JoAnn Watson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Honorable JoAnn Watson
Watson in 2019
Member of the Detroit City Council from the At-Large District
In office 2003–2013
Preceded by	Brenda Scott
Succeeded by	Raquel Castañeda-López
Personal details
Born	(1951-04-19)April 19, 1951 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died	July 10, 2023(2023-07-10) (aged 72)
Political party	Democratic
Children	Damon, Nefertari, Stephen B., Maya
Parents	Jefferson Nichols, Sr. and Rev. Lestine Kent Nichols
Alma mater	University of Michigan
Occupation	Civil rights/social justice activist; Radio & TV talk show host; Minister; Professor

JoAnn Watson (born April 19, 1951 – died July 10, 2023) was an important leader from Detroit, USA. She was a pastor, a well-known voice on radio and TV, and served on the Detroit City Council for ten years. This means she helped make decisions for the city.

Watson hosted popular shows like Wake Up Detroit on 910 AM Superstation/WFDF and Comcast Channel 91 WHPR. She also hosted Wake Up World on The Word Network television. Besides her media work, she taught English at Wayne County Community College. She was also an Associate Pastor at West Side Unity Church.

Growing Up and Learning

JoAnn Watson was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents were Jefferson Nichols Sr. and Rev. Lestine Kent Nichols.

She finished Detroit Central High School in 1968. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Michigan. The university recognized her as a "Distinguished Alumnus," which means she was a very successful former student. In 1996, she also received the "Leonard F. Sain Esteemed Alumni Award" from the University of Michigan. She was also given an honorary Doctorate in Humanities.

Helping the Community

JoAnn Watson started her career helping others. She worked as the executive director for the Downtown Detroit YWCA. The YWCA is an organization that helps women and girls. She later became the assistant executive director for the National YWCA. From 1987 to 1990, she worked in New York. There, she led the Office of Racial Justice. This office worked to make sure everyone was treated fairly, no matter their race.

In 1989, Watson was chosen to be a delegate for Women for Meaningful Summits/USA. This meeting took place in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Watson also led the Detroit NAACP as its executive director. The NAACP is a major civil rights organization. Its Detroit branch was the largest in the country. JoAnn Watson was the only woman to ever hold this important role.

In 2001, she was a delegate at the UN World Conference Against Racism. This big meeting was held in Durban, South Africa.

In 2016, a company called American Girl asked Watson to join their advisory board. This board helped make sure a new doll named Melody was historically accurate. Melody was a doll representing a 9-year-old African American girl. She grew up in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Watson also helped start the National Association of Black Talk Show Hosts. She was a member of the Detroit Council of Elders. She also belonged to the National Black Council of Elders. She served as President of the National Anti-Klan Network. She was also President of the Center for Democratic Renewal.

Her Writings

JoAnn Watson wrote parts of important books. She contributed to "Should America Pay?" in 2003. This book by Dr. Raymond Winbush discussed reparations. She also wrote the introduction for Herb Boyd's 2017 book, Black Detroit. This book shared the history of self-determination for Black people in Detroit.

Working in Politics

Before joining the city council, Watson worked for Congressman John Conyers. She was his public liaison. This meant she helped connect the public with the Congressman.

In 2003, Watson decided to run for a spot on the Detroit City Council. A seat became open when Councilwoman Brenda Scott passed away. Dick Gregory, a famous comedian, helped raise money for Watson's first campaign. On April 29, 2003, Watson won the election. She received 52% of the votes. She beat Gil Hill, who was well-known for acting in the Beverly Hills Cop movies.

Watson was re-elected to the City Council. She even became the City Council President Pro Tem. During her time on the council, she helped create many new laws. These laws included banning texting and talking while driving. She also helped ban smoking in public places. Another important law was the "Water Affordability Plan." This plan helped people with lower incomes keep their water turned on. In 2009, The Nation Magazine called Watson "the most valuable local elected official in the USA."

In 2013, Watson decided to retire from the City Council. A celebration of her career was held in December of that year. It took place at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Dick Gregory was again the main speaker at this event.

Her Passing

JoAnn Watson passed away on July 10, 2023. She was 72 years old.