Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Presents
MPR News Staff

A multi-generational plea for social justice activism from Josie Johnson and her granddaughter

Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson
Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson, photographed Dec. 2, 2015. Johnson and her granddaughter Josie Duffy Rice discuss the enduring importance of civil rights and social justice activism, at a 2020 event hosted by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
Doualy Xaykaothao | MPR News 2015

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Josie Johnson and Josie Duffy Rice shared lessons of activism from the past, and talked about the importance of social justice activism today and into the future. Josie Johnson says we “need to figure out how to keep the story going” and “have to remember what our ancestors taught— and what they died for— and keep on keepin' on."

Josie Johnson says that not only do we need more justice, fairness and opportunity, particularly in affordable and safe housing for all, but we need a commitment to believing that social justice work matters and is long-lasting.

She spoke with her granddaughter Josie Duffy Rice about the importance of passing the torch of activism. Josie Duffy Rice said it is easy to get cynical and give up, but that’s not an option. “You can’t decide nothing is going to change.”

Former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton moderated the discussion at an October 2020 Habitat for Humanity event. Former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is the president and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, and he welcomed the speakers and the virtual audience.

Josie Johnson has written her memoir, “Hope in the Struggle.”

Josie Duffy Rice is president of The Appeal.

Sharon Sayles Belton is vice president of government affairs and community relations at Thomson Reuters and is former Mayor of Minneapolis.

You can find a lot more about Josie Johnson in our MPR archive.