Edna Johnson: A Life of Strength, Grace, and Community Leadership
Edna Johnson, a pioneering Black educator, has spent her life shaping young minds and strengthening her community. Born in Glenelg as the 11th of 13 children, she learned the values of hard work, education, and resilience at an early age. After attending Cooksville School and later Harriet Tubman High School, she pursued a career in teaching, overcoming systemic barriers and discrimination to become a respected educator. In 1959, after marrying Walter Johnson, she arrived in Sykesville, a small town where she would build both her family and her legacy. However, she quickly realized that her new home, like many places in America at the time, still carried the heavy weight of segregation and racial prejudice.
"God Loves You Too"
One of her earliest encounters with racism in Sykesville happened during what should have been a simple trip to the grocery store on Main Street. As she entered, she noticed that the store clerks seemed to assume she would be shopping "on tickets"—a practice at the time where Black customers were often not expected to pay in cash but instead placed purchases on credit, sometimes under exploitative terms. The assumption alone made it clear that, in their eyes, she was not seen as an equal customer. But the real test of her resolve came moments later when a tall white man, seemingly offended by her very presence in the store, turned to her and called her the N-word without hesitation.
For many, such an incident might have sparked anger, fear, or a desire to retaliate, but Edna had already developed a deep sense of self-worth, grounded in faith and dignity. Instead of responding with outrage, she looked at the man and calmly said, "God loves you too." It was a moment of profound grace in the face of blatant hate. That phrase, "God loves you too,"became her guiding response whenever she encountered racism or discrimination. Rather than allowing hatred to dictate her actions, she chose to meet ignorance with kindness and strength.
This approach did not mean she ignored injustice—far from it. She understood that true change required action, and she spent her life working to dismantle barriers, whether through education, mentorship, or community leadership. Over the years, as she mentored young Black students who faced discrimination, she shared this story with them. She encouraged them to find their own words of love—a phrase or mindset that would allow them to stand tall against prejudice without allowing hatred to consume them. To her, responding with love was not about being passive but about reclaiming power—a way to show that no amount of racism could shake her sense of self-worth.
Edna's ability to remain steadfast in her values extended far beyond individual encounters. She went on to have an incredible career as an educator, first in Mardela Springs and later in Howard and Carroll counties, where she became a beloved teacher at Freedom Elementary. She also worked in special education, ensuring that children with disabilities received the support they needed to thrive. She founded a tutoring program to help struggling students succeed, always keeping education at the heart of her mission.
Despite the challenges she faced, Edna never allowed discrimination to define her. She became deeply involved in community leadership, mentoring, and church activities, inspiring generations of young people to rise above adversity. Her commitment to service was recognized in 1999 when she was named Woman of the Year at Carroll Community College. Even today, she remains a guiding force, reminding those she coaches that when faced with discrimination, they have the power to respond with love, dignity, and resilience.
Edna Johnson’s story is not just one of personal triumph—it is a lesson in grace, faith, and the quiet power of courage. Her unwavering belief in the goodness of people and the transformative power of love continues to inspire those who have the privilege of knowing her.
Support Black History Month Initiatives at the JEDI Fundraiser
On February 18th, you can honor stories like Edna’s and help support Black History Month initiatives by joining the all-day fundraiser hosted by The French Twist Café and The Local Motive. This is more than just a day to enjoy delicious food and drinks—it’s an opportunity to uplift the voices and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our community.
A portion of the day’s proceeds will go directly to the JEDI Committee of the Downtown Sykesville Connection, funding impactful programming that fosters inclusion, understanding, and meaningful change.
📍 Where: The French Twist Café & The Local Motive
📅 When: February 18th, All Day
🌟 What: Enjoy amazing food and drinks while supporting community-building efforts.
Sykesville is a town that thrives on togetherness, celebrates diversity, and values the beauty in every story. Come eat, enjoy, and empower—because each meal and every sip makes a difference.
A huge thank you to The French Twist Café and The Local Motive for their generosity and commitment to making our community stronger. We hope to see you there!
💬 JEDI Committee Meeting Reminder: This month's JEDI Committee meeting will take place during the fundraiser at The Local Motive at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be a little different, offering a more casual setting to connect and discuss ongoing initiatives. If you've been wanting to get involved, this is the perfect time to join the conversation!
We hope to see you there!
