A HOMECOMING FIRST

ROSALIND JOHNSON (’75)

It was a windy day in 1973 as Student Government Association President Mike Simpson (’74) placed the crown atop Rosalind Johnson’s afro. As she marched across Fouts Field as North Texas’ frst Black Homecoming queen, Johnson not only broke racial barriers, but she also sparked a shift in what North Texas represented and ignited hope and possibility for future generations of African American students.

“I remember that day like it was yesterday,” Johnson says. “I was the only person of color running and after I won, I was in complete shock. I couldn’t believe it!”

A frst-generation college student in her family, Johnson had known that she was going to be a teacher since the 10th grade.

“Everyone knew that UNT had a renowned reputation for their top education program, and I personally knew that with me attending, I would expand my skills and diversify the job opportunities I could have.”

As a double major in elementary language arts and special education, Johnson had three job ofers before graduating. She spent 43 years cultivating her passion for education by teaching in Dallas ISD and Lancaster ISD until she retired in 2020.

Nearly 50 years from that historic milestone, Johnson afrms, “It was an out-of-body experience. It was no easy feat, but I’ve always been someone who’s determined, so I campaigned hard and won the votes of my peers.”

Allicia Washington-White