The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF DR. TOBE JOHNSON
______
HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sadness and in joy to celebrate the life of a good and great Morehouse Man, Dr. Tobe Johnson. Sadly. Dr. Johnson transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, May 7, 2021, at the age of 91. A homegoing service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 11 AM, on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While his passing leaves in its wake many heavy hearts, upon prayerful reflection the pain we share must melt into joy. For, Dr. Johnson leaves a remarkable legacy of service to humanity as a scholar, teacher, husband, father, mentor, confidant, and friend of longstanding to many.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Tobe Johnson was born on September 16, 1929, to the late Mr. Tobe Johnson and Mrs. Evelyn Johnson. He grew up in a Black, working-class community, entered Morehouse College in Atlanta at age 16, but was forced to leave school and work at a steel plant back in Alabama. He joined the Air Force, serving in Japan, and following his discharge, returned to Morehouse College to complete his undergraduate degree--a B.A. in Political Science, in 1954. He attended Columbia University in New York, becoming the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. in Government from that institution. After receiving his Doctorate and teaching at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, he was recruited by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays to join the faculty at Morehouse College, where he served in many capacities before his retirement in 2018.
Dr. Johnson graduated from Morehouse right as the Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools. This monumental decision stimulated his interest in analyzing political structures and influencing long-term change. This was an early victory followed by others such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and motivated Dr. Johnson to use his skills to help Black political advancement.
Dr. Johnson, as a teacher, researcher, writer, and administrator, was an icon on the Morehouse College faculty, where he was hailed as the institution's longest-serving faculty member. He taught at the school for almost 60 years, was an Avalon professor, and served as Chair of the Political Science Department. He established and conducted, at Morehouse, a rare Peace Corps volunteer training program in the South. He impacted the lives of countless Morehouse men, such as Jeh Johnson, who would become the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Randall L. Woodfin, the youngest mayor ever elected in Birmingham, Alabama; and Maynard H. Jackson, Jr., Atlanta's first Black mayor.
As a Student Assistant in the Political Science Department for 2 years, I worked directly for Dr. Johnson doing research. He was precise, analytical, data-driven, and brutally frank in his approach and had the highest standards of integrity and validation for his research. He became my mentor, role model, wise counsel, and friend of longstanding. He took great pride in my elections and my service in the Georgia General Assembly for 16 years and my service in the U.S. Congress for 29 years. I am truly blessed that he helped shape my life.
During his career, he received numerous honors, awards, and special recognitions.
Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get, you make your life by what you give.'' Dr. Johnson gave so much to so many for so long and truly made his life. His public service, his advocacy for students, his devotion to Morehouse College, and his service to his community and his nation, reflect the legacy he leaves and the joy we must celebrate. Truly the world is a better place because Dr. Tobe Johnson passed this way.
Dr. Johnson accomplished much in his life. but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and the support of his wife of 61 years. Goldie: his children, Cheryl and Tobe III; and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with countless others throughout Georgia and the nation in saluting and honoring Dr. Tobe Johnson for his service in the education and political sectors, to his country, and to humankind; and in extending our deepest condolences to Dr. Johnson's family, friends, loved ones, and all those who mourn his loss. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 87
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up