"This book shows how brilliance can be found in the most unlikely places—even atop a flood-choked levee in a small Arkansas town. Young Johnny survived  the 1927 flood and, so did the entrepreneurial genius that would lead him to  found one of the most publishing companies in the U.S. Mr. Johnson’s flagship magazines, Ebony and Jet, were keepsakes in African American households for decades—our cherished chronicles of Black news, accomplishment, and  entertainment. We owe Angela Courtney our thanks for bringing this part of his story to light."

 Deborah Mathis, journalist and author 

"Thank you, Angela Courtney, for sharing young Johnny Johnson's story with the world, and helping youth understand that our past -and what we take from it - truly does inform our future."

Janis F. Kearney, Author, Independent Publisher, Journalist and Presidential biographer 

"I knew a lot about John H. Johnson, for I had the pleasure of working with the incredible man for three decades. Yet, author Angela Courtney made me aware of facts from his childhood that truly are enlightening and moving. It all supports why he became the extraordinary publisher, businessman and humanitarian that he did. Bravo to ‘Little Johnny’ and to Angela Courtney.”

Lynn Norment, retired editor and writer with Ebony Magazine, now columnist for the Commercial Appeal Newspaper, Memphis

"Angela Courtney has written an insightful and engaging book that exposed me to information I previously did not know about such a legendary man. Bravo!" ReShonda Tate, Journalist/Author/Publisher/Speaker/Producer  

“Ms. Angela book on Mr. Johnson’s early life, shines a light on little Johnny’s hard life in his hometown. With his mother, they were survivors of the famous flood, and poverty. You also see why he fought so hard to show his community in a positive light. The book is needed and will give the public some new insight into one of our great leaders”.     

Roy Lewis Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) Photographer and Filmmaker