North Omaha’s Greatest Film Maker: George P. Johnson
North Omaha’s Greatest Film Maker: George P. Johnson
By: A Student at the University of Nebraska Omaha as part of Heather Nelson’s Service Learning Academy Class.
George P. Johnson
When one thinks of an influential entrepreneur from Omaha usually, they think of Warren Buffet, but what if I told you there are some influential entrepreneurs here in North Omaha. George P. Johnson was an American businessman and entrepreneur who played a significant role in the development of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company.
Early Life and Career
George P. Johnson was born in Colorado Springs, and Later graduated from Hampton Institute. George initially moved to Omaha in 1913 where he meet his wife and had a child.
In 1939, Johnson founded his own company, George P. Johnson Company, which specialized in designing and building trade show exhibits. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality exhibits and displays that attracted attention and generated business for their clients.
Founding The Lincoln Motion Picture Company
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was a groundbreaking film studio based in North Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1916 by African American entrepreneurs, the studio was one of the first to produce films specifically targeted towards Black audiences.
At the time of the studio’s founding, the film industry was still in its early days, and racial segregation was a widespread and deeply ingrained practice. The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was founded in response to this discrimination, as a way to provide African American audiences with films that represented their experiences and perspectives.
The studio’s founders included George P Johnson, Noble Johnson, Clarence Brooks, and his brother, Lincoln Perry. The company produced a number of feature films, including “The Bull-Dogger” (1922), which starred black cowboy Bill Pickett and was one of the first films to feature an all-Black cast.
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company faced numerous challenges during its brief existence, including limited funding and distribution opportunities, as well as competition from larger, white-owned studios. However, the studio’s impact on the film industry and Black culture was significant, paving the way for future generations of Black filmmakers and actors.
Legacy
Today, the legacy of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company is celebrated in North Omaha through the restoration of the company’s former headquarters, which now serves as a community center and cultural hub. The studio’s pioneering work also continues to inspire contemporary filmmakers and advocates for greater representation and diversity in the film industry.
George P. Johnson‘s legacy has had a profound impact on the film and movie making industries. He helped pioneer the field of film making, and his innovative ideas and techniques continue to shape the way films are made today.
Conclusion
George P. Johnson was a visionary entrepreneur and film maker who transformed the world of movies. The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was a trailblazing film studio that played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in the film industry. Its founders were pioneers in their field, using film as a means of celebrating and amplifying Black voices and experiences. The studio’s legacy continues to be felt today, both in the North Omaha community and in the wider film industry.
Citations:
Fletcher, A. F. C. (2022, August 15). A biography of George P. Johnson. North Omaha History. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://northomahahistory.com/2020/03/01/a-biography-of-george-p-johnson/
About Freedomtainment
Freedomtainment is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Omaha, Nebraska established to educate, empower and entertain the Omaha Nebraska community about North Omaha Culture while bringing awareness to local, social and business resources. It hosts the Omaha Freedom Festival to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday and the Level Up Career & Housing Fair on Labor Day Weekend.
About Omaha Freedom Festival
The 2023 Omaha Freedom Festival is taking place on June 17th at the Malcolm X Outside Event Plaza to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday from 12noon – 12midnight to honor the emancipation of those enslaved in the United States. See website for event schedule and how to obtain tickets.