Remembering the Legacy of Eddie Bernice Johnson: A Trailblazer in STEM and Social Justice
Author: M. Saine II, Communications Manager, NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance STEM Opportunities in Prison Settings (STEM-OPS)
It is with heavy hearts that we at STEM-OPS share news of the passing of Eddie Bernice Johnson, the namesake of our National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES grant. Her legacy has provided a profound impact in STEM, healthcare, and social justice.
Eddie Bernice Johnson was born on December 3, 1934, in Waco, Texas, to Edward Johnson and Lillie Mae White Johnson. From an early age, she aspired to a career in medicine, despite facing discouragement from a high school guidance counselor who deemed it impossible due to her gender. Undeterred, she graduated with her nursing certificate in 1955 and became a civil rights activist in the 1960s, defying expectations and breaking barriers. Eventually, she made a career in politics, becoming a Congresswoman and the founder of NSF’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES National Network.
NSF’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES National Network is a powerful force uniting educational institutions, individuals, alliances, pilot programs, and federal agencies nationwide. Its mission is to dismantle inequitable systems, ensure accessibility and inclusivity, and broaden participation in STEM education and careers.
We had the privilege of hearing her speak at NSF’s 2023 Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES National Network convening, where she shared insights into her childhood, upbringing, and the profound impact on her future legacy. Woven with a rare wit and charm, she illuminated her childhood and upbringing, offering insights into the formative experiences that have enriched and supported her remarkable life.
President Joe Biden aptly acknowledged her dedication, stating, “Eddie Bernice Johnson was a dedicated nurse, state legislator, and longtime U.S. congresswoman with immense courage and a commitment to the promise of America. She had unwavering dedication to the people of North Texas.” More than that, she was the founder and namesake for the NSF’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES National Network.”
Through our partnership with the NSF’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative, we are proud to be part of her legacy. We remain committed to working toward a diverse, equitable, and inclusive STEM ecosystem, with a specific focus on justice-impacted individuals. In honoring her memory, we continue the journey she began, striving for a world where everyone has equal opportunities in STEM and beyond.
