John Harold Johnson (1918 - 2005)

Born 19 Jan 1918 in Arkansas City, Desha, Arkansas, United States of America

Died 8 Aug 2005 at age 87 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States of America

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Biography

John Johnson is Notable.

John Johnson was awarded the Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement by an African American.

John was a Freemason, Prince Hall Affiliated Mason

John Johnson was an American businessman and publisher. Johnson was the founder of the Johnson Publishing Company. Johnson's company with its Ebony (1945) and Jet (1951) magazines was among the most influential African-American business in media in the second half of the twentieth century.^[1]

John Harold Johnson was born on February 19, 1918, in Arkansas City, Desha County, Arkansas. He was the son of Leroy "Roy" Robert Johnson and Gertrude (Jenkins) Johnson. His father died in a sawmill accident when he was six years old. He was raised by his mother and stepfather.^[2][3][4]

Growing up in a racially segregated and economically deprived environment, Johnson faced numerous challenges and prejudices that would shape his determination and drive for success. No high schools existed for black students, so Johnson repeated the eight grade to continue his education.^[5]

In 1933, the family settled in Chicago after visiting that city during the World's Fair.^[6] He became a student at Du Sable High School in Chicago, where he became an honor student and managing editor of the yearbook.<jref name='historymaker'/> He graduated high school in 1936 and attended the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, but did not complete his degree.^[7] While studying at college, Johnson worked for a life insurance company that marketed to African American customers. There he conceived the idea of a magazine for blacks.^[7][8]

In 1941, he married Eunice Walker.^[9]

In 1942, at the age of 24, Johnson founded the Johnson Publishing Company Inc. in Chicago. Armed with a $500 loan from his mother, he launched "Negro Digest," a pocket-sized magazine dedicated to showcasing the achievements and contributions of African Americans. Despite facing initial skepticism and limited distribution channels, Johnson's magazine garnered attention and grew in popularity, laying the groundwork for further success.^[10]

Johnson founded the Johnson Publishing Company Inc., an international media and cosmetics empire headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is the largest black-owned publishing company in the world. He launched Ebony, a general-interest magazine catering to an African American audience, in 1945. By the early 21st century, it had a circulation of about 1.7 million. Johnson went on to create other black publications, including Jet magazine in 1951. His firm later diversified into book publishing, radio broadcasting, insurance, and cosmetics manufacturing.^[7][11][12]

Under Johnson's leadership, the Johnson Publishing Company Inc. became the largest black-owned publishing company in the world. Beyond magazines, the company expanded into other media ventures, including radio stations and book publishing. It also ventured into cosmetics, launching the successful line of beauty products known as "Fashion Fair."^[13]

John Harold Johnson's business acumen and perseverance earned him numerous accolades and recognition. In 1982, he became the first African American to appear on the Forbes 400 Rich List, with a fortune estimated at close to $500 million. His success shattered racial barriers and inspired countless entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities.^[14]

Beyond his business achievements, Johnson was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He used his media platforms to shed light on racial injustices, promote African American empowerment, and advocate for equality. Johnson's impact on media representation and his dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on American society.^[5]

John Harold Johnson passed away on August 8, 2005 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois^[15], leaving behind a legacy of resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to uplifting the African American community. His life and achievements continue to inspire generations of aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, reminding them that barriers can be overcome with determination, hard work, and a vision for change. Success can be achieved.^[5]

He was buried at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.^[16]

Sources

1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_H._Johnson
2. ↑ Editors, TheFamousPeople.com, (n.d.). "John H. Johnson Biography." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDNN-P2P : accessed 5 February 2018), John Johnson in household of Gertrude Johnson, Arkansas City, Desha, Arkansas, United States; citing ED 39, sheet 6B, line 80, family 91, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 61; FHL microfilm 1,820,061.
4. ↑ "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XM2B-N28 : accessed 5 February 2018), John Johnson in household of James Williams, Arkansas City, Desha, Arkansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 6, sheet 15A, line 12, family 441, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 73; FHL microfilm 2,339,808.
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} The History Makers, The Digital Repository for the Black Experience, Nov 11-Dec 16, 2004. "John H. Johnson." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
6. ↑ Gates, H.L., wr. "The Road Home." African American Lives 2 Episode 3. PBS. 6 Feb 2008
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1 7.2} Glasrud, Bruce, BlackPast, 3 Dec 2007. "JOHN H. JOHNSON (1918-2005)." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
8. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Illinois, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 868 Ancestry Record 2238 #300545432
9. ↑ Kienzle, Thomas E., Maumelle, Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "John Harold Johnson (1918–2005)." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
10. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, 4 May 1977, Wed. - Page 55. "Gertrudes Williams Rites will be Wednesday Night." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
11. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: United States of America, Bureau of the Census; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790-2007; Record Group Number: 29; Residence Date: 1950; Home in 1950: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Roll: 5101; Sheet Number: 71; Enumeration District: 103-2035 Ancestry Record 62308 #224346792
12. ↑ Gates, H.L., wr. "We Come From People." African American Lives 2 Episode 3. PBS. 13 Feb 2008
13. ↑ Encyclopedia.com, last updated 13 Aug 2018. "John H. Johnson 1918– Publisher, entrepreneur, writer." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
14. ↑ Williams, Kim, Arkansas Heritiage, last updated Feb 2020. "Famous Arkansan: John H. Johnson." Accessed 29 Jun 2023.
15. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #76298903
16. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11501432/john-harold-johnson: accessed 29 June 2023), memorial page for John Harold Johnson (19 Feb 1918–8 Aug 2005), Find A Grave: Memorial #11501432, citing Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.

See also:

• Wikipedia: John H. Johnson
• Wikidata: Item Q1700315, en:Wikipedia
• Ingham, John N., and Lynne B. Feldman. “John Harold Johnson.” Bio. In African-American Business Leaders: a Biographical Dictionary. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1994. Pages 366–79.