A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR WILHELMINA P. JOHNSON WHO DEVOTED HERSELF TO ENHANCING HER COMMUNITY, AND TO COMMEND HER LIFE AS AN EDUCATOR AND HER COMMITMENT TO AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the achievements of Wilhelmina Johnson during Black History Month; and

 

Whereas, trained as a home economics educator, Wilhelmina Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in home economics and a master's degree in education, both from South Carolina State University.  She taught in the Darlington County School District for twenty-eight years and worked for the Clemson University Extension Service for nearly a decade; and

 

Whereas, her dedication to education was recognized when she was named the South Carolina Consumer Education Teacher of the Year; and

 

Whereas, beyond her role as an educator, Wilhelmina Johnson served on the Darlington County Council for over two decades, including a period as its chairperson.  She also served as a member of the Darlington County Task Force for Progress, as a member of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, and on the executive board of the South Carolina Black Arts Coalition; and

 

Whereas, one of her most notable achievements was founding the Darlington County Cultural Realism Center, a neighborhood-based recreation facility offering a wide range of programs for children, including performing arts, life skills, arts, crafts, and African American history.  For over thirty years, the center hosted an annual statewide Talented Teen competition, which included future Miss America Kimberly Aiken among its participants; and

 

Whereas, Wilhelmina Johnson was featured as the Hero of the Day on a CBS Morning News segment, acknowledging her key role in the placement of numerous historical markers to commemorate African American history in Darlington County.  In 1998, she received a prestigious achievement award from the Governor's Office Commission on Women, honoring her extensive community service; and

 

Whereas, notwithstanding her vigorous professional life and tireless community service, she found time to rear her four fine children and to serve as a maternal figure and mentor to many others; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to recognize the achievements of Wilhelmina Johnson, a daughter of South Carolina, and her significant legacy in the African American community.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Wilhelmina P. Johnson, who devoted herself to enhancing her community, and commend her life as an educator and her commitment to African American history.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Wilhelmina P. Johnson.

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