Otis Johnson reflects on honor as Savannah Arts Center renamed

Yahoo

28-02-2025

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — He's a man who has dedicated his life to Savannah… shaping its future and inspiring generations.
To the city he is known as Dr. Johnson, to close colleagues he's Dr. J… but back at home he is called Otis. Dr. Johnson has lived in Savannah for the majority of his life… being born at the Georgia Infirmary Hospital in 1942.
'It was one of two hospitals that blacks were able to enter at the time,' said Dr. Johnson.
Since then, his accomplishments and dedication to public service never stopped. In his 82 years of life Dr. Johnson has positively paved the path for future generations to come to Savannah.
Now the city is giving back.
Later today – leaders will honor former Mayor Otis Johnson and recognize his legacy.
The building off Montgomery Street will take on a new name Friday – one that carries decades of leadership and dedication to Savannah. This renamed building not only celebrates Dr. Johnson's legacy but cements his impact forever.
The city is officially renaming the Savannah Cultural Arts Center as the Otis S. Johnson PhD. Cultural Arts Center.
'It is a huge deal and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. Never in my life or during my active career did I ever imagine something like that would happen,' said Dr. Otis Johnson.
A Savannah native – Johnson's journey began in the very neighborhoods he later worked to uplift. He was the second black mayor in the city's history, and a champion for social change. Johnson was the first African American to attend Georgia Southern University's Armstrong campus.
He served more than 5 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve and served as Savannah's 64th Mayor from 2004 to 2012.
Under his leadership… Savannah launched initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and increasing opportunities for young people.
'When I walk past that building in the future and see my name up there. It will hopefully encourage other young people that you can start with humble beginnings,' said Dr. Johnson. 'But that humble beginning does not determine what your end is going to be. To have a major public facility named after Otis Samuel Johnson is a testament to the fact that it isn't where you begin, but where you go in those matters.'
The ceremony is open to the public and is happening at 3 p.m. today at 201 West Montgomery Street. It will include remarks from Johnson himself, along with community leaders.
Dr. Johnson also helped launch Step-Up Savannah, and Healthy Savannah – programs still making a difference today.
'Public service is an honorable profession, and most public servants are paid less than what they could make in the private sector. But they do it because of their commitment to public service. And it's not all about the money, but the rewards are sometimes greater than money,' explained Dr. Johnson.
A long list of accomplishments in his 82 years, and not a moment of rest. Once he retired in 2002, he immediately began preparing to run for Mayor of his hometown. When asked about his future goals, Dr. Johnson said he wants to stay as healthy as he can.
'I'm shooting for 90. I don't want to be greedy. If I make 90, then I'll shoot 100,' said Dr. Johnson with a laugh.
Today's ceremony makes sure; Dr. Otis Johnson's impact is not forgotten.
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