Preserving Black History as Part of a Community's Rich Heritage

914 Railroad Avenue,Tallahassee FL 32310

22 February, 2023

Description

As Tallahassee's first Black woman elected city-wide to the Tallahassee City Commission, two term Mayor, author, artists, advocate and educator, Dot Inman Johnson has over 40 years of service to Tallahassee. She joins us to share the importance of Black History in telling our community's story. In fact, it is what inspired her recent book "Tallahassee’s Black History Firsts," which preserves the histories of notable Tallahasseans who became the first in their area of expertise. Learn more about Dorothy, our history, and why Dorothy believes it’s important for all communities to document their Black history-makers. #BlackHistoryMonth2023 About Dot: Dot is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, who moved to Tallahassee from Tacoma Washington in December 1971 when her husband became a student at FAMU. She began her career as an art educator in Gadsden County in 1972-1974, Leon County Schools 1974-79, and at Florida High (FSU DRS) 1979 until retirement in 1998. In 1986 she became the first Black woman elected city-wide to the Tallahassee City Commission where she served two terms as the first Black woman Mayor in Tallahassee. The Dorothy Inman-Johnson Park on the Plaza was named in her honor for her work in helping to make the Kleman Plaza possible and many other community improvements for which she is credited. For 14 years, 1998-2012, she was CEO of Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc in 8 counties. Upon retirement, she authored POVERTY, POLITICS, and RACE in America. Three other books followed; with the current Tallahassee's Black History Firsts, published September 2022 by Rowland Publishing. She is an author, artist, child advocate, married to Rev. Lee Johnson with a blended family of 9 children, 28 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Like what we do? Please help support the Women Wednesdays mission by becoming a member or sponsor at www.womenwednesdays.com.