Arkansas City, Ark. – The Second Annual John H. Johnson Day will be held virtually, Sunday November 1, 2020, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. John H. Johnson official holiday was established April 16, 2019 during the 92nd General Assembly.
Johnson published Ebony and Jet Magazines, and was the founder, publisher, chairman and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, once the largest Black-owned publishing company in the world.
The virtual observance: In his words and in the words of those who knew him will discuss Johnson’s legacy with two former employees of Johnson Publishing Company: Lynn Norment and Roy Betts. Norment is the former editor, senior writer, and photography producer for Johnson Publishing Company’s Ebony Magazine. Betts is a former assistant editor and White House correspondent for Johnson Publishing Company’s Ebony and Jet Magazines, Washington, D.C. Bureau. A pre-recorded video message from Linda Johnson Rice, daughter of John H. Johnson will be shown during the virtual observance.
Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, curators of John H. Johnson Day, will recognized four individuals who embody the spirit of Johnson through their work: Lynn Norment and Roy Betts will receive the John H. Johnson Journalism and Media Award; Jimmy Cunningham will receive the John H. Johnson Business and Entrepreneur Award; and Dr. Mary E. Benjamin will receive the John H. Johnson Humanitarian Award. Recipients awards will be delivered to them in advance of the virtual observance.
The virtual observance is free and can be accessed through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-h-johnson-day-virtual-observance-tickets-124741773001 or
Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctdumorDwjGNX3xcXFL-cu63UznW1lddsv
About John H. Johnson
John H. Johnson was born in Arkansas City, Arkansas in 1918. His mother moved the family to Chicago after Johnson finished the 8th grade.
Johnson achieved many distinctions throughout his career. He was the recipient of more than 30 honorary doctorate degrees, among them: the Carnegie Mellon University, Eastern Michigan University, Harvard University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Southern California and Wayne State University.
He was inducted into the WCOB’s Arkansas Business Hall of Fame; Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame and Illinois Business Hall of Fame. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom; Harvard University’s Distinguished Service Award; American Advertising Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Horatio Alger Award; Wall Street Journal Dow Jones Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, to name a few.
An honorary member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Johnson served on numerous boards including: Bell and Howell, Chrysler Corporation, Continental Bank, Dial Corporation, Dillard’s, Inc, Greyhound, Twentieth Century Fox, and Zenith Radio Corporation, among others.
Johnson was the first African American to appear on Forbes Magazine’s list of 400 wealthiest Americans.
For more information on John H. Johnson Museum and John H. Johnson Day, visit www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org.
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Angela Courtney
870-538-4853
