Ellsworth Raymond Johnson, popularly known as Bumpy Johnson, was an American mobster who born on October 31, 1905, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was a notorious figure in the criminal underworld during the Harlem Renaissance period, known for his cleverness, ruthlessness, and ability to evade the law. He controlled drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and prostitution in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood during the 1930s and 1940s.

Bumpy Johnson started his criminal career in his teenage years when he joined a group of African American gangsters known as the West Indian Ocean Hill Gang. He quickly rose through the ranks, displaying a remarkable talent for leadership and management. Bumpy’s reputation for being fearless and clever soon caught the attention of the infamous mobster Dutch Schultz, who made him his right-hand man and one of his most trusted lieutenants.

However, their partnership ended tragically when Schultz was assassinated in a power struggle, and Bumpy narrowly escaped the same fate. Johnson took over Schultz’s criminal enterprise, but he quickly realized that he could not maintain his power unless he established a network of alliances with other Harlem gangsters, including the Mafia, who controlled organized crime in New York City at the time.

Bumpy Johnson’s criminal empire was built around illegal gambling, numbers racket, and drug trafficking. However, he was also known for his charitable work, providing financial assistance to struggling families in his community. In the 1940s, he became a significant figure in the civil rights movement, supporting political leaders and organizations that fought for African American rights.

Despite his notoriety, Johnson was a complex figure whose colorful and intriguing personality attracted both admiration and fear. He was known for his dapper fashion sense, always dressed in high-end suits and elegant hats. He was also a man of honor, who cared about loyalty and respect. Bumpy Johnson believed that he was a businessman, not a gangster, and he always tried to resolve conflicts peacefully. However, when push came to shove, he was not afraid to use violence to defend his interests.

Bumpy Johnson’s criminal career came to an end when he was convicted of conspiracy to sell heroin in 1954. After serving ten years in a federal prison, he was released on parole in 1963. He spent his remaining years staying out of trouble, working as a community activist and mentoring young people in Harlem. He died of a heart attack on July 7, 1968.

Bumpy Johnson’s legacy is still remembered today, with several books, films, and TV series portraying his life story. His rise to power during the Harlem Renaissance period serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of African American communities in the face of adversity. His charitable work and involvement in the civil rights movement also highlighted the importance of giving back to one’s community and fighting for social justice.

In conclusion, Bumpy Johnson was a powerful and influential figure in the criminal underworld during the 1930s and 1940s. He rose to become one of the most respected and feared gangsters in New York City, thanks to his cleverness, ruthlessness, and charm. His legacy is an essential part of African American history and a reminder of the injustices that the community has faced throughout history.

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