Robert L. Johnson

Black American Firsts in Film and Theatre (70 person items)

"1980: Robert L. Johnson and Sheila Johnson launch the first network catered toward African-Americans.Initially launching as a two-hour a week programming block on Nickelodeon in 1980, BET — founded by former husband-wife duo Robert L. Johnson and Sheila Johnson — became the first network developed primarily for African-American viewers. Just three short years later, the network became a full-fledged channel and began its reign as a groundbreaking station. The two, though no longer owners of "