Elijah Lewis: “like my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), I rise tonight to salute an extraordinary and gifted…”

“like my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), I rise tonight to salute an extraordinary and gifted American. John H. Johnson had a vision and used that vision to destroy negative racial stereotypes and to expand opportunities for all African Americans and for all Americans. With a dream and a $500 loan, secured by his mother's furniture, Mr. Johnson began publishing the ``Negro Digest'' in 1942. With very limited resources and his dream, he built an empire that included publishing and cosmetics. Through his work and his vision, he has made a lasting contribution. ``Jet'' and ``Ebony'' provided a window to the African American community that benefited African Americans and all Americans. ``Ebony'' and ``Jet'' became part of the dialogue. It was a way of communicating. We read it in our homes, schools, and in the barber shops and beauty shops. There is a saying in the African American community: ``If it is in `Jet,' it must be true.'' In the pages of ``Jet'' magazine, we read the current news that had an impact on the African American community. In the pages of ``Ebony,'' people saw how other people lived; and we aspired to be like the people we saw on those pages. The pages of his magazine inspired and motivated generations of African Americans. It also helped to break down racial stereotypes by offering positive images and stories of African American men and women. In 1957 and in 1959, he accompanied Vice President Richard M.…”