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SB: I think most people would say it was inevitable. The fact that Jet is now both digital and more entertainment-oriented than before is probably the best sign of its – and our – success. Blacks now want a broad foothold in the mainstream, which includes a greater share of modern media. Originally, Jet was designed to address the needs of African-Americans who were ignored by and shut out from mainstream media. We needed a reliable, constant source of the news and information essential to our social and political goals. That Jet provided that, and did it extremely well, is evidenced by its long life over decades when many other magazines, including mainstream favorites such as the original Colliers, the Saturday Evening Post, and Look, disappeared. But the needs of African-Americans for news and the sources and means of getting this news have changed. We have to recognize that progress brings change, even while older folks like me still miss that little magazine that fit in our pockets, and shed so much light on the long, difficult road to freedom.
fugitive who had hijacked an airplane to Cuba to escape prosecution in the U.S. for civil rights activities. He claimed that he was nonviolent and had not harmed any of the passengers. Castro had not imprisoned him, and he was allowed to live as a free man in Havana. He complained, however, about the Cuban government’s rationing of clothing. (I think he said a man could buy only one white dress shirt per year, for example). He asked if he could have my underwear and shirts when I was ready to leave. While it was tempting not to have to carry dirty clothes back home, I suspected we were being watched, and that the whole story was a set so I declined. I did agree, however, as he requested, that I would contact his mother upon my return to the U.S. and tell her he was okay.
Q: On another note: what do you think about Jet’s end as a print publication and the Johnson Publishing Company’s decision to make it an online, digital product only?
Simeon Booker, pictured with wife Carol, covered major national and international stories for more than 50 years writing for Jet magazine. (Photo courtesy of Carol Booker)