Susan L. Taylor to be Honored at 'Stars of New York Dance'

On November 18, six of New York’s very own “stars” will lace up their dancing shoes and get footloose, fancy and free at the second annual competition, a fundraiser to provide low-income children increased access to dance and the arts.

Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence Magazine and founder of National CARES Mentoring Movement (NCMM) will be honored at this year’s dance-off, taking place at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, 7:00pm.

For nearly two decades, from 1981 until 2000, Susan served as editor-in-chief of Essence, a monthly magazine that caters to African-American women and covers fashion, lifestyle and beauty.

Under Susan's expert guidance, Essence experienced phenomenal growth. Its monthly readership soared to more than 5 million, reaching black women all over the world. Capturing the hearts of Essence readers was Susan's monthly column, "In the Spirit," which addressed themes such as family, faith, self-esteem and health.

Her motivational features culminated in the popular books, In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor and Lessons In Living. She also authored a third book with her husband, Khepra Burns, Confirmations: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives.

Today, Taylor has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker, championing causes that serve to enlighten and improve the lives of all people. Her latest effort is a book, A New Way Forward: Healing What’s Hurting Black America, a publication of NCMM, a mentorship program devoted to developing and connecting a critical mass of black mentors with black children in need of “a new way forward.”

Bed-Stuy Patch had an opportunity to sit down with Susan for an intimate conversation to discuss her book, her latest passions and how she feels to be honored at this year’s Stars of New York Dance.

Bed-Stuy Patch: You attended last year’s Stars of New York Dance as an audience member. I remember seeing you sitting right up front, smiling from ear to ear. What was your impression of that night?

Susan Taylor: It was a fun night. It was a party with a purpose. I so believe in Cheryl Todmann (the event’s organizer) and her vision, passion and commitment to organize the community to give children in Brooklyn greater access to the arts programs. Stars of New York Dance is a creative way of ensuring that caring hearts in the community come together, have a good time, and also have an assignment that helps our children.

BSP: How does it feel to be honored this year?

ST: I don’t think there’s anything more important that society can do than offer young people the support they need to thrive. Creativity and study of the arts are critical to academic performance. And seeing the arts taken out of schools without any outrage and response from the public is very disappointing to me. So I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to speak to that. My passion for the arts is part of the reason for accepting this honor.

BSP: You are spearheading a literary project that is building a mentoring program for young black boys. Tell me about that and any other projects you are working on now.

ST: The National CARES Mentoring Movement is a call-to-action for the African-American community to engage in more mentoring programs and save this nation. When the call goes out for mentors, the first respondents are white women, then white men, then black women, and then black men. In our community, we need a lot more mentors, but in the reverse order.

BSP: Do you think maybe the community has been trying to keep their own heads above water for so long that they have lost the motivation and/or ability to give back in a real, substantive way?

ST: It’s a challenge to get people to step up. And its not that black people don’t care. But the call to mentoring has not been delivered in the right way. We’re not asking for money, we’re just asking for one hour of their time. I’ve decided to get involved more deeply with a group of scholars, professionals, educators, faith leaders, community leaders, people who really care deeply about black people, black families and their well being.

It is for us, no one else, to heal that pain, that hurt, depression and self-denial that is very rarely named or recognized and that we’ve internalized over generations. That pain we host prevents us from caring for the well being of ourselves.

BSP: What do you think lies ahead for our future generations, and what should we be doing for our kids now to prepare them for a better future?

ST: The village is on fire, and the children are screaming for help. We have to push our political leaders to deliver to communities the things that families need to be strong. We have to break the silence. We’ve allowed this war in Iraq to take $700 billion out of this economy. That’s more than enough to create employment for every single person that wants a job and to properly educate every person in America.

And I’m looking in the mirror and saying “shame on us.” We have allowed things to become dilapidated. All we’ve done is talk about it and shake our heads and there’s been no strong movement. But I’m beginning to see adults awakening to the cries of our young. All over the country, I’m seeing more and more efforts targeted to young African-American males and females; I’m seeing a greater involvement by parents and communities. And I’m hopeful. I’m absolutely hopeful.

Tickets for Stars of New York Dance are $50; VIP tickets which include VIP seating and the cocktail reception are $100. Purchase tickets online at www.kumbletheater.org. Checks can also be made payable to The Stars of New York Dance and mailed to P.O. Box 170511, Times Plaza Station, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.

*Stay tuned to Bed-Stuy Patch in the coming weeks, as we will bring you rehearsal footage of this year's stars.