North Carolina mourns the loss of first Black mayor Yvonne Johnson
- Yvonne Johnson served nearly 30 years on the Greensboro city council, originally from 1993 to 2009 and then from 2011 until her death.
- She was known for her involvement in civil rights movements and community service, including founding a nonprofit organization in 1982.
- Her passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Greensboro's history, and she is remembered as a champion of justice and a dedicated public servant.
Yvonne Johnson, a prominent figure in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the city's first Black mayor, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. Her death was announced by current Mayor Nancy Vaughan, who described her as one of the city's champions. Johnson's health had been in decline, as she was absent from a city council meeting the day before due to illness, although the exact cause of her death has not been released. Johnson had a long and significant career in public service, dedicating nearly 30 years to the Greensboro city council. She first joined the council in 1993, serving until 2009 when she was elected mayor for two years after winning the 2007 election. After losing her reelection bid in 2009, she returned to the council in 2011 and served until her passing. Her contributions to the community were widely recognized, with officials praising her courage in leadership and her commitment to social justice. In addition to her political career, Johnson was deeply involved in civil rights, having participated in key events such as the 1963 March on Washington and civil rights sit-ins while attending Bennett College. Johnson credited her time at Bennett for sparking her passion for activism and highlighted the impact her experiences of segregation in Greensboro had on her motivations to fight for justice. Throughout her life, she remained an advocate for civil rights and community service. Johnson's family expressed pride in her legacy, describing her as a role model for her children and grandchildren. Her mantra emphasized the importance of service, stating that it is the rent one pays for being on earth. The community retains strong fond memories of her leadership and service, with many mourning her passing and remembering the positive influence she had on the lives of citizens in Greensboro and beyond. Funeral arrangements are pending, and officials expect a significant outpouring of respect and recognition for her contributions to the city.