Lifelong Selma resident Charles H. Johnson Sr. was recently inducted by the Alabama Department of Senior Services into Alabama’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards and induction ceremony were held virtually. Johnson received a certificate, plaque, medallion, lapel pin and commemorative program in recognition of this statewide milestone. He is scheduled to be recognized at the annual awards reception in Fall 2021. Johnson has spent and exorbitant amount of his time significantly improving the quality of life and welfare for older American citizens.
To sit down and listen to the U. S. Army veteran recall his journey, one can only envision a selfless person dedicated to the betterment of mankind. From his professional career with the state’s Department of Human Resources, to serving on the Board of Directors at Claude C. Brown YMCA, to serving in many capacities within his beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Johnson has consistently demonstrated a desire to attend to the needs of others, whether young or old. His reach has expanded the 67 counties of the state as he authored a safety manual for his department to ensure the safety and well-being of fellow employees and citizens.
Johnson was tapped to travel throughout the state to train the individual offices on the implementation of the program.
“This was my main source of income that ironically became a ministry for me, as I was able to intervene broadly and provide guidance in some specific situations,” Johnson said.
The retired civil servant noted his parents’ sacrificial lifestyle, serving their church and community despite having limited resources, as the impetus for his direction in life. Heart-warming stories of how they heated the old Ebenezer Baptist Church early in the morning before the children arrived for Sunday School, donated and cooked a family hog to raise funds for children of the church to travel and attend learning conventions, evoked memories filled with pride and inspiration.
The spirit of volunteering and community outreach began at an unusually early age as he hurled himself into helping victims of the flood of 1961 in Dallas County.
“I actually helped to deliver commodities to the residents who were displaced, in need of the vital supplies after the flood. I never realized that later in life I would be Program Administrator for the state, responsible for sheltering and mass care of citizens during disasters and emergencies. During Hurricane Katrina, we cared for over 100,000 people who were affected. We collaborated with Dr. (James) Mitchell and Wallace Community College and they went above and beyond by providing transportation for people sheltered in this area,” stated Johnson.
Following an honorable stint in the military, Johnson embraced the youth of this community by serving as a Boy Scouts leader. He, along with other scout leaders, spearheaded a movement to consolidate funding for the separate black and white boy scout units under the Tukabatchee Council, enabling the funding to be equitable for all.
As a board member at the Brown YMCA, located in a predominantly African American neighborhood, Johnson served by assisting in raising a considerable amount of funds to sustain operations of the branch and provide services for the elderly and children of the community. Johnson serves as chairman of his fraternity’s Delta Pi Lambda chapter Brother’s Keepers Program, a committee charged with advocacy and overseeing the welfare of older members, their spouses and widows. He is a constant at visiting and providing care packages or services to ensure a sustained quality of life.
Johnson acknowledges the leadership and examples of the departed Rev. Dr. F.D. Reese, Johnny Suttles, educator Margaret Moore, among several who greatly influenced his walk in this life. As a founding member of the Ebenezer Wednesday Men’s group, he can be found leading efforts to bring issues to the forefront concerning men’s health and wellness, nutrition and current events.
Johnson is consistent at procuring funds to aid geriatrics and rehabilitation facilities, the Boy Scouts, Teen Challenge, McRae Learning Center, March of Dimes and emergency assistance upon request of the Dallas County Department of Human Resources. He annually rings the kettle bell with his fraternal brothers to aid the efforts of the Salvation Army during the holiday season.
Johnson eloquently quotes, “service is the price we pay for the space we occupy.” Selma and Dallas County can be proud to call Charles H. Johnson. Jr. a Hall of Famer. A human resource that occupies this space, has served his country, his state and his community well.
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