Eula Johnson

Eula Mae Gandy Johnson (1906–2001) was an American activist in the civil rights movement. She is known for her work to end Jim Crow segregation in public beaches, schools, restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was considered by many to be the "Rosa Parks of Fort Lauderdale."

Advocacy In 1959, she became the first woman president of the Fort Lauderdale NAACP. In her capacity as president, she filed several lawsuits against public schools to seek equality for black students, as well as fought against separation in public spaces like drive-in theaters. Part of her activism work resulted in the end of segregation at Broward County beaches. Johnson, along with Dr. Von D. Mizell and several NAACP members, organized "wade-ins" at the white only beaches in 1961. The city of Fort Lauderdale sued Johnson for being a public nuisance. After a judge refused the city's request to put a halt to the wade-ins, Broward County beaches became desegregated in 1962.

Awards

1988 Community Service Award, Broward Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, February, 1988 Sojourner Truth Award, Fort Lauderdale Club of Negro Business and Professional Women, May, 1988

Legacy Johnson died in January 2001 at the age of 94.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Hollywood, Florida is named after her and fellow civil rights activist Dr. Von Mizell.