Ebony, a pictorial news magazine published by Chicago, Illinois-based Johnson Publishing Company, first appeared in November 1945. Created by John H. Johnson, who modeled his publication after Life magazine, Ebony celebrated #African American life and culture by depicting the achievements of #black Americans. It honored black identity by portraying black life, refuting stereotypes, and inspiring readers to overcome racial and other barriers to success. John H. Johnson began his career with Negro Digest in 1942, and started Ebony three years later. Both magazines were so successful that in 1972 the Magazine Publishers Association selected Johnson “Magazine Publisher of the Year.” Negro Digest changed its name in 1970 to Black World but ultimately folded; today Johnson Publishing also produces Jet magazine.
Ebony first featured articles about notable African Americans such as celebrities and sports figures, and during the late 1950s ran Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s column, “Advice for Living By.” By the 1960s articles supporting civil rights appeared as the magazine provided reliable coverage of the civil rights movement as it unfolded across the United States. Ebony also discussed the increasing opportunities for African Americans, suggested ways to overcome obstacles and encouraged blacks to exhibit racial pride. Words emphasized continually in the magazine–respect, dignity, pride, recognition, understanding, hope, inspiration–illustrated Johnson’s personal and professional philosophy.
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