George E. Johnson, a pioneer in black business and founder of Afro Sheen, passed away at the age of 99.

George E. Johnson, a pioneer in the Black hair care industry, passed away on July 6 at the age of 99 in his home in Chicago. His company, Johnson Products Co., was the first Black-owned business to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, paving the way for other Black entrepreneurs.

According to his son, John Edward Johnson, George passed away from natural causes at his condominium in downtown Chicago. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, John spoke highly of his father's legacy as both a successful businessman and a philanthropist. George's journey began in 1929 when he moved to Chicago with his mother from their sharecropper's shack in Mississippi.

He started working at a young age to support his family and eventually joined S.B. Fuller, a Black-owned cosmetics company. It was during his time there that he gained valuable experience in sales and product development, which later led him to start his own company, Johnson Products, in 1954.

Under George's leadership, Johnson Products became known for its innovative hair care products tailored specifically for Black consumers. Their product line included popular brands such as Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, Curly Perm, and Afro Sheen. In 1971, the company made history by becoming the first Black-owned business to be traded on the American Stock Exchange, marking a significant moment for Black entrepreneurship in the United States.

But George's impact extended beyond his successful business ventures. He was also a pioneer in marketing strategies aimed at Black consumers. Johnson Products was the first Black-owned company to sponsor the popular television show Soul Train, which not only increased the brand's national visibility but also helped expand the show's cultural reach.

Throughout his life, George remained dedicated to giving back to his community. He supported various educational initiatives and civic organizations and mentored countless entrepreneurs. In 2025, he published his memoir, Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street, sharing his story and philosophy of leadership and service.

In a 2025 interview, George reflected on the principles that guided his career, saying, "When you help people, people will help you. And if you serve them well, they're going to make your business successful." His legacy lives on through the barriers he broke in the business world, his influence on the Black beauty industry, and the opportunities he created for future generations of Black entrepreneurs. George and his wife, Joan Johnson, who passed away in 2005, were true visionaries who built a cosmetic empire on a path less traveled.

Their pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to their community will continue to inspire and impact generations to come.