Willie Johnson

Criminal Justice Activist

“From the moment I stepped into this work, I saw the cracks in the system,” Wille Johnson shared, having spent nearly four decades working to reform a criminal justice system that he says is marred by racial bias and corruption.

“I saw the lives impacted by over-policing, racial profiling and the unchecked power that some individuals wielded within the system,” Johnsonn said. “And I vowed to spend my life working for change.”

Johnson’s advocacy journey has been a long and often arduous one. He stood on the frontlines during pivotal moments in history, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of collective action.

“I’ve been to marches before — marches that shook the foundations of oppression,” he said, his gaze reflecting both memories and a burning sense of purpose. “But this time, at the 60th commemoration, I’m here to shine a spotlight on the white supremacists behind the badge and in office.”

– Alyssa Mark