New York ( CNN ) -- The editor of Essence Magazine defended Wednesday her recent hiring of a white fashion director -- a first for the 40-year-old publication that celebrates black women . The hiring of Elliana Placas first sparked outrage when a former Essence employee posted a note on her Facebook page decrying the decision . `` It 's with a heavy heart I 've learned Essence Magazine has engaged a white Fashion Director , '' former Essence staffer Michaela Angela Davis wrote . `` I love Essence and I love fashion . I hate this news and this feeling . It hurts , literally . '' Essence editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray wrote in an opinion piece posted Wednesday on African-American news site theGrio.com that Placas initially joined the magazine six months ago to run the fashion section on a freelance basis before being hired permanently as fashion director . `` I got to see firsthand her creativity , her vision , the positive reader response to her work , and her enthusiasm and respect for the audience and our brand , '' Burt-Murray said . `` As such , I thought she 'd make an excellent addition to our team . And I still do . This decision in no way diminishes my commitment to black women , our issues , our fights . '' Critics of the decision raised concerns over the lack of African-American women in fashion as part of their outcry over the hiring of Placas . `` The fashion industry is not diverse -- it is an elite , closed world and there is very little place for black women , '' Davis told CNN . `` At Fashion Week , there was one seat for Essence . One . Black women 's image and beauty has either been ignored or defiled and that one seat should be filled by someone who can represent the style , history and body type of black women . '' Davis is adamant that she is not a racist , but instead concerned that a position where an African-American woman might be able to start and build her career has been lost . `` Essence was the first magazine that says in their brand that it is for black women and their motto when I worked there was 'where black women come first , ' '' Davis told CNN on Wednesday . `` This is not about being racist , this is about wanting a place where black women can grow and flourish and go out and help diversify , '' she said . Burt-Murray said in her opinion piece that she shared concerns `` about the lack of visibility of African-American women throughout the ranks of the fashion industry , which is overwhelmingly white . '' `` I , too , want to see more of us on the mastheads of all the magazines , seated in the front rows of the shows , designing our own fashion lines , and contributing our special flavor and flyness to the world of style , '' she wrote . Burt-Murray also wrote that she has seen strong reactions in the past from readers when it comes to matters of race and the magazine . Recent examples of reader outrage included a profile of rapper P. Diddy and his longtime girlfriend Kim Porter , which some readers found promoted having children out of wedlock and a negative image of black couples , and guest columnist Jill Scott voicing her opinion about black men who date outside of their race , which some readers felt was reverse racism . Likewise , the decision to hire Placas has not escaped scrutiny . However , despite the outrage , Davis insists that readers not drop their support of the magazine yet , writing in a second Facebook post , `` We need Essence today as we did 40 years ago . I do n't believe this is the time for a boycott . '' Burt-Murray noted that past issues that should have sparked such outrage were often overlooked . She cites several in-depth reports the magazine conducted on issues plaguing the African-American community , including black children falling through the cracks in under-performing schools , the increase in sex trafficking of young black girls in urban communities , inequities in the health care services for black women or how HIV is the leading cause of death for black women ages 18-34 . `` The things that really are the end of our world apparently are n't , '' she wrote . `` While the response to these important stories may not always be as strong as we would like or lead to immediate change , Essence remains committed to telling these stories . `` Forty years ago Essence was founded to empower , celebrate , and inspire black women to climb higher , go further and break down barriers . Our commitment to black women remains unchanged as we continue to stay laser-focused on those principles -- no matter who works with us . '' Davis said she feels readers should still support Essence , but says there 's no reason why the magazine should be immune to criticism . `` I hate that I 'm even having this conversation because I love Essence -- it was my home , '' Davis said . `` But I spoke out for all the black girls who called me crying because what does this say to them ? '' Meanwhile , Burt-Murray is standing by her decision to hire Placas . `` We remain committed to celebrating the unique beauty and style of African-American women in Essence magazine and online at Essence.com , '' she wrote . CNN 's Julie Cannold contributed to this report .
The editor called Elliana Placas ` ` an excellent addition to our team '' Her hiring sparked controversy when a former magazine employee posted on Twitter that the hiring ` ` hurts '' Critics cite the lack of black women in fashion as part of their argument . The editor says she is committed to supporting African - American women .