Cosmetics executive and entrepreneur
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Key moments and achievements from George Johnson's life.
George was born
· Chicago, Illinois, United States
Founding
Johnson founded Johnson Products Company on Chicago's South Side with his wife, Joan, and a barber who later left the company, starting the business with a $250 loan.
Founding
Johnson founded Johnson Products Company on Chicago's South Side with his wife, Joan, and a barber who later left the company, starting the business with a $250 loan.
Founding
Johnson founded Independence Bank of Chicago and served as its chairman until it was sold in 1995. It grew into one of the largest Black owned banks in the United States.
Founding
Johnson founded Independence Bank of Chicago and served as its chairman until it was sold in 1995. It grew into one of the largest Black owned banks in the United States.
Milestone
Johnson Products Company became the first Black owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange.
Milestone
Johnson Products Company became the first Black owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange.
Award
Ebony magazine honored Johnson with its American Black Achievement Award for his business accomplishments.
Award
Ebony magazine honored Johnson with its American Black Achievement Award for his business accomplishments.
Acquisition
A group of African American investors purchased Johnson Products Company from Procter & Gamble, restoring Black ownership to the business Johnson had founded 55 years earlier.
Acquisition
A group of African American investors purchased Johnson Products Company from Procter & Gamble, restoring Black ownership to the business Johnson had founded 55 years earlier.
Publication
At age 97, Johnson published his memoir, Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street, cowritten with Hilary Beard and published by Little, Brown and Company.
Publication
At age 97, Johnson published his memoir, Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street, cowritten with Hilary Beard and published by Little, Brown and Company.
Award
Harvard University's Hutchins Center awarded Johnson its W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, the university's highest honor in the field of African and African American studies.
Award
Harvard University's Hutchins Center awarded Johnson its W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, the university's highest honor in the field of African and African American studies.
George Johnson passed away
