For a contemporary generation of Greenvillians Sarah H. Johnson’s historical significance as the city’s first African American female city councilwoman makes her more of an icon and transcendent figure than a real person with lived experiences.
Friends, family and those who know her well connected that generation to the humanity of the recently departed leader during a memorial service. Saturday at First United Methodist Church. “By showing up today, you show how important my grandmother is to you,” said Anya Parker. “A lot of people don’t know about these parts of her journey. She had MS (multiple sclerosis) and this condition would have her unable to see or move the way she was used to moving. So I hope today that her example lets you know that you’re never too old, too young, too big or two small to make a difference.”
Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons read a proclamation honoring Johnson as her family stood to their feet. The words of the document echoed the sentiment that Johnson’s daughter Karen said earlier from the podium. “Who would have imagined that a four foot eleven inch single mom of four would go on to fight for not just civil rights but human rights,” Karen said. “My mom and dad divorced when I was two years old. She was smart, articulate and always correcting us when we were wrong. She was a doctor who we could call when children were sick. And she would tell us the right combination of vitamins and herbs to make them well.”
Senator Willie Bailey was assigned to manage Johnson’s campaign for city council back in 1972. He told humorous yet impactful stories about how Johnson would always call him when she needed free legal advice. Once multiple sclerosis had debilitated Johnson to the point of being wheelchair bound, she had issues with her postal carriers not putting mail in the boxes where she could access it and often leaving it on the ground. Johnson’s tenacity resulted in her apartment becoming handicap accessible. She sent letters to the postmaster and anyone who she thought would be able to help. She researched the law on issues like these and she actually schooled me on areas of the law where I had no experience.”
Simmons and Bailey spoke to Johnson’s position on the city council as a door opener for leaders of color, women and coalition builders on the local, state and federal level.
“Sarah Johnson was the city council person for Ward 4 which I now represent,” said Lurran Thomas Kingdom. “She stood for the poor, the less fortunate and the elderly. I stand on the shoulders of Sarah Johnson and submit myself to service for this great city of Greenville.”
