Sybil Wilkes is back with another edition of “What We Need to Know,” the daily roundup that keeps our community informed and ready to move. From the Senate’s Iran decision to a World Cup truce and a multi-billion-dollar Medicare fraud.
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A Hair Care Pioneer Passes at 99
George E. Johnson, the entrepreneur who transformed Black hair care and built an empire, has passed away at the age of 99. Johnson founded the multi-million dollar Johnson Products Company, and his vision changed the beauty industry forever. In 1971, his company made history as the first Black-owned business traded on the American Stock Exchange—a monumental achievement that opened doors for generations of entrepreneurs.
Johnson’s story is the stuff of legend. He famously secured his original startup loan through sheer determination and clever strategy, then went on to exclusively sponsor “Soul Train,” the iconic show that celebrated Black music, dance, and culture. His legacy stands as an enduring beacon of Black excellence and economic power.
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