Jamie Foster Brown facts for kids

Jamie Foster Brown (born around June 26, 1946) is a well-known American magazine owner and journalist. She was the owner and publisher of Sister 2 Sister magazine. This magazine was published from 1988 to 2014. Newsweek magazine once called it the "African-American version of People magazine." Jamie Foster Brown wrote a regular column in her magazine called "Meow." Through her column and interviews with celebrities, she became the first nationally known black female gossip columnist.

Early Life and Family

Jamie Foster Brown grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She and her sister, Stella Foster, were raised in the Englewood, Chicago neighborhood. Their parents, Peter James and Mamie Lee Foster, owned local stores. Jamie went to Calumet High School. She started college in Chicago and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Stockholm University in Sweden.

Her sister, Stella Foster, also worked as a writer for Sister 2 Sister magazine. Stella was a journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times before she retired in 2012.

Jamie Foster Brown married Dr. Lorenzo Brown in 1970. He was an economist. They were married until his death in 2015. The family lived in Stockholm, Sweden, for nine years. During this time, they had two sons, Randy and Russell. Both her husband and sons later worked for Sister 2 Sister magazine.

Starting a Career in Media

Jamie Foster Brown once worked for the Zenith Radio Company in Chicago. In 1979, she started her own ticket company called Washington Theater Group.

Later, she joined Robert Johnson's Black Entertainment Television (BET). She began as a secretary in advertising. She was then promoted to a TV producer. She produced shows like Video Soul and Video LP. She left BET in 1987. As a TV producer, Jamie met many music stars, including Whitney Houston. She later used these connections for her magazine.

Brown has said she is more of an interviewer and storyteller than a writer. She wanted to share stories about how celebrities became famous. She got the idea for her own magazine while writing for other publications.

Sister 2 Sister Magazine

Jamie Foster Brown launched Sister 2 Sister magazine in 1988. She owned and published it until 2014. The magazine was first published from Lanham, Maryland, and later from Takoma Park, Maryland.

To expand her brand, Brown also created a radio show. It was called Sister 2 Sister Celebrity Update. While running her magazine, Jamie was a regular guest on popular shows. These included the Joan Rivers Show and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

Key Journalism Works

Jamie Foster Brown was known for her in-depth interviews. She aimed to show black celebrities in a real way, not just as superficial figures.

She reported on the musical group Milli Vanilli. She revealed that they were lip-syncing during their performances and recordings.

Brown also shared her thoughts on Michael Jackson. She said that his children seemed well-adjusted. She felt that Jackson appeared to be a good father to them.

Awards and Honors

Jamie Foster Brown has received many awards for her work:

• Midwest Radio and Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, 1998
• National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Shero Hall of Fame, 2002
• Golden Scissors (black hair style), Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002
• Association for Women in Communications, Matrix Award for Professional Achievement, 2004
• Bennett College, honorary doctorate, 2008
• Ford Motor Co., Freedom Sisters Award, 2009
• T.H.E. B.L.A.C.K.W.O.O.D Worldwide - Matriarch Pioneer of Jubilee 2024
• Cafe Mocha Radio - 2014 Trailblazer Award
• Legendary Awards - Media Icon Award 2013

Selected Writings

• Shabazz, Betty, and Jamie Foster Brown. 1998. Betty Shabazz: a sisterfriends' tribute in words and pictures. New York: Simon & Schuster.