Dr. Lorenzo Johnson Sr. took a symbolic step back in time at Earlington Heights Elementary School, where he served as the principal for a day, rekindling memories of a vital moment in Miami's history. In 1961, Johnson was one of the first African-American students to desegregate the previously all-white school. His return after 63 years was not just a nod to the past but a continued effort to engage with the youth of today. "Even in the midst of walking into this school, [my mother] said, 'Just keep your head up, and just stay strong and walk,' because during segregation times we didn’t know what would happen," Johnson recalled his mother's advice during the tense days of segregation, as reported by NBC Miami.
Johnson, who is now the CEO and founder of the nonprofit Community Youth Against Violence, actively took to heart the opportunity to directly interact with the students. According to WSVN, he shared his story hoping to not only to inspire but also to provide a tangible example of resilience. His presence hoped to instill a sense of value and the importance of positive actions among the young students.
Each hallway and classroom resonated with the echoes of a bygone era, as Johnson moved through the school. Featuring Johnson, his mother, and siblings, a mural in the school stands as a testament to the family's courage and the long journey toward equality. “That mural, it brings tears to my eyes a little bit, but it also brings joy, because of the main fact that that’s my mother and my brother and my sister, and they all have passed away, and I’m the only one on that mural that’s living,” Johnson told WSVN.
School principal Jackson Nichols sees Johnson as an exemplar of courage and a beacon for future generations. “An obligation that I have to ensure that I’m the best example that I can be for these students, as well as to inspire them to become even bigger and greater and to continue on the legacy of Pastor Lorenzo Johnson,” Nicolas reflected, according to WSVN.
Dr. Johnson's legacy lives on through his ongoing work with Community Youth Against Violence, an organization focused on providing young people with positive alternatives to crime.
