TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE YVONNE JEFFRIES JOHNSON
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, Yvonne Jeffries Johnson was born on October 26, 1942, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and dedicated her life to public service, civil rights, and community leadership; and
WHEREAS, she grew up in Greensboro during a time of segregation and became an early advocate for civil rights, participating in pivotal movements such as sit-ins and the 1963 March on Washington, even enduring incarceration for her commitment to justice; and
WHEREAS, she graduated from Bennett College in 1964 and earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from North Carolina A&T State University, reflecting her lifelong dedication to education and service; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, she became the Executive Director of the non-profit organization One Step Further, serving Greensboro's youth through mediation and court alternative programs, and remained in this role until early 2024; and
WHEREAS, she began her political career in 1993 as a member of the Greensboro City Council, serving with distinction for 14 years, and held the role of Mayor Pro-Tem from 2001 until 2007; and
WHEREAS, she made history in 2007 by becoming the first African American to serve as the Mayor of Greensboro, serving until 2009, and was later reelected as an at-large City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem in 2011; and
WHEREAS, her leadership contributed to the establishment of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, located at the site of the historic Woolworth's Greensboro sit-ins, supported the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the events of the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, championed environmental sustainability efforts, and was a stalwart advocate for social justice; and
WHEREAS, she was recognized for her exceptional contributions by receiving the Stanley Frank Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gr...
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