Herman & Dorothy Johnson

Herman Johnson - 1916 – 2004 

Dorothy Johnson - 1916 – 2004 

Herman and Dorothy Johnson achieved success in numerous endeavors while contributing to institutions and causes that strengthened the social and economic interests of the African American community. Herman Johnson, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, was a graduate of Cornell University. An entrepreneur with interests in real estate appraisal, insurance, and other ventures, he also was president of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP and served in the Missouri Legislature. 

Dorothy Johnson was the first Black woman member of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Kansas, where she earned degrees in journalism and social work. A journalist with The Kansas City Call, she also held leadership positions with the Urban League of Kansas City. Both were among the co-founders of the Local Investment Commission.