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Arthur Leroy Johnson: A Civil Rights Legend Faces Home Turmoil

Golfers representing diversity on the greens, symbolizing the unity and inclusiveness of the sport.

News Summary

Arthur Leroy Johnson, an 80-year-old Jacksonville resident and civil rights advocate, faces financial difficulties threatening his home. Johnson, a notable figure in the golf community, is known for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement. Set to be inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, he is now battling financial strains exacerbated by health issues. With legal assistance, Johnson seeks support from a City Foreclosure Intervention Program grant to secure his legacy and home amidst the ongoing fight for equality.

Arthur Leroy Johnson: A Civil Rights Legend Faces Home Turmoil

Meet Arthur Leroy Johnson, an 80-year-old Jacksonville resident who has left a remarkable footprint in our local Civil Rights movement and the world of golf. While most people know the struggle for equality, Johnson has lived it firsthand, using his passion for golf as a platform for change and advocacy.

A Golfer with a Purpose

Johnson’s passion for golf blossomed in the 1970s and 1980s, a time when he was actively competing in the United Golfers Association (UGA) tour. Founded in 1925, the UGA was a game-changer, serving as a parallel organization to the all-white Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) that largely rejected Black golfers. Johnson worked hard to gain recognition and respect in a sport that, historically, wasn’t welcoming to Black individuals. His dedication led him to attend the PGA tour qualifier school in the early 1980s, where he aimed high and pursued his dream. Proving once again that golf is more than just a game—it’s a passion driven by the heart and spirit for fairness.

Legacy and Recognition

This coming May, Johnson is set to be inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. This honor is well-deserved for an individual who participated in pivotal moments of the Civil Rights movement, such as the historic marches related to the 1964 Monson Motor Lodge protest, standing up against discrimination in all forms, including access to swimming pools. Johnson has worn many hats throughout his life, from being a golfer to an activist, and now he finds himself in a challenging situation as he attempts to save his home and secure his legacy.

A Community in Crisis

Johnson has called his Riverside neighborhood home for nearly 40 years. He purchased his two-bedroom, 1,100-square-foot house in 1986 and has put down significant roots. Unfortunately, after facing serious health issues, including battling prostate cancer, Johnson found himself struggling financially. His once-promising career as the director of First Tee – North Florida was hindered, leading to financial strain and uncertainty surrounding his future home.

With mounting challenges, including a reverse mortgage that began as a $24,000 loan, Johnson has found himself in a precarious position of owing $140,000 after defaulting. Many may not realize that even though reverse mortgages don’t require regular payments, unexpected changes to the loan’s terms can create disastrous financial scenarios for homeowners. Johnson points out a troubling trend—numerous Black homeowners have lost their properties due to similar financial pitfalls linked to reverse mortgages.

The Battle for Homeownership

Currently, a staggering 60% of Johnson’s Social Security income goes toward paying property taxes and insurance. His situation is a stark reminder of the significant disparities faced by minority homeowners. Thankfully, legal assistance has stepped in. A dedicated Legal Aid attorney along with a Housing Counselor are working hard to secure a City Foreclosure Intervention Program grant that could help Johnson navigate through these tough times. However, with a foreclosure sale date looming, time is of the essence for Johnson to hold on to his beloved home.

Fighting the Good Fight

Just as Johnson’s mentor, Frank Hampton, championed the cause for integrating golf courses back in the late 1950s, Johnson’s story resonates with a determination that aligns with the values of unity and resilience. The golf course of today owes much to his and others’ tenacity. Johnson’s experiences of discriminatory practices—like having to order food through a side window at the Brentwood Golf Club instead of being welcomed inside—speak volumes of the fight that still needs our attention, not only in golf but within society as a whole.

In closing, as a golf enthusiast community, we must stand in support of legends like Arthur Leroy Johnson. Through struggles, victories, and the ongoing fight for equality, every swing of the club represents hope. Let’s ensure his story inspires conversations today and keeps the spirit of inclusivity alive on the greens tomorrow.