My Great-Grandmother use to sing this song hanging clothes on a sunny day, letting the sun rays dry the clothes the old school way; Up Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air. Some of you may be familiar with the song, others not so much but I am feeling this type of way. I am feeling this way after hearing the news of Desiree Rogers former White House Social Secretary being named CEO of Johnson Publishing ( Ebony Magazine ) by Chairman Linda Johnson Rice.
Reports have swirled about Ebony Magazine struggling but let’s keep it real, what magazine isn’t at some point in this economy? The REVAMP in my opinion looks very promising for such a herald Publication. Amy DuBois Barnett was named editor-in-chief of Ebony, another good choice to lead Ebony Magazine. Johnson Publishing is the largest African-American owned and operated publishing company not only in America but Worldwide.
The climate on hiring decisions aren’t going unoticed in the world of People of Color. Essence has been under fire during it’s hiring of a white Fashion Director recently by many in the celeb and non-celeb world. That decision brought Race Relations talk to the forefront of news headlines. I am sure this decision will spark some more discussions. Rogers is no stranger to high criticism but she has proven she can handle it as well as continue to elevate herself. Linda Johnson Rice on appointing Rogers as CEO: “Desiree has a proven track record of successful business leadership. She is a lonstanding confidant and a savvy businesswoman who is commited to the strategic growth of Johnson Publishing Company. I look forward to working side by side with her as we embark upon this next phase for the company.
CEO Ebony Magazine Desiree Rogers
So far smart choices by LJR. I feel these choices are positives for a Publication of this magnitude. I wish Desiree the best in her new position.
Handle Precious Ebony with care Desiree. They will prey for your downfall but prove them wrong. You just can’t keep a Great Woman down, bump a good woman, a great woman down!
I think it is important to keep magazines geared toward black people afloat. I feel very strongly about this. Linda Johnson to me is making some very good picks to continue on with what her mother and father built. After getting the shaft this is such a win for Desiree Rogers. It is also a win for Amy Dubois Barnett. Big supporter of Ebony.
Good for Ebony? Yes, I think so.
Some people have already started about Ebony being headed by women. Gimme a break! I know some are living in their chauvanistic heads but it’s a new day. I wish Desiree the best. Linda Johnson Rice thanks for making what I feel is a good move. To all those who disagree sit back and watch the magic. Everyone knows Ms. Rogers got thrown under the bus for those party crashers. One door opens another closes. I am loving this new chapter for her and for Ebony!
I am sure there is a deuces sign Rogers is giving the White House. lol Good for her, I want to see the mag succeed. It is a part of the heritage of black people on so many levels. Desiree Girl, you got some pressure but be great baby, be great! -BA
Wow! Ebony showed Essence. Bring some power aboard and promote your own talented people when you have that power. Uh oh, I forgot Angela Burt Murray doensn’t have that power to keep it real like Susan Taylor did. Congrats Desiree and thank you Linda, thank you for picking up two phenomenal ladies. I don’t expect to see covers with people who aren’t checking for the black woman and I don’t expect for Ebony to just slap in the face it’s readers. I am looking forward to what is to be THE NEW EBONY.
The change of guards but the decision making seems very solid. Linda has been taught well. Glad I am a witness. I wish the entire staff well and I hope leadership keeps moving Ebony in the right direction.
When one door opens another one opens. Desiree you have been favored, so go ahead be happy. They can’t hold a good woman down. lol
Good for Desiree! Go Girl!
They have my full suppor too girl! I love the energy that is coming from Ebony right now. I know both of Linda’s parents would be very happy about this decision.
CHANGE can be good or bad. I hope in this case it is good. Let’s see what happens. Glad they didn’t pull a move like Essence. Desiree is the HWIC after Linda that is. lol
What a great response on the hiring of Desiree by Linda Johnson Rice. It was better than Angela Burt Murray’s response. I like the pick. Desiree should shine in this position without all the critics going in on her because she is not only smart but beautiful, loves to socialize and be in style. Come on, it is really a hater who criticizing that hard. Go Ebony, you all got support from me.
Beautiful Woman with Intelligence to match. #thatisall