Nominating Organization: Family Service Center of Galveston

Title: Founder, Nia Cultural Center

Cheryl “Sue” Johnson has worked tirelessly in the Galveston community – working for over 27 years at UTMB as the Assistant Director of Respiratory therapy, and founding the Nia Cultural Center, a community-based non-profit organization, incorporated in 1992. Sue works to reinstate the role of family and community in their responsibility to strengthen and improve the quality of life for children and youth of color by preparing them academically, culturally, mentally, and physically to attain productive futures. Since 2007, Sue has ensured that Nia has been the sponsor on Galveston Island of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School, a six-week summer literacy, parent involvement, and social action program for you, ages 5-18. Nia also provides community-based training in diversity, events that celebrate Black History and Kwanzaa, and has a shared vision of successful development of all of Galveston’s children and youth. Sue is a tireless advocate for the advancement of individuals of color and takes an active role in planning and implementing Juneteenth and Black History celebrations on Galveston Island.