Season 4 of Godfather of Harlem has concluded, and we will confidently say the present is extraordinarily underrated. It presents an interesting glimpse into the lifetime of Bumpy Johnson, a Black New York Metropolis gangster.
Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker’s portrayal transports viewers to the Nineteen Sixties, chronicling Johnson’s ascent as a criminal offense boss. If the spectacular fictionalized story nonetheless has a maintain on you, simply wait to swallow these information concerning the real-life Bumpy Johnson.
Born in South Carolina
Though he’s generally known as the “Godfather of Harlem” Ellsworth Raymond Johnson was born in Charleston, South Carolina on Oct. 31 in 1905.
Nickname
Johnson’s nickname, “Bumpy” got here from the bump that appeared on the again of his head.
Transfer to Harlem
Bumpy didn’t transfer to Harlem till 1919 when he was despatched to stay together with his older sister Mabel.
Relationship with Malcolm X
The 2 had been pals for the reason that Forties, whereas Malcolm X, beforehand generally known as Malcolm Little, was a road hustler. Bumpy would shield Malcolm after he cut up with the Nation of Islam.
Celebrities
Generally known as a modern and good man, Bumpy had friendships with well-liked celebrities equivalent to singer Billie Vacation and famous person boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.
Gentlemanly demeanor
Regardless of being concerned in crime, Bumpy was recognized to all the time be keen to assist out much less lucky members of the group.
Educational
Bumpy would typically lecture youthful youngsters within the neighborhood about taking their research severely as an alternative of turning to a lifetime of crime.
Stephanie St. Claire
Bumpy grew to become an affiliate of Madame Stephanie St. Clair, a superb “numbers” queen in the course of the early Thirties. He additionally began a warfare in opposition to mob boss Dutch Schultz, which led to dozens of murders and kidnappings.
Jet
Bumpy was so notorious for his prison habits that his actions can be reported within the well-liked black journal, Jet.
Alcatraz
Though Bumpy was a legendary crime boss, he positively noticed time behind bars. In 1952, was sentenced to fifteen years in jail for drug conspiracy. He spent most of his sentence in San Francisco Bay, Calif. on the notorious Alcatraz Jail.
Parade
After serving his time in Alcatraz, Bumpy was met with a parade when he returned to Harlem after being launched on parole in 1963. The godfather was again dwelling.
Protest
Bumpy was additionally cussed. After he was arrested in December 1965, he staged a sit-down demonstration at a neighborhood police station the place he refused to go away. He was ultimately charged with “refusal to go away a police station” and was later launched. Not one thing you hear about too typically.
Felony historical past
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duoIqUtkH3I
Bumpy had a prison historical past about so long as a receipt. All through his time as a prison, he was despatched to jail on two separate events and arrested greater than three dozen instances.
Demise
Though many prison bosses of the time died from a hail of bullets, Bumpy died of congestive coronary heart failure on July 7, 1968, on the age of 62 whereas having breakfast.
Spouse’s lengthy life
Bumpy died in 1968, however his spouse, Mayme Hatcher, whom he married in October 1948, lived till Could 2009. A 12 months earlier than her demise, she wrote a ebook titled Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, which impressed the story for Godfather of Harlem.
Straight From 
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