Usher featured on the 2 June 2008 cover |
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| Editor-in-Chief | Mitzi Miller |
|---|---|
| Categories | News magazine |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Publisher | Linda Johnson Rice |
| Total circulation (2011) |
820,557[1] |
| First issue | November 1, 1951 |
| Company | Johnson Publishing Company |
| Country | USA |
| Based in | Chicago |
| Language | English |
| Website | myjet247.com |
| ISSN | 0021-5996 |
Jet (styled JET) is an American weekly marketed toward African-American readers, founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson of Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago, Illinois.[2] Initially billed as "The Weekly Negro News Magazine", Jet is notable for its role in chronicling the early days of the American Civil Rights movement from its earliest years, including coverage of the Emmett Till murder, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Still published in small digest-sized format, Jet printed in all or mostly black-and-white until its 27 December 1999 issue. In 2009, Jet's publishing format was changed; it is now published every week with a double issue published once each month.
Contents |
The magazine was founded by John H. Johnson in 1951.
Jet contains fashion and beauty tips, entertainment news, dating advice, political coverage, health tips, and diet guides, in addition to covering events such as fashion shows. The cover photo usually corresponds to the focus of the main story. Some examples of cover stories might be a celebrity's wedding, Mother's Day, or a recognition of the achievements of a notable African American. Many issues are given coverage to show the African American community that if they want to reach a goal, they have to be willing to work for it. Jet also claims to give young female adults confidence and strength because the women featured therein are strong and successful without the help of a man.
Since 1952, Jet has had a full-page feature called 'Beauty of the Week'. This feature includes a photograph of an African American woman in a swimsuit (either one-piece or two-piece, but never nude), along with her name, place of residence, profession, hobbies, and interests. Many of the women are not professional models and submit their photographs for the magazine's consideration. The purpose of the feature is to promote the notion that African-American women are beautiful.