Urban Magazine stands as a long-running pillar in independent Black media, grounded in purpose, resilience, and cultural responsibility. Founded in 2000 by Be’n Original, the publication was created with a clear belief that media has the power to uplift, inform, and protect the culture it serves.
More than two decades later, Urban Magazine continues to honor that vision by using its platform to amplify voices that make meaningful and positive contributions to the Black community.
As an independent Black owned outlet, Urban Magazine has remained committed to elevating artists, executives, musicians, social activists, and creatives whose work often shapes culture behind the scenes as much as it does in the spotlight. The magazine does not simply report on culture. It engages with it, offering coverage that values impact, integrity, and authenticity.
What makes Urban Magazine unique is its long-standing dedication to community-centered storytelling.
Since its founding, the publication has prioritized stories that matter, even when they are uncomfortable or overlooked.
Rather than chasing trends, Urban Magazine focuses on substance, creating space for narratives that reflect real experiences within the Black community. Its independence has allowed it to maintain editorial integrity while staying deeply connected to the people it serves.
One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is an issue dedicated entirely to Domestic Violence. In that issue, Urban Magazine opened its pages to survivors, providing a platform for victims to share their experiences, lessons, and advice. The feature went beyond awareness. It offered validation, visibility, and a sense of solidarity for those who often suffer in silence. By centering survivor voices, Urban Magazine demonstrated how media can be both informative and healing.
This approach to storytelling reflects the magazine’s broader mission. Urban Magazine uses its reach to highlight not only success stories, but also social realities that demand attention and care. In doing so, it reinforces the idea that Black media has a responsibility not just to entertain, but to advocate, educate, and protect.
As part of FEMI Magazine’s The Magazines That Move Us series, Urban Magazine represents the endurance and impact of independent Black publishing. Its longevity speaks to trust, relevance, and a deep understanding of the community it serves. It reminds us that when Black owned media leads with purpose, it becomes a catalyst for change.
Urban Magazine can be found at www.urbanmag-online.com, with social media platforms connected through @urbanmagazine. For follow-up communication, the publication can be reached at uma@uma-marketing.com. Urban Magazine’s work continues to prove that storytelling, when rooted in responsibility and care, has the power to move culture forward.
Images Courtesy of Urban Magazine.
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