Barbara Johnson and Her Legacy with MCU

Barbara Johnson’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice. As she transitions out of her role as a Board Member with MCU, Barbara continues to build her legacy and carve an inspirational path through her commitment to leadership and activism that has profoundly shaped the organization and her community.

A Journey Rooted in Humble Beginnings

Barbara was born in Mississippi but moved to St. Louis at a young age when her parents sought better opportunities away from the oppressive conditions of the South. Growing up in a diverse yet changing neighborhood near St. Louis Avenue, Barbara witnessed firsthand the dynamics of community and displacement. Her parents, though only educated through the fifth grade, instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. As the youngest of eight children—five of whom tragically passed away—Barbara learned early on the importance of perseverance and care.

Faith was a cornerstone of Barbara’s upbringing. Raised in a household influenced by both Baptist and Catholic traditions, she attended Catholic schools throughout her education, including the Catholic Archdiocese school system from grade school through high school. She was both a member of Our Lady of the Holy Cross Catholic Church and her parents' baptist church where her faith became deeply rooted. This duality in faith nurtured her ability to relate to different denominations and fostered a deeply personal understanding of spirituality, where Barbara sought to bring God into her heart and actions.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Barbara’s professional journey was marked by tenacity and versatility. From her early days working in auditing at Famous-Barr to her roles in data entry and parent education, she consistently pursued opportunities to support and uplift others. Her passion for early childhood development led her to earn certifications and an associate degree in Applied Science, equipping her to serve families and children as a parent educator and even as a nanny and doula.

Barbara has worked in numerous roles, including as a nurse assistant at St. John’s Medical Center (now SSM Mercy), as a Data Entry Operator, Clerk Typist II, and Mini Computer Operator for the Department of Mental Health at Malcolm Bliss Hospital and St. Louis State Hospital, and as a Parent Educator in the Parents as Teachers Program for both St. Louis City Public Schools and Riverview Gardens Schools. She always balanced multiple jobs, one full-time and one part-time, throughout her career. Now happily retired, Barbara fills her time with a variety of activities, including traveling, road trips, water aerobics, concerts, movies, theater, dining out, historical reading, and connecting with social and activist groups.

A Passion for Justice

Barbara’s commitment to justice is deeply personal. Inspired by her parents’ community engagement and the lessons of resilience they taught her, she has been a steadfast advocate for social change. Particularly, her memories of when her parents took her and her brother on annual trips to visit relatives in the South stand out. They made sure she “practiced saying ‘yes ma'am’ and ‘no sir’ to the white people because if you didn't there could be a problem. (...) We got all of these instructions about what to do and what not to do. So when you grow up with that, you grow up with a sense of imbalance; something is not right. And then when you actually experience it as a child, as a teen, and as an adult, then you know the fight is on.”

“It would be a dishonor to my enslaved ancestors to just sit back and do nothing,” Barbara explains. For her, justice work is both a spiritual and moral imperative, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and a deep sense of responsibility. “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control,” she adds, citing the strength she draws from her faith. 

Her involvement with MCU began through this lifelong community activism. From participating in block unit meetings in her neighborhood to engaging with CUCA (Churches United for Community Action) and helped plant the founding roots of its merger into MCU in 1991, Barbara has embraced grassroots organizing as the most effective means to achieve sustainable change. Her training with Gamaliel further honed her skills in holding those in power accountable, a principle that remains central to her work today.

Leadership and Impact at MCU

As a Board Member of MCU, Barbara contributed to various issue task forces, including the Education Task Force, Communications Team, Money Team, and Environmental Justice Task Force. While she embraced the administrative aspects of board membership, her true passion lies in direct community engagement and advocacy.

Reflecting on her time on the board, Barbara emphasizes the importance of board members to embrace open-mindedness and honest communication. She advises incoming board members to be flexible, speak their truths, and prioritize the collective mission over personal agendas. Her insights have not only strengthened MCU’s initiatives but also inspired others to step into leadership roles.

Looking Ahead

While Barbara is stepping back from her formal board role, she remains committed to justice work. She envisions herself as a backbone supporter, empowering others to lead while continuing to advocate for systemic change. “I think I am a leader when I speak my truth,” she says, recognizing that leadership takes many forms.

Barbara’s parting advice to her community is a call to action: “Get involved. Organizing at the local level is where real change begins.” Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that every voice matters, and collective action can create a more just and equitable world.

As MCU celebrates Barbara’s contributions, her story stands as a testament to the impact of courage, faith, and determination. While her role may be changing, her influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide future leaders in the fight for justice.

Are you passionate about faith-driven community organizing and social justice? Do you believe in the power of collective action to create meaningful change? Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) is seeking dedicated leaders to join our Board of Directors!

We are looking for individuals who are:
🔹 Committed to justice, equity, and faith-rooted organizing
🔹 Experienced in leadership, fundraising, or advocacy
🔹 Ready to dedicate their time, talent, and networks to MCU’s success

Together, we can continue building power, developing leaders, and transforming systems that impact our communities. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the MCU Board, we would love to hear from you!

📩 Contact office@mcustl.com or call 314-367-3484 for more details and to express your interest!