Harry E. Johnson Sr., who played a key role in the building of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in the District, has been named chairman of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Advisory Committee by Acting Under Secretary of Commerce Eric Morrissette.
“I am honored to accept this appointment and look forward to working with the Advisory Committee to create opportunities and drive economic growth for minority business owners,” said Johnson. “Together, we will strive to build a more inclusive and prosperous business environment.”
In his new role, Johnson will lead the Advisory Committee in providing strategic guidance and recommendations to the MBDA. The committee will make recommendations to the Secretary on key areas, including access to capital, access to government contracts, and advice on accessing global markets.
Additionally, the committee will help create a data repository to support minority-owned businesses. Johnson’s vision and leadership are expected to be instrumental in advancing the MBDA’s mission to foster the growth and competitiveness of minority business enterprises.
Johnson heads The Memorial Foundation, which has promoted awareness of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and its principles of democracy, justice, hope, and love, and supports its upkeep. From 2002 to 2013, Johnson led the effort to erect the memorial in the District, raising $127 million and dedicating it 2011.
Johnson is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and public servant with teaching assignments at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and its School of Public Affairs. He served as the 31st general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.Johnson is involved in numerous community initiatives and serves on several prominent boards including the AARP Foundation and the National Urban League.
Source: Washington Informer
