John H. Johnson: The Power of Time

John H. Johnson has a long list of impressive credentials. He has had great entrepreneurial success, and in his early years he received a full ride scholarship to the University of Chicago (one of the best colleges in the country). This is a person that has no recollection of defeat, and his success in life has been inspirational for African Americans all over the U.S.

It all began in a small town in Arkansas on January 19, 1918. At the beginning of his historic life, it was a time in America when Blacks had no power, no sway, and no real monetary success stories. To say the least, Blacks were second class citizens. Today, I cannot even imagine a place like the state of Georgia the days of Jim Crow and segregation. The hardships and turmoil experienced by so many was the establishment of the world Johnson grew up in. However, over the course of his life, John H. Johnson lived through many periods that saw his brethren make incredible strides in equal rights, and desegregation. I have to remind myself from time to time that slavery use to exist in the town I now call home: Atlanta,Georgia. When I drive by certain monuments, such as the cotton exchange on Roswell Road (North of Atlanta), I sometimes shiver and cringe, because America has had a dark past when it comes to race relations and unalienable rights. John H. Johnson lived in a time when all men were not created equal (not that they are today) but I’m sure you understand the point I am trying to make. This hero was born in the south and he knew first hand how things operated in this part of the world. He stared bigotry and hatred right in the face, and won the hearts of many. He must have endured many sick and horrible disasters in the thirties, forties, and fifties, but he managed to bring about a generation that would soon discover prosperity and good times. I entitled this article, “The Power of Time,” because in America time almost always produces progress and triumphs. Johnson lived through some hard times, but towards the end of his life he became a shining beacon of hope for the black community in so many different ways. It’s hard to believe that his grandparents were once slaves. I cannot imagine what that must have been like, and frankly, I don’t want to know; furthermore, I do not think his grandparents could have pictured the wonderful life that John H. Johnson would lead. He is a true American hero, and his legacy still shines in a number of different ways.

Johnson was the first African American to be featured on the list of Forbes’ 400 wealthiest Americans. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to raise and nurture several successful companies, including Johnson Publishing Company and Ebony Magazine. According to the New York Times, Johnson claims that he wanted his magazine, “to show not only the Negroes but also white people that Negroes got married, had beauty contests, gave parties, ran successful businesses, and did all the other normal things of life.” Today, Johnson’s magazine still paints this wonderful picture of African Americans. They still cover the same subjects with the same care and precision. Reports claim that Johnson, was able to start his publishing company by borrowing $500 and using his mother’s furniture as collateral. The Johnson Publishing Company was worth over $150 million at one point, during Johnson’s career, according to legalzoom.com.

This man was successful and so influential, that President Bill Clinton gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996. Johnson has also served on several boards for major American companies and his publishing company has produced record breaking profits each year. Johnson also created his own magazine called Jet. The magazine became a milestone for Black culture. It covers everything from sports to politics. Johnson’s brilliance, gave him the ability to create a publication that is still in operation today. This is just an example of one of the many achievements this great man experienced. Johnson passed away in 2005, but we will never forget the drive and will that helped him conquer his universe.

-Stan Walters