TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND DOCTOR NELSON NAPOLEON JOHNSON
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, Nelson Napoleon Johnson was born on April 25, 1943, in Airlie, North Carolina, and at 81 years of age, departed this life on February 10, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a young Nelson Johnson was raised on a family farm in Littleton, North Carolina in Halifax County, and in 1961, he graduated from an all-Black high school in Littleton; and
WHEREAS, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Westover Field, Massachusetts, and later in Baden, Germany, before being honorably discharged in 1965; and
WHEREAS, following his military service, he moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to pursue higher education at North Carolina A&T State University where he became deeply involved in civil rights and social justice efforts; and
WHEREAS, Nelson Johnson actively participated in Youth Educational Services (YES) and later helped to establish the Greensboro Association for Poor People (GAPP), advocating economic and social justice for marginalized communities; and
WHEREAS, he was a witness to and participant in the historic riots that occurred at Dudley High School and North Carolina A&T State University in 1969, and throughout the 1970s, was engaged in various political movements, working towards systemic change, advocating for the rights of workers and the oppressed; and
WHEREAS, he survived the terrible aftermath of the infamous Nazi-Klan March, later acknowledged as the Greensboro Massacre; and following the tragic events of November 3, 1979, in Greensboro, Nelson Johnson remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation and continued his commitment to justice and equality; and
WHEREAS, he completed his undergraduate studies at North Carolina A&T State University in 1986 and subsequently earned a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union School of Theology in 1989; and
WHEREAS, in 1991, Reverend Johnson became the pastor of Faith Community Church in Greensboro, providing spiritual guidance, leadership, and unwavering support to his congregation and the broader community; and
WHEREAS, he was instrumental in founding the Beloved Community Center in 1991, a vital institution dedicated to fostering social justice, collaborations, and equity; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Johnson and his wife, Joyce, advocated for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1999 modeled after Nelson Mandela’s process in post-apartheid South Africa to promote forgiveness and healing; thereby convening labor unions, women’s groups, religious and civic institutions that met with victims, Nazi affiliates, and Klan members to identify past traumas in an effort to heal a wounded community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Johnson's leadership extended to numerous civic and interfaith initiatives, including his service as a member of the Greensboro Pulpit Forum, the Mayor’s Community Initiative, vice president of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, and chairman of the board for the Greensboro Justice Fund; and
WHEREAS, his commitment to community change was unmatched for his love of family, as he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Johnson, two adult daughters Akua Johnson-Matherson and Ayo Samori Johnson, three granddaughters Alise, Imani and Nia, and one grandson Nelson Josiah, in addition to a host of family and friends who cherish his memory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners recognizes and honors the extraordinary life and contributions of Reverend Doctor Nelson Napoleon Johnson, celebrating his legacy of advocacy, leadership, and unwavering dedication to social justice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that his tireless work and lasting impact serve as an enduring inspiration to future generations. His lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and community-building left an indelible mark on Greensboro, North Carolina, and beyond.
ADOPTED this the 17th day of April 2025.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Adopt a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Doctor Nelson Napoleon Johnson.
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