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Military veteran and sports enthusiast impacts African American history

CHICAGO CRUSADER — As a civil rights leader, military veteran, sports enthusiast, educator and advocate for social justice, Hyde Park resident Dr. James W. Johnson has impacted many lives throughout his illustrious career. A former athlete at Dunbar High School during the 50s, and now a retired professor of history from the University of Alabama A&M, Johnson has influenced students, athletes, politicians, dignitaries, ministers and a host of other prominent individuals throughout his lifetime.

Published

5 years ago

September 20, 2019

Oakland Post

Dr. James W. Johnson (Photo by: Waldemar Reichert)

By J. G. Phillips

As a civil rights leader, military veteran, sports enthusiast, educator and advocate for social justice, Hyde Park resident Dr. James W. Johnson has impacted many lives throughout his illustrious career.

A former athlete at Dunbar High School during the 50s, and now a retired professor of history from the University of Alabama A&M, Johnson has influenced students, athletes, politicians, dignitaries, ministers and a host of other prominent individuals throughout his lifetime.

“I served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959,” Johnson said. “The Korean War had ended but the draft continued. I was drafted in 1957 and served a two-year tour of duty in the Panama Canal Zone where the Army trained me as a medic and x-ray technician.”

With a strong background in history, Johnson was credited as a pioneer in the South, for launching and spearheading the “Buffalo Soldiers” exhibit project in 1995.

The project was a historical exhibit that was once displayed in the James H. Wilson Hall at the University of Alabama A&M Black Archives Research Center and Museum in Huntsville, AL during the 90s.

“As a tribute to the soldiers, I wanted to create a permanent exhibit for the Black Archives Research Center,” Johnson said. “I served as director of the museum (during the time) and had a hand in obtaining national historic landmark status for Alabama A&M University’s James H. Wilson building.”

The exhibit was dedicated to the 10th Calvary Regiment, a group of all Black soldiers who were dubbed “Buffalo Soldiers” by Native Americans during the Indian Wars of the late 1800s. The group was also known for its combat in the Spanish American War, the Philippine-American War, the Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, making a strong impact throughout history.

When asked how the military impacted his life, Johnson shared his struggles, his journey and his solutions on how he dealt with racism as a soldier.

“Traveling to U.S. Army bases for training and to Panama, changed my world-view,” Johnson said. “I was able to gain a better understanding of politics and history. I grew up in Chicago. While traveling with the Army from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, to Ft. Polk, LA, one day our bus stopped at a restaurant [in the South] with a sign saying ‘Colored Eat in Back.’ I did not go into the restaurant. I got sick to my stomach.”

Johnson said that he and his wife also experienced racism while he was stationed in Panama during the pre-Civil Rights era. While applying for a house outside of the military base, a real estate agent rejected Johnson and his wife immediately and told them that the property they were looking to purchase was “already sold to a white couple,” Johnson said. They were also told that Blacks were not allowed to live in the area due to previous segregation housing laws (in spite of President Harry Truman lifting the ban on housing segregation during the 50s).

”After my service ended, the Civil Rights movement was kicking into gear,” Johnson said. “I became attuned to history and politics. I later used the GI Bill to fund my graduate level studies in African American history.

After the incident, Johnson decided to support his family by working as a technician in the medical field and an agent in real estate property management while earning a bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University. He also earned a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, focusing on African American Studies. One of his first scholarly articles analyzed the role of America’s Black press in covering and shaping national and international politics.

As a staunch advocate for historical preservation and a well-respected authoritarian in African American history, Johnson, a Fulbright Scholar, would go on to teach at the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria while participating in studies in Ghana, where he expanded his understanding in African culture and traditional religions in addition to traveling to Senegal, Liberia and Sierra Leone in his lifetime.

Since August of 2009, Johnson now 84, has lived at a residence for senior citizens in Hyde Park, where he currently commits to helping others.

This article originally appeared in The Chicago Crusader.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org