“To succeed, one must be creative and persistent.” – John H. Johnson

In honor of Black History Month, I’d like to pay tribute to John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc (JPC) – home of Ebony and Jet magazines. Some of you may know that I had the privilege of working at Johnson Publishing Company for 7 years as the Web Manager.

I must admit, I really enjoyed working at JPC. Not only did I meet celebrities, travel and gain some life-long friendships, but I was also given the chance to make a mark in history by leading the effort to redesign and launch EbonyJet.com. This business move was a big step for the iconic brand that transformed the print magazine into an online source for engaging content for Black media. As a direct result of this move, the company’s annual revenue grew by more than $2 million in online advertising alone.

Mr. Johnson was a trailblazer and opened doors for many Black journalists, artists and models. He was responsible for telling stories that no other outlet would, such as the untimely and brutal death of Emmett Till. He also introduced our community to couture fashions through the Ebony Fashion Fair travel show. And not to mention, Fashion Fair Cosmetics which gave women of color an array of colorful palettes and foundations that matched the full spectrum of our culture.

As I reflect on his contributions, I’m inspired by his grit to succeed through creativity, persistence and even perseverance. With its first issue printed in November 1945, EBONY magazine will commemorate 80 years this year. Although the magazine is only digital now and no longer owned by the Johnson family, the brand is still showcasing the lives, triumphs and beauty of the Black community.

This year, MMG will celebrate 10 years in business. And I’m truly grateful to have made this milestone. Along the way, I’ve been mentored and also did my part to pay it forward by employing interns and up-and-coming graphic designers and writers to help them pursue their dreams. In a sense, I’ve taken a page out of Mr. Johnson’s playbook to leave my on legacy.

Since we have 10 months to go in 2025, we still have a chance to really make an impact within our sphere of influence this year. Whether it’s within our families, business or community, I believe the opportunity is there to make a difference or make our mark in the world. It doesn’t have to be as significant as Mr. Johnson’s contributions but if we start where we are with what we have, I believe something special may come from our efforts.  

Be well,

Lenora

Wine Down Wednesday

You still have time to sign up for our next Wine Down Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 5 pm – 7 pm. We won’t meet in February but we look forward to seeing you next month to sip wine and have a good time connecting with each other and learning more about how we can grow! See you then!

ELEVATION Corner

In our February Elevation Corner, we’re elevating an entrepreneur who has turned her passion into profit.

Meet, OCTAVIA SANSING-RHODES
Owner, Pretty Things by Jade, LLC

Octavia started crafting custom beaded bracelets in March 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Having come from an eclectic and creative family, it was natural for Octavia to invest what was once considered a “little hobby.” Now, she has turned her hobby into something that she has grown to love by bringing her customers beautiful and unique pieces that are curated with the finest materials. Find out more about Pretty Things by Jade on IG @prettythingsjade.