Statement: President Clinton to Attend the Funeral of John Johnson Monday in Chicago

President Bill Clinton announced today that he would be attending the funeral of John Johnson. “John lived the American dream,” Clinton said in a written statement. “Born poor in my home state of Arkansas, John built a media empire that gave African Americans a powerful voice in mass media and gave Americans of all races a more accurate and positive understanding of the African American community.” Johnson, a magazine publisher and African American entrepreneur, died Monday in Chicago at the age of 87.

Clinton will deliver remarks at Johnson’s funeral Monday, August 15, 2005. “I am honored that the Johnson Family has asked me to attend and speak at John’s funeral. I always admired his philosophy to highlight the happier side of life because, as John said, at the end of the day we are all trying to give people hope. I was honored to present him with the Medal of Freedom, and grateful for his friendship and inspiration. Hillary and I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Eunice and the entire Johnson family.”

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