Why do you think Jessie was so successful as the literary editor of The Crisis? What personality traits and skill set made her able to discover and nurture talented authors?
I think Jesse was successful as the literary editor because she herself was a literary talent and therefore was able spot good material. She also spent time reviewing and reflecting on submissions to understand what the author was trying to convey. Getting to know some of the talent personally enabled her to better appreciate their level of commitment to the art. From a managerial perspective, she followed through on promises made. If she was made aware of a new talent she communicated with them. She was very organized and had a clear vision on what readers could get out of the material published in the Crisis magazine. She was truly committed to its purpose.
She was so successful because she was obviously quite brilliant. She had been provided a good education and had a very strong work ethic. Her parents were strong role models. I think part of it also is that she had such a strong sense of community.
Being a journalist herself she knew what to look for. Plus she was a very savvy woman wit good instincts.
Jessie had a clear vision as to what skills and traits were need to be an editor. She had them all and knew just how to encourage young writers. Dubois was too busy prompting his skills for the greater of all mankind while she stayed focused on literary skills.