Just outside of our nation’s capital, nestled among the beautiful rolling hills and charming stone walls of Virginia, lies a place frozen in time – Sheila Johnson’s home. In 1996, Sheila sought solace here, as the success of BET, the company she co-founded with her former husband Bob Johnson, was overshadowed by rumors of their turbulent marriage. The constant gossip and scrutiny pushed her to find a peaceful sanctuary.
Today, Sheila Johnson is a thriving businesswoman, proudly holding ownership in three sports teams – the Washington Mystics, Washington Wizards, and Washington Capitals. She has also accomplished something truly remarkable – becoming the first Black woman to enter the exclusive and traditionally white and male billionaire’s club. However, she reveals that despite her achievements, people still judge and undermine her success. Many believe she had an easy path paved for her, but she wants to set the record straight.
In her recently published memoir, “Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph,” which is brought to you by CBS’ sister company, Simon & Schuster, she draws inspiration from the mythical salamander, a creature that walks through fire and emerges unscathed. This powerful metaphor represents her journey of resilience and survival.
Sheila Johnson’s accomplishments extend beyond her personal life – she is also the proud owner of a prestigious collection of luxury resorts known as Salamander Resorts, with her flagship resort and spa located in Middleburg, Virginia. However, the road to establishing this iconic brand was far from easy. Despite the warm welcome she received from the town, one thing troubled her deeply – the sight of a Confederate flag in a local gun shop. Determined to make a change, she purchased the building and transformed it into a vibrant marketplace, showcasing the transformative power of financial freedom.
Obtaining town approval to build her resort proved to be yet another challenge. Being in the southern region of the United States, she faced intense opposition, petitions, and contentious hearings. But Sheila Johnson’s strength and perseverance prevailed, as she won approval by a slim margin. Her refusal to give up is embedded in her DNA.
She attributes her resilience to her remarkable mother, who exemplified success in the face of adversity. Growing up African American in a racially divided society, Sheila experienced constant upheaval, moving 13 times by the age of ten due to her father’s limited opportunities as a black doctor. However, she found solace in playing the violin and excelled at it. The stability she so desperately yearned for was abruptly shattered when her father abandoned their family. Despite the pain and loss, Sheila refused to play the victim, which led her to earn a musical scholarship to the University of Illinois.
While at the university, fate brought her into the path of Bob Johnson, an upperclassman who caught her attention with his ambition. However, Sheila’s psychological turmoil stemming from her father’s abandonment clouded her judgment. She longed for love and acceptance, and Bob seemed to offer that. They eventually married and stayed together for over three decades. Sheila admits that she should have ended the relationship earlier, but her fear of failure and unwavering support for her husband led her to stay in a marriage that ultimately erased her own identity.
In 2002, her divorce was officially finalized, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. As she appeared in court, Sheila recognized the judge, William T. Newman Jr., with whom she had acted in a play years ago. This unexpected reunion led to a blossoming romance, and three years later, Sheila and William married in an opulent ceremony that captivated the social scene. Their union symbolized a fresh start and a celebration of love.
Today, Sheila Johnson looks ahead with determination and resilience, refusing to dwell on the past. She has no intentions of slowing down, as she has come to understand that walking through fire is necessary to emerge stronger on the other side. To learn more about her remarkable life, visit CBS News.
This story was produced by Mary Lou Teel, with editing by Mike Levine.
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