John H. Johnson, founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, staples in many black homes, died yesterday at age 87.
I was in South Carolina a couple of weeks ago and read my mother’s pile of Ebony magazines. Collecting them is a habit that seems to stick.
I would love to see more blacks start their own businesses. Talk about real empowerment! No person or government can raise your self-esteem the way blazing your own trail can. Self-employment, in my humble opinion, is the ideal way to experience freedom at its most basic level. Capitalism, for all its shortcomings, is the best system going and has made America as great as it is.
I’m sure Johnson “got” it.
Bloggers: Booker Rising, Black Informant, Michael King, Negrophile, Black Entrepreneur’s Hall of Fame…
Other sources:
- Media Life
- John H. Johnson, media giant, dead at 87
- John Johnson, Publisher of Ebony and Jet, Dies at 87
- Influential black magazine publisher John H. Johnson dies
More bloggers: Avery Tooley, The Fell Clutch of Circumstance, Nykola.com…
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I think John Johnson was a great American.
I also agree that Blacks should continue working on their own business ventures. However I find that way too many of us are stuck in always trying to make businesses that only target the “Black” side of things. I include myself in this criticism.
Many of us are still using Johnson’s Negro Digest model from 1942. Trying to make something about Blacks which targets mainly Blacks. In 1942 Johnson started the Negro Digest (then Ebony and Jet) because nobody else was offering what he was doing. There were no companies marketing to Blacks with Black models. There were no newspapers covering Black politicians, celebrities and others in a positive light. There were no papers running stories about Blacks much at all. Now times have changed. Most “Black news” sources are basically getting their information from the major news feeds, because those major news feeds now track Black news too. And some Blacks get upset when Black criminals are shown in the news, but the “if it bleeds it leads” motto knows no racial bounds.
So I think it is time we (as Ms. Barber does) start using a new play book instead of the Negro Digest model of 1942. Since others now cater to us it is time for us to stop trying to ignore them in our ventures. Make businesses that cater to everybody. Make goods that everybody will want to buy. Make media feeds that cover everything and target everyone. Not just “Black” goods, “Black” businsses and “Black” media.
We wanted everybody else to accept us. Now it is time that our works accept them. So we can make everyone’s money just as they already do.
All hail Lamonte McLemore and Jet Magazine page 43!
Wow. I did not know this until I looked here. I am glad I got this news from your site.
“I would love to see more blacks start their own businesses. Talk about real empowerment! No person or government can raise your self-esteem the way blazing your own trail can.” Amen
http://www.urbanceed.org
http://www.bwnonline.com/managepartners/BlackAmericaWeb.html
#5. Risky but rewarding. Blacks also have to understand that owning your own business can include other options other than a “sto’ house”, barber shop, beauty shop, nail shop or rest-o-raunt.
Geez Raymond. I’ve never met such a stereo-typing person except for some liberals I know. You have to be a liberal plant for the way you carry on with stereo-types.
Raymond, why do you do that? Honestly, that is simply not cool – “sto’ houseâ€, rest-o-raunt
LB, when I was young, the first thing I would turn to in the Jet was, “Beauty of the Week”…so shameful
I’m sure that was part of the marketing plan to lure male readers, young Dell.
I liked the news items in the front of the mag more than anything else. I was less interested in the celebrity spreads.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7310450/
In this article is the amazing text (are you reading Cobra):
————–
Black, Asian women make income gains
Earn more than similarly educated white women, Census says
The Associated Press
Updated: 12:04 a.m. ET March 28, 2005
WASHINGTON – Black and Asian women with bachelor’s degrees earn slightly more than similarly educated white women, and white men with four-year degrees make more than anyone else.
A white woman with a bachelor’s degree typically earned nearly $37,800 in 2003, compared with nearly $43,700 for a college-educated Asian woman and $41,100 for a college-educated black woman, according to data being released Monday by the Census Bureau. Hispanic women took home slightly less at $37,600 a year.
—————
Commentary by me…
Oh. Now wait a minute. We need to punish the successful by levying more taxes on them in order to equal the playing field. I believe according to the left the black women need to be taxed more?
Oh. Blasted! I need to volunteer more of my income too….
Ah. The heck with social engineering. People! Listen up. If you are able-bodied be accountable and responsible for your own income!
Other thoughts:
The other reason the old guard cannot be trusted is that most of them have never held a real job themselves. They have either created titles for themselves in the church, been elected based on their lies and promises of more freebies, programs and handouts or the have benefitted from nepotism.
You literaly have some of these people telling you that any job is acceptable as long as you have one. While a job is better than no job, working for the man should be at least as advantageous for you in the short term as it is fo’ massa.
Blacks are too often exploited due to our training to not expect much and our general unwillingness to work hard and take risks. We have a culture of low expectations.
While in college at a famous Florida HBCU, I’ll never forget as long as I live, beng in class and having a student (black male) raise his hand and ask the professor what it would take to get a “C” in the class. I was flabbergasted. My jaw dropped. I couldn’t resist. I asked him why he only sought a “C” grade in the class and his answer was a direct result of left wing, Democrat, black leadership failure. His answer was, and I am paraphrasing, “As long as there is Affirmative Action, all I needs is a “C.”
People can’t just make this stuff up.
#15. That problem could be solved if we showed more outrage rather than acceptance when our young women come home knocked up. Instead of throwing her a baby shower, you show EXTREME displeasure and let her know every waking minute that she made a terrible error in judgement and that althought she is loved as will be her child, she has brought severe dishonor to the family and has disgraced herself, her parents and her family.
The words “Daddy, I made a mistake” should no longer be acceptable. There is just too much information out there for a young girl to claim ignorance.
Don’t forget this part Bak:
“Economists and sociologists suggest possible factors: the tendency of minority women, especially blacks, to more often hold more than one job or work more than 40 hours a week, and the tendency of black professional women who take time off to have a child to return to the work force sooner than others.”
Remember over 60% or more of all black households are headed by single women, which force them to carry the burden of the family financially alone. I for one would rather have them make less, and have more fathers in the home.
, that there are more white women per capita who are stay at home mothers
Dell. It is called taking a bit of literary license to score rhetorical points. Don’t buy into the p-nut gallery. You should know my style by now.
Let me guess. By your over reaction to that post, I can assume that you stand with the NCAA and their charges that certain schools’ use of Indian nicknames is offensive? You think that was not a waste of time?
You are offensive. My hometeam of the Washington Redskins is not offensive. Indians themselves don’t think so.
Dell,
I didn’t ignore that part of the paragraph. I read it. But what do we do. Change the tax code to say:
a) If you are earning more income pay more taxes
b) unless you are a single black woman with more than one job and children
Or does the government come in and forcibly change the factors of being single and/or with children. HA! That would be great. eHarmony by gunpoint…..
Incidentally, I’m single and with children. Where’s my tax cut?
Dell wrote, “Remember over 60% or more of all black households are headed by single women, which force them to carry the burden of the family financially alone.”
I have to quibble with that statement. Nobody is FORCED to have sex out of wedlock. Therefore, nobody is FORCED “to carry the burden” of raising a family alone. Of course, there are exceptions when situations are out of one’s control. I just want to make the point that people make choices and have to live with the consequences. I applaud a woman that chooses to work several jobs to support her family instead of living off the government. She is taking responsibility for her bad decisions. However, simply saving sex for marriage would have been better all around for everybody. No amount of social engineering or wealth redistribution can change attitudes about premarital sex and single parenthood. We need some stigma and community consequences to come into play. Just one more casualty of the liberal mentality.
Most young medical doctors dream of “private practice”- they dream of paying off student loans, buying a big house, a new car, etc..
But I can tell you – from experience – private practice is not really private at all – medicaid pays less than expenses – YES – it is true. The only reason the Government gets away with this is that privately insured patients pay way more than it’s worth to make up the difference.
I was in private practice for 3 years. First, I had difficulty obtaining malpractice insurance due to one lawsuit, and unfavorable comments by some colleagues. Then, I couldn’t get life insurance because I was overweight. Private health insurance cost me $9000/year, and the company still balked at paying bills.
Malpractice insurance cost me about $12-15, 000/year, and I had to buy a “tail” to maintain protection when I quit and took an institutional job – cost me $20, 000.
Now, with a tenured position at a medical center, I collect my paycheck every month.
Yes – I am a State employee. But at least I produce something for people.
Raymond, I know your style and I don’t have a problem with you being acerbic but that just wasn’t cool. Also, to the NCAA, it depends on the nature of the term used (they aren’t all equal).
Bak & Independent, I was merely pointing to the ‘reasons’ behind the differences not justify or rationalize. Secondly, taxation is progressive in the income tax, so the woman who is working more (the black woman) in this instance is getting hit harder.
Independent, if a woman is single for whatever reason, right or wrong, it still ‘forces’ them to care exclusively for their child. It is not a measure of morality but of economics.
Dell wrote, “It is not a measure of morality but of economics.”
Oh, but it should be and until it is we are running in circles chasing our tails.
Dell,
What was not “cool?” It seems that when I strike a nerve (when something is true) a couple of you freak out. Do you think I think everything you cats say is “cool?” Do you see me freaking out over every example of artful syntax or creative semantics? No. The reason I don’t is because I have learned that constructive conversation often begins with a challenge. A verbal shot across the bow.
While it may not be popular with some of you, I can honestly tell you that I have been effective in whipping a few organizations into shape by exposing those things they would rather ignore. I do this by using plain language and getting to the point.
I think you are making a major error to equate some of my words with a “hate” for my own dadgum people. Geesh. And in case you haven’t been up on current events, Black people can be our own harshest critics so to say that my words are stereotypical is to say that I am lying and I bet you all the money you have that I can not only produce one example of the lingual twistings I posted, I can provide you with enough of a sample size to prove that what I say may be insulting to the PC crowd, but it is far from inaccurate.
I also seem to remember a blog topic on this very site regarding the “ebonics” issue. Do you deny that it was a productive conversation? So what is the problem now?
Come on now. Some of you guys are as sensitive as a skinned knee.
Independent, you are missing my point 100%. I was not making a moral judgement, I was simply stating a reason as to the disparity which is because black women work more, I didn’t make any statements as to the morality of the reasons they have to work more. I don’t disagree with you on that point. We are just talking about different things.
Raymond, trust me, I used to hip hop battle and win snap wars, if you are from the hood you know what I mean, so being thin skinned is not the point.
The point is context and simple steriotyping that in that particular instance did nothing to further the conversation other than providing a steriotypical point of ridicule.
But it is no biggie, it is a free market of words for the most part.
Whom did I ridicule? Using your own words to make my argument. Context should have reigned you in my brother. I think it was pretty clear where to topic was going. I would ask that you not be so easily sidetracked or distracted by the superfluous nonsense.
Dell, if you don’t mind me asking. What general region of the country are you from? I am in the DEEP South. I don’t know if it makes a difference, but Blacks down here don’t seem to have all of the racial hangups that people from other regions of the country have.
I could be wrong. Just my perception.
Raybo wrote, “What was not “cool?†It seems that when I strike a nerve (when something is true) a couple of you freak out.
Seems that people strike your nerve (when something is true) and you freak out —(being not cool)
Raybo wrote, “Come on now. Some of you guys are as sensitive as a skinned knee.
I see that.
Stay cool man…..
Dell, you are correct. I know we are talking about different things. I’m not actually arguing with you, just expanding the conversation.
For a further expansion…..
1) What should the government do about it Dell?
2) What should each individual do about it Dell?
3) What should society do about it Dell?
For problem recognition and then solving we’d have to come to a solution that solves the problem (not exacerbate the problem-or create new ones)
Yes, we need to start businesses, both as African-Americans and as Christians, of which I am both, and get rid of the “job mentality.” (Even in a job context, an entrepreneurial mentality is of great use) I am currently finishing up a book on this, particularly as it relates to the Christian aspect.
The other thing I have thought about is what is going to happen to the Johnson Publishing empire?
They seem to have been slow in developing online media (Do they have corporate blogs yet?) I don’t know if this is because Linda Johnson Rice (Johnson’s daughter and heir-apparent to the empire) was under Daddy’s thumb or what. It will be interesting to see how things pan out. (Put that Chicago MBA to work, Girl! Let’s see a little praxis!)
I don’t know all of the publications that are produced by Johnson but they may want to think about targeting males. Ebony and Jet, their mainstays are pretty much gossip logs that target mostly Black women. Males are interested in a little different of an offering in their mags.
They may want to benchmark Men’s Health and so others that appeal more to the fellas.
Bak, what the government should do about black business creation, or the single parenthood situation?
Independent, I got ya now, I was confused for uno momento.
Dell, what was the problem that you identified that needs solving? That’s what my questions were directed to…
I didn’t know you identified the problem (in this thread) of black business creation….
Me neither
I am so confused right now! Economic development is my thing so I can answer that one all day. Single parent homes is a different game, but I think there are aspects that are related to finance as well, education, and also the welfare system and its potential to damage the urban family.
OK. More or less Dell… What is your gut feel on who should address the problem with a solution (never mind what the solution is yet)?
a) government
b) the individual (with the problem)
c) society (without government coersion)
They are all inseperable Bak, no individual operates in isolation, and society is composed of a collection of individuals. Those collections of individuals at least in Republics like ours, determine the course of the nation, which in turn determines the nature of society, and influences the individual.
So they are all inter-related.
You’re getting pretty squishy in your answers (my opinion). Who would make the changes necessary (implement identified solution) to address the problem?
You can say that only 1 of the entities would be making the change (implementing identified solution) to address the problem and that the other 2 entities would be doing nothing to address the problem. Which 1 would be making the change?
Sure multiple entities can make changes (implement identified solutions), but if you think that then you can say that. Then we can move forward into the discussion about what each entity could do (what solution would be implemented) to address the problem.
Baklava writes:
>>>”WASHINGTON – Black and Asian women with bachelor’s degrees earn slightly more than similarly educated white women, AND WHITE MEN WITH FOUR YEAR DEGREES MAKE MORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE.”
You better believe I read it.
Thanks for the support, Bak!
–Cobra
#40 Cobra:
Is there a point someone was trying to make with your nebulous, context-light, easily debunked pseudo-statistic?
#10 Dell:
“Jet Beauty of The Week”…That would be the World Famous Page Number 43. ALL Black men learn that at an earrrrrrly age. LOL!!!
Lamonte McLemore is one of the “black community’s greatest heroes.” Forget the Beatles Catalog. Many men would LOVE to get their hands on his collection of “hits.”
Ray-Ray writes:
>>>Is there a point someone was trying to make with your nebulous, context-light, easily debunked pseudo-statistic?”
I was responding to Baklava, who mentioned me way up at #12.
And it’s not MY statistic, by the way.
–Cobra
A funny thing happened while reading this post. I actually completed reading every entry and I haven’t the slightest idea what you guys are going back and forth about
As for Johnson’s Publication. They’ve been stuck in the same mold for decades. They cater to segment of the black community that is much more diverse than it was 40 years ago thus the lack of diversity in their article selection. It is mainly a glamorized gossip and society magazine. The Jet is still cool. I use to like viewing the Top Album and Singles section and the Beauty of the Week is a mainstay.
I have to give love to that man. He did a lot in Chicago, provided a lot of jobs and contributions to charities around the ‘hood. RIP bruh.
I can’t get into the rest of this post. It’s almost five on the west coast which means I have a Candyland marathon in the making. Holla
We lose a man who set an incredible example of how Blacks (and other minorities with actual and imagined roadblocks of serious consideration) can succeed in this country despite the odds, and all the usual arguing and “Black percentages” kicks right in.
I don’t know if this man knew the Lord, if not, his death is all the more tragic. His life however serves as a shining example of rising above the average. He set a great example for surviving and thriving in an America that was harder for Blacks then than it is now.
Darnell’s first comment was food for the soul, no pun intended. Somebody can read that and come away edified. If I may add to it, find a product or service niche that needs to be filled and fill it! There is also the pathway of creating a need and then filling it yourself.
When Deng Zao Ping rose to the top in China after the deaths of Mao Tse Tung and Chou En Lai, he realized that state socialism in the Communist Party mold was a dud. He introduced a form of “controlled” capitalism. He got a lot of heat from the Communist Party to which he answered: “I doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.”
I firmly believe that Deng nailed it. As an aging white man who will pay others to perform needed services, I also “don’t care if the ‘cat’ is black or white” so long as the job is done properly and competitively.
Not long ago, I hired a woman to help guide us through some landscaping that we could not figure out. The bill was substantial due to many hours of planning and design. The result has been spectacular and many neighbors are asking her to help them out. Oh, by the way, she is black. But what I was looking for was competent and reliable service. I got it and then some.
I really do not think I am any different from the general public. I do not care WHO provides the service or WHO owns the shop so long as my needs and expectations are met.
Now, to be frank, there is no way I am going to enter a local store called “New York Fashions” which features the most grotesque bunch of “hip-hop” fashions and “pimp” suits you have ever seen. But, I accept the validity of “niche” fashions.
ANYONE who can set aside his or her preconceived notions of inferiortity can run a good race to the top. This is not to say that there is no more prejudice or glass ceilings; but I firmly believe that most of the market is open to value, quality and reliability.
Ebony was created as the Black version of Life magazine. It succeeded.
I’ll say this, just to stir up the bees nest.
Some people claim that Blacks don’t respect Black people who are successful. The love shown John H. Johnson, for his magazines and his business activity, shows those people wrong.
In business and in showing the other side of Black life, Johnson did well.
Cobra: I am a college-graduate white man, and I deliver pizzas [actually, I am not even doing that tonight inasmuch as my truck will not start. I just took it to a mechanic which I cannot afford].
Either all those other groups are yet worse off than I, or I am a very sorry example of my kind.
Just a reminder that we all have our problems.
My condolences for Mr. Johnson’s family.
Mark writes:
>>>I am a college-graduate white man, and I deliver pizzas [actually, I am not even doing that tonight inasmuch as my truck will not start. I just took it to a mechanic which I cannot afford].”
Hey, haven’t you heard? The economy is great and the job market is booming right now! I’m sure pizza deliveryman is included in the July jobs report that right wingers are crowing about.
Mark, don’t get me wrong. I’m on your side and the rest of working class America. I hope you get your car fixed, and everything else works out for you brother.
–Cobra
Believe it or not my mom has Jets from the sixties. I LOVE reading them. So long Mr. Johnson.
“I’ll say this, just to stir up the bees nest.
Some people claim that Blacks don’t respect Black people who are successful. The love shown John H. Johnson, for his magazines and his business activity, shows those people wrong.”
I hate to disappoint you, but you’re not stirring anything up DS. Everyone knows there are blacks who respect successful people, but there are still some blacks, as well as other races, who don’t. So now what?
Bak, in an interrelated system any entity in the system that changes creates change in the whole system. For example, here, I try to effect social change through big picture mediums and programs, but this can’t be done without changing the individual in large scale ’society’ level scales and it will ultimately fail, if the government doesn’t represent the will of the people.
My point is that change can start at all levels, but ultimately individuals have to execute change. The question is how do you get a significant amount of individuals to change to create a critical mass.
LaShawn Please elaborate on the ’shortcomings’ of capitalism. Thanks
#50 Right on.
There are plentty of other underachievers that resent it when “one of their own” makes more of the hand they were dealt.
Awesome blog you have. I enjoyed reading it this evening.
Peace
TreeFrog
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