EBONY MAGAZINE: Online Zine

Ebony, a magazine for the African American Market, was founded by John H. Johnson and has been published since the 1945. Mr. Johnson, the visionary publisher of the monthly issues of Ebony magazine and the weekly issues of Jet magazines, also founded Johnson Skin and Hair Products, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Ebony Fashion fair. He was the first African American to appear on the Forbes 500 Rich List, and had a fortune estimated at close to $16 Billion. He died on August 8, 2005 at the age of 87. A portion of of Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue, where corporate offices are located, has since been renamed John H. Johnson Avenue. Mr. Johnson will be greatly missed.

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One of the co-editors, Hans Massaquoi, wrote an autobiography about his life in Nazi Germany as a black boy. The book is entitled, “Destined to Witness,” and has been on the top of the bestseller list of the German weekly Der Spiegel for many months. It is a “must-read” item for all Americans.

Ebony consistently has eye-catching covers. This is what first caught my attention. I was drawn to it. Ebony’s covers feature raving beauties like Halle Berry; Studs like Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx; or graphic pictures of current news events – like the war in Iraq. The magazine covers a variety of interesting topics: cover stories; book reviews; travel guides; and beauty, styles, and fashions. The Magazine gives readers up-to-date info on the music and entertainment scene and showcases new African American talent. The news, sports, and events sections are detailed and cover reports not found in other mediums.

The magazine is truly high quality and sophisticated. It is informative, educational, and entertaining. The quality of the magazines’ paper is so great that I save many copies and either re-read them or trade them with others. It is a magazine that I can relate to. It was the first magazine where major corporations featured African American models in their advertisements. This was a visual aid that made advertisements appear realistic. The magazine has a constant upbeat with sharp, detailed pictures – similar to the photographic visuals displayed in the old “Life and Look” magazines that Time Warner now owns.

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The entertainment section is full of useful information and they have amazing success stories of African American stars. These celebrities willingly open up their homes and their hearts to these Ebony interviewers. Their stories are inspirational and uplifting. They give me, as well other African Americans, a needed psychic boost. I am very impressed with this magazine would recommend it to everyone. This magazine is now online and can be viewed at: http://www.ebony.com/assembled/home.html

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