Heroes: Murray T. Johnson, Greg Brown

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Community Heroes are individuals who offer their passion, strength and talent to improve their neighborhoods, benefiting people who may never know them by name, but who will reap the rewards of their work. The Community Heroes for Washington Park are Murray T. Johnson and Greg Brown. They were selected, along with 26 others from across the city, by the New Communities Program lead agencies and their partners. Congratulations to these extraordinary "ordinary" people for their steadfast commitment to improving Chicago neighborhoods.

MURRAY T. JOHNSON

Murray Johnson NCP Head Shot

Photo: Tasha Baker

A resident of the Washington Park neighborhood for 56 years, Murray Johnson understands the challenges facing his neighborhood and the importance of resident-driven change. Under Murray 's leadership, the Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA)—the first organization led by community members in the area—was created in 2003. One of Murray 's greatest accomplishments through the WPNA has been instilling a sense of community pride in others, and empowering residents to voice their opinions about how to improve Washington Park . Murray has been married to Willie Johnson for 45 years, and has five sons and 10 grandchildren. He is also a trustee at the Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and president of the 5800 Wabash Block Club.

GREG BROWN

Greg Brown

Photo: South Side Community Federal Credit Union

Greg Brown, president/CEO of South Side Community Federal Credit Union, believes that economic empowerment is the first step toward alleviating poverty. With Greg at the helm, the Credit Union serves as a neighborhood based alternative to currency exchanges, payday lenders and high-cost financial services in the area. The Credit Union, the first and only community development credit union in Chicago owned and managed by African-Americans, offers financial education classes, free homeownership workshops and one-on-one counseling to Washington Park residents. Greg sits on the board of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions and the Bronzeville Community Development Partnership. He is a devoted husband and father, as well as an accomplished poet and author.