Behind the pages of Ebony stood a remarkable editorial team that redefined American journalism and Black representation in media: from its 1945 launch, Ben Burns established the magazine’s editorial philosophy, creating a framework for coverage of Black life; Era Bell Thompson, a pioneering Black female editor, brought groundbreaking international coverage that broadened readers' understanding of the global Black experience; Lerone Bennett Jr. elevated the magazine's intellectual profile through his historical essays and cultural commentary, transforming Ebony into an educational resource that connected readers to their heritage.
This panel features Gabrielle M. Dudley from Emory University's Stuart A. Rose Library, Raquel Flores-Clemons from Chicago Public Library's Vivian Harsh Research Collection, and Kheir Fakhreldin from Chicago State University. They will explore the editorial innovations of Bennett, Burns, and Thompson, examining how their work shaped not only Ebony but also influenced broader conversations about Black identity and culture in America.
The Johnson Publishing Company Archive is owned by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and J. Paul Getty Trust. In 2019, a consortium made up of the Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Smithsonian Institution acquired the JPC archive. In 2022, ownership was transferred to NMAAHC and the J. Paul Getty Trust, with a commitment to make the archive available to the public by 2029.
The conversation will be available on the Getty Research Institute YouTube channel following the event.
Visit the Getty Research Institute's Exhibitions and Events page for more free programs.
