09/15/2026
Did you know....
John H. Johnson built one of the most influential Black media empires in American history — but his story began in poverty in segregated Arkansas.
After moving to Chicago with his mother, Johnson saw a thriving Black community that was rarely reflected in mainstream media. Black Americans were often ignored or portrayed through stereotypes. He believed we deserved to see ourselves as successful, stylish, educated, ambitious, and fully human.
That vision led him to launch Ebony magazine in 1945.
Getting started was not easy. Banks were reluctant to finance a young Black entrepreneur, so Johnson borrowed money using his mother’s furniture as collateral. But the risk paid off. Ebony became a powerful showcase of Black life, culture, business, entertainment, politics, and achievement.
In 1951, he launched Jet magazine, which became essential reading in Black households. Four years later, Jet published the photographs of 14-year-old Emmett Till’s mutilated body, helping expose the brutality of his murder to millions and fueling outrage during the growing Civil Rights Movement.
Johnson’s company later expanded into books, television, fashion, cosmetics, and other ventures. In 1982, he became the first Black person to appear on Forbes’ list of the 400 richest Americans.
From borrowing against furniture to building a media empire, John H. Johnson did not wait for mainstream America to represent Black people better.
He built the platform himself.
