Erika Barris

Everyone from the janitors to the executives.

In those days, if you were Black and successful like the Johnsons were, you didn't just grow your own business.

Your responsibility was to grow your business.

By 1965, George Johnson was one of the most successful Black businessmen of all time.

And a big part of his success was that from the start, he saw Black people as customers and gave them what they needed.

they needed, whether it was hair straightener or a loan from the bank.

Afrosheen, the company's new product, was a hair moisturizer for afros.

So in our story, as told through three hairstyles, here is the second one, the afro.

A dramatic new look for the era of civil rights and Black power.

As in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

And as King walked around Johnson Products headquarters, he saw Black faces everywhere.

People in lab coats, in suits and ties.

The whole staff came out to see him.

Part of the reason for King's visit was fundraising.

His organization needed a loan.

George found the perfect vehicle.

Soul Train, the television show showcasing all of the best Black musicians and dancing young people with big, bouncy afros having the time of their lives.

Sonari and I made a whole episode about it.

Go check it out.

George thought the show should be in color.