News Summary
Arthur Leroy Johnson, an influential figure in Jacksonville’s Civil Rights movement and undefeated golfer, faces severe financial challenges. As he prepares for his induction into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, he struggles with a reverse mortgage issue that threatens his home. Johnson has devoted his life to advocating for equity in golf and community support, grappling with health issues and mounting financial burdens that highlight the disparities faced by minority homeowners.
Arthur Leroy Johnson: A Civil Rights Legend Faces Home Turmoil
Meet Arthur Leroy Johnson, an 80-year-old Jacksonville resident whose contributions to the local Civil Rights movement and the world of golf are nothing short of inspiring. While many of us may understand the struggle for equality, Johnson embodies that fight, using his love for golf as a platform to advocate for change.
A Golfer with a Purpose
Johnson’s passion for golf took root back in the colorful 1970s and 1980s. During this vibrant era, he was a fierce competitor on the United Golfers Association (UGA) tour—an organization born out of necessity in 1925 to provide opportunities for Black golfers who were largely excluded from the all-white Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). His journey was not just about swinging clubs; it was about carving out a space in a sport that hadn’t always welcomed him or his peers with open arms. Johnson even set his sights high, attending the PGA tour qualifier school in the early 1980s to pursue his lifelong dream. This wasn’t simply a pursuit of a scorecard; it was a heartfelt manifestation of fairness and hope.
Legacy and Recognition
This coming May, the golf community will honor his dedication as he receives induction into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. This accolade is well-deserved for an individual who stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement, participating in historic events such as the 1964 Monson Motor Lodge protest, which took a stand against discrimination, including the unjust treatment at public swimming pools. Although he has donned many hats throughout his life—as a golfer, activist, mentor, and now a homeowner in distress—his current battles are not where anyone wants to find themselves, especially a man with such a rich legacy.
A Community in Crisis
For nearly 40 years, Johnson has called his Riverside neighborhood home. He bought his two-bedroom, 1,100-square-foot abode in 1986, deeply rooting himself in both his community and the challenges it faces. Unfortunately, the triumphs of his earlier years took a hit when he faced serious health issues, including a battle with prostate cancer. His once-promising career as the director of First Tee – North Florida faced obstacles, leaving him in a vulnerable financial state, putting the ownership of his beloved home in jeopardy.
His financial troubles were exacerbated by a reverse mortgage that started as a $24,000 loan but has ballooned to a staggering $140,000 due to defaulting. It’s crucial to note that even though reverse mortgages don’t require regular payments, unexpected changes in the loan’s terms can lead homeowners into treacherous financial waters. Johnson has observed a troubling trend in the community: numerous Black homeowners facing similar predicaments, having lost their properties to such financial pitfalls.
The Battle for Homeownership
Currently, Johnson finds himself in a tough spot where a whopping 60% of his Social Security income is directed toward property taxes and insurance. His circumstances serve as a glaring reminder of the daunting disparities faced by minority homeowners across the nation. Luckily, dedicated legal support has entered the scene—a committed Legal Aid attorney and a Housing Counselor are striving to secure a City Foreclosure Intervention Program grant that could help Johnson navigate these turbulent waters. However, with a looming foreclosure sale date set for March 19, time is of the essence for this champion of equality.
Fighting the Good Fight
Johnson’s journey resonates deeply, echoing the path forged by his mentor, Frank Hampton, who fought valiantly for the integration of golf courses back in the late 1950s. Johnson’s experiences with discrimination—including having to order food through a side window at the Brentwood Golf Club rather than being welcomed inside—highlight the ongoing challenges not just within the realm of golf, but within society as a whole that we must continue to address.
In closing, as a community of golf enthusiasts, it’s essential that we rally in support of legends like Arthur Leroy Johnson. Each swing of the club represents not just a game, but a story woven with struggles and victories, a reminder that the spirit of inclusivity must remain alive both on the greens and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
- Jacksonville.com: JAGA Celebrates 2024
- Google Search: Golf History
- First Coast News: Youngest Player in Korn Ferry Tour
- Google Scholar: Golf and Civil Rights
- The Golf Wire: AGM 2025 Platinum Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Jacksonville.com: Billy and Brittany Horschel Award
- Google News: Arthur Leroy Johnson
