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Mayor Betsy Hodges Declares May 23, 2014 “Dr. Josie R. Johnson Day”

May 16, 2014

Mayor Betsy Hodges Declares May 23, 2014 “Dr. Josie R. Johnson Day” In Minneapolis When Emerson Spanish Immersion Learning Center Students Honor Civil Rights & Social Justice Elder Dr. Josie R. Johnson Through A Program Entitled ‘Elders’ Wisdom, Childrens Song’ With Smithsonian Folkways Recording Artist, Larry Long.

Minneapolis, MN – May 14, 2014- Emerson Spanish Immersion Learning Center will host a community celebration honoring Dr. Josie R Johnson in their gym on, Friday, May 23, 2014, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM.
Students from Emerson Spanish Immersion Learning Center will be performing a song written by Larry Long, under the direction of music instructor Yina Ha in honor of Dr. Josie R. Johnson, entitled Listen To Each Other Now. Students will also be reciting select words shared by Dr. Johnson with the students about her life. Dr. Josie R. Johnson will also be presented with a story songbook of Listen To Each Other Now illustrated by students from Emerson Spanish Immersion with help from art Instructor Mina Leierwood. Mayor Betsy Hodges will be present to read the ‘Dr. Josie R. Johnson Day Proclamation’ in honor of Civil Rights & Social Justice Elder Dr. Josie R. Johnson at the celebration.

About Dr. Josie R. Johnson: Dr. Josie R. Johnson grew up in Texas only two generations out of slavery. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology. She went on to earn an M. A. and Ed. D. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In 1964, Josie R. Johnson led a multiracial delegation of women from Minnesota to witness first-hand the civil rights struggle in Mississippi. In 1967, her work as acting director of the Minneapolis Urban League, was responsible for creating many successful programs to help African American people find employment, housing, and to make community connections.

She served as a bridge between communities, as an assistant to Mayor Art Naftalin. Dr. Johnson used her experience, knowledge, and skill to champion with others the creation of the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights. Dr. Johnson became the first African American appointed to the Board of Regents at the University of Minnesota (U of M), in 1971. In the 1990’s, as associate vice-president for academic affairs at the U of M, she spearheaded efforts to increase diversity in the student body and faculty. To honor her committed efforts, the U of M established the Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award.

What Dr. Josie R. Johnson is most proud of, though, is being the mother of three ‘remarkable’ daughters, and grandmother to three ‘equally amazing’ granddaughters.

Contact Information:
Larry Long, Executive Director
Community Celebration of Place
3357 36th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-722-9775
larrylong@communitycelebration.org

Barbara Berg, Program Coordinator
Emerson Spanish Immersion Learning Center
1421 Spruce Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-668-3617
Barb.Berg@mpls.k12.mn.us

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The Elder Wisdom, Children’s Song™ community celebration is brought to you by Community Celebration of Place (501-C-3), Minneapolis Public Schools, West Metro Education Program (WMEP), and Citizens for a Loring Park Community.

Founded out of demand for Long’s work across the country, Community Celebration of Place is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses oral history, music and art to strengthen communities and foster reconciliation. For more information: www.communitycelebration.org & www.larrylong.org

Minneapolis Public Schools promises an inspirational education experience in a safe, welcoming environment for all diverse learners to acquire the tools and skills necessary to confidently engage in the global community. To learn more: www.mpls.k12.mn.us

The mission of WMEP is to raise the achievement of all students; to eliminate the racial achievement gap; and to prepare all learners to thrive in a diverse world through regional leadership, integrated learning opportunities, shared resources, and mutual support. Please visit: wmep.k12.mn.us

Citizens for a Loring Park Community (CLPC) is the neighborhood organization, which serves the Loring Park Community. CLPC works with neighbors on issues of Livability, Safety, Land Use, and Urban Design. They also create, promote, and partner on several community events annually, to build community and network resources. This Project was an initiative of the Livability Committee.

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My heartfelt thanks to Larry Long and all the voices from which our history continues to generate encouragement, enthusiasm and wisdom.

Arlo Guthrie, Songwriter, Son of Woody Guthrie

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