Robert L. Johnson: A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship

Robert L. Johnson, a pioneering Black corporate executive and mentor, carved a remarkable path in the business world. He dedicated 25 years at Sears Roebuck & Co. before successfully running his own packaging business for nearly two decades. Johnson also founded an academy at Roosevelt University, his alma mater, to nurture young men’s intellectual and leadership skills. Tony Wilkins, a friend and mentee, described him as a quiet yet effective role model who showcased the potential of the American dream. Wilkins emphasized Johnson’s persistence, patience, and positive attitude, which guided many individuals, including himself.

Johnson, aged 91, passed away from natural causes on July 29 at his home, according to his wife, Rose Johnson. An Evanston resident since 1972, he had been in hospice care for a year and a half. Born in Chicago’s South Side in 1935, Johnson graduated from DuSable High School and then attended Herzl Junior College, now Malcolm X College. He furthered his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Roosevelt University in 1958.

Early in his career, Johnson served at the Chicago Housing Authority as a community and tenant relations aide, later becoming an assistant manager. In 1965, he embarked on a new journey as an executive trainee at Sears, starting at a store in the South Side’s Englewood neighborhood. Johnson later moved to Sears’ corporate headquarters, then on the West Side, working in various departments. He rose to the position of vice president of men’s clothing in 1978.

Johnson later managed all non-Sears concessions, such as optical centers and camera departments, retiring from the company in 1990. Paula Jones, former Sears Foundation President, recalled her early career at Sears, highlighting Johnson’s support in an environment with few Black women. Johnson stood as a supportive and impactful leader.

In 1988, while still at Sears, Johnson co-founded Bagcraft, a flexible packaging manufacturer, with his daughter Rhonda Johnson. After retiring, he focused more on this venture, eventually founding Johnson Bryce with Tom Bryce, implementing an environmentally friendly printing method. In 1997, Johnson Bryce was Frito-Lay’s flexible packaging supplier of the year. He sold Johnson Bryce in 2007 and their Memphis home in 2015.

Johnson’s civic contributions included serving on the board of the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank and Roosevelt University’s board of trustees from 1988 to 2017. In 2014, he established the Black Male Leadership Academy at Roosevelt, later renamed the Robert L. Johnson Leadership Academy. This academy develops personal and leadership skills for high school sophomores and juniors each summer.

In retirement, Johnson enjoyed traveling, sailing, and community involvement, including serving on the boards of the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Evanston History Center, and a local YMCA. Johnson cherished his participation in a Chicago social club, the Druids. He is survived by his wife, daughter Rhonda, another daughter Rosalyn, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Services are private.