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After dealing with financial woes, Chicago-based Johnson Publishing has decided to sell Ebony and Jet Magazines to the Clear View Group in Austin, Texas. Ebony made its national debut on newsstands back in 1945. The publishing company has struggled with transitioning to the realm of digital media and garnered less revenue. Linda Johnson Rice, the daughter of the founder of Johnson Publishing, will be chairman emeritus of the new company. “This is the next chapter in retaining the legacy that my father, John H. Johnson, built to ensure the celebration of African-Americans,” said Rice in a statement. The deal marks the first time the Clear View Group has gotten involved in the publishing industry. “We made this purchase because this is an iconic brand — it’s the most-recognized brand in the African-American community,” said their co-founder and chairman Michael Gibson. “We just think this is a great opportunity for us.” Read more.


Music Exec Bozoma Saint John Steals the Show at Apple Event

Apple exec Bozoma Saint John sparked a lot of buzz after delivering a presentation at a recent event for the company. Saint John’s interaction with the audience prompted attendees to take to Twitter and spread the word. During her presentation she spoke about how Apple Music, which launched in June, has had to rebrand itself. She even got the crowd to sing along to Sugar Hill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.” “Boz is a fierce woman in consumer tech and is making waves at Apple. This was her moment to shine,” said her friend Anjula Acharia-Bath. “She is a strong female leader who is no doubt going to go on to amazing things across tech. She is one of the few people that truly understand tech and pop culture and that will take her a long way.” Saint John joined the Apple team when the company acquired Beats Music. Read more.


Serena Williams Reflects on her Sister’s Death

As gun violence has been pushed to the forefront of a national conversation in our country following the Orlando massacre, tennis star Serena Williams took some time to reflect on the death of her sister. Williams’ older half-sister Yetunde Price died in 2006 after being shot. The person who murdered her is serving 15 years behind bars. During the premiere of the film Serena, she spoke about how losing tennis games doesn’t compare to the loss of her sister. “I think there can definitely be a feeling that’s worse than that. I mean, I lost my sister, which I guess still counts as a loss,” said Williams. “It’s super intense. But at the same time, you have to look at the brighter side and always know that’s there’s room to regroup.” Read more.


New Study Shows Racial Disparities with Marijuana Policing in Fresno

A new study revealed racial disparities in regards to cracking down on marijuana in Oakland. According to the report conducted by the Drug Policy Alliance and the American Civil Liberties Union, African-Americans are four times more likely to be charged with marijuana possession than Whites. “White people consume marijuana at similar rates to Black people and more than Latinos in the U.S.; yet Black and Latino people are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement for low-level marijuana possession infractions,” read the report. “Racial disparities in marijuana enforcement are widespread and longstanding,” Margaret Dooley-Sammuli, Criminal Justice and Drug Policy director for the ACLU of California, said in a statement. “Los Angeles and Fresno are very different places; yet they reveal similar disparities. It’s likely that young black and Latino Californians experience these disparities statewide. A $100 citation can easily become several times that, after all the fees are added. This presents a significant burden for young people and low-income families.” Read more.


Co-Creator of ‘Fruitvale Station’ Named President of Production at D Street Pictures

Ephraim Walker, the co-creator of Fruitvale Station, has been appointed to President of Production of D Street Pictures. In this new role, Walker will spearhead the independent production and distribution company’s films and production arm. “We’re excited to have Ephraim join our team to oversee D Street’s exciting slate of films and work closely with the development department. His appointment comes at a time when the company continues to expand our international reach,” D Street Media Group’s CEO Dexter Davis said in a statement. Walker is excited about taking on the new role. “I’ve been looking for a place to call home and couldn’t be more thrilled to join an organization like D Street Media,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Dexter to achieve our very ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in the creative content business and equally excited to set up our West Coast division in the great city of Oakland.” Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

NEWS ROUNDUP: Johnson Publishing Sells Ebony & Jet Magazine…AND MORE  was originally published on newsone.com