. became known for its award winning in-depth articles and investigative pieces.
Gillespie has written extensively about issues relating to the African American community and about women, particularly black women. She is the co-author of "Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration" (Doubleday, 2008), and a recipient of numerous honors, among them: the University of Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism; Lifetime Achievement Awards from the New York chapter of the Association of Black Journalists and New York Women in Communications; and a Doctor of Letters from her alma mater, Lake Forest College.
The Women of Power Summit features influential speakers and one-on-one keynote sessions with top executives—many of whom are women of color themselves. The event, which attracts more than 700 participants, offers a program designed to provide women of color the leadership skills and professional guidance necessary to tackle the challenges in today's corporate arena. The Legacy Award is named in honor of the wife of Earl G. Graves Sr., the founder, chairman and publisher of Black Enterprise. Ms. Graves played a vital role in the growth and development of the publication and media company, and its mission of economic empowerment and wealth building for African Americans. She also co-founded and guided the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit.
A video commemorating Gillespie's work as an educator, activist, and pioneer for women in media was shot at SUNY Old Westbury and presented on the first night of the Women of Power Summit.
