Historically, most journalists writing for Ebony have been black, but it’s not a requirement to score a byline. The pub has recently run stories by writers who aren’t black, and also hopes to reach beyond the black community by tackling key issues from a wide variety of viewpoints.

The magazine is enjoying the fruits of a well-executed redesign spearheaded by editor-in-chief Amy DuBois Barnett, who works with CEO Desiree Rogers and Chairman Linda Johnson Rice. Barnett told NPR she’s working to balance fashion, entertainment and news that is empowering “and also still very rooted in the coverage of social issues and political issues that Ebony has always done so well.”

Bonus? Over 50 percent of the pub is written by freelancers. Find out how you can win over the editors in How To Pitch: Ebony. [Mediabistro AvantGuild subscription required]