LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bobby J. Johnson upon the occasion of
receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt.
Vernon

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Bobby J. Johnson upon the occasion of receiving the Humanitarian Award
from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt. Vernon; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Bobby J. Johnson has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his community and
profession; and
WHEREAS, A native of Roseville, Tennessee, Bobby J. Johnson is the
seventh child of Edith and Percy Johnson Sr.; there were five girls and
two boys born to this union; and
WHEREAS, Bobby J. Johnson and his brother, Percy, Jr. occasionally
rallied together to deal with their five sisters; Roseville, Tennessee
may have been where Bobby got his beginnings, but the dreamer in him
carried him off to explore the country; and
WHEREAS, After completion of high school, Bobby J. Johnson ventured
north to New York in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after settling in, Bobby J. Johnson attended college
and sought other training courses before joining the United States Army;
after his tours of duty, he accepted employment in Norwalk, Connecticut
with a printing company; and
WHEREAS, During the next 29 years Bobby J. Johnson worked in Norwalk,
at the printing plant and ultimately became the Plant Manager; ever
focused to believe this job was just a stepping-stone to his dream of
entrepreneurship, Bobby utilized his time well to develop management
skills that would carry him far; as Plant Manager, Bobby had to provide
order, as well as be on top of his game; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Bobby J. Johnson opened the African American Club
(AAC); as a private social club for members only; albeit a member's only
club, outsiders were welcome to come in and enjoy the safe, adult atmos-
phere; soon, AAC became Mt. Vernon's own "Cheers" and Bobby assured
everyone a respectful place where as the Cheers theme song goes, "every-
body knows your name"; and
WHEREAS, From the moment Bobby J. Johnson opened the doors, he became
a benefactor to any organization that requested his assistance; whether
it was via donation, as a sponsor, or even as a venue for fundraising,
advertising, and/or campaigning, he would "be there" and/or do these
things as a humanitarian not for recognition; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Bobby J. Johnson has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; organization's close to his heart
include the Mt. Vernon Razorbacks, progressive Lodge No. 64, the mayor's
Annual Gold Outing, and Little League teams throughout Mt. Vernon; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Bobby J. Johnson has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bobby J. Johnson upon the occasion of receiving the Humanitarian
Award from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt. Vernon; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bobby J. Johnson.