Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The Greensboro community is mourning the loss of longtime civil rights activist, Rev. Nelson Napoleon Johnson, who recently passed away at the age of 81.
He was the founding pastor of Faith Community Church, the founding co-executive director of the Beloved Community Center (BCC) of Greensboro, and a dedicated voice for social justice and civil rights.
Johnson has been active in the movement for social and economic justice since high school in the late 1950’s. A native of Littleton, N.C. (Halifax County), Johnson served four years in the United States Air Force before going to college where he received a baccalaureate degree in political science from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from the School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
He helped found the Greensboro Association for Poor People and was present at the 1969 Dudley High School and N.C. A&T State University protests. He also served as a student leader in the Student Government Association at North Carolina A&T State University in 1970.
A few years later, Johnson joined the Communist Workers Party (CWP). On Nov. 3, 1979, members of the Communist Workers Party planned a “Death to the Klan” march at Morningside Homes in Greensboro as a protest against racial terror in the city. A caravan of 40 Klansman and Nazis came to the march and five members of the CWP were killed. Johnson was one of the remaining survivors of the 1979 Greensboro Massacre.
In 2004, Johnson led the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine the 1979 Greensboro Massacre through firsthand testimony and court documents, aiming to foster reconciliation between the city and survivors. The commission’s report revealed that KKK and Nazi members had infiltrated the city’s police department as informants, contributing to law enforcement’s lack of response during the attack. It also provided recommendations to prevent such failures from happening again and improve relationships between the city government and its residents.
In 2017, 38 years after the massacre, the city officially apologized for its role in the killings.
In addition to his relentless pursuit of justice following the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, Johnson remained a steadfast advocate for workers’ rights. In 1997, alongside fellow ministers from the Greensboro Pulpit Forum, he played a pivotal role in securing a major contract settlement for employees at the Greensboro K-Mart Distribution Center.
Lewis A. Brandon III, Director of the Grassroots History Project at the Beloved Community Center and close friend of Rev. Nelson Johnson, shared that he first witnessed Johnson’s unwavering dedication to justice when they met during a 1966 demonstration at N.C. A&T.
“What I’ll remember most about him is his humanity. He didn’t see race, color, or ethnicity—he saw people. His mission was always about making life better for those suffering from social injustice,” said Brandon.
At the Beloved Community Center, Johnson, alongside his wife, Joyce, and his colleagues developed initiatives to bring together the homeless, the imprisoned, impoverished neighborhoods, and other disenfranchised groups in the spirit of mutual support and community. Johnson’s work also extended to addressing police brutality, as well as peace between street gangs. He served as spiritual advisor to currently incarcerated Latin King member Jorge Cornell, who shared his deep appreciation for the reverend’s support.
“He was my father, spiritual advisor and mentor. Rev. Johnson is and always will be my hero. People around the world should truly know how special he was -- to me, the community, and to the Civil Rights Movement along with many more accomplishments. So, I say this, don’t be weary. Push on because he still walks with us and justice is right there on the other side,” said Cornell.
Wesley Morris, now Senior Pastor at Faith Community Church, credits much of his growth as a leader to Rev. Nelson Johnson’s mentorship. After graduating from N.C. A&T, Morris began his career at the Beloved Community Center, working under Johnson’s guidance. Over the years, he absorbed Johnson’s teachings, leadership style, and unwavering commitment to social justice. When Johnson retired as senior pastor in 2018, Morris stepped into the pulpit, continuing his legacy.
“What I’ll remember most is his deep love for people, especially those who have been looked down upon in society,” Morris said. “His care for people and injustice was unmatched. He was a strong leader and organizer, respected worldwide, but his heart for Greensboro and his commitment to making this community better is what truly stands out.”
Morris carries with him a piece of Johnson’s wisdom—simple yet profound words that shaped his path: “Just continue to be yourself.”
Remaining a committed voice for social justice and civil rights through the years, Johnson contributed articles to the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Labor and Employment Law and The Witness Magazine, published by the National Episcopal Church. He also served as a Contributing Editor for Black Scholar Magazine, National Chair and Contributing Editor for the African World Newspaper, and Assistant Editor for the Carolina Peacemaker in Greensboro, N.C.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Hobson Johnson, a retired research director and School of Business and Economics faculty member at A&T who worked side by side with Johnson at the BCC. The Johnsons have two adult daughters, Akua Johnson-Matherson, a university administrator and Ayo Johnson, a registered nurse and certified recreational therapist. They are also the grandparents of three granddaughters, Alise, Imani, and Nia, and one grandson, Nelson Josiah.
In a social media post on Monday, the Beloved Community Center noted Johnson’s passing, and quoted the late reverend’s words: “We, the people, must strive to walk toward each other, seeking deep truths, promoting mutual understanding and growing sincere unity, with the fierce urgency of NOW.”
According to the post, the Beloved Community Center has established the Nelson N. Johnson Legacy fund and donations can be sent to The Beloved Community Center; P.O. Box 875; Greensboro, N.C. 27402, and online. Other expressions of comfort may be sent to the family at 12 Mill Creek Ct., Greensboro, N.C. 27407.
Details on funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
