Savannah Renames Cultural Arts Center in Honor of Otis S. Johnson

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Community members gather to celebrate the renaming of the arts center in honor of Otis S. Johnson.

News Summary

In a heartfelt ceremony this past Friday, the Savannah Cultural Arts Center was renamed to honor former mayor and civil rights advocate Otis S. Johnson. The event celebrated Johnson’s lasting impact on the community, featuring a portrait and educational exhibit about his legacy. With over 100 attendees, including former mayors, the ceremony highlighted Johnson’s significant contributions to Savannah’s arts, education, and community development.

Savannah Celebrates Legacy with Renaming of Cultural Arts Center

In a heartfelt ceremony held in downtown Savannah on Friday afternoon, the Savannah Cultural Arts Center has been officially renamed to honor the beloved former mayor and civil rights advocate Otis S. Johnson. Now, visitors to the center can enjoy not just the vibrant arts it offers, but also a significant piece of Savannah’s history represented in its new name.

An Emotional Tribute

The big moment came as Otis Johnson’s name was unveiled, beautifully stretched across the large wall outside the entrance to the center. Inside, guests were treated to a stunning portrait and an educational exhibit highlighting Johnson’s impactful legacy, making this more than just a ceremony—it was a celebration of a life devoted to community service.

Otis Johnson expressed his feelings of gratitude for having his contributions recognized while he’s still alive. He has proudly called Savannah his home, dedicating his professional life to improving the community for everyone. This personal touch added a profound warmth to the event, making it even more special for all who attended.

City Council Initiative

The initiative to rename the center came from the Savannah City Council in September 2024, with the current Mayor Van Johnson, who is not related to Otis, leading the charge. Mayor Van Johnson emphasized the significance of honoring living legends and even wore a tie gifted to him by Otis on the night of his own first mayoral victory, symbolizing the ongoing mentorship and support between the two leaders.

A Celebration of Community

Over 100 people gathered for this milestone event, including all the living former mayors of Savannah, such as Edna Jackson and Eddie DeLoach. The ceremony wasn’t just about speeches; it featured live performances by well-known Savannah artist Huxsie Scott and touching remarks from local jazz legend Teddy Adams. These musical interludes and words of praise truly captured the essence of Otis Johnson’s influence on Savannah’s music and arts scene.

Significant Contributions

Otis Johnson’s impressive resume includes serving as Savannah’s mayor from 2004 to 2012 and as a second district alderman before that. He was a founding force behind many important initiatives, such as Step Up Savannah, Healthy Savannah, and the Neighborhood Improvement Association. All these efforts focus on uplifting low-wealth families, which speaks volumes about his commitment to equitable community development.

His academic journey is equally remarkable—Johnson graduated from Alfred Ely Beach High School in 1960 and was the first African American graduate of Armstrong Junior College (now Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus). He has also earned degrees from the University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University, and even a Ph.D. in social policy and management from Brandeis University. His role as a professor and dean at Savannah State University further underscores his dedication to education and mentorship.

Vision for the Future

Mayor Van Johnson showered praise on Otis Johnson’s unmatched contributions to the city, encouraging the community to celebrate impactful lives in real time instead of waiting until it’s too late. The vision laid by Johnson is clear—an improved Savannah with better affordable housing and expanded educational opportunities for future generations. His hopeful outlook continues to inspire many.

A Hub of Arts and Culture

Opened in 2019, the 39,000-square-foot Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a focal point of the community, reflecting Otis Johnson’s deep commitment to collaboration and artistic expression. This renaming ceremony wasn’t just about reflectively looking back but is also an invitation to look forward. The event was free and open to the public, further highlighting Savannah’s connectedness and civic pride.

As the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center takes its place in Savannah’s history, it stands as a testament to the legacy of one man’s commitment to his community and serves as a beacon for future growth and unity.