Charles Johnson
Dr. Charles Johnson, led a remarkable life shaped by his dual roles as a pioneer when he became the first Black faculty member at Duke, and an advocate for the inclusion of additional Black faculty members and medical students. Born on July 28, 1927, on the property of a coal mining company in Acmar, Alabama, he balanced the struggle of race and class in the south. Dr. Johnson's educational path commenced with the attainment of a BS degree in physics from Howard University in 1953. In 1959, he embarked on his medical journey at Howard University, graduating in 1963. In addition to his formal education, he served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, where he rose to the rank of captain. Later, he would complete residency in medicine at Lincoln Hospital and fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Johnson's tenure as the first Black faculty member at Duke University's School of Medicine was shaped by his role as a fighter pilot, instilling in him discipline, resilience, and mental toughness–qualities that proved essential in navigating the challenges he would face as a pioneer in a predominantly white institution. His ability to remain composed under pressure and his determination to excel despite racial barriers were evident throughout his 26 years of service to the Duke Med. Dr. Johnson played a pivotal part in diversifying the institution by serving on the Duke Medical admissions committee. His initiatives within Duke ensured the presence of minority faculty and house staff in every clinical department at Duke, alongside a notable increase in minority medical students. Outside of Duke, Dr. Johnson continued to push positive change on an even wider scale through his appointments as the President of the National Medical Association, his work as a delegate to the 44th World Health Assembly, and more. As a whole, his legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to patient care and his steadfast pursuit of excellence, both as a physician and as an individual. As his son eloquently states, "He was a fighter pilot. He had that kind of mentality, and when you looked him in the eyes, you felt the weight of that."
Interview 1: Charles Denton Johnson
Charles Denton Johnson, PhD, is an Associate Professor of History at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He holds degrees from Morehouse College, NCCU, and Howard University, specializing in African Diaspora, African American, and Public History. Dr. Johnson holds a special relationship with Charles Johnson, MD, as his son and due to his renowned work in public history and commitment to preserving Black history and heritage.
Full Interview Audio:
Interview 1 Topic Log
0:00 Introduction to the interview on Dr. Charles Johnson. Charles Denton Johnson introduces himself and his relationship to Dr. Charles Johnson as his son. 1:10 Charles Denton Johnson gives some detail on Dr. Charles Johnson’s early life. 5:20 Early and late childhood stories with “Dad” and how it was having a physician as a father. 15:39 Detailed background into Dr. Johnson’s path from fighter pilot to later intended nuclear physicist, to becoming a doctor. 31:20 Significant allies to Dr. Johnson 37:31 Him and his fathers’ relationship with Dr. Eugene Stead. Charles Denton Johnson tells a memorable story of him and Eugene Stead. 42:01 The story of Dr. Eugene Stead appointing Dr. Johnson as the first black faculty member, from Lincoln Hospital to Duke. 47:50 How Dr. Charles Johnson brought about change daily. 56:24 How Dr. Johnson supported early Black medical students and served as a supportive father figure for many. 59:37 Backlack Dr. Johnson experienced from his community and the manner in which he dealt with it. 1:04:13 Continuing on how Charles senior created change daily; “staying in character” and remaining resilient. 1:07:52 The average day of Dr. Charles Johnson (his work, hobbies, and how his family saw him). 1:12:19 Charles Denton Johnson’s experience growing up in a community of successful Black professionals. 1:15:49 Dr. Johnsons remarkable bedside manner: how he cared deeply for his patients. A personal story intertwined in race and medicine from Charles Denton Johnson’s youth. 1:20:57 The defining moment of Dr. Johnson’s time at Duke University. 1:23:49 Dr. Johnson’s time as President of the National Medical Association. 1:29:37 How his father’s experiences shaped his own perspectives on the intersectionality of race and health. 1:32:46 The legacy of Dr. Charles Johnson with Duke and beyond. 1:34:57 Dr. Johnson’s involvement beyond Duke. 1:44:13 Dr. Johnson as an activist, advocate, and agent of change. 1:46:40 Final comments from his son.
Link to Full Interview TranscriptInterview 2: Eugene Wright
Eugene E. Wright, Jr., MD, is a Consulting Associate in the Department of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He graduated from Duke University School of Medicine after earning his undergraduate BSE in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University. At Duke, Dr. Charles Johnson heavily influenced Dr. Wright as a significant mentor for him during his time there.
Full Interview Audio:
Interview 2 Topic Log
0:26 Introduction of Dr. Charles Johnson as a part of the project. 1:28 Introducing Dr. Eugene Wright and his relationship with Dr. Johnson 7:16 Stories from Dr. Johnson's time in the medical school. Characterizing his approach to mentorship, making a difference, and patient care. 11:16 Important individuals connected to his legacy. 13:36 Doctor Johnson’s day-to-day. 15:46 Brief discussion of social determinants of health/healthcare 18:01 Dr. Johnsons involvement in programs, including “The Project 2000.” 22:13 Balancing his busy lifestyle. How did Dr. Johnson do it? 24:23 Dr. Charles Johnson’s “tough love” approach to mentorship; his process of trying to create change. 27:39 The decision to be a doctor. (What does it really mean?). 30:05 The experience of a Black medical student at the time. 32:55 Programs Dr. Johnson set forth and the resulting change brought about. 36:35 Dr. Johnson's role in diversifying the medical community beyond Black students. Influences of his early life on his advocating for change. 44:16 The legacy of Dr. Johnson; his large presence in the community and indirect change he brough about. 51:48 Dr. Charles Johnson as an inspiration. 55:20 An aspect of Dr. Johnson often overlooked (family, community, and his character). 59:08 Dr. Johnson as a “celebrity doctor.” 1:01:35 What would Dr. Johnson have to say about Duke as it stand today? (Closing).
Link to Full Interview Transcript