Savannah Standard

City of Savannah officials are set to join community members on February 28 for a ceremony to rename the Savannah Cultural Arts Center in honor of former Mayor Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D. The center will be officially renamed the Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D. Cultural Arts Center.

Dr. Johnson's career in public service has significantly impacted Savannah's socioeconomic landscape by fostering collaboration and connecting communities. He served as the city's mayor from 2004 to 2012, during which he focused on economic development and neighborhood rehabilitation to bridge racial divides.

Dr. Johnson was instrumental in founding initiatives like Step-Up Savannah, Healthy Savannah, and the Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA), aimed at improving the well-being of residents, especially low-wealth families.

A native of Savannah and a graduate of A.E. Beach High School, Dr. Johnson served in the U.S. Navy Reserve before attending Savannah State University and Armstrong Junior College (now Georgia Southern University's Armstrong Campus). In 1964, he became Armstrong Junior College's first African American graduate and later earned degrees from The University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University, and Brandeis University.

His public service record includes serving as Alderman for Savannah’s 2nd District from 1982 to 1988 and leading the Savannah Youth Futures initiative starting in 1988. This initiative developed after-school programs and opened a family resources center with funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

In 2020, Dr. Johnson was appointed chair of the Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Task Force by Mayor Van R. Johnson II to address racial disparities in Savannah across various sectors including criminal justice, economic empowerment, education, environmental issues, health, and housing.

The renaming follows approval by the Savannah City Council on September 26, 2024, based on a recommendation from the Historic Site and Monument Commission.

The ceremony is open to the public at no cost.