Constance C.R. White, Essence’s editor-in-chief until she was fired early last month, has some strong words for Time Inc.’s editor, Martha Nelson. White told Journal-isms that she was forced out because she wanted black women to be central to Essence, but Nelson did not.

White claims that she wasn’t given any explanation for being fired, but the main problem was that she wouldn’t tolerate what she considered the minimization of black women in Essence:

When was the last time you saw Essence in the community advocating for or talking with black women? No more T-shirts with a male employee’s face on it being distributed at the [Essence] Festival.

I had a certain point of view about black women being central to this magazine. The boss didn’t agree with me, and the president [Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications] didn’t agree with me. It became an untenable situation.

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Now that Kim Kelleher, Time’s publisher, has announced that she’s leaving for a spot at Say Media, the search to replace her has begun. Though Time has had a rough go this year, with ad pages dipping 20 percent compared to 2011, whoever takes on the role will have big shoes to fill.

Below, a list of rumored candidates to become Time’s new publisher, via The New York Post. Kelleher leaves Time in September.

• Brendan Ripp — Former Time publisher who was shifted to Money when Kelleher came aboard.
• Frank Wall — Publisher of Sports Illustrated.
• Jed Hartman — Worldwide publisher of Fortune, also oversees CNNMoney.
• Michelle eBanks — President of Essence Communications

John Huey, Editor-in-Chief of Time Inc., has announced that Constance C.R. White is the new Editor-in-Chief of Essence, effective March 21st.

White comes to Essence from eBay, where she served as Style Director, Brand Consultant and Spokesperson. Her responsibilities there – designing content aimed at women – will surely serve her well at Essence. White has also had quite the career in fashion, working as a Style Reporter for The New York Times, Executive Fashion Editor for Elle, and Associate Editor at Women’s Wear Daily.

Michelle Ebanks, President of Essence, said of White joining the team:

As a visionary and consummate communicator, Constance has established an unparalleled connection with women across multiple platforms. She is passionate about the needs of black women and making sure that they have the tools to make their boldest dreams come true.

Essence Communications Inc. has gotten itself a good deal in its latest hire: Celeste Harwell, who has done directorial sales work for The New York Times, Marie Claire, and TRACE magazine has been taken on as the African-American media company’s newest director of fashion. Harwell’s most recent gig was serving as the Associate Publisher for TIME Style & Design, which has ties to Essence.

Says Essence president Michelle Ebanks, “I am certain that Celeste will successfully break new ground in establishing relationships and developing innovative ideas, especially in our pivotal 40th anniversary year!”

See below for full press release.

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