PURCELLVILLE, VA, January 09, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jay D. Johnson has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Johnson has distinguished himself as a leading expert in Black memorabilia and artifacts, dedicating more than three decades to the field. As the keeper of Soul Source, he is responsible for curating an extensive collection of Black historical items currently numbering more than 3,100 of-the-period original items. Major areas of the collection include slavery, anti-slavery, Jim Crow, artifacts and ephemera relating to Black history. His expertise extends to identifying and organizing these artifacts, ensuring that items of historical value are preserved and considered for museum placement. Mr. Johnson's commitment to the field is evident in his meticulous approach to cataloging the collection and his ongoing efforts to connect with academic professionals who may be interested in researching, or publishing work based on his collection.

The collection, known as "Looking Blackward," is a registered trademark and represents decades of careful curation. Mr. Johnson's passion for collecting is rooted not only in personal interest but also in a desire to educate others about the complexities and richness of Black history through tangible artifacts. Mr. Johnson had the privilege of displaying a portion of the collection to Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch, current Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This connection underscores Mr. Johnson's role as a bridge between collectors, historians and institutions dedicated to preserving African American heritage.

Over the past 26 years, Mr. johnson has operated in antique shops part-time and participated in an average of 6 shows annually in the Washington, District of Columbia area and in several eastern seaboard states. He has become widely recognized for his in-depth knowledge and ability to identify historical items related to African American culture. His reputation as a trusted authority was further solidified through his involvement with the National Black Memorabilia, Fine Art & Crafts Show, which ran for 35 years until ceasing operation in 2020. Mr. Johnson's dedication to the preservation and understanding of Black memorabilia has always transcended commercial interests, focusing instead on education and cultural significance.

His expertise has also been showcased on "Chesapeake Collectibles," a regional program similar to "Antiques Roadshow." Invited as a guest three times, Mr. Johnson had three of his items featured on the show, further cementing his status as a respected and knowledgeable figure in the antiques and collectibles community.

Before his current role, Mr. Johnson retired from American Airlines, Incorporated, in 2008 after serving as a pilot for 24 years. His airline career followed an earlier tenure as pilot in the United States Armed Forces, where he served as pilot in the active duty Air Force, the Alaska Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. He wore that uniform for 24 years and retired in 1994, having begun his service over the jungles of South East Asia and completing his military service over the desert sands of the Persian Gulf. The discipline and leadership skills honed during his military service have contributed significantly to his subsequent professional achievements.

Mr. Johnson's academic background includes a Master of Arts degree in leadership and management from The State University of New York Plattsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in Bible studies from Houghton College (now Houghton University). His formal education provided a strong foundation for his lifelong interest in history and collecting. It was during his early years as an antiques dealer that he encountered Black memorabilia for the fist time, a pivotal moment that redirected his focus toward collecting and preserving artifacts of African American heritage. Mr. Johnson has gradually curated a collection that has become one of the most comprehensive personal collections of its kind in the region.

Civic engagement has been central to Mr. Johnson's life. He has volunteered extensively, serving as head of various church committees, trustee roles, finance positions, and worship leader and speaker duties. His pro bono work includes organizing Black history exhibits at churches, schools, colleges, and community celebrations. Additionally, for 5 years beginning in 2016 he collaborated with Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer and his staff by setting up portions of the "Looking Blackward" collection for Congressman Hoyer's Annual Black History Month Breakfast. This initiative brought greater visibility to African American history within the community.

He continues to support local initiatives and has worked with the Loudoun Freedom Center in Leesburg, Virginia, providing Black history exhibits at several events. He remains open to future collaborations with museums or nonprofit organizations interested in housing or displaying the vast "Looking Blackward" collection.

In his personal life he continues the search for great and important Black historical artifacts. He is concentrating on the systematic storage, organization, and preservation of the collection, with aspirations to present it to interested parties in a cohesive and ready to exhibit fashion. His goal is to maintain the collection's integrity by keeping it together rather than dispersing individual items across multiple venues or institutions. The diversity within his holdings reflects not only different aspects of Black culture but also broader societal influences spanning more than 20 categories.

Having lived in northern Virginia for the better part of the last 28 years, Mr. Johnson considers it home and lives there with his wife and two cats.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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