In a world filled with sentiments and systems of anti-Blackness, here comes the Black Press ready to shine a light on the good, and the real, about Black culture.
… the Black press sets the record straight, humanizing the stories of people whose voices too often are used for trauma and drama
When other outlets fail to capture the nuance and brilliance in our culture, the Black press sets the record straight, humanizing the stories of people whose voices too often are used for trauma and drama.
Growing up, my family had subscriptions to Essence, Jet, Black Enterprise, and Ebony magazines. I loved reading Susan L. Taylor’s Letter from the Editor in each issue of Essence. It made me feel so sophisticated reading the words of the pretty, poised lady with the beautiful braids. I couldn’t wait until I had real-life experiences that matched what she was writing about.
Jet magazine, which was first published in 1951, was a staple in many Black households. Where else would you get to know more about Jesse Jackson and Ashford and Simpson? While other publications overlooked our favorites, we could count on Jet to highlight the people and stories that meant something to us. And I know so many loved seeing the “Beauty of the Week;” don’t even get me started.
I remember standing in the grocery store aisle while my mom shopped, flipping through Hype Hair magazine, looking for the style I would request on my next trip to the beauty salon. It was the ‘90s, so, being inspired by the styles in the magazine, some combination of a french roll, roller wrap, finger waves, or freeze curls was about to go down. Not all at once!
Vibe and Source magazines ushered in coverage of hip hop, validating its space in the larger culture and in music history. There once was a time when people thought hip hop and rap were fads; that is hard to believe now. Hip hop fashion, language and attitude have permeated every corner of the globe, honored by the most esteemed institutions.
I’m certain the Black press played a significant role in solidifying hip hop culture everywhere. Reading the stories behind the hitmakers, songs, studio sessions and record labels helped to illuminate and brand the art form.
When Honey magazine arrived, I was over the moon. After years of reading Seventeen and YM, both of which served their purpose, I finally felt like there was something I could truly relate to. At the time, Honey’s content was intended for an audience a bit younger than many Essence readers, featuring cover girls like Aaliyah, TLC’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and rapper Lauryn Hill.
YSB (Young Sisters and Brothers) spoke directly to my generation, covering issues that mattered to young people — relationships, current events and entertainers. Sister2Sister had me feeling like I was listening in on grown women’s business, but I liked it.
We kept copies of those magazines for way too long, filling up baskets around the house, and allowing me to read the articles again and again.
Seeing myself, or my imagined future self, reflected in the glossy pages of a magazine was continually affirming.
Seeing myself, or my imagined future self, reflected in the glossy pages of a magazine was continually affirming. The Black press was both familiar and aspirational. Reading Black-owned or Black-led publications felt like home and #goals. I’m not sure who I would be without it.
I cut out pictures from the magazines and hung them on my walls in various collages. As a school-aged child, I even designed my own magazines on notebook paper — with ads, photos and all.
Many of the aforementioned publications have sadly closed their doors; others have moved solely online. The costs of printing are high and readership has dropped over the years. That is true for publications serving all communities; Black media is no exception.
Looking back, the ‘90s were a peak time for Black media and magazines. Sometimes you don’t know how good you have it until it’s gone.
Things have changed, but storytelling remains. Now, we can find Black voices in lots of spaces, from podcasts and social media, to YouTube and Spotify.
I applaud journalists such as Joy Reid and Don Lemon, who continued their news coverage after leaving traditional networks.
I love reading The Root and The Grio, internet-based outlets that share Black perspectives on current events. When other outlets have missed the mark, I can count on one of these to share a viewpoint that, whether I agree with it or not, better reflects the nuance within our culture.
Black people are not monolithic, and we do not all have to agree, but it is important to ensure our voices are heard and our stories are told. We are going to love us like no one else will.
We still need spaces to celebrate Black beauty, art and culture. We must also shed light on our health needs, finances, political agendas and educational opportunities.
For all these reasons and many more, may we continue to support and elevate the Black press, on whichever platform we can. I mean, who else will let you know if freeze curls are back in style?
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-762-7850 or camikej@indyrecorder.com.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
