Introduction: Jet Magazine has been a staple of African-American culture and entertainment for decades, with its iconic covers and influential features. One of the most celebrated sections of Jet Magazine is its “Beauty of the Week” segment. This section highlights the beauty, grace, and talent of Black women from various walks of life, giving them the recognition they deserve. Through stunning photographs and inspiring stories, Jet Magazine has provided a platform for showcasing diverse beauty, empowering women across the nation.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history, significance, and evolution of Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” feature, and explore its impact on the African-American community and beyond. We’ll also examine the role of beauty in society and how this feature continues to uplift women, showcasing a range of beauty standards and narratives.
The Origins of Jet Magazine
A Historic Milestone in African-American Media
Jet Magazine was founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson as part of the Johnson Publishing Company, which also published Ebony Magazine. As a publication aimed at addressing the issues, concerns, and achievements of African Americans, Jet Magazine quickly became an essential voice in Black media. The magazine highlighted Black culture, social issues, politics, entertainment, and fashion, earning it a dedicated readership.
Since its early days, Jet Magazine has been a reflection of African-American excellence, often covering stories of activism, art, and social change. Its “Beauty of the Week” feature, introduced in the 1960s, became one of the most beloved and enduring sections of the magazine. The feature was designed to spotlight the beauty, individuality, and accomplishments of Black women, providing a platform for them to be recognized beyond traditional beauty standards.
The Significance of “Beauty of the Week”
The “Beauty of the Week” segment has always been more than just a showcase of attractive women. It was a celebration of Black beauty in its most authentic form. In a time when mainstream media often excluded or misrepresented Black people, Jet Magazine used this feature to highlight the beauty, intelligence, and power of Black women from all walks of life. Each “Beauty of the Week” was chosen for her unique qualities, whether it was her talent, intellect, activism, or her ability to challenge beauty norms.
Throughout its history, “Beauty of the Week” has portrayed women from various backgrounds, including professionals, artists, activists, and homemakers. These women were often featured for their achievements, demonstrating that beauty was not only about appearance but also about strength, resilience, and character.
Celebrating Diversity: A Platform for All Types of Beauty
One of the most striking elements of the “Beauty of the Week” feature is its commitment to celebrating diverse forms of beauty. Jet Magazine was never confined to one narrow idea of beauty. From different skin tones to hair textures and body types, Jet Magazine showcased the multifaceted nature of Black beauty. Whether it was an Afro hairstyle or sleek straight hair, light skin or dark skin, the magazine proudly embraced the diversity that exists within the African-American community.
The feature also recognized women from various geographical locations, representing a wide range of experiences and cultures within the Black community. This emphasis on diversity helped to challenge and dismantle conventional beauty standards and promoted a more inclusive and holistic definition of beauty that resonated with women everywhere.
The Evolution of Beauty Standards in Jet Magazine
Over the years, the “Beauty of the Week” segment has evolved alongside the changing attitudes towards beauty in society. In the early years, Jet Magazine’s focus was often on more traditional beauty standards—slender figures, glamorous makeup, and polished hair. However, as the civil rights movement gained momentum and African-American women began to demand more representation and authenticity in the media, the “Beauty of the Week” feature started to reflect this shift.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw an emphasis on natural beauty, with many women wearing their hair in Afro styles and embracing more minimalistic makeup. This was a period of cultural and political upheaval, and women were empowered to redefine beauty on their own terms. Jet Magazine’s coverage of these women served as a powerful statement of defiance against the Eurocentric beauty ideals that had previously dominated mainstream media.
The 1980s and 1990s brought another wave of change, with the rise of supermodels and celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, and Tyra Banks. Jet Magazine continued to celebrate Black women in the entertainment industry, but it also maintained its commitment to showcasing everyday women who exemplified beauty in their unique ways.
Today, the “Beauty of the Week” feature includes women from various industries—ranging from fashion, sports, entertainment, politics, and entrepreneurship. These women represent the modern face of Black beauty, showing that beauty can be found in every profession and every aspect of life.
How “Beauty of the Week” Empowers Women
The impact of the “Beauty of the Week” feature extends far beyond the pages of Jet Magazine. For many women, being selected as “Beauty of the Week” was an affirmation of their worth and a boost to their self-esteem. It gave them a sense of validation and recognition that was often missing from mainstream media. For young Black women, seeing women who looked like them celebrated in such a prominent way was a powerful reminder that they, too, could aspire to greatness and be celebrated for who they were.
Moreover, the feature allowed women to embrace their individuality and uniqueness. In an era where societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards were prevalent, Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” became a counter-narrative that promoted self-love and acceptance. By showcasing women with different body types, hairstyles, and skin tones, the magazine helped to broaden the definition of beauty, making it more inclusive and representative of real women.
The Legacy of Jet Magazine and Its Influence on Modern Media
Although Jet Magazine ceased its print publication in 2014, its legacy lives on through the impact it had on Black media and culture. The magazine’s commitment to portraying African-American life and beauty was groundbreaking, and the “Beauty of the Week” feature continues to inspire media outlets and publications today. In the age of social media, many platforms now embrace diversity and inclusion, but Jet Magazine was one of the pioneers in celebrating Black beauty and showcasing Black women in an empowering light.
The rise of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has allowed more women to control their own narratives and showcase their beauty to the world. Just as Jet Magazine once provided a platform for women to be celebrated, today’s digital platforms allow for a broader range of voices to be heard. However, the core message remains the same: beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms, and every woman deserves to be recognized and celebrated for who she is.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week”
Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” feature remains a landmark in African-American media, and its impact continues to be felt today. By celebrating the beauty, strength, and individuality of Black women, Jet Magazine helped redefine societal standards of beauty and inspired generations of women to embrace their true selves. In doing so, it fostered a sense of pride and empowerment among Black women, while also providing a much-needed platform for diverse beauty to be seen and appreciated.
As we reflect on the legacy of “Beauty of the Week,” it is clear that this feature was not just about physical appearance but about celebrating the multidimensionality of Black women. It was about showcasing their intellect, creativity, resilience, and passion, and it continues to serve as a testament to the power of representation in the media.
Today, we continue to witness the evolution of beauty in media, but the influence of Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” remains a significant part of that conversation. It reminds us that beauty is not just what we see on the outside; it is about who we are, what we accomplish, and how we carry ourselves in the world.
