By: Imani K. Browne
All Women’s History Month, RLS Media has taken time out to call attention to inspiring women of New Jersey. Today’s focus is on Cordelia Greene Johnson, the founder of the Modern Beautician Association.
Johnson not only founded the Modern Beautician Association but also served as its president. She advocated for her local beautician community and spent her career attempting to improve and create new standards.
She fought for increased sanitary conditions in shops, better training, as well as safer products. Her efforts led to the consideration of the black community when writing legislation, as well as the inclusion of a black individual on the State Beauty Control Board.
Johnson also heavily contributed to the efforts of the New Jersey Women’s Suffrage League. As maintained by Rowan University and the New Jersey Historical Commission, political leader Dr. George E. Cannon found Johnson commendable. He asked for her assistance in going on a speaking tour to support presidential candidate Calvin Coolidge.
Rowan University and the New Jersey Women’s Suffrage League state that Johnson performed as president of the NAACP’s Jersey City branch.
She was also a member of the Federation of Colored Women’s Club, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, and the National Council of Negro Women.
INFORMATION/IMAGE CREDIT: Rowan University and the New Jersey Historical Commission