Sheila Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheila Johnson
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Johnson in 2008
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Sheila Crump
January 25, 1949 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Education | University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BA) |
| Known for | Co-founding BET |
| Title | Vice chairman, Monumental Sports & Entertainment |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Sheila Crump Johnson, born on January 25, 1949, is a very successful American businesswoman. She helped start BET, a well-known TV network. Today, she is the CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts.
Sheila Johnson is also a leader at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. This company owns famous sports teams like the Washington Capitals (NHL hockey), the Washington Wizards (NBA basketball), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA basketball). She started Salamander Hospitality in 2005. This company owns several beautiful resorts and hotels. These include the Reunion Resort in Florida, the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Hotel Bennett in South Carolina, and the Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia.
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Early Life and Education
Sheila Johnson was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Her father was a neurosurgeon, a doctor who works on the brain and nerves. Her mother was an accountant, someone who manages money.
When she was in high school at Proviso East High School in Illinois, she was a cheerleader. She even became the captain of the team in her last year. After high school, she went on to graduate from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Giving Back: Philanthropy
Sheila Johnson cares a lot about helping others. She is a Global Ambassador for CARE. This is a group that works to fight poverty around the world.
She created something called Sheila's I Am Powerful Challenge. This project helps women fight poverty and become stronger. In 2007, it raised over $8 million to support these efforts. She also helps lead the Board of Governors for Parsons The New School for Design in New York. She even helped fund the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center there. This center has classrooms, public spaces, and art galleries.
Film Projects
Sheila Johnson has also worked in the film industry. Her first film was called Kicking It. It was shown for the first time at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. This festival is a big event for independent films.
She was also an executive producer for her second film, A Powerful Noise. This movie premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Personal Journey
For 33 years, from 1969 to 2002, Sheila Johnson was married to Robert L. Johnson. Together, they started BET. They later sold the company in 1999. They have two children together.
Sheila Johnson has shared her thoughts about BET. She mentioned that when they first started BET, they wanted it to be like a TV version of Ebony magazine. They showed news, public affairs programs, and a show for teens called Teen Summit. However, she felt that over time, the channel changed. She didn't like how women were shown in some of the music videos that became popular.
After her divorce in 2002, she became a very wealthy woman. In 2005, she married William T. Newman, who was a judge. They had met many years before when they were in a play together.
In 2007, Sheila Johnson was honored as one of the "Virginia Women in History" by the Library of Virginia. This award recognized her amazing career and her contributions to society.
Awards and Honors
Sheila Johnson has received many important awards for her work and leadership.
- In 2012, she was given the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medalist award. This honor goes to people whose influence has made the world a better place.
- In 2018, she received the Lincoln Medal from the Ford's Theatre Society. This award is for people who show the lasting legacy and strong character of Abraham Lincoln.
- In 2019, she received the Order of Lincoln award from The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. This is the highest honor given by the State of Illinois.
- Also in 2019, the Women's Sports Foundation honored her with the Billie Jean King Leadership Award. This award recognizes leaders who inspire others in sports.
Images for kids
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Sheila Johnson in 2008
