By Lawrence Vaughn
Correspondent
I Messenger Media
DALLAS — Community members, elected officials, family, and educators gathered recently in Dallas at Gilley’s Music Hall, to honor a long-time legislator with the unveiling of the Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway, celebrating her decades of public service and trailblazing legacy.
Johnson, who represented North Texas for five decades, was remembered not only as the first registered nurse elected to Congress but also as a fierce advocate for education, science, and equity.
Speakers highlighted her reputation for diligence and compassion, noting her many firsts: the first Black woman from Dallas elected to public office, the first African American and first woman to chair the House Committee on Science, and a leader who secured $700 million in federal grants to expand Dallas’ light rail system to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
“Eddie Bernice Johnson, for me, was my hero. Growing up, she worked at the Dallas VA with my mother,” said Diane Ragsdale, former Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.
I heard the stories about what these women were doing in their space and making sure things were done right,” said Nicole Raphiel, former DeSoto councilwoman. “The role she played was an inspiration for me as a council member. Service and innovation are everything to me. I am so honored and thrilled to be here.”
Others reflected on Johnson’s role as a mentor and model of leadership.
“When I ended up running for Congress, we ran on the idea of passing the torch,” said U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, in a video presentation. “There are many torches burning all around Dallas County and beyond because of the late, great Eddie Bernice Johnson.”
The highway dedication cements Johnson’s place in Texas history, linking her name to the community she tirelessly served.
“Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway is more than just a roadway. It is a lasting symbol of her tireless commitment to transportation, infrastructure, and public transit,” said her son, Kirk Johnson. “The memorial highway will run along Highway 67, starting in Duncanville, passing through Cedar Hill, and ending in Midlothian.”
