John Johnson was the founder and publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines. May sound inconsequential to the very white-faced lot of us here.

But in truth his actions helped elevate the social status of Black Americans as much as those of Martin Luther King or Malcom X. He gave a voice to the Black Middle Class and showed America that they are a viable market.

Viable market = power. Because with his success, Johnson forced mainstream corporate America to take notice of this previously ignored group of people. IT empowered the Black community in a very real way and helped pave the way for actual advancements.

Yes, he was a businessman who made a lot of money for himself. But he also never lost sight of his place in society and the importance of his role.

By all accounts I've read, he was a good man who gave back to the community. And even if he didn't, he did help make one helluva difference.

RIP

first Johnnie now John? it's gonna be a long day.