Ronn D. Johnson, interim president of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc., has been named president and chief executive officer of the human services organization. In a release that also announced events in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and King's "I Have a Dream Speech," Paula Squires, board chair, said Johnson "brings a...
Ronn D. Johnson, interim president of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc., has been named president and chief executive officer of the human services organization.
In a release that also announced events in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and King's "I Have a Dream Speech," Paula Squires, board chair, said Johnson "brings a wealth of leadership experience and talent to the organization, which will greatly benefit the people in the community that we serve.”
Johnson, president of R.D.J. Associates in Springfield, and former MassMutual executive, said he looks "forward to working with" the board of directors "to advance the organization's strategic plan."
“Today, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream is still relevant and the hopes, dreams and needs of today’s urban families are clear,” said Johnson, who will head a faith-based organization dedicated, at its inception more than 25 years ago, to advancing the legacy of King who visited Springfield in 1965.
“We see the disparities widening in education, employment, and health – yet we are committed to finding solutions that will close the gaps that will move the organization from the past to the future."
Referring to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington on Aug. 28, he said, this is the time when "we must all reflect on the question, ‘Where do we go from here?’ We must continue to make Martin Luther King’s dream a reality in our communities and beyond.”
The release said the Springfield-based organization, which is located at 106 Wilbraham Road, is looking to "focus on sustainability, strategic partnerships, program development and expansion, and community engagement that will positively impact the community."
“We will continue the work to stabilize community families and especially youth through varied activities,” Johnson said.
Johnson has had a variety of community-based positions including director of community responsibility for MassMutual, and vice president of Child and Family Services at the Center for Human Development. He serves on more than a dozen boards of directors, as moderator of St. John's Congregational Church and as an executive committee member of Community Music School of Springfield.
He received his bachelor's degree from Western New England University, attended University of Connecticut School of Social Work and earned a master's degree from Cambridge College.
In 2012, he was one of the recipients of the prestigious Human Relations award from the National Conference for Community and Justice of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
“To me, this new role is more than just and executive position,” Johnson said.
"Together, the decisions made with the board, will define the legacy of not only the MLK Family Services, but also the families and youth it serves. I am a part of this community, from my birth here in Mason Square to my church days at Martin Luther King Presbyterian Church, education at local educational institutions, community activities in the area with my children and numerous social connections. I look forward to taking on this official role as resident and CEO, and sustaining the organization for future generations."
The list of events the organization is sponsoring, with community partners, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington are as follows:
Aug. 26 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Book Give Away for youth who participate in organization's afterschool programs. These youth will receive a book, compliments of Links to Libraries, Inc., the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence, 285 Dorset St., or Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 3 Rutland St.
Aug. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m., Panel: “A look at where we’ve come from and the work that lies ahead." with state Rep. Benjamin Swan, the Rev. Talbert W. Swan, II, pastor of Spring of Hope Church Of God In Christ, and Frank H. Buntin, former head of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Aug. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Panel: “The Political and Social Significance of Black Music throughout the Struggle for Equal Rights” Moderated by Daryll Moss and Victoria Rowe, of Springfield Technical Community College's WTCC radio‘s “The Outsider Show,” and with panelists Cleveland P Jones, Berklee School of Music in Boston, Kevin Harewood of Edclectic Entertainment, Kareem Kynard, local rap artist and community activist. Music by Kevin Spivey ( DJ KLS). Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
Aug. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Showing of a PBS documentary about the March on Washingotn. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. United Way of Pioneer Valley "Day of Caring" Upgrading of interior and exterior grounds at Martin Luther KIng Jr. Family Services.
Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. Anniversary celebration parade Starts at Rebecca M Johnson School, 55 Catherine St., to Blunt Park, 1492 Roosevelt Ave.