CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                                  PROCLAMATION
               HONORING JOY JOHNSON UPON RECEIVING THE 2021
              CUSHING DOLBEARE LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD BY THE
                 NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION

WHEREAS, Joy Amaryllis Johnson is a longtime resident of Charlottesville and a dedicated advocate for
public and low-income housing residents; and,

WHEREAS, Joy co-founded the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR) in 1998 and currently
serves as Chair of the PHAR Board of Directors; and,

WHEREAS, under Joy’s leadership, PHAR has become a nationally recognized model for resident advocacy
and engagement, with a significant track record of accomplishment in influencing policy outcomes by
educating residents about their rights and involving residents in the decisions that affect their lives; and,

WHEREAS, PHAR’s successful effort to engage residents in the revitalization of public housing communities
in Charlottesville through the “Resident-Directed Positive Vision for Redevelopment” has resulted in an
unprecedented level of resident participation and influence in the transformation of South First Street, Crescent
Halls, and conversation about future redevelopment projects; and,

WHEREAS, Joy also served for many years in a critical community outreach role with the Westhaven Nursing
Clinic, ensuring access to essential health care services for low-income households and organizing the annual
Westhaven Community Day and other neighborhood programs and activities; and,

WHEREAS, Joy has served on numerous local and national boards and commissions, consistently bringing an
unparalleled vision and passion for social justice and racial equity to her work; and,

WHEREAS, Joy is a proud mother, grandmother, and a beloved friend to many; and,

WHEREAS, Joy is an inspiration to many community members who are embarking on their journey of
activism to improve the lives of others; and,

WHEREAS, Joy through her unwavering perseverance to housing justice over the past twenty years is an
example of the value that self-sacrifice brings to the lives of others; and,

WHEREAS, for all her tremendous achievements as a community leader and housing advocate, Joy was
honored with the prestigious Cushing Dolbeare Lifetime Service Award by the National Low Income Housing
Coalition on April 28, 2021,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Nikuyah Walker, Mayor of the City of Charlottesville, on
behalf of the Charlottesville City Council, hereby commend Joy Johnson upon receiving the well-deserved
Cushing Dolbeare Lifetime Service Award and thank Joy for her many years of leadership and advocacy;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, in honor of her many contributions and accomplishments, the
Charlottesville City Council hereby declares May 3, 2021, to be “Joy Johnson Day” in the City of
Charlottesville.

Signed and sealed this 3rd day of May 2021.


                                                            _______________________________
                                                            Nikuyah Walker, Mayor