Like many great politicians, Eddie Bernice Johnson was often referred to simply by her initials: EBJ. Since becoming the first Black woman and first registered nurse to be elected to public office in Dallas over 50 years ago, she carved out a mighty legacy as a pathbreaker and community leader.
Practically everything she did in her career was a historic first. During her 30 years in Congress, she became the most powerful Democrat in North Texas and a widely known figure in national politics.
After a long and impactful career representing South Dallas’ 30th Congressional District—which she helped first draw as a majority-minority seat—she finally retired from office in 2021. On the eve of 2024, Johnson passed away at the age of 89.
