Ebony May 2026

After 71 years of family ownership, Johnson Publishing Company sold Ebony and its sister magazine Jet in 2016 to the private equity firm Clear View Group.

Created by John H. Johnson to focus on the accomplishments of African-American leaders and stories important to the black community, it was designed to show a positive and self-affirming view of Black life, rising from the constraints of 1940s media to become a monumental success. After 71 years of family ownership, Johnson Publishing

Ebony is a cornerstone of American media, serving as a defining, premier publication for African-American life, culture, and politics for over 75 years. Founded by John H. Johnson in November 1945, the Chicago-based magazine has continuously highlighted Black excellence, providing a mirror for the culture and a record of its history. Ebony is a cornerstone of American media, serving