The Justice For The Johnsons exhibit is a must-see, here's why:
Who were the Johnsons? Why is there an exhibit at The Historic Huntsville Museum at Harrison Brothers Hardware in their honor?
Who were the Johnsons?
Lou Bertha and Shelby Johnson were born in the 1890s, during the era when the 'separate but equal' doctrine became lawfully established following the Supreme Court's 1896 ruling. Although faced with systemic racial oppression, the Johnsons belonged to a flourishing Black community that centered around Lakeside Episcopal Methodist Church.
The powerhouse couple founded a business in 1920 called the Grand Shine Parlor. This dual business, which offered both shoe shine and dry cleaning services, became well acclaimed as a part of every well-dressed Huntsvilian's life. You could count on Grand Shine Parlor to carefully clean and press your designer-fashioned dresses, suits, and furs while also giving your oxfords and dress shoes their signature shine!
The Johnsons' businesses thrived through nearly two decades. Building on their established reputation, the entrepreneurial couple naturally wanted to expand their enterprises by constructing a new dry cleaning plant on their legally owned property at 801 Franklin Street. As was often the case for African Americans in the 1940s, their plans were hindered by laws. The city of Huntsville enforced new zoning regulations, which threatened the family business.
The Johnsons had already stood up for their rights when the state came against them in 1936, and their case went before an all-white Alabama Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor. Then, a familiar challenge arose in 1946 with rezoning restrictions, and once again, the Johnsons fought against an all-white Madison County jury, which reportedly came to a verdict in less than twenty minutes, deciding in the Johnsons' favor.
As evidenced by the couple's strong influence in Huntsville, the community rallied around them in support as they fought for their rights to open their business. Both times, they stood up for their rights, sending a message to the Black community that justice was achievable but not without a fight. The Johnsons were pillars for change in Huntsville's history and were no strangers to advocating for equality. Their names were signed to numerous public editorials arguing against imposed restrictions on African Americans for swimming and voting.
Why is there an exhibit at The Historic Huntsville Museum in their honor?
The Justice for the Johnsons exhibit tells the story of a couple who would later be seen as a backbone for civil rights change in Huntsville. The Johnsons were well-liked and highly revered among their community, and they created businesses that bettered the city. They demonstrated that it is possible to go up against the court system and win. The Johnson exhibit is meaningful as Huntsville seeks to be a city that provides equal opportunity for all people. The Historic Huntsville Foundation wants the people of our city to know about the civil rights activists who were change agents and fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today.
The significance of 801 Franklin Street runs deep in Huntsville's history. The location had long been a powerful symbol of emancipation and civil rights. It housed Huntsville's first school for newly emancipated African Americans, stewarded by the Freedman's Bureau and called the Rust Normal Institute, named after Richard B. Rust, who was the founder of the Freedman's Society.
Where is the Justice for Johnsons exhibit located?
Nestled on the south side of the historic courthouse square in Huntsville sits Harrison Brothers, owned and operated by The Historic Huntsville Foundation. Established in 1897, it remains the oldest operating hardware store in Alabama. One side of the store features regional and local artists and their handmade wares, while the other side is the Historic Huntsville Museum, featuring historical articles and rotating exhibits.
Hours and days of operation:
The exhibit installation will last until December 31, 2025. The exhibit can be seen Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm.
Location:
124 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL.
5 Reasons to Visit the Johnsons Exhibit
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To see an example of fighting for what you believe in: In the Johnsons' day, it was rare for an African American to encounter a justice issue and find resolve within the judicial system, but the Johnsons proved it could be done.
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To discover multiple stories of courage: While the exhibit uses the Johnsons' story as the focal point, there are other stories woven into the exhibit that demonstrate courage and bravery of Black men and women who fought for their rights, such as Booker T. Washington, the Brandon brothers, Thomas Jennings, Arthur Davis Shores, and more. When visiting the exhibit, you'll find stories of many other people who fought for rights in the same decade as the Johnsons.
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To find entrepreneurial inspiration: The Johnsons' business success story provides inspiration for entrepreneurs, showing how they built a thriving business with the Grand Shine Parlor despite significant segregation challenges.
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To understand the power of community: The exhibit highlights the important role of community in achieving justice, demonstrating how the Johnsons' influence in Huntsville rallied support around their legal battles and how their victories sent a powerful message about the possibility of achieving justice through community support.
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To examine fascinating historical artifacts: This is a broad overview; the exhibit provides extensive newspaper snippets to give a clearer picture of how the Johnsons business served Huntsville. Antique ads from the Grand Shine Parlor are so neat to see!
