Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street
by George E Johnson
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The inspiring and resilient story of George E. Johnson, creator of the iconic Afro Sheen and the first Black-owned company to be traded on Wall Street
You might already be familiar with Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen, but have you heard of the man behind the company that produced these products? In Afro Sheen, George Ellis Johnson, the acclaimed self-made businessman, reveals his inspiring and captivating rise from humble beginnings to the top of the haircare industry.
At just twenty-seven years old, Johnson created the Johnson Products Company. JPC was the first Black-owned company to trade on a major stock exchange, became the financial sponsor of Soul Train, and was once considered the largest Black-owned manufacturing company in the world. At the height of its success, JPC was worth $37 million (over $225 million today).
In this coming-of-age story, Johnson uses the life skills and strong character built from working odd jobs as a teenager and practicing the Golden Rule to create a business that both nurtures and advances the Black community. Without a formal education, he filled a gap in the Black haircare industry and created a high-quality formula for straightening hair and the iconic Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen products that supported Black people in expressing their authentic beauty. For decades, Johnson has been an inspiration to Black entrepreneurs, setting an example of Black wealth and providing a safe space for Black people to work.
Afro Sheen is a timely, impassioned look at both an industry and cultural moment. Johnson's impact is finally on full display, as he brilliantly highlights how having perseverance and a daring vision can create both change and a lasting legacy.
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9780316577342
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Authors
- George E Johnson
- Publisher
- Little Brown and Company
- Published Date
- February 4, 2025
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 320
- Physical Info
- 1.2 in H x 9.3 in L x 6.3 in W (1.55 lb)

Mr Johnson’s narrative was very concise and detailed, especially for a person of his age.
I liked it alot
Afro Sheen is truly insightful and inspiring book which summarizes George Johnson’s innovative management practices and pioneering leadership in the hair care industry including identification of a new market segment. He discussed how he applied the “Golden Rule” (“Do until others, as you would have them do unto you” Matthew 7:12) when he hired employees from the Chicago Southside and provided then with fair wages, maternity- leave, sick leave, subsidized cafeteria and profit-sharing (15% of profits for 26 consecutive years from 1960 to 1985). His employee friendly management principles were decades ahead of their time.Mr. Johnson impacted growth in other industries including TV, with his financial and creative development of Soul Train, and advertising, where he was instrumental in the growth of multiple advertising firms. As he adapted products to consumer trends, he led Johnson Products to become the first Black owned company to be taken public in 1971. His success was impactful nationally and globally.He also shares his personal shortcomings in the book. He clearly insisted on being completely honest about his entire life.If you haven’t read it, then read it! America owes a debt of gratitude to George E. Johnson.
My book club read this book this month and it was unanimous: This is an extremely insightful, inspiring and very well researched and written book. Not to be missed. Mr Johnson was so far ahead of his time in his stratgies and in how he treated his employees!
As an innovative entrepreneur, Mr. Johnson was 60 years before his time. His business principles are truly timeless. As someone who works with aspiring entrepreneurs, I will make his book required reading.His story is also an American history story - detailing the trials and tribulations associated with the Great Migration for African Americans from the South to the North. He chronicles the challenges that Blacks had in many areas, including access to capital. Very eye opening.It's a must read and a great Christmas gift for young people in your life!!Stuart Taylor
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