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Revisionist History · August 20, 2026 · 31m

The Other Johnson and Johnson | From Planet Money

George Johnson, Joan Johnson
Show Notes

Revisionist History brings an episode from NPR's Planet Money telling the story of Afro Sheen, the product behind the iconic Afro hairstyle. Afro Sheen did more than make Black afros shine — it financed the television show Soul Train and fueled the civil rights movement, thanks to entrepreneur George Johnson. For decades, Joan and George Johnson ran Johnson Products Company, a Black hair care company in Chicago, and helped turn Black haircare into a multi-billion-dollar industry. But although they helped create that industry, they no longer have a part in it.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Afro Sheen Funded Soul Train and the Civil Rights Movement
Afro Sheen was more than a hair product; its revenue backed the television show Soul Train and helped fuel the civil rights movement.
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Afro Sheen Defined the Afro Hairstyle
Afro Sheen was one of the main ingredients of the Afro, one of the most iconic hairstyles of the last century.
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The Johnsons Built a Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry
For decades, Joan and George Johnson ran Johnson Products Company in Chicago and helped turn Black haircare into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
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Creators Left Out of the Industry They Built
Although the Johnsons helped create the Black haircare industry, they no longer have a part in it.
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Misc

✧The Afro is one of the most iconic hairstyles of the last century.
✧Afro Sheen was the money behind the television show Soul Train.
✧Johnson Products Company helped turn Black haircare into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
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