Derrick Johnson, the current President and CEO of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), has been a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights and social justice
1
. Since taking on the role in October 2017, Johnson has led the organization through a period of re-envisioning and reinvigoration, focusing on addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for marginalized communities
1
.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Johnson attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and later earned his Juris Doctor degree from the South Texas College of Law
2
. His career has been marked by a commitment to public service and advocacy, including founding the Mississippi nonprofit group One Voice Inc., which aims to improve the quality of life for African Americans through public engagement
2
.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the NAACP has launched several impactful campaigns, such as the “Log Out” Facebook Campaign in 2018, which pressured Facebook to address disinformation targeting Black Americans, and the “We Are Done Dying” campaign in 2020, which highlighted racial disparities in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic
1
. These initiatives have brought attention to critical issues and pushed for meaningful change.
Johnson has also been vocal about the need for racial justice in various contexts, including condemning the burning of Black churches in Tennessee and Louisiana and testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to Attorney General William Barr’s nomination
1
. His advocacy extends to economic justice, as he has called for expanded Medicaid eligibility and affordable health insurance options
1
.
In addition to his work with the NAACP, Johnson has been involved in various fellowships and training programs, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
1
. His dedication to civil rights and social justice has made him a respected leader in the fight for equality.
For more information on Derrick Johnson and his work with the NAACP, you can watch this YouTube video.
Is there anything specific you would like to know more about regarding Derrick Johnson or the NAACP?
1
naacp.org
2
en.wikipedia.org