George Marion Johnson facts for kids

George Marion Johnson (born May 22, 1900 – died August 11, 1987) was an important American lawyer and professor. He made history as the first leader, called a vice chancellor, of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Early Life and Education

Johnson was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He grew up in San Bernardino, California. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his first degree in 1923. He later earned two more law degrees there in 1929 and 1938. He was one of the first African Americans to get the J.S.D. degree.

Career Highlights

In 1929, Johnson began working as a lawyer. He specialized in tax law. He became the first African American Assistant Tax Counsel for the state of California.

Later, Johnson became a professor at Howard University. During World War II, he helped lead the Fair Employment Practice Committee. This group worked to stop unfair treatment in jobs, especially in defense industries. In 1946, he became the dean of the Howard University School of Law. There, he started the Howard Law Review Journal. He also helped the NAACP prepare important cases for the Supreme Court. In 1957, he was chosen to be part of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. This group worked to protect people's civil rights.

In 1960, Nigeria became an independent country. Johnson helped create the University of Nigeria. He was chosen to be its first vice chancellor. He held this important job until 1964. After that, he taught at Michigan State University. He also taught law at the University of Hawaii. There, he directed a special program for new students.

Personal Life and Death

George Johnson was married to Evelyn Johnson. He passed away in 1987 in Honolulu.