- The Florida Civil Rights Museum and Alachua County will honor Lloyd W. Johnson Sr. with a historical marker and a memorial avenue dedication on Aug. 15 in Micanopy.
- Lloyd W. Johnson Sr. (1905-1982) was a leader in agriculture, education, craftsmanship, and faith, helping build Mount Olive A.M.E. Church and serving his community for decades.
The Florida Civil Rights Museum Inc., in partnership with Alachua County government, will honor longtime community leader Lloyd W. Johnson Sr. with the unveiling of a Florida Civil Rights and Education Heritage Trail historical marker and the dedication of Lloyd W. Johnson Sr. Memorial Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 15, in Micanopy.
The free community ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Mount Olive A.M.E. Church (8216 SE 185th Ave.) in Micanopy’s historic Evinston community, according to a Florida Civil Rights Museum release.
Through unanimous action by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, a portion of SE 185th Avenue has been officially designated Lloyd W. Johnson Sr. Memorial Avenue, creating a lasting tribute to a North Central Florida community leader whose service spanned agriculture, education, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and faith.
Johnson (1905-1982) was a respected farmer, entrepreneur, master craftsman, educator and church leader who contributed to the strength and development of his community for decades. He was among North Marion County’s earliest African American school bus drivers and helped construct both the original and present-day Mount Olive A.M.E. Church, according to the release.
From 1942 to 1950, Mount Olive A.M.E. Church served as Evinston’s first African American schoolhouse. Johnson played an active role in the church and school community, serving as a trustee, chairman of the Board of Stewards and Sunday school superintendent.
“Lloyd W. Johnson Sr. exemplified the quiet yet transformative leadership that strengthened African American communities throughout Florida during an era of segregation,” said Delaitre J. Hollinger, co-executive director of the Florida Civil Rights Museum Inc. in the release. “His commitment to education, faith, economic opportunity, and community service reminds us that lasting change is often built through faithful service to others.”
Co-Executive Director Jacqueline Y. Perkins said preserving Johnson’s story is part of the museum’s broader mission.
“The Florida Civil Rights Museum is committed to preserving the stories of community builders whose lives transformed Florida,” said Perkins in the release. “Lloyd W. Johnson Sr.’s legacy reminds us that local leadership has always played an essential role in advancing civil rights, education, and opportunity.”
The ceremony will include the unveiling of the historical marker, dedication of the memorial roadway, musical selections and special recognition of members of the Johnson family.
Program speakers will include:
- Alachua County Commission Chairman Ken Cornell
- Alachua County Commissioner Charles Chestnut IV
- Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward
- State Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson
- Marion County School Board Chair Dr. Sarah James
- Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer
Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler also will attend.
For additional information, contact the Florida Civil Rights Museum Inc. at floridacivilrightsmuseum@gmail.com.