George E. Johnson Sr., a pioneering figure in Black hair care and founder of the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange, has died at the age of 99. He passed away Monday at his home in downtown Chicago; no cause of death was publicly disclosed.

Born in 1927 in Richton, Mississippi, Johnson moved with his family to Chicago during the First Great Migration—a period from 1910 to 1940 when many Black families relocated from the South to northern and midwestern cities seeking employment opportunities and escaping racial oppression. During his youth, Johnson took on various jobs, including shining shoes, clearing tables, and setting up bowling pins, to help support his family.

In 1954, Johnson and his late wife, Joan, founded Johnson Products on Chicago’s South Side with an initial loan of $250. The company grew into a multimillion-dollar hair care enterprise focused predominantly on Black consumers, launching well-known brands such as Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen. Johnson Products gained national recognition, notably becoming a sponsor for the influential 1970s music and dance television program “Soul Train.” The company’s products became staples in homes and salons, contributing to a sense of pride in Black America.

Johnson’s entrepreneurial success extended beyond his hair care business. He later established Independence Bank and became the first Black member to serve on the board of directors for the Illinois electric utility Commonwealth Edison. His philanthropic efforts included the George E. Johnson Educational Fund, which has awarded more than 1,000 college scholarships.

In 2024, Johnson published his memoir, “Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street,” reflecting on his journey and the guiding principles of humility, determination, and respect that shaped his life and work. In a statement, Johnson recounted a pivotal moment when he felt compelled to share his story, an experience he described as hearing “five words: ‘You must tell your story.’”

Johnson’s family highlighted how his early hardships and the values he embraced helped drive his accomplishments and commitment to community empowerment. His legacy includes both his groundbreaking business achievements and his efforts to create opportunities through education and economic development.