Founded in 1968, Essence Communications Inc. is a corporation that owns a variety of media properties and communications systems, including its flagship publication, ESSENCE, a lifestyle magazine marketed to African-American women. ESSENCE has a monthly circulation of more than 1 million and a readership of more than 7 million. Essence Communications other properties include the annual Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE.com, the annual Essence Awards, Suede Magazine, Essence Books and a line of products including hosiery and eyewear. The company is headquartered in New York, N.Y., and operates offices in Chicago, Ill.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Detroit, Mich.