According to superstition, deaths of public figures usually come in 3s and in rather quick succession. And even though I am atheistic about superstition, I’m constrained to acknowledge this eerie coincidence as I pay tribute to John H. Johnson who died yesterday (Monday) at the age of 87. After all, Johnson’s passing came on the third consecutive day of famous deaths that began with Ibrahim Ferrer (who died on Saturday) and Peter Jennings (who died on Sunday).
Johnson will be remembered in the annals of black American history as a social and business pioneer. As the proud and visionary founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, he was the first to publish content about and images of black folks in a positive and hopeful light that emulated the portrayal of whites generally seen (during the 1940s) in popular magazines like Life and TIME.
He was also an inspiring role model for that generation of blacks who struggled to overcome dehumanizing Jim Crow practices and segregation laws. And, by Succeeding Against the Odds, he parlayed a $500 loan in 1942 into such a profitable publishing, cosmetics (Ebony Fashion Fair) and insurance conglomerate that in 1982 he became the first black listed on the Forbes 400 wealthiest Americans.
Right On Brother!
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Anonymous says
i think its really interesting the way you weaved that superstition into this article. because i too have heard that all my life. and thanks for including ibrahim ferrer. i had never heard of him but i plan to get his cd.