OK, here's the question: Do we really need another African-American Magazine? Well, if we're talking about Black EOE Journal, then the answer is a resounding YES!

How can we be so sure? It's simple, really — it wasn't our idea! The concept behind Black EOE Journal came from you; the thousands of extraordinary, ordinary African-American's that we have met over the past ten years of attending nationwide conferences, and local community involvement.

Moreover, throughout this personal interaction we were constantly listening. And by listening to — and genuinely caring about — the needs of African-Americans, we were able to find out what resources they were lacking, and what they wanted and needed to fill that void.

We realized there was a need for a publication that specifically addressed the issues that are important to the professional African-American of the new millennium: Building and Strengthening Relationships, Managing a Career or Business, Continuing Education, Health and Lifestyles, and much, much more.

We know that that's not the way it's normally done, but it's the way we've always worked — from the ground up. In fact, that's the way our other two magazines got started as well. Actually, when we launched the Professional Woman's Magazine and Hispanic Network Magazine, it was little more than two sisters and a newsletter.

Now, 10 years after their creation, we are proud to say that, by listening to our readers, PWM and HNM are two of the fastest-growing minority publications in the country; providing invaluable resources for their respective communities along with a free resume service — aiding more than 15,000 job-seekers at no cost.

Why are we so concerned with the needs of minorities and women? Well, we believe that our unique experiences growing up — including living in Europe, South Africa, the Mediterranean, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and throughout the U.S. — exposed us to, and gave us a sensitivity for varied peoples, cultures, and points-of-view.

Therefore, it was only natural that we pool our talents, which were diverse yet complimentary, and put our passion to work. So, while Mona is flying around the country, attending conferences, donating her time to charitable foundations, and meeting with community leaders, Grace is engaged with the logistic and executive responsibilities that come with running a publishing company.

The fact of the matter is that, as far as we are concerned, it's more than a job. As devoted as we are to our families, we are equally involved in our business. We have a genuine passion for what we do, and to us each issue is a celebration.

So although we are different people, when it comes to our work and our community, our philosophies are the same. We take no credit by ourselves. Everyone who works with us — no matter what the position — is important. And each person who works at Olive Tree is concerned about our clients and readers; what they think and what they need. That's why we are personally involved with nationwide organizations, not simply by making a donation, but by getting out and BEING THERE. In fact, if you have attended any one of a number of conferences across that country, you've probably met Mona, and if you haven't, she looks forward to meeting you. We are convinced that the only way to really connect with our readers is by talking with and meeting them FACE TO FACE.

At no time in our country's history have African-Americans had as much influence and opportunity as the present, and we want BEJ to be the place you look for the insight and information that will help you lead a more fruitful and fulfilling life.

We are truly excited about the launch of this new venture and hope our enthusiasm shows. And we have set out on this journey with confidence because of the support of the advertisers, organizations, and readers that we have built relationships with over the past 10 years.

Sincerely,

Grace Abboud & Mona Placey