[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      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.

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