Ina L. Johnson has been a resident of New York City since the 1920s. In Brooklyn she attended P.S. 3, P.S. 54 and Junior High School 81. After graduating from Haaren High School, Ms. Johnson held various secretarial positions in New York and Washington D. C. including at the Brooklyn Navy Yard where she met Booker T. Johnson. After a short courtship, they were married at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan in 1943.

The marriage of Booker T. and Ina Johnson produced ten children and Ms. Johnson remained a housewife until 1964 when she reentered the workforce. She also returned to school on a part time basis and received an Associates Degree in Secretarial Sciences from New York City College in 1974 and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in African Studies from Brooklyn College in 1983. In 2003 at age 82, Ms. Johnson received a Master’s Degree in History from Brooklyn College.

Ms. Johnson has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Africa including to Kenya with her daughter, Monica and the Pan African Christian Exchange (“P.A.C.E.”). While in Kenya with P.A.C.E., she earned the respect of the Kenyan people who called her “Mama Monica.” She spoke at rural churches and villages delivering the message that it is important for all children to have an education. She also taught sewing to the women in the villages giving them inspiration and encouragement to start their own businesses.

Ms. Johnson believes in giving back to the community. She has been a volunteer instructor with the Literacy Program of America, a member of the 81st Precinct Community Counsel and the 500 Decatur Street Block Association. She was also a member of Sisters Against South African Apartheid and is past president of the Rosary Society at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.

All who know Ms. Johnson know her to be a loving and nurturing person. She continues to serve as an inspiration to her children and grandchildren, other family members and a host of friends and acquaintances.