Fond Remembrances of Yvonne Johnson

When I heard about Yvonne Johnson's passing, my heart sank, and I know I am not alone — throughout Greensboro, from living rooms to city hall corridors, we're all feeling the weight of this loss.

As the city's first Black mayor and a dedicated council member for over two decades, Yvonne shaped our community through both policy and personal example. My own encounters with her always left me inspired and uplifted.

I was always struck by her remarkable gentleness. Even when faced with contentious issues or challenging voices at council meetings, she maintained an unshakeable calm, treating everyone with genuine respect and dignity. Her leadership style wasn't just about policy decisions — it was about making every person feel heard and valued.

I'll never forget when she came to the very first GreensboroArtsHub nonprofit exploration meeting. She sat in the front row, nodding encouragingly throughout the presentation, her presence alone lending credibility and hope to our nascent efforts. That was quintessential Yvonne — showing up, supporting new initiatives, and nurturing community growth.

Just two weeks ago, I saw her at the grocery store. As always, she greeted me with that warm smile and took time for a genuine conversation, despite her busy schedule. That was her way — treating every encounter as an opportunity to connect and encourage.

Through her leadership at One Step Further and her political service, she championed important causes. But beyond these tangible achievements, her greatest legacy may be the countless individuals she inspired and mentored, always leading with grace, wisdom, and unfailing kindness.

Greensboro has lost not just a political leader, but a gentle soul who showed us how to lead with both strength and compassion.

We'll miss you, Yvonne.

-- Roch Smith, Jr.
Greensboro Arts Hub