George E. Johnson, a trailblazing entrepreneur who fundamentally changed the Black haircare industry, passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 99. Born in Mississippi and raised in Chicago, Johnson began his career as a production chemist at the Black-owned cosmetics company S.B. Fuller in 1944. He co-founded Johnson Products Co. a decade later with his then-wife Joan, receiving initial funding through a $250 loan from a sympathetic white loan officer and a $250 contribution from a friend. The company rapidly grew, capturing nearly 80% of the Black haircare market by 1960 with its popular Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen product lines.

Johnson Products Co. became a symbol of Black entrepreneurship and cultural pride throughout the 1960s, aligning with the "Black is beautiful" movement championed by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who famously referred to the company’s headquarters as “Black Power.” The business achieved historic milestones by becoming the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange in 1971. By that time, the company's sales had soared to $11.2 million, and within five years, they tripled to $37 million. Johnson also extended his influence beyond cosmetics by co-founding Independence Bank in Chicago and sponsoring the iconic television show “Soul Train.”

Despite personal changes, including his divorce in 1989, Johnson’s company left a lasting legacy. Ownership shifted several times over the years, notably when Black-led investment firms reacquired Johnson Products Co. from Procter & Gamble in 2009. Johnson's family remembers him as a visionary business leader who broke barriers on Wall Street, fueled the civil rights movement through his work, and dedicated himself to community leadership and philanthropy. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to Black economic empowerment have inspired generations.

Johnson is survived by his second wife, Madeline Murphy Rabb, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family highlighted his lasting impact on Black America’s business landscape and culture, emphasizing how his achievements strengthened Black pride and ownership. Johnson’s story embodies resilience and innovation, making him a true icon in both entrepreneurship and African American history.