Earl M. Johnson

Earl M. Johnson Sr. (1928–1988) was a lawyer and civil rights advocate in Florida. Johnson is known for being a prominent advocate for the consolidation of the City of Jacksonville and Duval County, and is credited with mobilizing African-American support for the 1967 referendum. After the consolidation vote, Jackson became the first Black person to be elected to an at-large seat on the Jacksonville City Council.[1]

Earl M. Johnson Sr.
Born1928
Died
1988
NationalityAmerican
OccupationLawyer

Johnson represented numerous civil rights activists during his tenure, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and former Mayor of Atlanta Andrew Young. For this, and his broader work to desegregate public places in Florida, he was inducted into the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2016 by Governor Rick Scott.[2][3][4]

Johnson was a graduate of Howard University and was the first African-American to be a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association. He died of cancer in 1988.[1][2] Earl Johnson Memorial Park in Jacksonville is named for him.[5] His son, Earl M. Johnson Jr., is also a lawyer and civil rights activist.[6]

References
  1. Soergel, Matt. "Johnson pushed for consolidation, but later had doubts". The Florida Times-Union.
  2. "2 Jacksonville men among 3 named to Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame". WJXT. February 2, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  3. "Earl M. Johnson". The Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
  4. "Governor selects Earl Johnson and Rutledge Pearson for Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame". Jax Daily Record. February 2, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  5. https://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/earl-johnson-memorial-park
  6. "Lawsuit over spending for Confederate memorials could be dismissed". Florida Times-Union. April 6, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
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