Remembering George E. Johnson Sr., Pioneer of Black Beauty
Originally published Jul 15, 2026
By Chaz Ebert & Sonia Evans · RogerEbert.com
AI-generated summary based on RogerEbert.com · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jul 15, 2026
Key points
- Johnson founded Johnson Products, pioneering mass‑market haircare for Black consumers.
- His brands, such as Afro Sheen, became cultural icons in the 1970s.
- He used his wealth to support civil‑rights initiatives and community projects.
- Johnson’s business model paved the way for modern inclusive beauty brands.
George E. Johnson Sr. (1927‑2026) was a groundbreaking entrepreneur whose Johnson Products company transformed the personal care market for African Americans. By introducing products like Afro Sheen and later the iconic “Magic” line, he created mainstream visibility for Black haircare and built one of the first Black-owned businesses to achieve national distribution.
Beyond his commercial success, Johnson championed civil rights, funded community programs, and mentored future leaders. His legacy endures in today’s diverse beauty industry and in the cultural impact of empowering representation that continues to inspire new generations.
Read the original story: RogerEbert.com — by Chaz Ebert & Sonia Evans