Y is for Yvonne

Yvonne Johnson is a lifelong resident of Greensboro. She was born and educated here, and has dedicated her life to our city and its residents. After graduating from Dudley High School, she attended Bennett College, majoring in psychology and biology. While Yvonne did not consider entering the political arena during college, she attributes her early commitment to social justice to the culture at Bennett College. As a student, Yvonne served on student government and she worked with getting voters registered. She was also part of the Sit-In Movement in the 1960’s. However, it wasn’t until the early 1990’s, at the urging of a friend, that she considered running for political office. Ultimately, she ran for a city council at-large position. With a great love of people and learning, Yvonne decided that even if she lost, she would have a chance to meet more people in Greensboro and it would certainly be a learning experience. Her grassroots campaign was successful and she was the first African American elected to council since the district system was adopted in Greensboro. “Firsts” are nothing new to her family. Her uncle, a Penn State graduate, was the first African American Ph.D. in dairy science in the United States.

In addition to serving all the citizens of Greensboro, as council member and mayor, Yvonne has been running a non-profit for 33 years, One Step Further, Inc. This program mediates, advocates, and helps people with life skills and conflict resolution. Additionally, the organization runs a food pantry, serving over 900 families a month. Helping community and making Greensboro a better place for people of all ethnicities are high priorities for Yvonne. While a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from NC A &T contributes to her professionalism, her calm temperament and demeanor contribute to Yvonne’s ability to make people from all walks of life feel comfortable and valued when talking to her.

Some things you might not know about this high-profile woman is that she loves fishing, meditating, traveling, reading, and listening to jazz music. Above all, she cherishes time with family and friends. Family dinners are a priority. Playing bridge and pinochle are much-enjoyed pastimes, and she loves to indulge in getting decals on her fingernails. As for Greensboro, Yvonne loves the diversity- approximately 110 ethnic groups- and working with the diverse groups in our city. She loves all of the events the local institutions of higher education bring to Greensboro. She enjoys attending sporting events and tournaments. She loves our parks and feels enormously blessed to live here. She looks forward to watching Greensboro continue to grow. One of her hopes is that we will become the best job training center in the US and that we will be continue to grow in a multi-faceted way so that, from education to arts to sports and more, there is something for everybody.

Yvonne Johnson does so much for Greensboro, she was the obvious choice for our A-Z Local (Women) Series. Today is ABC Wednesday and “Y” is for Yvonne Johnson.

Comments

[Oakland Daily Photo]

An impressive woman. Any community would be blessed to have her as a citizen. Lucky Greensboro.

[William Kendall]

She sounds very accomplished!

[Melody]

Impressive !
Also.. i think that is the case in your loyal entries every week, so many people you've already honoured.

Thank you!

Have a nice ABC-day / ABC-week
♫ M e l o d y ♫ (abc-w-team)

[Jane T. Mitchell]

She is truly an asset to our city. She has served long and well.

[Roger Green]

Ah, a native! You've had so many transplants.

ROG, ABCW