By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
I was informed of the passing of Dr. Minnie Fells Johnson while ironically attending the revived Turkey Bowl Classic in Montgomery, Alabama, pitting longtime rivals the Alabama State University Hornets against our beloved Tuskegee University Golden Tigers. I actually received calls from several South Florida Tuskegee Alumni Club members: President Oscar Braynon, Hall of Famer Thad Smith, who flattered me by referring to Minnie and me as buddies, Veronica Hudson, who was actually flagged down by Minnie after she saw a Tuskegee emblem on Veronica’s car, and SFTAC recruiting coordinator Tony Davis. You see, the one thing we all have in common is a deeply abiding love for Mother Tuskegee. I must be completely honest: I don’t recall when I first met Minnie, but I’m certain that it involved our esteemed university, institute when we more seasoned alums attended. We, at some point, decided to revive if possible a moribund Broward Tuskegee Alumni organization that previously had been a viable, effective conduit between the University and the Broward community. Minnie volunteered to host the first of many meetings at her home in Plantation. Present at that inaugural meeting along with Minnie and me were Andrea Dowling and Meredith McCleary. We scanned old membership rosters, calling every number with minimal results. Undaunted, we persisted and persevered until we grew numerically to function as a club. Subsequent years of recruitment, programatic successes and new leadership in the person of Oscar Braynon have led to SFTAC, a coalition of alumni from the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
So much of that progress can be directly attributed to my friend, Dr. Minnie Fells Johnson aka Minnie. Before the convergence, a majority of meetings were held at her house, including hosting the Tuskegee Crimson Pipers band members, the girl’s basketball team, the annual scholarship fundraisers, and the initiation of a $25,000 Book Endowment to assist students financially in the future, something that she envisioned as a legacy for present and future SFTAC members.
We often rode together to meetings or functions held in other venues such as the iconic Lyric Theatre in Overtown Miami where SFTAC hosted the touring Tuskegee University Chorus. The Christmas Party/Scholarship fundraisers were highly anticipated affairs as she took great pride in raising funds to assist future Tuskegee students. However, with all the delightfully, delectable, and delicious home cooked entrees that members brought for all to enjoy, my favorite was the chili dog with onions and mustard that Minnie specialized in. Two of those I found completely irresistible, totally satisfying my Pilate.
Our meetings always began with introductions, experiences at and love for Tuskegee. Minnie, who often recalled her humble beginnings in Beaumont, Texas, always credited her Tuskegee experience as a precocious, shy student for much of her professional success, citing the nurturing environment created by her teachers and mentors and a work/study position that taught her financial responsibility. Of course, that became a common theme for most of us.
Sometimes I would call just to check on her, aware that she often spent time in Dayton. After calling several times to no avail, I decided to drop by her house. What I found, though not initially disturbing, was rather perplexing. The shuttered windows and stuffed mailbox caused some consternation. Several trips later rendered same result so I decided to retrieve mail, informing her of my actions. I never received a response and the mail delivery ceased. Much later, I was informed of her illness which saddened me greatly. I was comforted knowing that she transitioned, surrounded by her loving family.
There is a must read story documenting her professional accomplishments and career which can be found online at: https://www.pps.org/article/mfjohnson
ADDITIONALLY:
Remembering a Visionary: Dr. Minnie Fells Johnson
Today, on Black Friday 2023, we pause to honor and remember an incredible visionary and champion of public spaces, my A-Mayzing Aunt, Dr. Minnie Fells Johnson (1935 – 2023).
This tribute delves into her inspiring work, her profound influence, and how her legacy continues to shape communities and lives.
A Journey of Impact: Revisiting a pivotal article from 2008 that captured the essence of Dr. Johnson’s contributions to Dayton, Ohio and Greater RTA.
Legacy of Inspiration: Exploring how Dr. Johnson’s spirit lives on, inspiring current and future gene-rations.
Synergy with Our Mission: Discover how our nonprofit’s goals align with Dr. Johnson’s vision, especially in the trans-formative power of public spaces.
This video is not just a remembrance but also an invitation to be inspired and to engage with the ongoing mission of enhancing public spaces. Adriane see’s a deep connection between Dr. Johnson’s work and our initiative of integrating for community development.
Join us in this celebration of a life well-lived and a legacy that continues to inspire. Rest in Heaven Auntie. Let’s honor Dr. Minnie Fells Johnson’s memory by continuing to transform public spaces for the better leveraging A.I.
I can. I will. I must. Let’s go!
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