HOLLY HILL - Twelve years ago, William Johnson and his family moved to Holly Hill as part of a business relocation with the former Holnam Inc.

Now the Mississippi native finds himself making history as he prepares to take the oath of office as Holly Hill's mayor - the eastern Orangeburg County town's first African-American to be elected to the position.

"Being the first African-American no doubt is a big achievement; the greater achievement is what I do as mayor," Johnson says. "So I look to four or five years from today. I look to - not so much as being the first African-American - (but) the work we've done and the quality of life and how it has improved," Johnson said. "I am grateful that it happened to me."

Johnson, 58, the son of Everette and Mamie Johnson, attended the public schools of Louisville, Miss. and graduated with honors from Camile Street High School, whose student population was entirely African-American.

He then enrolled at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss., where he earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education in 1974.

That same year, Johnson went to work at a cement manufacturing company in Mississippi, and he and his family were relocated to Holly Hill with the company in 1997.

Four months ago, Johnson retired as procurement manager at Holcim Inc., which is just outside Holly Hill.

Shortly before moving to Holly Hill, Johnson entered the political arena for the first time as a candidate for a town council in Mississippi. His bid was unsuccessful, and he accepted the business transfer to Holly Hill the same year.

"It's always been something I thought I could enjoy doing," he said of serving as a politician.

Johnson's involvement on civic and community boards has kept him busy. Three years ago, County Councilman Johnnie Wright appointed him to the County Economic Development Commission. Johnson also serves as a deacon and trustee at Lovely Hill Missionary Baptist Church, as a member of the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce and as president of the Eastern Orangeburg County Project Cool Breeze program.

He said his decision to enter Holly Hill's mayoral race came as a result of residents urging him to run, coupled with his desire to serve the community.

As a result, Johnson defeated one-term incumbent Mayor Jim Jeffers.

"When I first ran, I was just running. I didn't see it as black and white, as such, in the beginning. I was just running. But the more I ran and the more I thought about it, I thought about what it could mean to Holly Hill," Johnson said.

He said the election of President Barack Obama, the nation's first African-American president, "gave the black race hope and gave them the added encouragement to seek these positions."

"I probably never dreamed that it could've happened - especially to me, and I am grateful that it happened to me. And I don't take it lightly. I take it as being something that, after being given the opportunity, a lot is on my shoulders to prove that as a race, we can prove that we can do the job that needs to be done and I'm willing to do that … it's a job that has to be for the people and it has to be what's right ... ," he said. "My plans are to be fair and to do what's right."

Johnson said he has "no intention of making personnel changes" to the town's staff and he looks forward to meeting with community groups to gather input on issues important to the residents of Holly Hill.

In his spare time, Johnson enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden across the street from his home. He and his wife, Linda, have two children, Byron and Coretta. The Johnsons also have two grandchildren, Amir, 8 and Brandon, 1.

Johnson will take the oath as Holly Hill's new mayor at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, at the Holly Hill Depot. The public is invited to attend.

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T&D Correspondent

Martha Rose Brown can be reached by e-mail at

marfawose@aol.com.

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