Early Life and Career
Robert Louis Johnson was born in 1946 in Hickory, Mississippi. He studied at the University of Illinois and Princeton University before working in government and politics.
Founder of BET
In 1980, he founded Black Entertainment Television, the first major television network targeting African American audiences. Under his leadership, BET grew into a large media company and was later sold to Viacom.
Later Business Ventures
After BET, Johnson became a prominent investor and entrepreneur. He founded RLJ Companies, a holding company focused on real estate, finance, and hospitality. He also became the first African American billionaire in the United States. Learn more about his career on Britannica.
