John H. Johnson founded Johnson Publishing Company, which is best known for publishing Ebony and Jet magazines. In 1942 he created a publication called Negro Digest, which later became Black World. He later launched Ebony, which to this day is the #1 African American magazine in the world. Johnson used his publications as a platform to advocate for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1982, Johnson became the first African American to appear on Forbes’ list of the 400 wealthiest Americans and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.
February is Black History Month. Throughout the month, CU1 will highlight African Americans who have helped shape our financial landscape and those who continue to inspire us today.