Afro Sheen

George E. Johnson Sr., founder of Johnson Products Company, a pioneering Black hair care business listed on the American Stock Exchange, died at 99. His company, started in 1954 with a $250 loan, became a multimillion-dollar empire with brands like Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen, associated with the 'Black is Beautiful' movement. His legacy includes iconic 1970s commercials and cultural impact through partnerships like 'Soul Train.'

George E. Johnson Sr., founder of Johnson Products, the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange, died at 99. His company, started in 1954 with a $250 loan, became a Black hair care empire with brands like Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen, and sponsored 'Soul Train.' He also founded Independence Bank and established an educational fund awarding over 1,000 scholarships.

George E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Products Company, died at 99 in Chicago. He established the company in 1954 with his wife using a $250 loan, creating hair care products for Black consumers and achieving 80% market dominance by 1960. The company became the first Black-owned business listed on the American Stock Exchange in 1971.

George E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Products Company, died at 99 in Chicago. He established the company in 1954, creating hair care products for Black consumers during a time when such markets were overlooked. The company became a leader in the Black hair-care industry, achieving 80% market share by 1960 and listing on the American Stock Exchange in 1971 as the first Black-owned company to do so.

George E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Products and sponsor of 'Soul Train,' died at 99. He built a Black hair-care empire with products like Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, founded a Black-owned bank, and helped shape the television show that influenced a generation.