George E. Johnson Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George E. Johnson Sr.
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| Born | June 12, 1927 Richton, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Wendell Phillips High School (attended) |
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| Years active | 1954–present |
| Known for |
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| Spouse(s) |
Joan Henderson
(m. 1950; died 2019) |
| Children | 4 |
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George Ellis Johnson Sr. (born June 12, 1927) is a famous American businessman. He started a big company called Johnson Products Company. This company made popular hair products like Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen. It was based in Chicago, Illinois, and sold products all over the world.
Contents
George E. Johnson Sr.'s Story
His Early Life
George E. Johnson Sr. was born on June 12, 1927. He grew up in a small house in Richton, Mississippi. When he was just two years old, he moved to Chicago with his mom.
Life was not always easy. When he was eight, George started working as a shoe shine boy. He also went to Doolittle Elementary School. Later, he went to Wendell Phillips High School. But he left school early to work full-time. He worked as a bus boy during the day. In the evenings, he set up pins at a bowling alley.
In 1944, George got a job at a cosmetics company. He worked for Samuel B. Fuller. There, he learned about making beauty products. This job helped him prepare for his own business.
Starting His Own Business
In 1954, George decided to start his own company. His co-worker encouraged him. He and his wife, Joan, started Johnson Products. They wanted to make hair products for African American men.
George borrowed $250 from a bank. He also borrowed $250 from a friend. This money helped him start his new business. Their first product was Ultra Wave. It was a hair relaxer for men.
In 1957, they launched Ultra Sheen. This was a new kind of hair straightener for women. It was special because women could easily use it at home.
Growing the Company
Over the next 25 years, Johnson Products grew a lot. They added more products, like Afro Sheen. Afro Sheen became very popular in the late 1960s. This was when the "Afro" hairstyle was very fashionable for African Americans.
The company focused on making great products. They also trained hair stylists. This taught stylists how to use their products correctly.
George Johnson also did other amazing things. In 1964, he started Independence Bank. In the 1970s, his company sponsored Soul Train. This was a popular TV dance show.
In 1971, Johnson Products made history. It became the first African American-owned company. It was listed on the American Stock Exchange. This meant its shares could be bought and sold by the public. In the same year, George also became the first African American. He served on the board of directors for Commonwealth Edison.
His Family Life
George Johnson married Joan Betty Henderson. They met when they were students at Phillips High School. They got married in May 1950. George and Joan had four children together. Their children are Eric, Joan, John, and George E. Johnson Jr.
Awards and Honors
George E. Johnson Sr. has received many awards. In 1981, he received the Horatio Alger Award. He also received the Babson Medal in 1983.
He has also been given special degrees. In 1975, he received an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. This was from College of the Holy Cross. In 1976, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This was from Babson College.
