Photo credit: Priscilla Graham
By La Trisha and La Tasha “Twins of Media”
What do you say to a woman; who along with her family paved the way for many people in journalism including ourselves. Thank you!
It was the first thing we expressed when meeting Linda Johnson Rice, Chair and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company (JPC). Her father, John H. Johnson founded the company in the 1940’s—where it became the home of Ebony Magazine, Jet (now JetMag.com) and Fashion Fair Cosmetics.
Linda was in town to attend the 24th Annual Pinnacle Awards; held by the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) at the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel Saturday. There she was honored for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Ebony Magazine.
Gracious in spirit, she thanked us for the opportunity to connect inside the suite that she and the other guests occupied before the awards show. Dressed in a black lace attire, she smiled at each person who came into her presence to either conduct an interview or pose for photos. Her short, blond afro accentuated the makeup worn which complimented the confidence she has as an African-American business leader. Asking what does it mean for her to be present at this year’s awards as a Lifetime Achievement honoree? Linda replied, “You know… it really is very special because I think to be able to be in Houston which is a great city of African-American empowerment, leadership and business and all of which I completely and wholeheartedly endorse coming from JPC— It’s a wonderful, wonderful honor. So I’m greatly appreciative. The honor really isn’t just for me, but for Ebony and Jet and for all they have done and continue to mean to the African-American community.”
Linda Johnson Rice with La Trisha (l) and La Tasha (r) at the Marriott Marquis Hotel Houston October 5, 2018
Photo courtesy of GHBC
As for what’s in store for Ebony Magazine being a part of events like GHBC in the future? Linda says, “We’re working on the next issue…we’re always working on the next issue (laughter). The great thing is now we’re very aggressive on the digital space so you can have Ebony twenty-four hours a day on your phone. So we’ve got the staff writing feverishly all the time covering things which I think are important in the African-American community and for the community at large. Since it is digital— the whole world can read it to learn about who we are and what we do.”
Congratulations Linda Johnson Rice on your Lifetime Achievement Award honor!
Ebony Magazine Chair, Michael Gibson and Vice Chairman, Willard Scott were also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here to see a complete list of all the Pinnacle Awards Nominees.
Special thanks to Misty Blue Media
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