Episode 6: Chicago

John H. Johnson and his wife Eunice printed the first issue of EBONY magazine, one of the most influential Black publications in history, in November 1945. This episode features stories about the Johnson Publishing Company as told by their daughter, Linda Johnson Rice. We also hear from two artists, David Hartt and Theaster Gates, about the influence of the magazine on their work and the ways in which its archive continues to resonate.

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unidentified photographer; “Ebony Fashion Fair, American Airlines stewardess, Jacquelyn Neely, models youthfully shaped horizontal-striped dress in shades of blue wool designed by Jean-Marie Armand.” (detail), 1972, gelatin silver print, 10 x 8 in. (25.4 x 20.3 cm); Documentary Arts, Inc.; © Alan Govenar; photo: Courtesy Documentary Arts and The Texas African American Photography Archive