As a kid in the Seventies, I enjoyed Right On!, Jet, and other black magazines that were the gateway to the African American Community.
I was thrilled to see my favorite stars grace the pages of these beloved publications, including the iconic Top Twenty Countdown of Soul, Funk, and Jazz artists that caught the eye of music lovers everywhere, and articles on politics, healthcare, and other events that impacted the black community.
Over time, they would fade into the background or cease to exist, like the memorable Right On! magazine that black teens loved. It depicted top musicians and entertainers with stories about their lives. I remember Switch, a popular RNB/Funk group, making the cover in 1978, which I looked at daily. We lived vicariously through them or copied their style to seem cool.
Like many other African American youth, my wall was filled with pictures from Right On!, such as the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind and Fire, and others too numerous to mention. Seeing them on Soul Train and American Bandstand was the icing on the cake.
I also enjoyed their coverage of acclaimed black actors from television and the big screen. They received the notoriety they richly deserved.
Unfortunately, Right On! ceased publication in 2014 and exists in digital format for future generations.
Jet Magazine, another African-American publication, focused mainly on current events. It was Launched in 1951 by the late John H. Johnson, who created the Johnson Publishing Company in 1942, which included other well-known black magazines. It was published weekly in digest form.
Billed as the news magazine for Black America, it delved into the Civil Rights Movement from start to finish, paying special tribute to the Emmitt Till Murder of 1955, and covered everyday black citizens.
Men looked forward to the legendary Jet "Centerfold." Likewise, the infamous Top Twenty countdown of singles and albums of black musicians during the Soul and Funk era excited many.
As of 2014, Jet Magazine, after sixty years of service, can no longer be found on magazine stands but has amassed a loyal internet of music lovers and those who care about the world around them.
In 1948, Johnson Publishing debuted Ebony Magazine, its flagship publication, as the motherload of all things black. It specializes in politics, fashion, and lifestyle. It also reports on campus life, Hollywood celebrities, and other issues of importance to black Americans. During its heyday, Ebony could be found in black homes everywhere. Despite experiencing hard times, it's still around today, although published by a different owner.
Decades later in the 1990s, the company followed up with Ebony Man Magazine. It was considered the male version of Essence Magazine for Black women and debuted during a renaissance in black popular culture. EM portrayed black men's relationships, fashion, and sports. In addition, it portrayed black men in business, music, and Hollywood at the height of the Hip-hop era.
Although short-lived, it garnered a loyal following of African American men from all backgrounds, including myself. A favorite issue of mine featured Rapper LLCool J on the cover as he embarked on an acting career.
Unlike Ebony Man, Essence has survived decades as a voice for black women. Since 1970, it has provided fashion, business, and beauty tips for women of color and covered entertainment and culture from an African American perspective. It was introduced during the black power/women movement of the late sixties and early seventies. With more than 2,000,000 current subscribers, their thought-provoking articles have even caught the attention of men. I have enjoyed Essence for many years, as it ranks as one of the best publications in circulation.
Essence also sponsors the annual Essence Awards Show for influential African Americans and other cultural events to enjoy. Needless to say, Essence is going strong with no end in sight.
Similarly, Black Enterprise Magazine caught my eye at a young age. I bought a year's subscription in high school and have always admired African Americans who own businesses or have succeeded in the private sector. Despite what some may say, it is the bedrock of the black community.
Created by Earl Graves Sr. in 1970, it dominates the market for African Americans on how to succeed in corporate America or start a business in any climate. Moreover, it analyzes jobs, housing starts, and inflation. It also provides tips on stocks and bonds and the best time to adjust a 401k or retire with a company pension. It can still be found in print and digital form for business-minded and financial enthusiasts.
