The rise and success of the first Black female billionaire Sheila Johnson

Business mogul Sheila Johnson was recently named CEO of the Year by The Washington Business Journal. Johnson was most recognized as the co-founder of BET and the first female African-American billionaire. But today she is known as a pioneer across all industries. Michelle Miller has more.
#news #sheilajohnson #ceo
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[@lisamckinney7642]

Former BET employee here…I have great respect for Mrs. Johnson and everything she has accomplished on her own terms!! Bravo!

[@AfricanGirl]

isn't she married to that black Johnson guy who owns BET to

[@9ether-]

@@AfricanGirl, She divorced him back in the early 2000's. She is currently married to Arlington County Circuit Chief Judge William T. Newman, who presided over her divorce from Robert L. Johnson.

[@dthrust9037]

@@9ether- lmaooo famnnn she petty🤣🤣

[@MalikEmmanuel]

@@AfricanGirl that was my thought. Was she co-owner of BET because of equal ownership of assets produced while in marriage, or is she the co-founder of BET as in she acually did it herself?

[@frugalityishername827]

@@MalikEmmanuel Just like crabs in a barrel. Only black people do their best to try to tear each other down. If you have just one crumb more, than another black person, keep it to yourself. Not every black person, will try to discredit and tear another black person down, but too many will.

[@jae6506]

She is successful not because of her billion-dollar net worth but because of what she’s doing with that money. Sheila is the billionaire the media needs to give more spotlight because she’s actually deserving of it. What a class act✨#BlackGirlMagic

[@rubyclark7595]

🙏

[@sala19843714]

An amazing woman. As a violinist, I would love to hear her work as well.

[@charleneshowes2682]

Yes,Well Said!!😊👍

[@Ladylovemm]

That!!

[@queenparis6490]

God bless u Sheila Johnson🙏🙏🙏.

[@marcrankin1707]

She was my piano teacher before BET. She has remained the same; down to earth.

[@DebtDemolisherTV]

@3:01 “Money is not everything. It’s how you use what you have to make things work and make your life work.” - Sheila Johnson (grab this gem 💎 Such a profound statement)

[@criticworld874]

Well tell her to give it all away and see what she say. People always say things when they have it.

[@JeremiahWalton]

@@criticworld874 She didnt say use it all and neglect your own living situation and responsibilities. You know darn well that gem saying she spoke meant use your money WISELY!

[@lt3074]

I knew she was successful but didn't know she was the first African-American woman billionaire, wow! I thought it was Oprah. Sheila's journey is truly an inspiration.

[@maryluvsmusic9298]

I had that same thought, that Oprah was the 1st black female billionaire. The information that we’re unaware of is 🤯!!! Mrs. Johnson is a trailblazer & an inspiration…wow! Great for her & bless her🙏🏾.

[@Chukwu_]

Online it shows Oprah being first on both, but my elementary education taught me it was madame CJ Walker. Anywho the money ain’t y’alls so relax 🏄‍♂️

[@llaurelgardner4913]

@@Chukwu_ I though Madame CJ Walker was first millionaire. There was a Netflix movie on her.

[@thomasbrown3356]

@@Chukwu_ Hardly not. Lol.

[@OjukwuIsaac]

Oprah gets the credit because media usually credit Mrs. Johnston's ex husband. They usually don't know it was a partnership; also even if it wasn't they were married and his money was her money.

[@thinktank2255]

Thank you, Sheila Johnson, for looking out for African Americans. I’m PROUD OF YOU. 👍🏾👩🏽‍🦱🇺🇸

[@myyoutubechannel2944]

God bless Ms. Johnson! Hard work and resilience.

[@DebtDemolisherTV]

I learned about Sheila Johnson while reading The Wealth Choice by Dr. Dennis Kimbro! Her story is so inspirational and motivating. I spent a weekend at one the resorts she owns and it was a fabulous and peaceful experience!

[@jessetorres8738]

Madame C. J. Walker would be proud.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Yes, in a way.

[@derrickali2544]

Thanks to Bob jonhson too

[@truthtorpedo4068]

True. True.

[@truthtorpedo4068]

​@@derrickali2544 You are embarrassing yourself. Smh!

[@shannonroane5756]

My takeaway: Money is not everything, but what you do with what you have. Don't forget who you are. Stop saying "I can't". ❤️

[@chukesobialo5706]

Grateful she is still here ,going from strength to strength. All the very best to her

[@harrylen1688]

Congratulations Dear Sheila, Johnson!! Makes my day seeing & feel such humble successful inspiring Real People!!

[@whatjojothinks]

So inspiring! Love that she doesn’t like to be called a mogul and explained why - truly, money isn’t everything, it’s all about how you use it. The goal should always be impact, love, service and this woman models these values so well!

[@LittleTut]

I live close to the BET building here in Washington, DC. Mrs. Johnson says she would have had more news in her BET days, I take it, more information for blacks in general instead of mostly music videos, etc. But back at that time, music videos were the "thing". But I understand her feelings on that. Inspirational woman she is. 🌹

[@_issavibe]

I'll be the next black billionaire and I will help the world for Jesus sake! I love this story. Such an inspiration!

[@firerabbit2659]

How is she an inspiration? She divorced a billionaire and got rich through the divorce... It's not like she was an actual cofounder with shares and input. And why would a god that promoted poverty and humility make you a billionaire? 🤣

[@miwftv3024]

@@firerabbit2659 2:14

[@TheChoralist]

@@firerabbit2659 she's an inspiration because of all the good and philanthropy she's done and the lives she's changed with her wealth unlike what most billionaires do which is nothing but dodge paying taxes and use their wealth to make more wealth that they could never spend in 3 lifetime's. Don't be 1 of those ppl who comment to be negative and search for the worst in ppl. Be optimistic and find the silver lining. You'll be better off in life and ppl will like you way more I promise

[@_issavibe]

@PrinceAmir👑 That's a perfect answer. Well said. @Fire Rabbit

[@domigriffin340]

I’ll be the first black gay multi billionaire 12x over

[@risaandjesus]

I love this interview. I was impressed more on her humbleness and her desire to fulfill her calling in life by creating and giving.

[@deirdreyearwood3383]

So proud of you Ms. Johnson. Thank you for all that you have done to make our voices heard. Congratulations ❤

[@viazel2796]

I remember when BET launched! I'm so happy and proud 👏🏾 ❤️‍🔥👑

[@katyarnold6757]

I love!! Sheila Johnson story of triumph in her personal life and professional life. She is such an inspiration to us black American women as well as women in general. She has it all humble attitude, giving back to charities, business mogul and excellent!! family upbringing. She is a high value women with a destiny and drive that I share in common with her. May God bless! Mrs. Johnson and her family and business career.

[@jeanieferris]

Everyone's infatuated with Elon Musk, but these are the people we should be promoting and talking about.

[@CharlesMcKinneyIV]

I know that is down right truth! Some folks are just so overrated. Happy Black History Month!@@jeanieferris

[@teresacarrington244]

Well done Michelle thank you for bringing us a beautiful story of a true winner.

[@ashleybcookin]

I love how she said “ I trust my instinct “ that part sat with me. Thank you Ms. Johnson. 🙏🏽

[@nottodaylilbaldhead]

I love that she is staying out the way, making her coins, minding her business, helping people and animals, and giving knowledge. I love it.

[@judithlambertwinfield7706]

A phenomenal presentation of success with humility for humanity and respect for her Creator.

[@Silversiren-d1b]

Thanks for sharing this video with us. I hope to be a voice for seniors in serving and giving back to the community. I am an aspiring billionaire and a born-again believer.

[@terrisewell4729]

I'm really happy for her she's well deserved, Successful people don't become that way overnight. most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose-is the result of hard work and hustle over time. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life too 🙏🙏🙏

[@limburgerfarrell3499]

Yeah you're absolutely right, all success can be achieved with determination, Starting early is the best way of getting ahead to build wealth, investing remains a priority. I learnt from my last year's experience, i am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time.

[@johnalex4006]

I urge everyone to start somewhere now no matter how small, this is literally the time for that, forget material things, don't get tempted,i became more better the moment i realized this.

[@Soboj-oy8me]

Yeah investment is the key to sustaining your financial longevity but venturing into any legitimate investment without a proper guidance of an expert can lead to greater loss too

[@nengsolavillasorda8519]

exactly! That's my main concern and what kind of investment can someone do with this increase economy turndown

[@jessicasaunder6965]

Hello, please what exactly kind of investment are you talking about here, I'm really interested too

[@mrpearson1230]

One word: Inspirational!

[@klomax7089]

Fantastic commentary! I’ve been following Ms. Johnson for a long time, she is so inspiring!

[@sabrinaburnham4395]

She is a PHENOMENAL WOMAN!

[@fataiadegbenro984]

Beautiful story and a good soul for our community 💝 thank you Johnson

[@nicole9025]

I don’t have anything else to say but WOW! What a beautiful feature. 👏🏾❤️

[@juschill1]

Her & Bob Johnson were a force. Then they divorced... but she kept doing HER thing.

[@jeralenebirch]

She is ageless, beautiful, strong with a great spirit. Congratulations! Keep God First! Blessings 💕✌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@johnjohnson2660]

Wow!!! Such an amazing woman Honorable Shelia Johnson much love, respect and admiration for her ALWAYS ❤️🌹👍🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@1969summers]

Nice to see that any thing can come true.

[@sheritacotten5293]

what an inspiring woman of color as I build my real estate business in Richmond VA most important she understands what to do with her billions go Shelia

[@pricklypear1111]

Love this!! You got this!

[@KeebasLife]

“I know when things are gonna work, and when they’re not gonna work.”

[@ltrotter636]

Sheila Johnson seems like a relatable, sweet woman. Nice job, Michelle!

[@k.s.3421]

When raising my now 30 year old son, I banned the word “can’t” from his vocabulary. However, he learn the word “no” and how important and powerful it is. Never say you can’t do something! Learning the word “no”teaches you that things won’t always go your way, and sometimes a person must use it to set healthy boundaries!!

[@naaopoku8480]

One of my favorites... congratulations!!!

[@jayelove1504]

Absolutely amazing the former Ms Johnson...since it's said that she remarried....you're an awesome business woman and humanitarian....may God continue to bless you!!!💜💙🙏

[@Dakid015]

Awesome story! kudos to Mrs. Johnson👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. Also love how the reporter's fellow coworkers are praising her work. Refreshing to see.

[@myimperfectdiary890]

Now this is an American success story

[@thinktank2255]

Gayle, you look GREAT at nearly 70! 👍🏾👩🏽‍🦱🇺🇸

[@shayemoore]

Yes, she looks really pretty.

[@dorismason5239]

AWESOME! Surely, I may not have quoted her exact words, but her message is PROFOUND! She became acquainted with (learned) who she is! Such an HONOR! Thank you, SHEILA JOHNSON!

[@legashebuilder]

Had the pleasure of being in the same room as her during a CBC event in 2019. She is such and inspiration! Thank you for sharing story with us Ms. Johnson.

[@BILLIONAIREGH]

BET was started with Sheila and her husband in 1979. *In 2001* it was sold and couple became Billionaires Oprah became a BILLIONAIRE in 2003

[@rondajefferson729]

Wow! This is a amazing woman God bless and continue to keep her. Inspirational lady they need to make a movie about her life.

[@Deshantigenus]

She is truly amazing. Just finished her book and she actually walked through fire. I’m glad she bettered her self. What she has built is nothing short of amazing

[@kckgirl78]

So very proud of Ms. Johnson! My mother and I watched BET every Sunday particularly for the news segment “Getting Paid”, which highlighted Black owned businesses and Black startups. We were so disheartened when the channel was sold and destroyed. Congratulations on her past, present and future endeavors. ❤️👏🏽❤️👏🏽❤️👏🏽🙏🏽

[@storiesforkidswithmorel-uu7fh]

Thanks for informing me about Sheila Johnson (I'm outside of the USA). She is an inspiring woman. The word 'can't' should certainly be expunged from our vocabulary. Thanks again for the insight into her business ventures.

[@phyllissnook]

Fantastic Story-Fabulous Woman!

[@FaithandNova]

I would love to hear more of her story. How did they go about creating BET?

[@d.m.7696]

I would love to hear her side of the story, but her ex husband Bob Johnson did an interview with Guy Raz for NPR's podcast "How I Built This" which was really good.

[@FaithandNova]

@@d.m.7696 thanks

[@marylbrown1433]

Hi, what a great accomplishment!!! Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well 🙏love!!

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

Absolutely Magnificent. I appreciate Sheila Johnson

[@shaunmc013]

I love this and we need to see and hear more stories about this in the media. Show these statistics for a change…

[@anndeecosita3586]

Great story. I’m happy when I see people who work hard and stay humble achieve success.?

[@vanessarussell924]

I Loved what she said, money isn't everything, but what you do with it.

[@jacqueline7781]

I’m proud of you 👏🏽 I need to hear 👂 that from a strong 💪🏾 Black lady ❤❤

[@maskanot]

Take your half your husbands money, check, marry the Judge who finalized your Divorce check...you are now a co- founder of BET they forgot that part

[@tania0070]

My God. I am so proud of this woman.

[@Stellathediamond]

Thank you for sharing this interview. Mrs. Sheila Johnson really inspires me. God bless you Mrs. Sheila Johnson, Michelle Miller & CBS ❤️🙏🏽❤️

[@shaybaeevolve119]

My early days if BET is video soul with Donny Simpson, I'm not old but not too young either. I don't recall ever seeing Bob Johnson's wife honestly until now. Was it on purpose that we don't know about her history vs Oprah? I loved that they covered this story, she is a true inspiration for sure♥️

[@saviourdelvin]

This is so inspiring ......Congs to sheila.....

[@CandaceWBrown]

One thing for sure. This is very inspirational and will continue to inspire a lot of people and generation.

[@livinginrichmondvawithcherese]

Such an inspiration for all, especially women. Looking forward to visiting Salamander soon!

[@OneTakeTuber]

So inspirational

[@sunnyrays2281]

Awesome lady! Great interview.

[@heathermetz6576]

3:02 “Money’s not everything! It’s how you use what you have, to make things work, and to make your life work!”

[@Ignore-q3o]

Congratulations Ms Sheila Johnson !👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Keep up the great work.👏🏽👏🏽

[@KarenOverstreet-ec1jp]

I admire her and enjoy staying at her Salamander Resort. I am looking forward to going back soon.

[@cherylharewood6125]

Congratulations, you are an inspiration Ms. Sheila Johnson.

[@lierx.agerate8230]

Before I started the video I assumed 2 things 1 that she was born of highly academic parents 2 that this had something to do with a husband or ex husband Wow what a surprise

[@firerabbit2659]

#2 is right. She got the money through the divorce, she wasn't really a co-founder. They started rewriting history when her husband died.

[@lierx.agerate8230]

@@firerabbit2659 number one is right as well

[@Ladysensei]

Fantastic 🎉

[@clementwilliams5502]

Madam CJ Walker was the first black female billionaire. Look it up!

[@Angela-cd9bj]

That’s absolutely right 👑

[@gusaugustus7895]

Kudos to Michelle Miller for a great interview!

[@Ms.FullPotential]

God bless you Ms. Johnson!!

[@jeannieves6275]

Black Brilliance from Beginning 💯🖤

[@silvercat6425]

I wish more black people would work together to buy more sports teams than going out to buy some damn expensive cars, jewelry etc, many need to understand rich is not only having money in the bank but to spread your investments and helping others

[@dpeals86]

The money is not the key. It's the opportunity to purchase the team. If no sells you can't buy.

[@f3042]

Wonderful!

[@teresastewart7188]

👏👏👏 Thank you Miss Johnson. You have inspiration and motivation. Black excellence. Resilience. Know your parents are proud looking down . 👏👏

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

I liked the conversation/interview she did where she discussed her career in the context of passing. that was super interesting hearing her history, career and outlook under that framework

[@meek41788]

Amazing interview!! I will add the not to not say can’t in my life.

[@roycescott8739]

Inspiration at its best !!! Great job

[@sandralofton7986]

Greeting from North Carolina awesome Lady!

[@andrewp4220]

Seems like a very nice down to earth lady.

[@basilthompson7515]

Sheila Johnson's Birthday Was January 25th, the Same Day as BET Was Born in Washington, D.C.

[@TheeStrawberryLee]

I can’t wait to visit her Va resort + all the others!!! Go head Mrs. Johnson!!! 💚💚💚 #SHEGOALZ

[@HuffrsZoe]

What an inspiring and amazing story!!!!!

[@TheCherieAmourShow]

👏👏👏 Thank you for sharing this very inspirational video!

[@summerbeacher7862]

She's awesome 🤩🤩🤩🤩 I love her powerful energy

[@therealaboutentrepreneurship]

YES!!!🙌🏽

[@kayalcorn9569]

What a rock star!

[@kharakessler1390]

Well guess who gotta go stay at the Mandarin Oriental now!!!! Omg the magic!!! Inspired is an understatement right now 💝

[@lasandralucas7314]

Awesome interview, thanks, Michelle, for telling this inspiring story of Sheila Johnson.

[@kashfortheking]

This shows as I’ve seen in my own life that when they put their minds to it, black women are the most astute business people on Earth.

[@viictoriiashea]

Wow such an incredible story, so inspiring!

[@yolandalcheek462]

Amazing, she came from excellence

[@mjerome1457]

I’m so glad she bought the Mandarin Oriental Hotel 🎉🎉

[@nlp6082]

Wow! Kudos to Ms. Sheila Johnson ❤😮

[@vivianroberts5103]

She did not join BET until 3 years after her husband and his staff started it!