*A simple, yet important interview from the mid-70s with the Reverend Jesse Jackson positively impacted the lives of millions of young magazine readers and literally changed the course of my own career path—and essentially my own life.
It was decades ago. I was the young editor of a highly successful Black teen magazine. In fact, it was the only Black magazine (and the most respected one) geared to young people and sold in the United States and internationally. Right On! Magazine. And I had the honor of sharing Jesse Jackson’s voice with my beloved, devoted readers who, because they hadn’t been introduced to anything different, favored music, movies, television, and the “heroes” and “she-roes” who entertained them. But this particular issue would add something different to their idol catalogue. It would engage them and enlighten them—and demonstrate a love for them on another level. The interview generated this title: “Rev. Jesse Jackson Challenges Young People to Develop Your Minds.”
Here—I sat across my desk talking with a brave man who had learned from, worked with, marched for Black freedom with, and got de-humanized fighting for basic rights with one of the most revered humans: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This was a gentleman—not yet 40 years old—who had a moral agenda and a “calling” to essentially save these young readers with encouraging, high-powered, yet a simple reminder: You Are Somebody! Keep in mind, these readers, for the most part, were used to simple, mindless fun—things that did not usually trigger/address their personal value: their some-body-ness.
They were used to reading about and idolizing others. And not necessarily being rewarded personally in a life-valuing way by those they read about. But Rev. Jesse Jackson cared about them and talked to them—not about himself—but about them.
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But, uh-oh… (Sigh). The “powers that be” were outraged when the story ran. Outraged that I would share this respected man’s voice of encouragement to my Black readership. Essentially: “How dare I do such a thing!” After all, according to the (white) magazine owners—the readers deserved and wanted “only to be entertained.”
Thousands of letters soon thereafter proved I knew my readers better. (After all, I was part of them, and I had been in relationship with them as editor for nearly 5 years.) These young people intrinsically wanted more and loved being reminded by Reverend Jesse Jackson that they were … and still ARE SOMEBODY of great value.
What I ALWAYS knew—but was reminded of, is that, I, too, am somebody. And it was time to move on from a space that cared nothing about my young Black readers—other than money from them for their blind idol worship.
I resigned. Because I AM SOMEBODY. And the overwhelming thousands of “thank you” letters flowed in before I left—from young readers, as well as from THEIR PARENTS, who got the message, too.
Reverend Jesse Jackson, thank you. You, indeed, are worth honoring. You surely changed lives for the better via my interview in that Black teen magazine. It shined the light brightly on the heart and intentions of the magazine owners. More importantly, it shined the light on and for those millions of young readers—hopefully for a lifetime, reminding them forever of your respect for them through your three simple words: “YOU ARE SOMEBODY!”
Flo Jenkins is an award-winning writer/editorial consultant – a consummate communicator – with an extensive and successful background spanning a variety of industries, from entertainment (television, recording, stage, publishing) to advertising and promotions, education, health, and non-profits. Contact Flo via http://www.wordsthatflo.com or [email protected].
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