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George E. Johnson, Who Built a Black Hair-Care Empire, Dies at 99
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- George E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Products Company, a pioneering Black-owned hair-care business, died at age 99 from respiratory illness.
- His company, known for products like Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, was the first Black-owned firm listed on a major American stock exchange, making him one of the wealthiest African Americans of his time.
- Johnson also co-founded the Independence Bank of Chicago, one of the first major Black-owned banks, serving as its chairman until its sale in 1995.
- Johnson Products was a longtime sponsor of the influential television show "Soul Train," thereby impacting Black pop culture for decades.
- Johnson's career began humbly, working in the lab of cosmetics entrepreneur Samuel B. Fuller after dropping out of high school and starting with menial jobs as a child.
