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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - In 1972, Rev. Johnnie Johnson Jr. was fired from his job in Albany, Georgia, after speaking out against unequal labor practices. At the time, Black employees were paid less than white employees performing the same work.

Many Black workers were limited to janitorial-type positions and were not allowed to apply for supervisor roles. Segregation extended beyond job titles and pay—restrooms, Christmas parties, and even coffee pots were separated by race.

Johnson decided it was time to take a stand. After he was terminated, roughly 260 Black employees walked off the job, triggering what is remembered as a historic strike in Albany. Johnson later filed a federal lawsuit against the city—and won.

>> Previous Coverage: City of Albany remembers one of city’s most influential civil rights leader<<

Decades later, the City of Albany and the Office of U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop formally recognized Johnson’s impact with a proclamation presented to Rev. Johnnie Johnson Jr. The proclamation was delivered by Albany Mayor Pro Tem Willie Weaver and Christopher Drake from Rep. Bishop’s office.

The recognition also included a portrait unveiling honoring Johnson. His portrait is now displayed in three Albany facilities named for him: the Johnnie Johnson Jr. Public Works building, the Johnnie Johnson Jr. Crew Quarters, and the Johnnie Johnson Jr. Memorial Clinic.

April 19 is officially recognized as Johnnie Johnson Jr. Day in Albany.

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