It’s not getting bigger. But it is getting better.
This year, Jet magazine turns 60, and who else better to help celebrate that achievement but President Barack Obama? He’s the cover subject of Jet’s 60th anniversary issue, which takes a look back at the many achievements of black Americans in that period of time.
Founded by Chicago’s John H. Johnson in 1951 under the helm of his Johnson Publishing Company, which also founded Ebony magazine, Jet has always been digest-sized and published mostly in black and white until 1999. Articles like “Do Sex Hormones Really Work?” – published in 1952! – were part of the mix of celebrity photos and African-American weddings and news articles, but Jet also covered the serious news of the day, including that of the burgeoning civil rights and black power movements.
Under the helm of new editor-in-chief Mitzi Miller, the weekly magazine has showcased a new look and updated stories with the same mix of news, interviews and regional information that made it famous. NBC Chicago recently reported that under former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers, now installed as CEO of Johnson Publishing, circulation for both Jet and Ebony is up.
In Jet’s special issue: Rev. T.D. Jakes, Beyonce, Will Smith, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah are part of its “Living the Dream,” which takes a look at successful African-Americans, and stories on “10 Policies that Shaped Black America,” including landmark court victories like Brown Vs. Board of Ed, and the “Top 10 Sports Moments Since 1951.”
Lest anyone forget, Jet will also pay tribute to some of its all-time favorite sections – including the “Top 10 Jet Beauties of the Week,” the favorite Jet covers of its 60-year history and some of the best “This Week’s Top Photos.”
Jet also takes a trip down memory lane with a timeline of black America’s diverse hairstyles.
The 60th anniversary issue is on newsstands this week. Please visit Jet magazine’s online version at www.JetMag.com.
