bet founder wife
Sheila Crump Johnson ⎯ BET Founder Wife
Sheila Crump Johnson is an American billionaire businesswoman‚ philanthropist‚ and media executive. She is most recognized as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET)‚ alongside her former husband‚ Robert L. Johnson.
Early Life and Education
Sheila Crump Johnson was born on January 25‚ 1949‚ in Philadelphia‚ Pennsylvania. Her father‚ George P. Crump‚ was a prominent neurosurgeon‚ while her mother‚ Marie Iris Crump‚ worked as an accountant. Due to her father’s work at Veterans Administration hospitals‚ the family frequently relocated during her early years. They eventually settled in Maywood‚ Illinois‚ a suburb of Chicago.
Johnson’s passion for the arts blossomed during her childhood‚ and she pursued her love for music by learning to play the violin. She attended Proviso East High School in Maywood‚ where she excelled academically and graduated in 1966.
Following high school‚ Johnson enrolled at the University of Illinois‚ where she furthered her musical talents by studying classical violin. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971‚ marking the beginning of her journey toward entrepreneurial success and media impact.
Career and Achievements
Sheila Crump Johnson embarked on her career as a professional violinist in the Chicago area‚ even teaching music while pursuing her passion. However‚ her path took a turn towards the world of television and business.
In 1980‚ she co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) with her then-husband‚ Robert L. Johnson. This groundbreaking venture aimed to provide representation and a voice for African Americans in the realm of cable television. As Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at BET‚ Johnson played a crucial role in shaping the network’s identity and addressing critical issues affecting the Black community.
Her commitment to empowering young minds led her to create the acclaimed teen-oriented program “Teen Summit” in 1989. This show tackled pertinent issues faced by teenagers‚ fostering dialogue and offering guidance to a generation finding its voice.
Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond BET. Her business acumen led her to become the CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts‚ a testament to her diverse skillset and leadership qualities. Furthermore‚ she made history as the first African American woman to become a billionaire in the United States‚ solidifying her status as a trailblazer for women and minorities in the business world.
BET Founding and Impact
In 1980‚ Sheila Crump Johnson‚ alongside her then-husband‚ Robert L. Johnson‚ co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET); This groundbreaking endeavor marked a pivotal moment in television history‚ establishing the first cable network specifically targeting African American audiences. BET emerged during a time when representation for Black voices in mainstream media was sorely lacking.
The network’s impact was immediate and far-reaching; BET provided a platform for Black artists‚ musicians‚ filmmakers‚ and entertainers to showcase their talents and share their stories with a wider audience. It also served as a vital source of news‚ information‚ and cultural programming relevant to the Black community. BET’s success challenged the existing media landscape‚ proving that there was a significant and underserved market hungry for diverse representation.
Through its programming‚ BET addressed social issues‚ celebrated Black culture‚ and sparked important conversations within the community and beyond. The network’s influence extended beyond entertainment‚ fostering a sense of pride‚ identity‚ and empowerment among African Americans across the nation. BET’s legacy as a pioneer in cable television remains firmly established‚ a testament to the vision and determination of its co-founders.
Post-BET Ventures
Following the sale of BET to Viacom in 2001‚ Sheila Crump Johnson embarked on a remarkable second act‚ channeling her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen into a diverse portfolio of ventures. She founded Salamander Hotels and Resorts‚ a luxury hospitality company known for its exquisite properties in desirable destinations. This endeavor showcased her passion for creating memorable guest experiences and her keen eye for design and detail.
Beyond the hospitality realm‚ Johnson delved into the world of professional sports‚ becoming a prominent figure in a male-dominated industry. She made history as the first African American woman to hold ownership stakes in three professional sports franchises⁚ the NBA’s Washington Wizards‚ the NHL’s Washington Capitals‚ and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Her involvement extended beyond financial investment‚ as she actively championed diversity and inclusion within these organizations.
Expanding her media ventures‚ Johnson acquired a stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment‚ further solidifying her influence in the sports and entertainment world. Her post-BET endeavors reflect her unwavering determination to break new ground‚ challenge conventional norms‚ and leverage her success to uplift communities and inspire future generations.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Sheila Crump Johnson’s personal life has been marked by both triumph and tribulation. Her 33-year marriage to Robert L. Johnson‚ with whom she shared the incredible journey of building BET‚ ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2002. She has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced during that period‚ particularly the emotional toll of the experience. Johnson later found love again‚ marrying Judge William T. Newman Jr. in 2005.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits‚ Johnson has dedicated herself to philanthropy‚ focusing on causes close to her heart. She founded the Sheila C. Johnson Foundation‚ a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the areas of education‚ health‚ and the arts. Her commitment to empowering youth is evident in her work with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and her establishment of the Sheila Johnson Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at her alma mater‚ Parsons School of Design.
Johnson’s philanthropic endeavors extend to her alma mater‚ Proviso East High School‚ where she established the Sheila C. Johnson Performing Arts Center. This state-of-the-art facility provides students with access to exceptional resources and opportunities in the arts. Through her multifaceted philanthropic work‚ she strives to create a more equitable and just society‚ empowering individuals and fostering positive change.