Allen Johnson (activist) facts for kids

Allen Johnson was an important leader during the Civil Rights Movement. He worked hard for equal rights and was also a minister. His granddaughter, Vida Johnson, is now a law professor.

Early Life and Family

Allen Johnson's father, Reverend L. E. Johnson, was also a minister. He was the main pastor at Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Later, his father became a district superintendent. Allen Johnson himself served as an officer in the United States Army.

A Dedicated Minister

In 1963, Allen Johnson became the main pastor at Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, just like his father had. He helped the church raise money and get organized. Johnson started different choirs, including an inspirational choir, a youth choir, and a children's choir. Thanks to his efforts, the church was able to pay off its debts.

Civil Rights Leader

Allen Johnson was a key figure in the fight for civil rights. He worked with many other famous leaders to bring about change.

The March for Medgar Evers

In 1963, a civil rights leader named Medgar Evers was sadly killed. After this, about five thousand people marched in Jackson. Johnson, along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders, led this important march.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

In 1966, Johnson hosted the Tenth Annual Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) meeting in Jackson. The main topic was "human rights - the continuing struggle." Many important people attended, including Dr. King, Edward Kennedy, James Bevel, Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, and Bayard Rustin.

March Against Fear

Also in 1966, Johnson took part in the "March Against Fear," also known as the "Meredith March." At the end of the march, near the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson, Johnson spoke alongside Dr. King. Dr. King talked about his dream for a better future. Johnson shared a prayer about helping strangers and remembering those who are suffering.

Facing Danger: A Klan Bombing

In 1967, the Ku Klux Klan, a hate group, placed a bomb under the home where Johnson and his family lived. This home was connected to St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. Luckily, no one was hurt when the bomb exploded. Allen Johnson and his family were targeted because he was an activist for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the larger civil rights movement. The day after the bombing, Johnson's wife sent their children to school. This showed everyone in town that the Johnson family was not scared.

Working with the NAACP

Johnson was very active in the NAACP. At one point, he was the assistant field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi. Through his work with the NAACP, Johnson helped with the Mississippi Voter Registration and Education League (MVREL). In 1967, he organized eight seminars to teach people how to register to vote.

A Leader for Business and Rights

Johnson led a parade for businessmen in Jackson, which was a peaceful protest. During this event, he was attacked. Johnson remembered a white man telling him, "You cannot walk on our street." Johnson wanted everyone to know that Mississippi belonged to all its people, saying, "We have fought for it, we have bled for it, we are concerned, our children are in it, and we want to help it."

Involvement in Politics

Johnson was interested in politics and thought about running for public office. Around 1967, Johnson and Charles Evers quietly encouraged Black voters to support William Winter in Mississippi's governor's race. They kept it quiet because public support from Black voters might have hurt a white candidate's chances with many white voters at that time.

In 1968, with help from the Mississippi AFL-CIO, Johnson organized workshops. These workshops taught African Americans how to get involved in local Democratic party meetings. Johnson and other activists wanted to send a group of representatives to the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Legacy and Impact

In 2013, United States Congressional Representative Bennie Thompson honored Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church and Allen Johnson. Johnson's dedication to activism inspired his granddaughter, Vida Johnson, to become a lawyer.