Ebony (magazine)
Ebony magazine arrived on newsstands in Chicago on the 1st of November 1945. John H. Johnson launched the publication with a press run of just 25,000 copies. Those initial issues sold out completely within days. His wife Eunice Walker Johnson chose the name to evoke dark wood. The editors declared they would mirror the happier side of Negro life from Harlem to Hollywood. They promised to discuss race as the number one problem but focus on swell things first. The early content highlighted African-American sports and entertainment figures before expanding to other professions.
The magazine shifted its focus during the 1960s to cover the civil rights movement extensively. Executive editor Lerone Bennett Jr. wrote a recurring column titled Black Power starting in 1965. That same year he published an in-depth profile of Stokely Carmichael. A September 1963 issue honored the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. By February 1971 the cover featured thirteen black congressmen and women together. The March 1977 issue highlighted black professionals serving in Jimmy Carter's administration. These pages documented political events where activists protested racial violence across the United States.
Ebony reached more than 40 percent of African-American adults in the United States during the 1980s. This feat remained unmatched by any other general-interest magazine at that time. Advertisers began creating customized ads featuring African-American models using their products in the mid-1970s. The publication launched Ebony Man in September 1985 as a monthly men's magazine. Its circulation hit 1.7 million copies by November 1985 for the 40th anniversary. One famous feature began in 1963 called the 100 Most Influential Blacks list. It took a hiatus until 1971 before continuing on ever since. Researchers noted that most listed individuals had completed graduate degrees but rarely included scholars or teachers.
Johnson Publishing sold both Ebony and Jet to Clear View Group in May 2016. The new publisher operated under the name Ebony Media Corporation. Editorial staff moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in May 2017 along with Jet magazine operations. The print edition suspended its run on the 24th of May 2019 with the Spring issue being the last printed version. Johnson Publishing filed for bankruptcy protections later that same year. A consortium of foundations purchased historic photo archives including prints and negatives in July 2019 after Chapter 7 liquidation. Junior Bridgeman bought the magazine and its sister publication for $14 million in December 2020.
Fifty freelance writers created a social media campaign called EbonyOwes in 2017 due to non-payment. Clear View Group attempted to pay eleven of the fifty writers $18,000 total. Only three writers received full payment during that initial effort. Remaining writers joined forces with The National Writers Union to file suit against Clear View Group and Ebony Media Operations in late 2017. The owners settled their lawsuit with the company in February 2018. The court ordered the magazine owners to pay $80,000 to resolve the dispute. All unpaid invoices were scheduled to be paid over four quarterly installments by the end of 2018. An October 2018 missed third quarter payment triggered another lawsuit filed in November 2018. Clear View Group made the final payment to the writers in December 2018.
Ebony relaunched in a digital format in March 2021 under Junior Bridgeman's leadership. The publication stated its intention to pivot toward themes of financial literacy and building Black wealth. A June 2024 event returned the magazine to Chicago for its Juneteenth celebration at Soho House. Google announced it was scanning back issues for Google Book Search in December 2008. All issues from November 1959 to December 2008 became available for free as of that date. The Johnson Publishing Company sold its historic building at 820 S. Michigan Avenue to Columbia College Chicago in 2010. Ebony featured more controversial content in the 21st century compared to its postwar upbeat style.
Common questions
When did Ebony magazine first arrive on newsstands in Chicago?
Ebony magazine arrived on newsstands in Chicago on the 1st of November 1945. John H. Johnson launched the publication with a press run of just 25,000 copies.
Who founded Ebony magazine and what was the origin of its name?
John H. Johnson launched Ebony magazine while his wife Eunice Walker Johnson chose the name to evoke dark wood. The editors declared they would mirror the happier side of Negro life from Harlem to Hollywood.
What major shift occurred in Ebony magazine coverage during the 1960s?
The magazine shifted its focus during the 1960s to cover the civil rights movement extensively. Executive editor Lerone Bennett Jr. wrote a recurring column titled Black Power starting in 1965.
How many African-American adults did Ebony reach in the United States during the 1980s?
Ebony reached more than 40 percent of African-American adults in the United States during the 1980s. This feat remained unmatched by any other general-interest magazine at that time.
When did the print edition of Ebony magazine officially suspend its run?
The print edition suspended its run on the 24th of May 2019 with the Spring issue being the last printed version. Johnson Publishing filed for bankruptcy protections later that same year.
Who purchased Ebony magazine and when was it relaunched in digital format?
Junior Bridgeman bought the magazine and its sister publication for $14 million in December 2020. Ebony relaunched in a digital format in March 2021 under Junior Bridgeman's leadership.