John H. Johnson was an influential African American entrepreneur and publisher, best known for founding Johnson Publishing Company in 1942. This company produced notable magazines such as Ebony and Jet, which highlighted African American culture, achievements, and issues during a time of significant racial segregation in the United States. Born on January 19, 1918, in Arkansas City, Arkansas, Johnson faced numerous challenges in his early life, including poverty and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, he became a successful businessman and played a crucial role in promoting African American voices in media, leaving a lasting legacy in the publishing industry.