Battling bronchitis -- not the ideal circumstance for a one-on-one discussion, and yet it was not used to delay take-off time or a ticket used to “getaway”. Instead, it was not until we had both boarded the interview and taken off that I later heard some difficulties and she explained with her apologies her week-long struggle. Concerned, I interpreted this to mean there is some extra carry-on luggage that might get in our way. Yet we both buckled in and continued the flight.
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson knows well what a battle entails. Currently serving her 10th term, Congresswoman Johnson has already launched and ready for another. Not tired yet?
What I most wanted to find out were her keys to longevity, which are always more about the motivation within than the battle without. So, no caparisons to other candidates here; just an up close and personal talk with someone who has some frequent flyer miles.
“When I grow up I want to be a politician” was not a phrase that drove Congresswoman Johnson. It was the encouragement of others who recognized her civic action and unwillingness to simply look away and say “someone [else] will get to it.” It’s one of those “calls” that was always meant to be your purpose and at last you said “here am I, send me”.
Along the way, there are bound to be some technical difficulties, questionable weather conditions, and just the ordinary discomfort of the air pressure decreasing and increasing with the transition of altitudes. Any malfunction or presumed malfunction is scrutinized. Being under this type of microscope, how does one cope?
“You will always have snipers and critics,” Congresswoman Johnson responds. “And yet, you will always have positive people who will believe in you, too. Her mentors include women and men from civil rights leader A. Maceo Smith to Rev. Zan Holmes, retired pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church of Dallas.
Congresswoman Johnson offered her insight on another leader, history-making President Barack Obama.
“In my judgment, we have a much directed President focused on the needs of the people,” she remarked. “He’s bright and capable. He has had to deal with more economic problems in recent history than any president before him. He’s dealt with everything as well as one can, notwithstanding all the venom he has had to suffer. He is worthy of reelection.”
As we continued our talk, I wanted to pinpoint what it takes to be a leader. In her response two words rang out: Confidence and courage. “Confidence in setting goals,” Congresswoman Johnson said, “and the Courage to carry them out.”
Issues that are dear to her include (among others) fairness, equality, proper opportunity for those seeking it, neighborhood improvement, housing, jobs, and education. However, is there one issue that stands out most?
“Never is there just one thing that is the answer to all people,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “I have not had the luxury to focus on just one thing.”
Now there is a long list of accomplishments, titles, and firsts for Congresswoman Eddie B. Johnson from Dallas County to Washington, D.C. Included among those are her current standing as ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and her strong support of small businesses in Dallas. These, and other facts, may be found on her website.
As I thanked Congresswoman Johnson for “traveling” with me that Wednesday before Christmas, I asked her what she would like to be known for. She replied that she wanted her area to get any attention it needs to make it a better place to live.
So simple. Honestly, I expected more -- but later, I experienced the aftershock of the magnitude of how mission-packed that statement actually was.
A week later I read these words from Rosa Parks in the book Quiet Strength: “I want to be remembered as a person who stood up to injustice, who wanted a better world for young people; and most of all, I want to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted others to be free. And my fight will continue as long as people are being oppressed.”
Sometimes we recognize the magnitude of the impact of people much later, when in fact no matter what side of the street we are on, respectfully acknowledging the steps one has taken is simply the right thing to do.
Our Respects,
Southern Dallas County Business and Living Magazine
