John Harold Johnson was born in 1918 in Arkansas City, AR. He grew up during a time when blatant racism was the norm. Jim Crow laws were still in effect, causing African-Americans to be treated less than human. John's father died he was young. This left the responsibility of child-rearing on Mrs. Johnson's shoulders. Together, mother and son struggled to survive.

Like many African-American people living in the south, the Johnson's heard that there were more opportunities in the north. Their plan was to move to Chicago so that John could get a better job. They also wanted a chance at a better life--a fresh start. The two moved up to Chicago during the late 1930s. John's first job was at Supreme Liberty Life Insurance company. He was an office boy. Johnson would run errands, and perform other tasks that were assigned to him. He attended the University of Chicago and Northwestern University for a short period of time.

Although Johnson had a better job, he wanted more. He saw the vast amount of black people and realized that there were no magazines designed for them. It was then when Johnson decided that he would tap into this hidden resource. During work, John would collect articles on black people and issues concerning them. With the support of his mother and a $500 loan against her furniture, Negro Digest was born. The year was 1942, and Johnson was 24 years old.

Negro Digest magazine was a proto-type for Ebony magazine. The digest was a collection of African-American accomplishments. It was to be a "beacon of hope" for blacks--they could see how successful other African-Americans had become successful. Johnson first started selling pre-paid subscriptions, he later rallied for the magazine at newsstands.

The Johnson Publishing Company continued to grow as the magazine became more popular. Johnson rented an office space and began hiring people to help. The Negro Digest changed into Ebony Magazine in 1945. It was a picture book that showed famous black people, and also featured articles that dealt with issues important to them. Along with his wife Eunice W. Johnson, John continued to branch out. They started the Ebony Fashion fair, a traveling fashion show. Aside from the fashion fair, John started a cosmetics lone, and launching new magazines (Tippon, 141). Jet and EM-Ebony Man soon followed.

Because of Johnson's hard work and dedication, he earned many awards and honors. In 1951, Johnson was named one of the year's 10 outstanding young men by the Jaycees. He won the Spongarn medal in 1966. In 1969, Johnson won an achievement award from USC's Journalism Alumni Association.