Oprah to honor Essence Editor Susan L. Taylor. Susan L. Taylor, who has been with Essence magazine for some 37 years, will be honored at a special event on Tuesday, according to Noerdlinger Media. Among those bestowing accolades on the longtime editor of the women’s magazine will be talk-show diva Oprah Winfrey, music producer Sean Combs and author Terry McMillan. Proceeds from the Dec. 2 ceremony will benefit the National CARES Mentoring Movement that is dedicated to pairing vulnerable African-American children with a caring mentor. National CARES, which was founded by Taylor as Essence CARES, currently operates in more than 50 U.S. states. Notable performers at Taylor’s honorary event include singer Yolanda Adams and gospel star Donnie McClurkin. Other notable attendees will include noted poet Ruby Dee, radio host Michael Eric Dyson, rapper Common and outspoken activist Al Sharpton.