Robert Walter Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Walter Johnson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 16 April 1899 |
| Died | 28 June 1971 (aged 72) Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Lincoln University, Pennsylvania Meharry Medical College |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Internal medicine, sports medicine |
| Institutions | Lynchburg General Hospital |
Robert Walter "Whirlwind" Johnson (born April 16, 1899 – died June 28, 1971) was an amazing American doctor. He was also a talented college football player and coach. Dr. Johnson started a special program to help young African-American tennis players. He coached and helped famous tennis stars like Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson become champions.
College Football Career
Robert Johnson finished his studies in 1924 at Lincoln University. This was a historically black college in Pennsylvania. He played college football as a halfback for Lincoln.
He was the captain of the 1923 Lincoln Lions football team. This team won a national championship for black colleges that year. He was also chosen for the best team in the CIAA in 1923.
After playing, Johnson became a football coach. He coached at Virginia Theological Seminary and College in 1924. This school is now called Virginia University of Lynchburg. He also coached at Samuel Huston College in Texas in 1925. In 1926, he coached at Morris Brown College in Atlanta. In 1927, he was an assistant coach at Atlanta University. He worked with the backfield and ends players.
Medical Career
Dr. Johnson was a very important person in medicine. He was the first African-American doctor allowed to practice at Lynchburg General Hospital in Virginia. He worked as a doctor in Lynchburg for his whole career. He helped many people in his community.
Tennis Career
Many people called Dr. Johnson the "godfather" of black tennis. He created a special tennis camp for African-American children. This camp paid for everything, so kids could learn without worrying about money. He also hired great teachers to help them.
During those times, the South had segregation. This meant black children could not use public tennis courts. Many families also did not have money for tennis lessons. Dr. Johnson's camp gave these children a chance. He played a huge role in helping Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe become amazing tennis players. He coached them and helped them succeed.
Death
Dr. Robert Walter Johnson passed away on June 28, 1971. He died in a hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia, after being sick for seven months.
Legacy and Honors
Dr. Johnson's work and life have been honored in many ways:
- In 1972, he was added to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his achievements in sports.
- He was nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2007. He was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
- His home and the tennis court where he trained players are very important. They are called the Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House and Tennis Court. In 2002, they were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- A large medical center in Lynchburg, Virginia, is named after him. It is called the Walter Johnson Health Center. It provides healthcare and teaches people about health.
- A tennis event, the Dr. Robert Walter Johnson Memorial Invitational, is held in Petersburg, Virginia.
