The legacy of John H. Johnson will live forever. Johnson has paved the way for African Americans in the communications industry, being awarded by EBONY magazine in 1995, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997, being inducted into the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame, and becoming the first African American Man to be named to the Forbes 400 List in 1982.
Cathy L Hughes, born Cathy Elizabeth Woods is an African-American entrepreneur, business executive, and radio and television personality. She is a Nebraska native and graduate of Creighton University. Amongst her contribution to the business and communications industry, she has been awarded several honors including the NAACP Chairman’s Award.
Shortly after celebrating its 45th Anniversary, the Howard University John H. Johnson School of Communications announced it will be renamed to honor Cathy L. Hughes.
At the end of its homecoming week, Howard will hold the naming ceremony.
Hughes is no stranger to Howard, as she worked as general sales manager of the school radio station, WHUR 96.3. Hughes was later promoted to general manager after helping to increase the annual revenue from $300,000 to $3.5 million. Currently, she serves as chairperson to Radio One.
Many feel Cathy was destined for this role, and in an interview with NPR, Hughes admits:
I grew up in a household where there was six of us – one bathroom. I did my radio show every morning in the mirror with a toothbrush, and everyone thought at that time there was something wrong with me. I mean, there are no black people in radio, particularly no black women.
Congratulations are in order for the Cathy L. Hughes School of Communications.
