NBC News · updated 2026-07-12

George E. Johnson, Trailblazing Entrepreneur

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“GEORGE E. JOHNSON, TRAILBLAZING ENTREPRENEUR”

covered 2026-07-12 ▶ Be on the air with NBC News

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This storyGeorge E. Johnson's Hair Care Legacy

  • Johnson Products Company 0%
  • Ultra Wave Industries 0%
  • Ebony Beauty Corporation 0%
  • Heritage Hair Care Inc. 0%

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Topic poll · all networksWhat made George E. Johnson's entrepreneurial legacy most impactful?

  • Breaking into a closed industry 0%
  • Building Black economic power 0%
  • Inspiring generations of founders 0%
  • Proving beauty is universal 0%

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Topic poll · all networksGeorge Johnson's company was first Black-owned firm listed on which exchange?

  1. New York Stock Exchange
  2. American Stock Exchange
  3. NASDAQ
  4. Chicago Board of Trade
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American Stock Exchange

George Johnson shined shoes before building a hair care empire!

Johnson founded Johnson Products Co. in 1954 with just $250. By 1971, it became the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange.

Johnson Products was the 1st Black-owned firm on the AMEX in 1971!

George E. Johnson founded Johnson Products in 1954 with just $250. By 1971, it became the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange — a landmark in U.S. business history.

Topic poll · all networksGeorge E. Johnson's company made history on which stock exchange?

  1. New York Stock Exchange
  2. American Stock Exchange
  3. NASDAQ
  4. Chicago Stock Exchange
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American Stock Exchange

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