Edward A. Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Austin Johnson
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| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 19th district |
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| In office 1918–1918 |
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| Preceded by | Perry M. Armstrong |
| Succeeded by | Martin J. Healy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 23, 1860 Wake County, North Carolina |
| Died | July 24, 1944 (aged 83) New York, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Atlanta University (1883) Shaw University (1891) |
| Profession | Attorney, educator |
Edward Austin Johnson (born November 23, 1860 – died July 24, 1944) was an important attorney and educator. He made history by becoming the first African-American person elected to the New York State Assembly in 1917. This made him a member of the New York state legislature.
Contents
Edward Austin Johnson's Early Life and Education
Johnson was born into slavery in Wake County, North Carolina. Even though he was enslaved, he started his education with a free woman named Miss Nancy Walton. He then went on to attend Washington High School.
Becoming a Principal and Author
After high school, Johnson attended Atlanta University. He graduated in 1883. From 1883 to 1891, he worked as a school principal. He was a principal first in Atlanta and later in Raleigh, North Carolina.
During this time, he wrote an important book. It was called A School History of the Negro Race in America. This book was special because it was the first textbook written by a black author. The North Carolina State Board of Education approved it for use in public schools.
Law Career and Public Service
In 1891, Johnson earned a law degree from Shaw University. After that, he practiced law in the Raleigh area. He also taught at Shaw University. He was the first person to graduate from Shaw's law school. He later became the dean of the law school, following John S. Leary.
Johnson was very successful as a lawyer. He won every case he argued before the North Carolina Supreme Court. From 1899 to 1907, he worked as an assistant to the U.S. Attorney for eastern North Carolina.
Johnson was also active in politics. He joined the Republican Party. He served a term on Raleigh's city board of aldermen, which is like a city council.
Moving to New York and Later Politics
In 1907, Edward Johnson moved from North Carolina to New York City. He became very involved in the Harlem community. He also continued his work with the Republican Party there.
In 1918, he became a member of the New York State Assembly. This was a big achievement, making him the first African-American in the state legislature.
Running for Congress
In 1928, Johnson ran for Congress in New York's 21st District. He did not win the election, losing to Royal H. Weller. However, he received the most votes from the Republican party in his district. This showed his strong support.
Even after losing his sight in 1925, he kept working in politics. He also continued to work on projects that supported his country and his community.
Family Life
Edward Austin Johnson's mother was Eliza Adelaide Smith. His father was Columbus Johnson/Hines. His mother, Eliza, was enslaved by Sylvester Smith near Raleigh. His father, Columbus, was enslaved nearby by the daughters of Richard Hines, Rowena and Susan Hines.
