Black History Month Highlight – Albert Johnson – GMs first Black Automotive Dealer

It’s Black History Month, and we’re recognizing Albert W Johnson, GM’s first Black automotive dealer. Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1894, he was the son of a prominent African American leader and businessman, George William Johnson. During his early life, Johnson attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied business and economics and later attended law school at the University of Pittsburgh in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1940 he received his BS degree in business administration, and in 1960, his MS degree in hospital administration from the University of Chicago. While working as the assistant administrator at St. Louis teaching hospital, he sold automobiles on the side. In 1967 he became the first African American to own a General Motors franchise. He obtained a Cadillac franchise in 1971 and one year later, became an independent dealer.

JOHNSON’S LEADERSHIP

Johnson became a leader in the African American community, serving as the president of the local branch of the NAACP, and helping to organize the first Pan-African Congress. Johnson also served as the Washington Bureau of the National Urban League, where he worked to improve the economic condition of African Americans. In the early 1930s, Johnson led a campaign to end segregation in the public schools of the District of Columbia. He was successful in his efforts, and the city was one of the first in the nation to pass integration laws. Johnson also fought for the desegregation of public transportation and other public facilities. Johnson also served as the head of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, which regulated the mortgage industry. His efforts helped to make housing more accessible to African Americans and other minorities. Johnson was an inspiration for African Americans and other minorities, and his legacy continues to inspire those fighting for justice and equality today.

JOHNSONS DONORSHIP

Johnson also was the first large donor to Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate campaign, contributing $50,000.”He liked the charismatic approach that Barack had, the humility that Barack had; his character. “My dad was real big on character,” said his son, Donald Johnson, “He was a behind-the-scenes political person.” When it came to his job as a business consultant with the City of Chicago, Mr. Johnson didn’t exactly drive a hard bargain. He worked for Harold Washington’s administration for $1 a year. “He was outgoing and related very well to the people and to his community.”

During his lifetime, he received numerous recognitions and awards, including the entrepreneurship Hall of Fame and Man of the Millennium from the University of Illinois School of Business. Johnson’s legacy is one of entrepreneurship and success. He was able to break down barriers and become a leader in the automotive industry. Albert W. Johnson was a trailblazer who helped pave the way for future generations of Black entrepreneurs. His dealership also helped to create a sense of acceptance in the Detroit community and it was a symbol of success and progress for African Americans. He will always be remembered as a great leader and visionary in the African American community.