On Nov. 1, the late founder, chairman, publisher and CEO of Johnson Publishing will have his legacy immortalized in his home state of Arkansas.
Artist Susan Holley Williams devoted nearly a year to the project. She and Johnson hail from the same county in Arkansas, Desha.
“Everything I’ve done in my creative life has prepared me for this moment: creating sculpture of the legendary John H. Johnson on behalf of the state of Arkansas. I am honored.” Williams shared via Instagram. She thanked the Walton Family Foundation and the state of Arkansas for their support and commission.
The commemorative statue will be a part of the 5th annual John H. Johnson Day in Arkansas City, where the media mogul was born.
“For six decades, Johnson made full use of his wealth and influence to shape American history, while using his publications—primarily Jet and his flagship, Ebony—to cover the battle for civil rights and chronicle every major event that depicted the trials and triumphs of African Americans,” BE reported.
At the event, the lineup of memorable moments will include discussions with Linda Johnson Rice, the daughter of Johnson, a musical petting zoo from Mississippi Valley State, and a presentation on the architecture and history of the John H. Johnson Museum.
John H. Johnson Awards will also be presented to U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis and coach Larry Clark for their humanitarian work, former Johnson Publishing Company photographer Roy Lewis in the category of media and journalism, and Mrs. Michele Ghee, former CEO of Ebony magazine, in the category of business and entrepreneurship.
All events and activities will be free and open to the public, except for food sold by food trucks.
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Source: Black Enterprise
