I remember as a kid thumbing through the pages of Right On!, Jet, and other black publications I bought at the corner drug store in my small Georgia hometown. They were the gateway to what was happening in the African American Community.
I would be delighted to see my favorite stars grace the pages of these beloved magazines, which included the iconic Top Twenty Count-down of Soul, Funk, and Jazz artists that caught the eye of music lovers everywhere; and stories involving politics, healthcare, fashion, 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 almost daily. We lived vicariously through them or copied their style to seem cool.
Like African American teenagers everywhere, my wall was filled with pictures from Right On!, including the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Ohio Players, and others too numerous to mention. Seeing them perform on Soul Train and American Bandstand was the icing on the cake.
I also enjoyed articles on well-known back actors from television and the big screen. They received the notoriety they richly deserved.
Right On! ceased publication in 2014 and exists today in digital format for future generations.
Jet, on the other hand, dealt primarily with current events. It was founded in 1951 by the late John H. Johnson, who started the Johnson Publishing Company in 1942, which included other popular black magazines. It was published weekly in digest form.
Billed as the news magazine for Black America, it covered the Civil Rights Movement from start to finish, paying special tribute to the Emmitt Till Murder of 1955, and did stories on everyday black citizens.
Readers also looked forward to the legendary Jet Centerfold of a beautiful black woman and the infamous Top Twenty countdown of singles and albums by black musicians considered its top attraction during the Soul and Funk era.
As of 2014, Jet can no longer be found on magazine stands after more than sixty years of service but has amassed a loyal following online of music lovers and those who care about the world around them.
Johnson launched Ebony Magazine in 1948 as his flagship publication. It was the motherload of all things black. For instance, it delved into politics, fashion, and lifestyle. Moreover, it covered campus life, Hollywood celebrities, and other issues of importance to black Americans. It could be found in black homes everywhere during its heyday. Despite experiencing hard times, it's still around today, although published by a different owner.
During the 1990s, he followed up with Ebony Man Magazine. It was seen by some as the male version of Essence for Black women. It debuted during a renaissance in black popular culture. EM portrayed black men's relationships, fashion, and sports. In addition, it reported on 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 debuted during the black power/women movement of the late sixties and early seventies. With more than 2,000,000 subscribers currently, their thought-provoking articles have even caught the attention of men. I have enjoyed Essence, 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.
Like Essence, Black Enterprise Magazine caught my eye at a young age. I bought a year's subscription in high school. I 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.
Started by Earl Graves Sr in 1970, it dominates the market with articles for African Americans on how to succeed in corporate America or start a business in any climate. Moreover, it covers trends in the economy, such as jobs, housing starts, and inflation, and provides tips on stocks and bonds and the best time to adjust a 401k plan or retire with a company pension. It can still be found in print and digital form for business-minded and financial enthusiasts.
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