TRIBUTE TO DR. RUBYE J. JOHNSON

TRIBUTE TO DR. RUBYE J. JOHNSON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E101-E102] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO DR. RUBYE J. JOHNSON ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, February 6, 2025 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary leader, a dedicated educator, and a tireless advocate for social justice. Dr. Rubye J. Johnson departed this life on January 30, 2025. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the state of South Carolina and beyond. Dr. Johnson was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, on December 25, 1930. From an early age, she demonstrated a keen intellect and an unwavering commitment to education. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Lancaster Training School in 1949 before earning her degree in English from Benedict College, where she graduated cum laude in 1953. She later pursued advanced studies at Columbia University's Teachers College. Her academic excellence was later recognized with honorary doctorate degrees from Benedict College and Faith Grant College. Dr. Johnson's devotion to education was not merely an academic pursuit--it was a lifelong mission. She began her career as an English teacher, shaping young minds in the public schools of Lancaster, Clarendon, and Sumter counties. Her passion for education and advocacy led her to serve as President of the South Carolina Classroom Teachers' Association. Dr. Johnson's impact extended far beyond the classroom. In 1967, she embraced the call to public service, joining the national ``War on Poverty'' movement as Assistant Director of the Sumter County Economic Opportunity Corporation, later known as Wateree Community Actions, Inc. (WCAI). For 33 years, Dr. Johnson served as Executive Director of WCAT, where she spearheaded transformative programs that improved the lives of thousands. One of her proudest achievements was founding Sumter County's first Summer Head Start Program in 1965 and later expanding it into a year-round initiative for preschoolers across the region. Under her leadership, Head Start services flourished, ensuring that children from low-income families had access to quality early childhood education. Recognizing the broader needs of her community, she also pioneered South Carolina's first rural transit system, ``Operation Bus Stop,'' which laid the foundation for the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority. Dr. Johnson's visionary leadership did not go unnoticed. In 2005, she was awarded the Order of the Palmetto--the highest civilian honor one can receive from the State of South Carolina. She co-founded and led numerous organizations, including the Sumter Phillip Rembert Tuskegee Airman, Inc., the South Carolina Employee Health and Welfare Insurance Company, and the South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships. Her service extended into civic engagement as an [[Page E102]] active member of the NAACP, the Democratic National Committee, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she celebrated 75 years of membership as a distinguished Diamond member. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Johnson was a woman of deep faith. She was a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving in various leadership roles at Mount Pisgah AME in Sumter. Her faith was the foundation of her work, guiding her unwavering dedication to justice, education, and service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Dr. Rubye J. Johnson. She was a trailblazer who not only broke barriers but built bridges for future generations to cross. Her influence will be felt for years to come through the programs she established, the lives she touched, and the example she set. May her legacy continue to inspire us, and may she rest in peace. ____________________