Hope in the Struggle: The Josie Johnson Story

By Jennifer Robinson / Web Producer

Published January 29, 2026 at 10:24 AM PST

September 29, 1971 First black regent sworn in at 'U' Mrs. Josie Johnson, 40, center, a University of Minnesota instructor who is the first black to serve on the Board of Regents, was sworn in Friday. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. LoAnne Thrane, 37, Chanhassen, who is active in Republican politics, also sworn in yesterday, were elected Thursday. Regent Lyman Brink is at left; at far right is Laurence Lunden, 'U' vice-president and consultant to President Malcolm Moos. May 14, 1971 May 15, 1971 June 3, 1971 September 26, 1971 October 20, 1971 October 27, 1971 October 3, 1973 October 4, 1973 Donald Black, Minneapolis Star Tribune

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"Hope in The Struggle: The Josie Johnson Story" is a documentary that reflects on the life of freedom fighter and civic leader Dr. Josie Johnson, who fought for fair housing, education, and civil rights.

Hope in The Struggle: The Josie Johnson Story

Hear in her own words how her lived experiences turned her to activism, what meaningful action looks like, and how the next generation is taking up the mantle. The battle for justice and equality continues, but this film reminds viewers that there is hope in the struggle.

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March on Washington 1963 - The photo features Josie Johnson in the center. Woman on the right is Zetta Fedder. Other woman is unidentified. A few of the marchers have said that they had no idea how many people were going to attend the march until they started walking and saw all of these groups of people converging together at the same time on the Mall--they describe this as exhalting and quite spirited--many were breaking out into song.

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January 19, 1973 Regent Josie Johnson speaks at 'U' antiwar rally Josie Johnson, left, a University of Minnesota regent, was one of the speakers at an antiwar rally Friday in the main lounge of Coffman Union at the University. About 125 Persons heard Mrs. Johnson and State Sen. Allen Spear, A DFLer, speak against President Nixon's Vietnam policies. The Student Mobilization Committee, sponsor of the rally, announced that at demonstration will be held today at the State Capitol to coincide with Mr. Nixon's inauguration. Photo taken January 19, 1973 by John Croft, Minneapolis Star Tribune

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Hope in the Struggle: The Josie Johnson Story

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