City of Savannah officials will join community members on Friday, Feb. 28 to officially rename the Savannah Cultural Arts Center (SCAC) the Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D. Cultural Arts Center, honoring the 64th Mayor’s legacy.

Dr. Johnson’s indelible impact on his hometown has been galvanized through a distinguished career in public service spanning multiple decades. His civil service reshaped the city’s socioeconomic landscape connecting neighborhoods and communities by fostering collaboration.

Dr. Johnson served two consecutive terms as Mayor of Savannah from 2004 to 2012. During his terms, Dr. Johnson bridged the racial divide in Savannah through economic development initiatives and rehabilitation of neglected neighborhoods. He played a pivotal role in founding Step-Up Savannah, Healthy Savannah, and the Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA). These initiatives focused on improving the well-being of Savannah residents, particularly low-wealth families.

A Savannah native, and a 1960 graduate of A.E. Beach High School, Dr. Johnson served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for two years from 1960-1962. He attended Savannah State University for two years in 1962 before transferring to Armstrong Junior College (now Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus).

In 1964, Dr. Johnson became the first African American graduate of Armstrong Junior College. He later earned degrees from The University of Georgia (A.B., 1967), Clark Atlanta University (M.S.W., 1969), and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University (Ph.D., 1980).

Dr. Johnson served as the Alderman for Savannah’s 2nd District from 1982 to 1988. In 1988, he began a decade-long tenure leading the Savannah Youth Futures initiative that created after-school programs, opened a family resources center, and forged a compact between businesses and schools with funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Following his time as mayor, he served as a member of the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education from 1999 to 2003.

In 2020, Dr. Johnson was appointed chair of the Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Task Force by Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. The REAL Task Force was established to examine and address racial disparities in Savannah. The task force identified six issues that determined quality of life: criminal justices, economic empowerment and development, education, environmental issues, health and housing. The report helped shape current and future policies and initiatives from the City.

The 39,000-square-foot Savannah Cultural Arts Center, which opened in 2019, continues to serve as a hub for artistic expression and education, mirroring Dr. Johnson’s lifelong dedication to fostering community-driven collaboration.

Savannah City Council approved the renaming during its Sept. 26, 2024, regular meeting, following a recommendation from the Historic Site and Monument Commission.

The renaming ceremony is free and open to the public.

What: Renaming Ceremony, Dr. Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center

When: Friday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m.

Where: 201 W. Montgomery St.