Johnson, Dorothy (January 21, 1916-July 7, 2004)
Dates
- Existence: January 21, 1916 - July 7, 2004
Biography
Dorothy H. Johnson was a Kansas City social worker, civil rights leader, journalist, and mental health advocate. Born in Kansas City, Kansas on January 21, 1916, Johnson attended Sumner High School, where her father, John A. Hodge was principal. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism (1937) and a master’s degree in social work (1960), both from the University of Kansas. Among the various roles she held throughout her career were Journalist for the Kansas City Call, Director of the Department of Health and Welfare for Jackson County, Public Relations Secretary for the Urban League of Kansas City, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Medicine, and as a research associate and consultant for the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Foundation. Dorothy Johnson received numerous honors and awards for her work from organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers, the Mid-America Regional Council, The Central Exchange, and in 2009, a residence hall was dedicated in her name alongside that of her late husband, Herman A. Johnson. In 2015, Johnson was inducted into the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame. Johnson died on July 7, 2004 in Kansas City, Missouri.