In a poignant evening gathering, the community of Madison and beyond came together to remember Michael Johnson, the revered CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, whose unexpected death on Sunday night shook many.
On a sunlit Tuesday evening, attendees filled the patio of a community center dedicated to equipping youth with life skills—a vision that Johnson had turned into reality. The air resonated with music and heartfelt tributes, as speakers shared how Johnson’s influence had touched their lives.
Community Remembers a Visionary Leader
Corey Marionneaux, the founder of the Black Men Coalition of Dane County, was among those who paid tribute, expressing deep gratitude for Johnson’s transformative impact on his life. “This brother came into my life, looked me in my eye, seen who I was, respected who I was, trusted me, built value in me, showed me he appreciated me,” Marionneaux shared. “This man could reach to the ghetto, he could reach to the suburbs, he could reach to the kids and adults, he could reach to the philanthropists, as well as people struggling like me, trying to figure it out.”
Since 2010, Johnson had been at the helm of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, where he celebrated the organization’s role in his journey from public housing in Chicago to earning a master’s degree. His tenure saw significant growth, including expansion into the suburbs of Fitchburg and Sun Prairie, and fostering collaborations with local schools. More about his impact can be read here.
Determined to continue Johnson’s mission, board member Chris Fortune declared, “We are not giving up. Michael’s gone; we’re not gone.”
A Lasting Legacy
Notably, Johnson played a crucial role in establishing the first monument to honor a Black leader on state grounds, by leading the initiative to erect a statue of Vel Phillips at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Johnson described the momentous 2024 event as comparable in joy to his wedding day. Further details on the monument can be found here.
Although Johnson’s family was absent from the vigil, they shared a message through Anthony Cooper, a violence interrupter and Johnson’s friend. “While our hearts are surely broken, we find strength in knowing that his legacy lives on through the countless people he influenced in the Madison and Dane County community, which Michael loved extremely,” Cooper read with emotion.
The vigil concluded with Rev. Marcus Allen from Mt. Zion Baptist Church leading a prayer, as attendees held up candles, lighting them one by one. “If we can light one, you can light them all,” Allen remarked, emphasizing Johnson’s contagious passion and the community’s commitment to continue his work.
