From the editor-in-chief.

Anniversaries are times of appreciation and reflection, and I am happy to grace the cover of this third anniversary issue with Terry McMillan, a writer I consider a privilege to count as a friend. I am also pleased and honored to include in our pages the City of Brotherly Love, a literary community that for hundreds of years has nurtured phenomenal black talent (see "Our Philadelphia Story" page 14).

When BIBR began publishing nearly three years ago, Library Journal named it one of the top 10 new magazines of the year from over 1,100 new publications that year. As we celebrate BIBR's third anniversary in a shrinking publishing world, I am happy that BIBR is not only alive but has become the authoritative voice for the world of African-American interest books. Celebrating this anniversary is especially sweet because it reflects the positive growth of black books and reaffirms that reading is a significant part of African-American lifestyles, even in the midst of the current retrenchment in the book market and the magazine environment.

The "fringe" is now the fabric of publishing, with so-called special markets--that include all of us black folk--having an influential voice in the publications that continue. As president of BIBR, I am first, thankful to you. BIBR's incredible increases in subscriptions and newsstand sales happened because of your gift subscriptions and recommendations. While these increases are great, we continue to count on our loyal subscribers to assist us with your "word-of-mouth" approach in advancing our cause and purpose.

I also appreciate publishers--large and small, including self-publishers--to whom all readers owe a debt of gratitude for the maturation of black publishing. It couldn't be more obvious that African-American books are not a trend but an enduring part of our culture. BIBR is committed to bringing attention to new writers and providing in-depth coverage of established authors, and we are delighted that so many of them are finding receptive publishers.

Of course, magazines thrive via advertising. As BIBR undergoes its first "ABC audit"--the advertising boot camp of magazines--my deepest gratitude goes out to those companies that have already invested in our future and shared our pages. We need your continued support. Let's grow together!

As I reflect, it's impossible to overlook the BIBR staff. This magazine grew out of my conversations with three black women in the publishing world: esteemed founding editor of One World Books, Cheryl Woodruff, Susan McHenry and Adrienne Ingrum. After this issue Susan, who has been our executive editor since BIBR was a mere glimmer in our eyes, will move on to her role as special projects editor at Essence magazine. She will continue to contribute occasional pieces to BIBR, and be the godmother she has always been to the publication. Happily, we have chosen her successor, Evette Porter, who contributes this month's "Tribute."

I will introduce Evette formally when she writes her first "Executive Editor's View" next issue, the cover of which will feature another friend, Haki Madhubuti, the awesome poet who will celebrate the 35th anniversary of a venerable black publishing institution--Third World Press.

While my friendship with Susan will continue, I will miss having her thumbprint on every page, and I will forever be grateful to her for making BIBR a reality. Without Susan McHenry there would be no anniversary to celebrate, there would be no Black Issues Book Review. Join me in cheering her and wishing her God's richest blessings!