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Bill Johnson interview, 2019-06-15

 File
Identifier: dcpl_dcohc015

Scope and Contents

Bill Johnson reflects on his life as an active lay member of Asbury United Methodist Church, and his years of service with the Washington, D.C. government. He moved from working in the post office to serving in Mayor Marion Barry's cabinet, rapidly climbing the ladder from a G5 to G18 level employee. He discusses the integration of the D.C. government. Johnson highlights his involvement in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and the relationship between the civil rights movement and changes in DC. Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served in several positions, including, 38 years as an usher, has been a central point of his life in the city for decades. In his interview he reflects on working for the church, his concerns about the Church's future, and ideas about how to engage millennials and people who have recently arrived in Washington, D.C..

Dates

  • Creation: 2019-06-15

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Biographical / Historical

Bill Johnson is a retired public servant, who served in the Mayor's cabinet under Mayor Marion Barry. He grew up in Kentucky and attended the Hampton Institute. He then served in the military, before moving to Washington, D.C. where he build his career in public service. He has been a lay parishioner at Asbury United Methodist Church since 1977, during which time he has made various contributions to the church's development.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.13 Terabytes

Repository Details

Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository

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