business
George E. Johnson Sr., founder of a pioneering Black hair care business, dies at 99
By Corey Williams And Aisha I. Jefferson, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
George E. Johnson Sr., a pioneer in Black hair care whose multimillion dollar business was the first Black-owned company to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, has died at age 99, according to his family.Johnson died Monday at his home in downtown Chicago. A cause of death was not released....
Key takeaway , a pioneer in Black hair care whose multimillion dollar business was the first Black-owned company to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, has died at age 99, according to his family.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The legacy of George E. Johnson Sr. extends beyond his pioneering work in the Black hair care industry, as his story also reflects the experiences of many African Americans who migrated to northern cities during the First Great Migration. In the Houston area, including Piney Point Village , this migration had a significant impact on the demographic makeup of the region. Many individuals who made this journey, like Johnson, brought with them a strong work ethic and determination to succeed, which ultimately contributed to the growth and development of local communities. Johnson's commitment to education, as evident in the establishment of the George E. Johnson Educational Fund, is also noteworthy, as it highlights the importance of access to education in empowering future generations. As the Houston area continues to evolve, the story of George E. Johnson Sr. serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have on their community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? George E. Johnson Sr., a pioneer in Black hair care whose multimillion dollar business was the first Black-owned company to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, has died at age 99, according to his family.Johnson died Monday at his home in downtown Chicago. A cause of death was not released....
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corey Williams And Aisha I. Jefferson, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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