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Bob Johnson

Bob Johnson2 posts

Bob Johnson an African American businessman, born in Hickory, Mississippi, in 1947. He was the first black American billionaire. He is the founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television), which was sold to Viacom in 2001. Johnson is the former majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

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21 Nov, 2016

BET Founder: ‘Let’s give Trump a shot’

Makes Statement0 Comments

After meeting with Trump, Johnson says fellow African-Americans should give Trump “the benefit of the doubt,” and hope common ground can be reached with the incoming Republican administration about issues facing the black community.

Trump is a business guy, and I think he’s going to tilt towards finding [a] way to use fiscal policy … to move the economy forward. Let’s give him a shot. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt; see if we can find common ground. That’s what’s best for African-Americans. Black Americans should have no permanent friends, and no permanent enemies, just permanent interests. That’s where African-American voters should be

Johnson also says he does not want to work for the government.

2015

Takes majority ownership

Acquisition0 Comments

The NBA approves Jordan’s bid of $275 million to buy the Bobcats from majority owner Johnson.  Jordan will assume about $150 million in debt in the deal. He becomes the second black majority owner of a major pro sports team.

Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing career goal of becoming a majority owner of an NBA franchise. I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state of North Carolina..I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state of North Carolina…I plan to make this franchise an organization that Charlotte can be proud of, and I am committed to doing all that I can to achieve this goal.

Johnson:

The best decision I made since acquiring the Bobcats was to convince my friend Michael to become an investor in the Bobcats and to appoint him as managing member of basketball operations. As the new majority owner of the Bobcats, his dedication will be stronger now more than ever.