Joseph L. Johnson facts for kids

Joseph Lowery Johnson (born February 14, 1874 – died July 18, 1945) was an important African-American doctor and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Liberia from 1918 to 1922. He was one of the few Black people appointed to a high-ranking government job during his time.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Johnson was born on February 14, 1874, in Washington Township, Ohio. He grew up in a community called Longtown. This settlement was home to many mixed-race African Americans. His parents were Walter Johnson and Lucinda Jane McCown. His sister, Kathryn Magnolia Johnson, later became a well-known civil rights activist.

Joseph attended the Union Literary Institute in Indiana. This school was special because it welcomed students of all races. He also taught in schools in Darke County, Ohio. Later, he studied at Ohio Northern University. In 1902, he earned his medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine. After finishing medical school, he opened his own doctor's office. He first practiced in Rendville, Ohio, and then moved to Columbus in 1914.

Diplomatic Career

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson chose Joseph Johnson to be the United States Ambassador to Liberia. He officially started his role on October 8, 1919. He continued to serve as ambassador until February 13, 1922.

For many years, presidents often appointed African Americans as ambassadors to countries like Liberia and Haiti. President Wilson changed this tradition for Haiti. However, he kept it for Liberia. This made Johnson one of the very few Black people appointed to a high-level position by Wilson.

During his time in Liberia, World War I was ending. Johnson played a key role in helping Liberia sign the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty officially ended the war. He also helped Liberia become a member of the League of Nations. The League of Nations was an organization created to promote world peace. While he was in Liberia, his sister, Kathryn Magnolia Johnson, was researching how Black American soldiers were treated in France during the war. Her findings led to a book she co-authored.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time as ambassador, Joseph Johnson lived in Washington, D.C., for several years. He then returned to Ohio. He was very involved in politics, especially supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 election. In 1928, he became president of a group that supported the Democratic candidate, Al Smith. He also served as president of the board of trustees for Wilberforce University. This is a historically Black college in Ohio.

Joseph Johnson eventually went back to his medical practice in Columbus. He continued to work as a doctor until he passed away in 1945. He was 71 years old when he died of a heart attack.