issues were edited by then little known poet Wanda Coleman. She was replaced after six issues by Iceman author Joseph Nazel, whose books were frequently advertised in the magazine. Los Angeles-based journalist Emory Holmes II also had two stints as the head of the publication. Influential media critic Donald Bogle was a contributor to Players. Cultural critic Stanley Crouch was the magazine's top music columnist and his protégé Wynton Marsalis was prominently featured in the magazine. Iceberg Slim himself penned short stories which would form the basis of the 1979 anthology Airtight Willie and Me, published by Holloway House. Georgia State Senator and future NAACP Chairman Julian Bond was another notable contributor to Players. The magazine closed in 2005, and was survived by a handful of spin-offs. Featured Writers Players featured a number of pieces by black writers whose work focused on the experiences of black Americans as well as relevant political themes. Black writers whose work as featured in Players includes: Amiri Baraka, Alex Haley, Julian Bond, Huey Newton, Stanley Crouch, Chester Himes, Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim. Cultural Significance Background Black owned media like magazines, newspapers, and media have acted as ways for promoting Black excellence, equality, social justice and news in the Black community for generations. Due to segregation and discrimination there has always been the need to create "safe Black spaces" to produce Black content. Players Magazine is an example of a Black space created to allow the production of Black content in its appropriate outlet. Players Magazine holds great significance because of how long its lasted. Historically, Black newspapers and magazines longevity isn't nearly as long as Players Magazine has been. Making Players Unique One of the justifications for Players was representation of Blacks for the African American public. However, there are a significant number of Black publications, for example Ebony, with the same target audience. What made Players unique was its intended purpose. In the past Playboy was considered an erotic magazine that fulfilled the adult males fantasies about women. Today it is considered a way for black/ African American community to get a look into the newest fashion trends and significant cultural changes for the time. for Black people, it also featured information on trends in movies and music, politics, and Black culture. A magazine such as Ebony featured content on "black history, entertainment, business, health, occupations, personalities, and sports" (Glasrud) with a