HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. MICHAEL JOHNSON

On 2026-07-22, Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. MICHAEL JOHNSON" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. MICHAEL JOHNSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E726] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. MICHAEL JOHNSON ______ HON. MARK POCAN of wisconsin in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and service of Mr. Michael Johnson, who passed away unexpectedly this year. Michael Johnson was a member of the Dane County community for many years and spent his life dedicated to improving equality and higher educational prospects for young people in his city and state at large. Michael grew up in Chicago, honoring the Boys & Girls Clubs of his youth for providing him with a safe space and opportunities to grow beyond his neighborhood. After his graduation from Cornell University, Michael climbed the ranks of many non-profits in the Midwest before settling in Madison where he spent 17 years working tirelessly to close youth opportunity gaps in education and the skilled trades. In his role as President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Michael endeavored to raise over 50 million dollars for projects such as the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, a hands-on skilled trades training and career center, and was a key leader in the largest public-private partnership in the history of the Madison Metropolitan School District. Michael played a profound role in the development of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, quadrupling the number of students and families served in the area--his aspirations were never small, nor did they relent at the walls of his organization. Colleagues and friends of Michael recognized how his vision and generosity for the state extended beyond closing the education gaps and providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Michael talked extensively with youth protestors in downtown Madison and campaigned for the construction of a statue of Vel Philips, the first woman and African American elected to a statewide office to be erected on the grounds of the Capitol, where it stands today. He was a passionate advocate of challenging assumptions and the need for equity and representation in the state. Michael was a Champion for Children, honored in his life with the Boys & Girls Clubs Heart and Soul Award, the highest recognition of local executives in the organization, as well as the Hometown Hero award in the Wisconsin State Assembly for his courage and conviction in pursuit of a more equitable world. He is survived by his wife, Toya, and three children. Michael will be dearly missed by the Dane County and greater Wisconsin communities for his extraordinary leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to his important work. ____________________