The Death of Print Magazines: A Loss for Black Culture? – The Famuan

In today’s world, everything is online. For Black communities, print magazines like Ebony and Essence were not just magazines. They were a way to see ourselves, tell our stories and feel proud of who we are.
Ebony was founded in 1945 and became a powerful voice for Black people in America. It highlighted Black achievements, shared important news and showed the beauty of Black life. Essence, which began in 1970, focused on Black women. It offered advice, support and stories that spoke directly to them. These magazines gave people hope, pride and inspiration.
Like many print magazines, they have struggled to keep up with print production in a world that’s always online. Ebony stopped printing in 2019 after years of financial troubles. Essence still prints, but its focus has shifted more toward digital content.
According to a 2020 Pew Research Center study, 68% of Black adults said it’s important that news outlets cover people like them in their stories. This shows how much representation in the media really matters.
Today, with social media rapidly changing, that deep and personal connection is harder to find. What used to be something special now feels temporary.
Social media has made it easier for people to share their stories. But the deep storytelling that magazines used to give us is now rare. Print magazines helped build our identity and brought people together, especially young people who needed role models or a place to feel accepted.
Essence is still popular through its website and its big yearly event, the Essence Festival, which draws large crowds. Ebony is coming back online with a new look and new content. It wants to reconnect with readers using digital media while staying true to its print roots.
Losing print magazines like Ebony and Essence is not just about new technology. It means losing a big part of Black culture and history. To keep our stories going, we need to support the places that share them.
These magazines gave a voice to people who were often ignored. They showed us beauty, success, and truth from Black culture’s own point of view. Supporting these outlets means making sure our stories are not forgotten. It also means passing down history and knowledge to the next generation. Even in a digital world, the power of authentic storytelling and print media will always play a huge role in society.

source