In the extraordinary former offices of Ebony and Jet, a photographer captured what remained
CNN • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Chicago's Johnson Publishing Company building, designed by Black architect John Moutoussamy and home to Ebony and Jet magazines, symbolized Black culture and success for four decades after its 1971 opening.
- Founded by John H. Johnson, the company showcased prominent Black figures and vibrant interior designs by Arthur Elrod and William Raiser, but faced decline in the 2010s, eventually selling its assets and declaring bankruptcy.
- Photographer Barbara Karant documented the empty building extensively after it was vacated, producing a book that preserves its history and cultural significance through images and essays.
- Former senior editor Joy Bennett highlighted the building's role as a vibrant workspace and cultural hub, recalling visits from celebrities and political figures, including President Barack Obama's first print interview.
- While the building has been redeveloped into residential units, its legacy endures through Karant's work, artists like Theaster Gates, and ongoing digital publication of Ebony and Jet under new ownership.
