John H. Johnson: 1918-2005

THIS month--August 8 to be exact--marks the first anniversary of the death of John H. Johnson, a visionary, who, with an idea and a $500 loan from his mother, created history, changing the media landscape with a collection of magazines that enlighten, encourage, empower and entertain.

Mr. Johnson was a dreamer and a doer, who served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for a people. He was the personification of determination, a man who believed that--despite the odds--anything could be accomplished with perseverance and knowledge. In fact, when it came to education, he preached it, he lived it and he supported it.

As one of the nation's most influential and honored businessmen, Mr. Johnson was an innovator, a master communicator and a role model who--in word and deed--encouraged Black people to be the best that they can be. No matter the obstacles. No matter the odds. In the pages of his magazines (including EBONY and Jet), he showed us what was possible by continuously showing the best of us.

It has been a year since we said good-bye to an authentic American hero, but his incredible legacy lives on. And the enduring memory of the man and his accomplishments will influence the lives of millions for generations to come.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning