Mr. Johnson began his distinguished career in 1942 as editor and publisher of Negro Digest. Just 3 years later, he began publishing Ebony Magazine, one of the most influential African-American magazines in the world, with a $500 loan. Mr. Johnson later became the founder, publisher, and chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, the world's largest African-American owned publishing company. 

In 1982, Mr. Johnson was the first African-American to be named on the Forbes list of the 400 wealthiest Americans. Mr. Johnson's long list of awards and achievements include: the Black Journalists' Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987, the Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Entrepreneurial Excellence Award in 1993, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996--the highest honor this Nation gives to a citizen, the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Award in 2001, the Vanguard Award in 2002, and the Trumpet Award in 2002. 

Arkansas City and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have worked together to create the John H. Johnson Cultural and Education Museum. On May 21 of this year, this museum was dedicated in Desha County, AR. The museum captures Mr. Johnson's life by restoring his boyhood home and includes period memorabilia, printed material, and video chronicles. I know it was a tremendous honor for Mr. Johnson to return to his home and see the great tribute dedicated in his honor. 

I am deeply saddened by Mr. Johnson's death. His dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and legacy will continue in Arkansas for the years and decades ahead. My heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Eunice, and their daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, and their granddaughter, Alexa Rice.