Co-founder of BET⁚ Sheila Johnson
Sheila Crump Johnson is an American billionaire businesswoman, co-founder of BET, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, film producer, and team owner in three professional sports franchises.
Early Life and Education
Sheila Crump Johnson was born on January 25, 1949, in McLean, Virginia. Her father, Dr. George Lincoln Crump, was a prominent neurosurgeon who served as president of the National Medical Association. Her mother, Annabelle Pritchett Crump, was a teacher.
Johnson’s passion for the arts flourished at an early age. She developed a deep love for music and learned to play the violin. She attended the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., a renowned private Quaker school that has educated the children of presidents and diplomats. After graduating high school, she continued her education at the University of Illinois. At the university, she majored in music education and pursued her passion for the performing arts. She honed her skills as a violinist with the ambition of becoming a concert violinist. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Johnson furthered her education by pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Berkeley.
Career and Founding of BET
Sheila Johnson’s career path took a significant turn when she met Robert L. Johnson, a young and ambitious cable lobbyist. They married in 1969 and embarked on a journey that would transform the television landscape. In the late 1970s, the couple recognized a glaring void in the media landscape—the lack of representation for Black Americans. They envisioned a television network that would cater to the interests and aspirations of this underserved audience.
In 1979, Sheila and Robert Johnson co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) with a modest investment of $15,000 from their savings and a $500,000 loan from John Malone, then president of Tele-Communications Inc. BET was launched on January 25, 1980, initially as a two-hour programming block airing on Friday nights on the USA Network. With Sheila as Executive Vice President, the network became the first Black-controlled company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. She played a pivotal role in shaping the network’s programming, securing advertising, and building its brand identity. As BET flourished, Sheila’s influence within the company grew. She became an influential figure in the entertainment industry, advocating for diversity and inclusion. Her keen business acumen and dedication to empowering Black voices were instrumental in BET’s success.
Philanthropy and Other Ventures
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Sheila Johnson has dedicated herself to philanthropy and pursuing other ventures. A passionate advocate for education and the arts, she has generously supported various institutions. She sits on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the University of Illinois Foundation, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her commitment to social causes extends to her business endeavors.
Following her divorce from Robert Johnson in 2002, she retained a significant portion of her wealth and diversified her portfolio. In 2005, she founded Salamander Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hospitality company with a portfolio of distinguished properties. Her venture into the sports world is equally impressive. She became the first African-American woman to co-own three professional sports franchises⁚ the Washington Wizards (NBA), the Washington Capitals (NHL), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA). Her business acumen, combined with her passion for promoting diversity and inclusion, has solidified her status as a trailblazing entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Co-founder of BET⁚ Robert L. Johnson
Robert L. Johnson is an American entrepreneur, media magnate, and investor best known as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET).
Early Life and Career
Robert Louis Johnson was born on April 8, 1946, in Hickory, Mississippi, as the ninth of ten children. He spent his formative years in Freeport, Illinois, where he attended Freeport High School. Demonstrating an early interest in knowledge and achievement, Johnson excelled academically, graduating in the top ten percent of his class. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor’s degree in history in 1968. Driven to further his understanding of the intricacies of power, influence, and decision-making, Johnson attended Princeton University’s prestigious Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He graduated in 1972 with a master’s degree in public affairs, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of policy analysis and political dynamics.
Johnson’s professional journey began in the realm of public service in Washington, D.C. He served as press secretary for Walter E. Fauntroy, the District of Columbia’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. This role provided Johnson with firsthand experience in navigating the complexities of government and public relations. In 1976٫ he transitioned to the corporate world٫ joining the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) as a lobbyist. This position exposed him to the burgeoning cable television industry٫ which would later become the foundation for his entrepreneurial success.
Founding and Leading BET
In 1979, fueled by a vision to create a platform for Black representation in media, Robert L. Johnson, along with his then-wife Sheila Johnson, founded Black Entertainment Television (BET). Recognizing the lack of programming catering to African American audiences, Johnson sought to fill this void by offering a channel that showcased Black culture, entertainment, and news. Securing an initial investment of $15,000 from John Malone, then-CEO of Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI), BET launched in January 1980. The channel initially aired for two hours every Friday night, featuring a mix of music videos, reruns of Black-themed shows, and religious programming.
Under Johnson’s leadership, BET rapidly expanded its reach and programming lineup. The network secured carriage deals with major cable providers, increasing its viewership and attracting advertisers eager to reach a Black audience. Johnson’s strategic decisions and understanding of the underserved market propelled BET’s growth, making it a household name within the Black community. The channel introduced original programming, including news programs, talk shows, and music video countdowns, solidifying its position as a leading provider of Black entertainment.
Business Ventures and Investments
After selling BET to Viacom in 2001٫ Robert L. Johnson continued his entrepreneurial pursuits by establishing RLJ Companies٫ a holding company with a diverse portfolio spanning various industries. Through RLJ٫ Johnson has made significant investments in hospitality٫ real estate٫ private equity٫ financial services٫ and sports; He founded RLJ Development٫ a real estate development company specializing in hotels and resorts٫ and grew it into a major player in the industry.
Beyond real estate, Johnson ventured into the world of professional sports, becoming the first African American majority owner of a major professional sports team in the United States with his purchase of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets) in 2003. He later established the RLJ-McLarty-Partners, a private equity fund focused on investments in Africa, further demonstrating his commitment to economic empowerment across the diaspora.
Johnson’s business acumen extends beyond traditional investments. He entered the entertainment industry as a film producer, backing movies like “The Butler” and “Django Unchained.” His foray into the aviation sector led to the founding of low-cost airline DC Air, showcasing his willingness to explore diverse and emerging markets. Throughout his ventures, Johnson has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify opportunities and build successful businesses across a wide range of sectors.