where plans for the magazine's 25th anniversary began six years ago.

After arriving on American Airlines evening flight to Bermuda, Ms Taylor told The Royal Gazette , "It's great to be back in Bermuda. Bermuda is a very special place to be because it's the first place I visited outside of the US continent when I was 19.'' Noting that she loved the tranquillity and beauty of the Island, Ms Taylor said the last time she was here was in 1989 when Essence executives came to plan their 25th anniversary celebrations.

Little did she know then, she admitted, that she would be making her first public appearance in Bermuda the same year the magazine celebrated its 25th anniversary.

During the year, Essence has featured Bermuda as a vacation destination in several issues and it has also used the Island as a backdrop for photo shoots, fashion spreads and editorials.

Ms Taylor, who is also the president of Essence Communications Inc., was invited to the Island by Successories of Bermuda who have in the past brought in big names and positive black role models, including comedian, actor and philanthropist Bill Cosby, and leading American neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson.

She will speak at a black tie banquet at The Princess tonight and at St.

Paul's Centennial Hall tomorrow.

At Princess, Ms Taylor will be addressing the topic "Celebrating The Essence of Success''. And organisers said it was designed to attract "a cross section of Bermudians''.

Ms Taylor will be speaking on the theme "In The Spirit'', on Saturday, which is the title of her motivational editorials in Essence magazine and her new best-selling book.

She said she hoped those who turned out for either events, which were both scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., would realise that, "There are no dreams that are too big to dream, no goals too lofty.'' Tickets to both events are still available and can be purchased from 27th Century Boutique or Successories by calling 295-4111.

Partial proceeds from the events will be donated to the Nurses' Education Committee and Nursing Affairs Committee.

Ms Susan L. Taylor