Pioneer John H. Johnson Dies at 87

Over the years the name John H. Johnson has been synonymous with pride, success, wealth, achievement, and blackness. Johnson, a man from humble beginnings was able to cultivate pure drive and determination into a business and a fortune that was long unmatched in the black community. The publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines not only built personal wealth for himself, he literally broke down the racial barriers that existed in the communications industry and made room for the Black Enterprise, Oprah, BET, and TV One of today. Through his efforts, the black economy was quantified. He proved to America, that black people all over the world had money to spend, and that money equates to economic power. Many people have had varied opinions of Johnson's publications over the years, however no one can dispute their permanent place in the hearts and minds of the black community. If anyone is interested in learning more about Johnson and his life's struggle and success I would suggest reading his autobiography: Succeeding Againts the Odds. This book (one of my favorites) is available directly from Johnson Publishing Company as most bookstores will not have it because it is out of print. Most online booksellers such as Amazon.com do have used copies available.