It seems that one of the biggest rules to being a successful comedian is sometimes knowing where to draw the line because the wrong joke has the potential to stagnate a career before it ever actually takes off. “Real Husbands of Hollywood” star, Kevin Hart seems to be well aware of this unwritten rule, which is why there are some groups that he simply will not target with his jokes. In the April 2013 issue of EBONY Magazine, the funny man got rather serious when it came to discussions of gay jokes and wasted no time expressing why he doesn’t make them “at all.”

“The repercussions for saying certain words are harsh, and careers have been shut down. I can understand how people could be affected by certain words and slurs. I get it. My way of showing respect is to not play around with it, not mention it, not joke with it at all. I understand how serious it is,” he revealed.

It’s great that Kevin is sensitive to the gay community and keeps them in mind when putting together his material. Some are wondering why Hart wasn’t as sensitive about two years ago when it came to the backlash he received about the negative comments he made about dark skinned women.

“#handsdown Light-skinned women usually have better credit than a dark-skinned woman…Broke as dark hoes…Lol,” read the controversial tweet.

Of course, this tweet didn’t sit well with many of his followers and fans.

“Attention all dark skinned women…. I’m a f***ing COMEDIAN, which means I tell jokes, stop being so damn sensitive,” he defended.

Later on, in an interview with Kendra G., Hart was given an opportunity to clean up his comments. An opportunity that he actually refused, instead, he continued to suggest that people stop being so sensitive.

“People are stupid. This is something so minute. If you are a Kevin Hart fan, you know exactly what I talk about and how I talk… Last time I checked, I’m as black as a doggone oil can. How can I be racist against what I am?  Women, y’all just go off the deep end. Y’all kill me with this whole light skin/dark skin thing… Kevin talks about everybody. Nobody is left off limits… ” he said during the interview.

Source: Facebook

In their March 2013 “The Real-Life Scandal Issue,” EBONY magazine published a feature entitled “Simply Scandalous,” in which they listed and briefly discussed a host of “real-life” scandals and scandal-esque rumors that rocked the entertainment world. Among those tidbits printed by the publication included one that involved Maryland’s Empowerment Temple pastor, Reverend Jamal Bryant. The excerpt on Bryant reads:

“When: 2007

WTH: Bryant, a charismatic, flashy pastor and founder of the Empowerment Temple AME Church with 10,000 members in Baltimore, was accused of extramarital affairs, including one rumor that he impregnated a 17-year-old church member. His wife, Gizelle, filed for divorce in 2008 after more than five years of marriage.

The Outcome: Bryant’s popularity and ministry have not wavered at Empowerment Temple.”

Bryant, clearly unhappy with the publication’s decision to write about his alleged involvement with the teen expressed  his disappointment in an issued letter entitled, “Pastor Jamal Bryant Rebukes EBONY,” reports The Christian Post.  The letter reads:

“For 67 years Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity.

The March 2013 edition has left a hole in my heart. On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community.

Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community. So it is on moral grounds that a retraction is necessary.

In 2007 I participated in an extramarital affair that resulted ultimately in the termination of my marriage to my incredible wife Gizelle. NO minors were involved but my minor children have been affected. I don’t want them to have to live through any further unnecessary pain.

Matthew 18:15 say’s if your brother has sinned against you go and tell him his fault. I solicit your continued prayers for my family, forgiveness for myself and accountability from Ebony magazine.

Flawed but faithful. I remain,
Jamal- Harrison Bryant
(A Father and Pastor)”

Within 24 hours of the Pastor’s public chastisement of EBONY, the iconic publication issued a public apology.

“Our ‘Scandals’ package in the March 2013 issue is meant to be a look at some of the more outrageous accusations and events in African-American culture. With this particular story, we examined actual incidents as well as reported rumors which have captured the attention of our community throughout the years. In some cases, the allegations were never verified; however, the very fact that they went public constituted scandal. We understand that Dr. Jamal H. Bryant is now getting inquiries regarding a rumor we referenced in the magazine. We published the outrageous allegation as it was scandalous, not because it was confirmed. We did not intend to offend Dr. Bryant, and hope that our readers understand the spirit in which the editorial comment was presented.”

Bryant, who has openly confessed to participating in an extramarital affair in the past, is placing pressure on EBONY to retract their statement regarding his rumored involvement with a minor on “moral grounds.”

Should the magazine retract their statement? Did they owe Pastor Bryant an apology at all?

From her riveting role in Winter 2013 blockbuster, Django Unchained to primetime television show “Scandal”, there’s no question that Kerry Washington has been crowned Hollywood’s  new “It” girl. She looks stunningly gorgeous as she graces the March issue of EBONY, which is wittily titled the “Scandal Issue”. Inside, she opens up about “Scandal” character, Olivia Pope and what she means to Black women, as well as how she relates to her Django Unchained character, Broomhilda. Check out some of what she had to say.

On Olivia Pope:

“In her professional life, she is so powerful and is this self-made woman…But in [Olivia’s] personal life, she is a mess and I kind of love that…I love that I get to embody all of that complexity because I also think it takes a certain level of progress for us to have a Black Woman that powerful be an emotional mess on television.”

On the connection between Pope and Broomhilda:

“[Olivia] is the answer to Broomhilda’s prayers…I’m grateful that these two women on opposite ends of history, on opposite ends of their experience, both strongwomen but in such different ways, can exist at the same time.”

Kerry is also spilling the tea on some very interesting details from her past and why she’s a force to be reckoned with. Interesting enough, the March issue will also explore some real-life scandals including those involving major celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of megachurch pastor,  Zachery Tims.

You can check out Kerry’s full interview among other interesting tidbits of tea in the latest issue of EBONY, which hit newsstands on February 5th.

What do you think of Kerry’s cover shot? Does she look fab or what?

Jazmine Denise is  news writer for Madame Noire. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise

Source: Bonzal Daily

I could totally melt right now. But, for the sake of this article, I will attempt to get my life. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, EBONY Magazine  is celebrating Black love in an amazing way. The iconic publication released their February issue with three special edition covers, honoring the subjects of this month’s cover story. Bishop T.D. and Serita Jakes appear on one cover, T.I. and Tiny Harris appear on another, DeVon and Meagan Franklin appear on the other.

In this issue, instead of simply interviewing the couples, the men were given the opportunity to compose some really beautiful love letters to their leading ladies. Check out the heartfelt letters below.

Bishop Jakes to Serita:

“What started as an idea between two young people who fell in love and dreamed about the future has burst into the effervescence of reality. As time has gone by, it has been amazing to watch you bud, blossom and bring forth fruit. The fruit of that love, that wisdom and that tenacity have been the nectar that has nurtured me as a man and made our children who they are.  I take this occasion to thank you, to water you with my love and adoration, to fertilize you with the season of our experiences, hardships, tests and trials, which have brought forth the blossom of love that we so cherish. My life is better because of you. My heart is stronger because of you, and it beats at the memories, at the moments, at the affections that we have shared. My partner, my lover, my friend, my wife. Thank you.”

T.I. to Tiny:

“I let you know how much I love you all the time. I want to make sure it’s known on a day-to-day without me saying it. I don’t want to wait for one special occasion or a day. I want to make sure that everyday the sun rises and every evening the sun sets, you have a firm understanding of my feelings.”

DeVon to Meagan: 

“I’m amazed at how incredible God really is. How incredible that He chose me with the blessing and privilege of loving you. You are my true love. I can absolutely say I started living when you came into my life. Each day, I’m so grateful I can love you and be loved by you. Our life together has been a whirlwind so far- the best time of my life- and we’re just getting started! Thank you for breaking me out of my box and showing me what real life and love is all about. You helped me become whole as a man because you’ve helped me love. God has used you to heal me, and I will forever be grateful. I still don’t think you fully understand how amazing you are. You have a brilliant mind. I love the way you think and how creative you are. You are so strong. I love how you are a reservoir of power and courage. You are so thoughtful. I love how you are so fiercely compassionate and caring. I’m glad to be with you and that we’re in this together. No longer do you walk alone, and when you get tired, you can hop on my back. I will always accept you, always pursue you, always delight in you and always fight for you…”

Aren’t these some of the sweetest letters you’ve ever read in your life?

Check out the next page to see the cover shots and more photos from the issue. 

Terry Glover, who joined Ebony in 2006 as the website’s editor and became managing editor in 2009, died on Christmas Eve at the age of 57. According to The Chicago Tribune, the cause of death was colon cancer. She had been battling the disease for two years.

“Terry was the heart and soul of the Ebony team,” Fishbowl NY quotes a statement from the magazine’s editor-in-chief Amy DuBois Barnett.

Glover had previously worked for a number of magazines including Savoy, Uptown, and Playboy.com. As a young woman, after getting a Master’s degree from Roosevelt University, she traveled across Europe as a filmmaker making a movie about black culture in Europe. She’s remembered by friends as an advocate for the arts.

Barnett says there will be a memorial for Glover in the next issue. Her family says there will be a memorial service next month. Terry Glover is survived by a husband and two daughters.

Source: Chicago Tribune
Credit: Vandell Cobb

Unfortunately, we have some sad news to report on this morning. EBONY Magazine recently announced the passing of their Managing Editor, Terry Glover who lost her battle to cancer this past Christmas Eve. The news came as a shock to many. Mrs. Glover joined the EbonyJet team as Senior Website Editor back in 2006 and was promoted as EBONY‘s Managing Editor in 2009.

Terry graduated from Northwestern University, where she received her B.A. in radio, television and film. During the course of her career, she served as a staffer as well as a freelancer for publications such as The Chicago Tribune, Playboy, Uptown Magazine, and Savoy Magazine.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Mrs. Glover died of colon cancer at her home Bronzeville, Chicago. She is fondly remembered by her colleagues at EBONY and will truly be missed.

“Terry was the heart and soul of the EBONY team. She was one of the best editors I’ve ever worked with, and had a lovely kind demeanor and a fabulous sense of humor. The EBONY team will feel her absence every single day,” Amy DuBois Barnett, Editor-in-Chief of EBONY expressed.

“Terry touched many with her warm spirit and glowing smile during her six years with Johnson Publishing. Her contributions to EBONY were innumerable and her passion shone through in everything she did. Terry will be greatly missed,” said Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman of Johnson Publishing Company.

“I was struck immediately by her physical beauty,” Terry’s widower, Kendall Glover said as he recalled the first day he met her over twenty years ago in an airport. “We arranged to meet again after our travels and have been together ever since.”

The publication plans to print a memorial in honor of Mrs. Glover in their upcoming issue. Terry leaves behind her husband Kendall Glover and two daughters Parri Finister and Maya Glover.

Our prayers are with the Glover family.

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for madamenoire.com. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise.

A 1961 “Ebony” cover with Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. Via Ebony’s Facebook page

Johnson Publishing, the company behind Ebony and Jet magazines, is making 2,000 photos in its extensive archive available to purchase. The publishing company has one million photos in its arsenal.

According to ChicagoBusiness.com, chairman Linda Johnson Rice cherry-picked the for sale photos. The images have been collected over the course of 70 years and include Diana Ross, Muhammed Ali, Sammy Davis Jr, and more.

Images start as low at $34.99 and they’re offering a 15 percent discount through this Thursday. Covers and other snapshots are also available. Could make a nice holiday gift, no?

ChicagoBusiness.com reports that Johnson Publishing is seeking new revenue streams to add to its magazines and Fashion Fair cosmetics.

I’m sure “Real Housewives of Atlanta” breakout cast member Nene Leakes is more than happy to be the face of Ebony magazine’s “Money & Power” issue. After all, the reality TV star, and now legitimate actress, is very rich.

Showing off her new money, Nene covers the December/January issue wearing nothing but diamonds which are covering her body in a bath tub while she sips champagne as part of the mag’s annual Power 100 List.

The EBONY Power 100 spotlights African Americans who personify “power” in all its manifestations—strength, focus, commitment and determination—those who innovate, elevate and shape the world in new and different ways. EBONY Power 100‘s 21 categories include “The Anointed,” “The Environmentalists,” “The Powerbrokers,” “The Thought Leaders” and “The Young Gifted & Black.”

The 2012 Power 100 list will appear in the Dec./Jan. issue of EBONY on newsstands the week of Nov. 5.

I imagine Nene is a part of the “Star Appeal” category with her RHOA gig, her recurring role on “Glee” and her permanent part as a cast member on “The New Normal,” not to mention her shoe line with ShoeDazzle. She’s definitely getting her hustle on.

Other people included in Ebony’s Power 100 List are Attorney General Eric Holder, Cam Newton, Catherine Brewton, Cathy Hughes, Cee Lo Green, Debra Lee, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z & Beyonce Knowles, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Lebron James, Mara & Salim Brock Akil, Kerry Washington, Joan Smalls, Karen Civil, Kevin Durant, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah, Toni Morrison, Wendy Williams, Tamron Hall, Steve Harvey, Robin Roberts, and Tyler Perry.

What do you think about Nene’s cover?

Eunice W. Johnson goes to her husband’s funeral with President Bill Clinton in 2005. John Johnson was co-founder of “Ebony.” Image: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Ad Age has dedicated its latest issue to influential women in advertising and marketing. And among this illustrious group is Eunice W. Johnson, the founder of Ebony magazine and Fashion Fair makeup.

In a profile written by her daughter Linda Johnson Rice, Eunice Johnson is described as a “real steel magnolia,” a woman with a special way of negotiating and getting what she wanted.

The issue includes a number of black women professionals who have, and continue to, make their presence felt in the advertising industry. Oprah pens a column about creating her OWN network. Caroline Jones, founder of Caroline Jones Advertising and the first black female creative director at J. Walter Thompson, appears on “The Innovators” list. And Pam El, the VP of marketing and advertising at State Farm insurance appears along with Young & Rubicam CEO Ann Fudge and Renetta Mccann, Leo Burnett’s chief talent officer, on the list of “Power Players.”

If you’re a woman interested in advertising or marketing, this is the issue to read. Not only does it take a look back at the contributions of women to this industry, but it paints a picture of what women are doing in the industry today.

Source: What About Our Daughters

At what point does constructive criticism fail to be constructive?

What got me thinking about this was the recent dust up over a story, which happened earlier this month. See, what happened was, two weeks ago, Ebony Digital featured an article called, “Notorious to Glorious: Genarlow Wilson is No Child Molester and Never Was.”

The story, which was written by Chandra Thomas Whitfield, sought to highlight the current happenings of Genarlow Wilson, a man, who along with five other men were convicted of aggravated child molestation against a 17-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old girl. Wilson, who was 17 years old at the time, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the crime. However, he was released after serving nearly three years in a Georgia prison when a judge ruled that his sentence was ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment. The online story highlighted what Wilson had been up to since his conviction; including being a college student a few credits short from graduating, and discussed how the label of sexual offender had negatively impacted his life.

The story itself was very sympathetic, showing how Wilson had been railroaded by an overzealous justice system, which seeks to give out the harshest punishment to folks with dark skin. However, there were a few problems with the story: For one, Whitfield had incorrectly wrote that Wilson’s conviction was overturned, when in fact, his conviction still stands, although his time in prison was reduced. It also said that the sexual contact between Wilson and the teenage girls was consensual, which is also not true considering that a teenager is legally incapable of consenting to sex. There were also issues with the title itself, particularly the inclusion of the word, “glorious” to describe a man convicted of sexual assault.

Of course, this didn’t sit well with some of the online magazine’s readers, including Gina McCauley, writer and founder of What About Our Daughters, a website dedicated to combating negative portrayals of African American women in the media, who would be one of the first to ring the alarm. After vowing that her “online tactical team” was on the case, McCauley and her supporters unleashed a full fledge campaign not only against Ebony magazine and its advertisers, but also the mostly woman-led editorial staff, who would come to be christened by McCauley as the Ebony 4. In one particular blog post called, “Ebony Magazine Editors Don’t “Condone Rape” – Except When They Do!,” McCauley writes, “If they were honorable and decent, they would present a different perspective from rape and sexual assault survivors, but this isn’t about the truth, this is about a group of Black women who work at Ebony.com needing to be fulfilled by playing Mommy to a FULLY. GROWN. BLACK MAN.. in order to feel important.”

Ouch.

However, McCauley’s sentiment seemed to resonate with many readers of both WOAD and Ebony. The pressure from WAOD resulted in severe backlash prompting Ebony to respond. As of today, the story is gone and so is an editorial response the magazine had release to explain its decision to run the piece. In a statement called Moving Forward Together, the editorial board said the following:

“Your response to our story has further illuminated for us the importance of engaging around issues of sexual violence, of supporting victims, and of empowering our community with relevant knowledge and resources. We deeply regret that the perception of the article about Wilson (published on EBONY.com on July 9, 2012) led some readers to believe that we are less than sensitive to the plight of young women in sexual assault cases.”