JET Magazine has been a powerful force in African American history and culture for over six decades. As a proud African American woman, I am honored to introduce this article that explores the fascinating history of JET Magazine. Founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson, JET Magazine has played an important role in shaping the representation of African Americans in the media. From covering the Civil Rights Movement to featuring African American celebrities, JET Magazine has been a voice for the African American community. In this article, you will discover the impact of JET Magazine on American society and its lasting legacy today.
(Source: CBS)
Introduction
JET Magazine was first published in November 1951 as a digest-sized publication. The magazine was created to provide African Americans with news and information that was not being covered by mainstream media at the time. JET Magazine quickly became a popular source of information for African Americans across the country, and it played an important role in shaping the way that African Americans were represented in the media.
The Early Years of JET Magazine
In the early years of JET Magazine, the publication focused on providing news and information about the Civil Rights Movement. The magazine covered the movement extensively, and it played an important role in informing African Americans about the struggle for civil rights. JET Magazine also featured articles on other important topics, such as entertainment, fashion, and sports.(Source: CBS)
(Source: Ebony Magazine)
The Golden Age of JET Magazine
The 1960s and 1970s were the golden age of JET Magazine. During this time, the magazine continued to cover the Civil Rights Movement, but it also expanded its coverage to include other important issues facing African Americans. JET Magazine also became known for its coverage of African American celebrities and their accomplishments.
The Decline of JET Magazine
In the 1980s and 1990s, JET Magazine began to decline in popularity. This was due in part to the rise of cable television and the internet, which provided African Americans with other sources of news and information. JET Magazine also faced competition from other African American publications, such as Ebony Magazine.
The Legacy of JET Magazine
Despite its decline in popularity, JET Magazine remains an important part of African American history and culture. The magazine played an important role in shaping the way that African Americans were represented in the media, and it provided a voice for African Americans during a time when they were not being heard. JET Magazine also helped to inspire other African American publications, and its legacy can be seen in the many publications that exist today.
Recently, Pinky Cole sat down with David Shands from Social Proof Podcast and discussed the upcoming one of a kind collaborations she is doing with JET in 2023. Make sure you stay on the lookout for this. I know I will and will probably write an article on it because it will definitely give JET magazine the revitalization it needs.
Let's talk about Pinky Cole for a quick second. From humble beginnings in a shared culinary workspace, Pinky Cole has traversed a path from a mobile eatery to three permanent locations and recently opened branches in the throes of a pandemic, constructing a foodservice empire as the proprietor and visionary of Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based restaurant. Within the initial six months of grand opening, the firm had accumulated a staggering $4 million in revenue. Boasting a rotating menu and lengthy waits of two hours for personalized meals, Slutty Vegan has revolutionized the food industry. However, it is crucial to note that the phenomenon is not merely about cuisine. Cole has achieved an optimal balance between community, commerce, and compassion.
As a veteran television producer, brand strategist, and serial entrepreneur, Cole has combined her love, experience, and talent to create a recipe for success, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue this year. Slutty Vegan opened two locations during a period when many restaurants were shuttering, with socially distanced queues snaking down the block. At a time when an unprecedented number of people are out of work, the establishment is providing stable employment.
(Source: Fortune)
Cole's influence goes beyond that. She is a driving force for Atlanta community's economy, having collaborated with another philanthropist to pay local businesses' rent, cover the tuition fees of 30 Clark Atlanta students, and distribute coats to those in need. Additionally, Cole purchased a vehicle and life insurance for the family of Rayshard Brooks, who was shot by law enforcement in the spring of 2020 outside an Atlanta fast-food restaurant. Cole's mission is to promote the well-being and generational wealth of the community, among other initiatives, by encouraging black males who fall under a specific income threshold to obtain life insurance.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this article, it's clear that JET Magazine has left an indelible mark on American culture and history. From its early days as a pocket-sized digest to its later years as a digital publication, JET Magazine has always been a trailblazer in the representation of African Americans in the media. Its coverage of the Civil Rights Movement and the achievements of African American celebrities were groundbreaking and paved the way for future generations. JET Magazine may no longer be in print, but its legacy continues to live on. It will forever be remembered as a powerful voice for the African American community and a testament to the resilience and determination of its founder, John H. Johnson. Thank you for joining me in exploring the fascinating history of JET Magazine.
FAQs
Who founded JET Magazine?
John H. Johnson founded JET Magazine in 1951.
What was the purpose of JET Magazine?
JET Magazine was created to provide African Americans with news and information that was not being covered by mainstream media at the time.
What topics did JET Magazine cover?
JET Magazine covered a variety of topics, including the Civil Rights Movement, entertainment, fashion, and sports.
Why did JET Magazine decline in popularity?
JET Magazine declined in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s due to the rise of cable television and the internet, which provided African Americans with other sources of news and information.
What is the legacy of JET Magazine?
JET Magazine played an important role in shaping the way that African Americans were represented in the media, and it provided a voice for African Americans during a time when they were not being heard. Its legacy can be seen in the many publications that exist today.