How Much is Robert Johnson Jr. Worth? A Comprehensive Look at His Net Worth and Assets in 2021
Introduction
Robert Johnson Jr. is a well-known American businessman, media magnate, and investor who co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1979. He is one of the most successful African American entrepreneurs in the country, with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion as of 2021. This post will provide a comprehensive look at his net worth and assets, including his early life, career, investments, and philanthropic efforts.
Early Life
Robert Johnson Jr. was born on April 8, 1946, in Hickory, Mississippi. He grew up in a small wooden house without electricity or running water and had to walk three miles to school every day. Despite the challenges, he was an excellent student and received a scholarship to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1968 and a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs in 1972.
Career
Robert Johnson Jr. began his career as a lobbyist for the cable television industry in Washington, DC. In 1979, he co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) with his ex-wife, Sheila Johnson. The network became the first black-owned cable television company and quickly grew in popularity, eventually reaching 78 million households. In 2000, Johnson sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion, making him the first African American billionaire.
Johnson also founded The RLJ Companies, a holding company that invests in various sectors, including real estate, hospitality, and financial services. The company has an estimated market value of over $4 billion and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.
Investments
Robert Johnson Jr. is a savvy investor who has made several strategic investments over the years. He was an early investor in companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Comcast, which have all grown significantly in value. He has also invested in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards.
In 2015, Johnson launched the RLJ Credit Opportunity Fund, which provides financing to small and mid-sized companies in various sectors. The fund has raised more than $1 billion and has invested in companies such as American Addiction Centers and Liberty Tax Service.
Philanthropy
Robert Johnson Jr. is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. In 2020, he donated $1 million to the NMAAHC (National Museum of African American History and Culture) in Washington, DC.
He has also established several scholarship programs to help underprivileged students attend college, including the RLJ Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to students at historically black colleges and universities.
Assets
Robert Johnson Jr. is the owner of several luxurious properties, including a 40,000 square foot estate in The Boulders, a gated community in Scottsdale, Arizona, and an oceanfront mansion in Florida. He also has a private jet and a yacht named “Lady Sheila.”
FAQs
Q1. What is Robert Johnson Jr.’s net worth?
A1. Robert Johnson Jr.’s net worth is estimated to be $1.3 billion as of 2021.
Q2. What is Robert Johnson Jr.’s most significant achievement?
A2. Robert Johnson Jr.’s most significant achievement is co-founding Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1979, which he later sold for $3 billion.
Q3. Where did Robert Johnson Jr. invest his money?
A3. Robert Johnson Jr. has made strategic investments in companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Comcast and in various sports teams like the Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards.
Q4. What philanthropic efforts has Robert Johnson Jr. made?
A4. Robert Johnson Jr. has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He has also established several scholarship programs to help underprivileged students attend college.
Q5. What assets does Robert Johnson Jr. own?
A5. Robert Johnson Jr. owns several luxurious properties, including an estate in The Boulders, a gated community in Scottsdale, Arizona, and an oceanfront mansion in Florida. He also has a private jet and a yacht.
Q6. What is The RLJ Companies?
A6. The RLJ Companies is a holding company founded by Robert Johnson Jr. that invests in various sectors, with an estimated market value of over $4 billion.
Q7. What is Robert Johnson Jr.’s contribution to historically black colleges and universities?
A7. Robert Johnson Jr. has established several scholarship programs, including the RLJ Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to students at historically black colleges and universities.
Conclusion
Robert Johnson Jr. is a remarkable entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who has achieved tremendous success despite growing up in challenging circumstances. His net worth and assets testify to his talent and dedication to his work and his philanthropic efforts. His investments have earned him billions of dollars, allowing him to give back generously to his community through various charitable initiatives. He is truly an inspiration to us all.