Ebony, Jet Publisher John H. Johnson Dies

AP - Yahoo ^ | August 8, 2005 | Herbert G. McCann

[EveningStar]

Publisher John H. Johnson, whose Ebony and Jet magazines countered stereotypical coverage of blacks after World War II and turned him into one of the most influential black leaders in America, died Monday, his company said. He was 87.

[EveningStar]

ping

[Lunkhead_01]

Jeez, first Peter Jennings, now Johnny Johnson. Whose next? Andy Rooney?

[mhking]

I didn't like the man's politics, but he was truly a pioneer of black businessmen in this nation, putting together two national black magazines in a time when many said that a magazine targeted at a black audience would never sell.

That's two.

I suppose we should hold our collective breaths for number three.

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[Ken522]

As a young kid I remember first seeing a copy of "Ebony" magazine at the library in elementary school and thinking, "What's this??"

[mcg1969]

I've no idea what his politics are but the man sounds like a champion. May God grant his soul rest.

[Monkey Face]

"They always come in threes..."

This is not a good Monday.

[Clemenza]

I've always wondered if there was a market for a magazine called "Ivory," but it already exists (Yachting).

RIP Mr. Johnson. A gifted entrepreneur and an American success story.

[jdm]

"As a young kid I remember first seeing a copy of "Ebony" magazine at the library in elementary school and thinking, "What's this??"

Same here. When I was 12 I thought "Ebony" was a porn mag -- like "Black Tail" or something!!!!

[duckbutt]

Is this Mr. Johnson any relation to the Johnson that started BET Network? I guess he could be a son -- he looks to be in the mid-50s...

[atomicpossum]

Sounds like the time for me to launch my new magazine for young contemporary white folks, 'Lilly.'

[pcottraux]

Or they could all just watch any show on the "WB" channel.

[llevrok]

Son of a gun. This gentleman was a huge success, a decent person, kept his black heritage and human dignity BUT did not have to speak ebonics to do so.

Amazing.

[Fitzcarraldo]

http://www.negrospaceprogram.com/

[Lunkhead_01]

"Go ahead, Saltine Cracker, make my day." -- Shaft

[Cagey]

My Father-in-law wrote an article about adoption for Jet in the mid-1960's. I recall him saying John Johnson was an honorable man and I'll go with his take.

[American Infidel]

I read about John Johnson in a book entitled "Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time." His story is amazing. What he accomplished given the climate at the time (1940's) for black entrepreneurs is remarkable. He is quoted as saying: " When I see a barrier, I cry, I curse, and then I get a ladder and climb over it." No mention of calling on jackson or sharpton to lead a protest march to demand that the government provide a handout. May he rest in peace, and may others follow his entrepreneurial lead.