Robert L. Johnson

SOURCE OF WEALTH: RLJ Companies, BET

FUNDING AREAS: Arts & Culture, Global Developmemt

OVERVIEW: Robert Johnson has given big gifts to select institutions, including at least $5 million to Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He once moved philanthropy through the Robert L. Johnson Foundation, but the current status of the vehicle is unclear.

BACKGROUND: Robert L. Johnson graduated with a B.A. from the University of Illinois and his M.A. from Princeton University. Johnson was co-founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET), which sold to Viacom for $3 billion. He is the founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies, which owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate, private equity, consumer financial services, asset management, automobile dealerships, entertainment, and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming.

ISSUES:

ARTS & CULTURE: Johnson has given at least $5 million to Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. He’s also supported places like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Ohio.

GLOBAL: Johnson has given several million to William J. Clinton Foundation. In 2007, he provided $30 million for the establishment of the Liberian Enterprise Development Finance Company which provides loans to Liberian- owned Small and Medium Enterprises.

OTHER: Johnson has collaborated with celebrities to support causes including hurricane preparedness and malaria prevention.

LOOKING FORWARD: Johnson’s giving spans many areas and the status of his foundation is unclear. His largest area of giving to date appears to be Liberian Enterprise Development project; perhaps future giving will also address economic development in Africa.

LINK: RLJ Companies