Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, curators of the life and legacy of John H. Johnson, today announced the release of their debut children’s book, Johnny Was His Name: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become John H. Johnson.

Johnny Was His Name shares the story of a nine-year-old Johnny Johnson, as he lived with his mother and Arkansas City residents, on top of the Arkansas City Levee for six weeks during the 1927 Flood. Johnny Was His Name is an encouraging story of hope and perseverance in uncertain times.

The story shares how people, who may have stark differences, united for a common goal. It gives a glimpse into an observant young Johnny Johnson, seeing people set aside their disagreements to support each other; and be their brothers (and sisters)’s keeper during a natural disaster.

Johnny Was His Name is the story of a boy named Johnny Johnson before he became John H. Johnson, the founder and publisher of Johnson Publishing Company and the iconic Ebony and Jet magazines.

Friends of John H. Johnson Museum said their book was conceived to give the public and educators a resource for learning about Johnson’s early years connected to Arkansas and American history.

“Before Mr. Johnson’s success, he was born and raised in Arkansas City and lived there for 15 years. His childhood story is important to Arkansas history, American history and World history, just as significant as his adult life because his formative years is where it all began.”

Educators will have access to free online multilevel-lesson plans and activities aligned with the book and with academic standards. Funding to develop the lesson plans was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Black History Commission of Arkansas, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

Johnny Was His Name book launch is scheduled for January 19, 2024 on John H. Johnson’s birthday. The book is available in e-book, soft cover and hard cover formats; and can be purchased on Amazon and Barnesandnoble.

For more information, visit www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org.