Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Memorial to Ronald “Xhongo” James Johnson, Sr.
Body
WHEREAS, Ronald “Xhongo” James Johnson, of the City of Fitchburg, departed this life on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the age of 71; and,
WHEREAS, Ronald, a lifelong State of Wisconsin resident, became a state leader in community engagement, restorative justice, and service to community in Milwaukee and Dane counties, assuming the role of catalyst in developing and leading programs that built bridges between communities of color and system stakeholders in each county to build greater community safety, racial equity, and justice; and,
WHEREAS, as an innovator of new programs, Ron launched the Dane County Community Restorative Court (CRC), providing a second chance to 17 to 25 year olds involved in criminal justice to repair harm and restore their record, developing the first initiative of its kind in Wisconsin, later to be recognized as a national model; he became Dane County’s bridge builder between communities most impacted by criminal justice, police, and criminal justice elected leaders; and,
WHEREAS, Ron and the CRC staff have achieved a high bar of implementing real “community justice” by recruiting and training over 185 resident volunteer peacemakers to participate in restorative justice circles which have resulted in agreements to repair the harm to victims and to the community; and as the Father of restorative justice in Dane County, Ron exemplified the qualities of great leadership with his vision, humor, humility, compassion and never-ending commitment to create a better tomorrow for everyone who sought his partnership; and,
WHEREAS, Ron also lent his voice and service to several additional committees, councils, commissions, and community groups, frequently being called upon by local leaders, national think tanks, and “salt of the earth” community members for guidance; and,
WHEREAS, Ron loved the outdoors, each year taking African-American boys and mentors to the banks of the mighty Mississippi River to teach lessons of life, love, and nature; and,
WHEREAS, a Community Celebration of Ron’s Life was held on November 29, 2021, at the Lussier Family Heritage Center;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison Mayor and Common Council hereby pays their respects to our departed colleague and extends their sympathies to his family and to his many friends. We join them in mourning the loss of our former colleague who gave so unselfishly to our community.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED as a token of our esteem and deep respect that copies of this resolution be presented to Ron’s family.