George E. Johnson Sr., a pioneer in Black hair care, has died at the age of 99. Johnson founded Johnson Products in 1954 with his late wife, Joan, in Chicago. The company grew into a hair care empire, catering almost exclusively to Black people, with brands like Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen.

Early Life and Career

Johnson was born in 1927 in Richton, Mississippi, and moved to Chicago as a child with his family during the First Great Migration. To help his family financially, Johnson worked various jobs, including shining shoes and setting up pins in a bowling alley. These early experiences shaped his values, including humility, determination, and personal responsibility.

Johnson’s company became a fixture in homes and salons around the world and a source of pride throughout Black America. Johnson Products was also a national sponsor of the hit 1970s music and dance television show ‘Soul Train.’ Johnson later founded Independence Bank and became the first Black person to serve on the board of directors of the Illinois electric utility Commonwealth Edison.

Legacy

Johnson’s legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments. The George E. Johnson Educational Fund awarded more than 1,000 college scholarships. Johnson’s memoir, ‘Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street,’ was published in 2024. In the book, Johnson shared his story and the values that guided him throughout his life.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.