Labor Leader Dr. Loretta Johnson Emphasizes the Importance of Education at Spring Convocation

Convocation Speaker Calls for Empowering Change Through Education and Unity

 

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(BOWIE, Md.) — Dr. Loretta Johnson, the distinguished secretary-treasurer emeritus of the American Federation of Teachers, delivered a stirring keynote address at Bowie State University’s Spring Convocation, where she shared her personal journey and emphasized the critical importance of completing one’s education, inspiring students with her passion and conviction.

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” Dr. Johnson shared that it resonates deeply with her.

“Labor is not just about work; it’s about dignity, fairness and justice,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that every hand that builds, teaches, nurses and serves is respected, protected and compensated fairly.” 

Dr. Johnson’s path to activism was forged in 1966 when she toiled as a teacher paraprofessional in Baltimore schools, earning a meager $2.25 an hour with no benefits. This humble starting point propelled her into a lifelong commitment to organizing, negotiating and championing the rights of paraprofessionals not only in Charm City but across wider horizons. 

Along her journey, Dr. Johnson had the privilege of crossing paths and collaborating with luminaries of the time, such as A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, who were pivotal in shaping the labor and civil rights movements. Notably, Rustin was the mastermind behind the iconic 1963 March on Washington. 

Dr. Johnson poignantly remarked, “You can’t have economic justice without racial justice,” echoing the lessons imparted by her mentors. She emphasized the need for unity in the fight for change, stating, “They taught me if we want change, we have to be willing to fight for it together.”

Urging the assemblage, Dr. Johnson stressed the importance of mutual support in these trying times, declaring, “We need to support each other now more than ever.” She further extolled the power of knowledge, reminding all present that education is not just beneficial but transformative, having served as the catalyst for countless African Americans to elevate their lives and their communities. 

With a tone of both challenge and encouragement, Johnson said, “Whether you’re a first-generation college student, a student coming back to finally finish, a transfer student or soon-to-be graduate — no matter how you made it here, you must finish.”  

Then, she said, “Never let anyone tell you your education is not valuable. You are the next generation of teachers, doctors, engineers, policymakers, business owners, artists and more. Remember, the struggle you face today is shaping the leader you will become tomorrow.”

Her words left the audience inspired, reinforcing the power of education and collective action in shaping the future.  

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.