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Nellie Stone Johnson
"Next time you feel a whiny mood coming on-politics is corrupt, the schools suck, everything's going to hell in a handbasket and I don't feel so hot, either-skip the Prozac and go instead for a dose of Nellie Stone Johnson. Ninety-five years old and getting sharper every day, Nellie doesn't so much restore your faith in humanity as she demands it. . . . This African-American/Ojibway/German/French hotel worker/seamstress/labor-movement matriarch, this farm kid from Pine County who taught Hubert H. Humphrey about civil rights, this hell-raiser since the Roosevelt administration can tell you a couple of things about what makes a difference. You may not get a chance to see her live . . . so grab a copy of her autobiography. . . . And then quit whining and do something."- City Pages "Johnson's charm and wit in recounting little-known aspects of American civil rights activism will hold readers' attention from the first page through the last."- Washington Post Book World "A fascinating look into the life of a powerful, energetic woman."- Booklist "Brauer skillfully conveys the story of an inspiring and noble woman . . . who has made every minute of her life count."- Publishers Weekly Nellie Stone Johnson currently lives in Minneapolis. She maintained her own business as a seamstress until her early 90s, and continues to be active in politics as a life member of the NAACP and the National Council for Negro Women. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Urban League's Cecil E. Newman Humanitarian Award, and holds an honorary degree from St. Cloud State University. David Brauer is a freelance writer and the Minnesota correspondent for Newsweek and the Chicago Tribune . An award-winning journalist, he is a contributing editor for Mpls.St.Paul magazine.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
234 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2000
1 person is currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 5, 2022
It’s quite a life she led. There’s a lot to think about in this book!
May 11, 2024
Ms. Johnson had an amazing life. I really enjoyed this book until the last couple of chapters. Suddenly, she gets egotistical and self-righteous. Feminists are always wrong, labor people are always right… I’d recommend reading this account of a remarkable woman, but skipping the last couple of chapters.
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July 17, 2020While walking through my service site at Sumner Library, or Open Door Learning Center, you will find a plaque. It is dedicated to one: Nellie Stone Johnson. As a matter of fact, we have a whole room named after her. Just like that room I pass by everyday for work, we are surrounded by the byproduct of her hard work.
For this week's book club, I read "Nellie Stone Johnson : The Life of an Activist" as told by David Brauer. Nellie Stone Johnson held many titles. she was a union organizer, a civil rights activist, and the first Black elected official in Minneapolis. In this book, much like in her life, Johnson told her own story her own way. Although she held many titles, she wanted to be known first as a regular person. It should be noted that not all heroes wear capes, some are regular people like Johnson that make a difference in their communities. Nellie Stone Johnson did just that, despite all odds Johnson worked to make a change in Minneapolis. Her legacy is something to marvel at, a farm girl from Minnesota that changed a whole state. The Minneapolis that we know and love today is a byproduct of the tireless effort by many before us like Nellie Stone Johnson.
In this book, we go through a journey to discover what made her who she became. We learn about her diverse family, and rural up bringing. From reading her story in her own words, you see the talent and skills Johnson was naturally born with. The reader can also see the morals and values that has she carried with her well into her later years. But make no mistakes about it, Johnson doesn't just speak of the past. In the last chapters of the book, she begins to talk about the problems of today. Johnson breaks down problems we have yet to address, and she speaks from a place of experience. Her solutions for the present, still ring true today. That is because her message has always be simple, regular people are capable of doing extraordinary things.
For this week's book club, I read "Nellie Stone Johnson : The Life of an Activist" as told by David Brauer. Nellie Stone Johnson held many titles. she was a union organizer, a civil rights activist, and the first Black elected official in Minneapolis. In this book, much like in her life, Johnson told her own story her own way. Although she held many titles, she wanted to be known first as a regular person. It should be noted that not all heroes wear capes, some are regular people like Johnson that make a difference in their communities. Nellie Stone Johnson did just that, despite all odds Johnson worked to make a change in Minneapolis. Her legacy is something to marvel at, a farm girl from Minnesota that changed a whole state. The Minneapolis that we know and love today is a byproduct of the tireless effort by many before us like Nellie Stone Johnson.
In this book, we go through a journey to discover what made her who she became. We learn about her diverse family, and rural up bringing. From reading her story in her own words, you see the talent and skills Johnson was naturally born with. The reader can also see the morals and values that has she carried with her well into her later years. But make no mistakes about it, Johnson doesn't just speak of the past. In the last chapters of the book, she begins to talk about the problems of today. Johnson breaks down problems we have yet to address, and she speaks from a place of experience. Her solutions for the present, still ring true today. That is because her message has always be simple, regular people are capable of doing extraordinary things.
November 2, 2019
An exceptional nonfiction literature with pages full of stories that can make any readers smile and occasionally sad because of some unexpected events. The book not only covers the life of Nellie Stone Johnson as activist. But also, her fun life in the farms of Dakota and Pine County Minnesota. The book itself is written in a way that young adult can read it easily. It opens its readers mind to the history of activism in Stone’s life and its influence towards her drive to help her community.
Nellie breaks down her book in different parts. Separating different topics. She started by telling readers her experiences with many Authors who wanted to write something about her life as an activist, but she only wanted to talk about her life growing up in a farm in Minnesota. In telling her story she repeatedly mentions the fact that her family never talked about racism. Getting educated was the only way she gained knowledge about many things. Her parents taught the importance of education in the family. Her father taught her to be brave and told her that there is nothing any men can do that she can’t do. He said, “There’s no such thing as boy’s work in this family.” (Johnson 22) Then he added, “Let me tell you something young lady ̶ there’s nothing you can’t do if you make up your mind to do it.” (Johnson 22)
I am not particularly a fan of nonfiction books but this one is by far my favorite book. I love the format of the book. It is in chronological order which for me is helpful because jumping back and forth in an event in a story can get too confusing. I also like that the book is basically mostly biographical information of the Author and not so much as other books that are full of numbers and statistics that are hard for me to comprehend. Although the book has been cataloged in many library systems as Adult Nonfiction it can be an excellent book for young readers ages 12 to 18.
In this book, the Author’s sense of humor can be notice in each chapter. From a story of a three-hundred pounds grandmother. To trying to fight a huge man while poking him with a tiny stick so he could get out of her way. Johnson takes readers into a time in history where she carefully recalls what it was like to grow up in 1900’s. She does this by carefully and in detail that can make any readers wonder how a 90 years old woman could remember things in such details. Then it will all come to the fact that this woman treasures those memories not only in her mind, but also in her heart. This book can be a great resource for those interested in learning more about Nellie Stone Johnson’s life beyond politics. It is a literature of excellent value to the young, old and the next generations to come.
Nellie breaks down her book in different parts. Separating different topics. She started by telling readers her experiences with many Authors who wanted to write something about her life as an activist, but she only wanted to talk about her life growing up in a farm in Minnesota. In telling her story she repeatedly mentions the fact that her family never talked about racism. Getting educated was the only way she gained knowledge about many things. Her parents taught the importance of education in the family. Her father taught her to be brave and told her that there is nothing any men can do that she can’t do. He said, “There’s no such thing as boy’s work in this family.” (Johnson 22) Then he added, “Let me tell you something young lady ̶ there’s nothing you can’t do if you make up your mind to do it.” (Johnson 22)
I am not particularly a fan of nonfiction books but this one is by far my favorite book. I love the format of the book. It is in chronological order which for me is helpful because jumping back and forth in an event in a story can get too confusing. I also like that the book is basically mostly biographical information of the Author and not so much as other books that are full of numbers and statistics that are hard for me to comprehend. Although the book has been cataloged in many library systems as Adult Nonfiction it can be an excellent book for young readers ages 12 to 18.
In this book, the Author’s sense of humor can be notice in each chapter. From a story of a three-hundred pounds grandmother. To trying to fight a huge man while poking him with a tiny stick so he could get out of her way. Johnson takes readers into a time in history where she carefully recalls what it was like to grow up in 1900’s. She does this by carefully and in detail that can make any readers wonder how a 90 years old woman could remember things in such details. Then it will all come to the fact that this woman treasures those memories not only in her mind, but also in her heart. This book can be a great resource for those interested in learning more about Nellie Stone Johnson’s life beyond politics. It is a literature of excellent value to the young, old and the next generations to come.
February 23, 2025
This book was so interesting but I feel like it involved a lot of interviews and sometimes a little repeating. Nellie Stone Johnson is a very overlooked figure in history, when it comes to spearheading labor and civil rights. This story was very informative but at the same time a little dry. I understand it was an autobiography but it didn't feel like it was being told naturally, it seemed very choppy which kind of made it difficult to stay engaged.
Johnson's life itself was filled with important turning events like creating better work conditions for people, dismantling racial barriers in the workforce, and so much more. Although I think these things were important to incorporate in the book I do feel like this book should've been more personal to. The fact that it was not made it a little less engaging. Overall Nellie Stone a very filled and successful life as an activist in civic and labor rights, which is of course an important story to tell but her accomplishments seemed to take away from her own personal story in the book.
Johnson's life itself was filled with important turning events like creating better work conditions for people, dismantling racial barriers in the workforce, and so much more. Although I think these things were important to incorporate in the book I do feel like this book should've been more personal to. The fact that it was not made it a little less engaging. Overall Nellie Stone a very filled and successful life as an activist in civic and labor rights, which is of course an important story to tell but her accomplishments seemed to take away from her own personal story in the book.
December 18, 2023
This was a great history lesson about politics in Minnesota. I enjoyed her voice and agree with her adamant view that equality in education and jobs is so important and being humane is the way to get there. So impressed by her accomplishments and so glad I know about her now.
March 9, 2015
Nellie Stone Johnson (The life of an activist)
The book itself is a little hard to read at times because of the way it’s broken down. While the integrity of what Nellie has to say and how she says it is kept, at times it can be hard to understand. That being said, Nellie is 95 years old at the time of the book being written so, I do take that fact into account.
I’m glad I chose this book as Nellie Stone Johnson grew up right here in Minnesota in Pine County. The detailed account of her childhood is vast and informative. It is clear as a child her father held many civil and public duties that most black men did not. There are accounts of unfair treatment however and Nellie’s father took up issue with any person being treated unfairly for any reason. He formed quite a relationship with the Jewish community because of this. You can see that Nellie gains her interest in such things because of her father.
Nellie is a African American female. She claimed heritage from the Ojibwa as well and I think that is clearly identifiable from her face on the cover of the book. Nellie held many jobs throughout her life and was clearly not afraid of hard work.
She worked hard on the farm as a child. The farms were located in both Dakota County and Pine County. Nellie was used to milking cows, taking care of horses and cooking on the farm too.
Nellie came to Minneapolis in the fall of 1922 after helping out on the farm all summer making 55 gallon barrels of pickles and sauerkraut. She worked as a nanny briefly before getting a job at the ‘Maryland Hotel.’
As young as the age of 13, Nellie seems to starts political career. She later moves on to fighting for women’s rights to equal pay in the late 1930’s. She was also the first black woman to be appointed to office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Nellie became a force to be reckoned with in the labor movement. She helped to organize a union for hotel and restaurant workers across the state of Minnesota. She was a member of the NAACP as well as the National Council for Negro Women.
Nellie’s stories of her friendship with Hubert Humphrey are also fascinating and you just know he must have found Nellie as a beneficial political friend to have.
She received her diploma through extension courses at the University of Minnesota in 1925 and later received an honorary degree from St. Cloud State University. Nellie also speaks of her pride in her scholarship program within MnScu. Nellie was the recipient of many awards including the inspiring award from the Urban League; the “Cecil E. Newman Humanitarian Award.” She was also honored by the city of Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce for distinguished public service.
Want to read
January 17, 2009A Minnesotan of the highest calibre, here long before my parents moved in during the late 50's-early 60's.
From Publishers Weekly
Nellie Stone Johnson is a major force in Minnesota and national politics. In this lucid oral history from Brauer, the Minnesota correspondent for Newsweek and the Chicago Tribune, she modestly reflects on her campaign during most of the 20th-century to improve educational and job opportunities and health care. Johnson recounts her prosperous farm beginnings with a father who organized other farmers in the face of corporate greed, racism and regionalism. One of eight children, she explains the credo of her clan, which refused to be rigidly defined simply by being African-American, as evidenced by her father's involvement in progressive and New Deal politics (largely defined by white, Southern Democrats) at a time when most African-Americans still voted for the party of Lincoln. Influenced by her father's activism, Johnson later became a union organizer, enduring two failed marriages that fell victim to her single-minded devotion to her work. She commends FDR's administration for the commitment to end federal discrimination, but openly admits that racism played a major role in her own decision not to run for Congress. After her union pals ousted her from office because of her left-wing leanings, she became a seamstress while retaining an abiding interest in politics. Age did little to slow her down as she swapped ideas with Thurgood Marshall, served a long stint with the Democratic National Committee from 1979 to 1988, toured Africa and battled with white feminists over the inclusion of women of color in the ERA fight. Brauer skillfully conveys the story of an inspiring and noble woman, still active in her 90s, who has made every minute of her life count.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Publishers Weekly
Nellie Stone Johnson is a major force in Minnesota and national politics. In this lucid oral history from Brauer, the Minnesota correspondent for Newsweek and the Chicago Tribune, she modestly reflects on her campaign during most of the 20th-century to improve educational and job opportunities and health care. Johnson recounts her prosperous farm beginnings with a father who organized other farmers in the face of corporate greed, racism and regionalism. One of eight children, she explains the credo of her clan, which refused to be rigidly defined simply by being African-American, as evidenced by her father's involvement in progressive and New Deal politics (largely defined by white, Southern Democrats) at a time when most African-Americans still voted for the party of Lincoln. Influenced by her father's activism, Johnson later became a union organizer, enduring two failed marriages that fell victim to her single-minded devotion to her work. She commends FDR's administration for the commitment to end federal discrimination, but openly admits that racism played a major role in her own decision not to run for Congress. After her union pals ousted her from office because of her left-wing leanings, she became a seamstress while retaining an abiding interest in politics. Age did little to slow her down as she swapped ideas with Thurgood Marshall, served a long stint with the Democratic National Committee from 1979 to 1988, toured Africa and battled with white feminists over the inclusion of women of color in the ERA fight. Brauer skillfully conveys the story of an inspiring and noble woman, still active in her 90s, who has made every minute of her life count.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
February 23, 2016
This is the story of Nellie Stone Johnson who was a union organizer, civil rights activist and the first black elected official in Minneapolis, MN.
I have mixed thoughts about this book. If I were to rate it on Johnson's story alone, I would have rated it higher because she was a fascinating person who did a lot of great things. It is definitely a story worth being told and she deserves to be recognized. However, if I were to rate it on the delivery of the story, it would be much lower because it is not at all well written. The book is based on a series of interviews with Johnson and is presented as an oral history. Johnson has a tendency to ramble and repeat herself. It could have used a lot more editing and organization. However, despite the presentation, this is an interesting look into the life of an influential and energetic woman and that makes it worth the read.
MDBC February 2016
I have mixed thoughts about this book. If I were to rate it on Johnson's story alone, I would have rated it higher because she was a fascinating person who did a lot of great things. It is definitely a story worth being told and she deserves to be recognized. However, if I were to rate it on the delivery of the story, it would be much lower because it is not at all well written. The book is based on a series of interviews with Johnson and is presented as an oral history. Johnson has a tendency to ramble and repeat herself. It could have used a lot more editing and organization. However, despite the presentation, this is an interesting look into the life of an influential and energetic woman and that makes it worth the read.
MDBC February 2016
July 23, 2007
This book is not by any means well written, but it is well told. It reads like a long ramble from your grandmother- only this grandmother actually has something worthwhile to say. The best parts of this book, to me, focussed on her early union organizing and work for the Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota. The history of the DFL merger was good stuff as well, particularly her memories of Hubert Humphrey. This book is a must for anyone interested in politics and community organizing.
December 27, 2020
Gets off to a slow start, but once Stone Johnson gets rolling, this becomes a useful history of Minnesota progressive politics and activism. Brauer makes an smart choice in leaving himself mostly out of it. A good dose of local history.
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February 15, 2013Could not put it down; she was so strong to stand up to power. We could all learn from Nellie.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews