A message from the president & ceo

EACH November is a time for us to reflect on EBONY and celebrate the anniversary of the magazine that was founded in 1945, and thanks to its loyal readers and supporters, it continues to occupy a very special place in the hearts of Black America.

This represents the 61st incredible year of the magazine's existence, and we can proudly point to the fact that, for 61 consecutive years, EBONY has been the No. 1 Black magazine in the world. That is an enviable accomplishment that we don't take for granted, understanding that readers have a number of options when it comes to other forms of information.

With that in mind and despite the long-running success, we are not resting on our laurels. As I have said in the past, EBONY is a work in progress, continuously evolving to serve the ever-changing needs and desires of our readers. As the world changes and interests vary, it is our charge to meet the expectations of the readers. The focus, as it has always been, is to continue to present articles that appreciably impact the lives of Black people--whether the articles serve as enlightenment, encouragement, empowerment or entertainment.

During EBONY's early existence, it set the tone for coverage of the Black community. Nowhere was that more obvious than during the Civil Rights Movement when we were granted unprecedented access to witness "the inside stuff" that Black people needed to know, but White publications refused to publish. The same was true during the Black Consciousness era of the "70s, during the Women's Movement and on to today, for example, with our coverage of the rap and hip-hop evolutions and revolutions.

In coming months, readers will see an enhancement of the kind of journalism that established EBONY as a cornerstone of Black America. For this issue, for example, photographer Vandell Cobb and writer Sylvester Monroe were assigned to travel throughout the Middle East with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who had assembled a group of religious leaders for a twofold humanitarian mission--to secure the release of Israeli and Palestinian captives and to extend the Israeli-Hezbollah cease-fire agreement. For 10 days, they traveled to Jerusalem, Damascus, Beirut, Jordan and Tel Aviv, capturing Jackson's every move as he interacted with world leaders. Their record of the Reverend's efforts, in words and photographs, is included in an article that focuses on the status of Jackson's leadership--nationally and internationally.

Speaking of leadership, in a companion piece, we open the discussion about the next leaders to come to the forefront in the Black community. Who will they be? Will they be Democrats or Republicans? Men or Women? Believers in the Civil Rights Movement? Disciples of affirmative action? Or will they be representatives of the hip-hop culture? In the article, potential leaders and established leaders offer interesting observations that give insight into who will step up.

And stepping up was one thing Kirk Franklin realized he had to do after finally admitting to himself that he was addicted to porn. One year after divulging his secret on national TV, he and his wife Tammy, in the cover story, share what it's like for a public man to fight such a private battle. And Tammy, despite the embarrassment and the blow to her self-esteem, explains why she chose to stand by her man.

These entries, and others like them, are indicators that, as we move forward, EBONY will continue to do what it has done for 61 years--chronicle every aspect of Black life.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning