On the recordJanuary 24, 2013
Reverend Johnny Scott has announced his retirement after 31 years as president of the NAACP East St. Louis Chapter. As a faith leader, businessman, civil rights activist, husband and father, Rev. Scott has dedicated his life to justice and equality. He is a man who cares about making sure things are done right. East St. Louis--my hometown--is a better place for Reverend Scott's years of service. A native of Indianola, MS, Johnny Scott went to Mildred Louise Business College in East St. Louis and later LaSalle University in Chicago. He completed his theological studies at the Midwest Theological Seminary. Rev. Scott was working as bookkeeper by trade, when he was approached about serving as president of the East St. Louis Chapter of the NAACP in 1982. He accepted, but didn't expect to be in the role for more than a year. At the time, he believed that it ``was not his type of work.'' It turned out to be exactly his type of work. He kept his office doors open 8 hours a day, 6 days a week for the following 32 years. While he was with the NAACP, Reverend Scott led the effort to create opportunity for and prevent indignities against people of color. He made sure there was scholarship support for thousands of students over the years he served. He played a key role in the U.S. Department of Justice's settlement with the City of Belleville over racial bias in hiring. He helped with sensitivity training for local police.…





