"If Time Warner can employ over 30,000 people, I want Essence Communications to employ over 30,000 people."

Edward Lewis, Essence Communications.

"Our media has always been underutilized," said the association's chairman, Clarence O. Smith, president and co-founder of Essence Communications.

Mr. Lewis, who is chief operating officer of Essence Communications, said the magazine had revenue of $19.8 million last year.

LEAD: * James Forsythe, senior vice president and circulation director at Essence Communications, has been named director of new business development.

In 2000, Time Inc., which is owned by Time Warner, purchased 49 percent of Essence Communications, which publishes magazines aimed at black women.

Last year Essence Communications introduced Suede, a magazine aimed at young women that blends influences from hip-hop culture and the fashion world.

She is taking over the job from Susan L. Taylor, Essence's editor the last 19 years, who will become editorial director of Essence Communications.

In the fall Essence Communications will begin publishing Suede, a glossy fashion magazine geared to the 18-to-34-year-old woman of color.

Although magazines are its core business, Essence Communications, which had revenue of $77 million last year, also licenses eyeglasses, hosiery and fabric patterns under the Essence name.