Henry Johnston

Henry Johnston was the epitome of a civic leader, al- though he never sought or held elected office. A graduate of Washington and Lee University, Johnston held key executive positions in the business operations of The Birmingham News and The Huntsville Times.

As managing director of WSGN radio and WAPI radio and television, Johnston helped these stations grow into powerful and profitable broadcast organizations.

He was a founding member and first president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association. Johnston also served on the Advisory Committee of the Voice of America as well as numerous other boards of civic and charitable organizations.
Johnston's greatest calling, however, was that of public citizen. He served for 24 years as a member of the Jefferson County Personnel Board, providing leadership when the issues of civil rights and race discrimination came to the forefront.

He was also deeply committed to higher education and to helping promising students. Johnston established three scholarship endowments at Washington and Lee; three at The University of Alabama; three at UAB; and one each at Samford and Birmingham-Southern. He also donated funds to The University of Alabama's Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library to buy books and periodicals.

In an editorial after his death in 1985 The Birmingham News wrote, "the services Henry Johnston rendered his community, state, and nation will sorely be missed. He paid his civic dues a hundredfold and more."