[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 116 (Thursday, July 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND WORK OF FRANCIS ``FRAN'' JOHNSON

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing Francis ``Fran'' Johnson for 
her commitment to community service in the District of Columbia on the 
occasion of her 70th birthday on July 23, 2019.
  Johnson is a third-generation District native. She began her service 
to the District as a candy-striper at Howard University Hospital, 
formerly known as Freedman's Hospital, in 1964. Over the years, she has 
advocated for critical issues such as equality in education and housing 
and improved financial literacy, among others.
  As a neighborhood advocate, she has increased the number of signs in 
the community to help children with hearing impairments and called for 
more lighting in her neighborhood to help reduce crime. She fights for 
a D.C. with clean streets, safe neighborhoods and flourishing 
communities.
  Building on her experience as a Ward 4 resident, she cofounded a non-
profit named Shammah, Inc, which provides low-income families with 
food, shelter and the opportunity to learn life skills.
  Over the years, she has been recognized for her commitment to 
service. In 2009, she was named ``Superwoman'' by NBC News 4, and in 
2017, she was crowned Ms. Senior District of Columbia. As Ms. Senior 
District of Columbia, she attended over 200 community events, 
amplifying the voice of older D.C. residents and advocating for an age-
friendly D.C. In her role as Ms. Senior District of Columbia, she 
testified at D.C. Council hearings and partnered with several D.C. 
Office on Aging and Community Living programs.
  Johnson attended St. Cecilia's Academy and D.C.'s first land-grant 
college, the Washington Technical Institute. She graduated with 
academic honors and a degree in Business Administration/Secretarial 
Science.
  She began her professional career in 1970, as the first African-
American legal secretary for the International Business Machines 
Corporation's (IBM) intellectual property division. After 30 years at 
IBM, she retired and joined the Business Executives for National 
Service as the office receptionist and Assistant to the CFO.
  While she has embraced many roles during her lifetime--wife, 
daughter, mother, grandmother, professional and community advocate--
Johnson still makes time for sports, music, traveling and many other 
hobbies.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Francis 
``Fran'' Johnson on the occasion of her 70th birthday and for her 
lasting contributions to the District of Columbia.

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