Black History Month Profiles: Meryl Johnson

This year, for Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Meryl Johnson of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Meryl Johnson is a retired member of the Cleveland Teachers Union, AFT Local 279, with 40 years of teaching experience in the Cleveland Public Schools. Johnson helped new teachers improve their skills and developed workshops on cultural competency and trauma-informed education to empower educators to successfully teach all students. As an elected member of Ohio State Board of Education and as a mentor to Students Promoting Equity and Knowledge, Johnson is a leader in the fight for equity and honest curriculum in Ohio schools.