The Johnson Sisters

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The Johnson Sisters

Sylvia Carter, Barbara Green, and Madelyn Morris

The Johnson Sisters have lived in Mt. Airy since the 1950s. During that time, they have each contributed to the community in many different ways. All of them played important roles in creating something new in the United States: a stable, middle-class community that welcomed whites and blacks. We have space here for only a few of the distinctive activities of each sister.

Madelyn Morris was the founder of Walk 'n Talk, one of the events in the 60s that made the integration of Mt. Airy successful. Walk 'n Talks, still held on some blocks, were community-wide events where people left their porch lights on and visited back and forth on the street and in living rooms. Walk 'n Talks helped build the climate of trust and congeniality that enabled Mt. Airy to thrive. Madelyn has also welcomed old and new neighbors as membership secretary of Weaver's Way for over twenty years.

Sylvia Carter has been involved in a range of activities in Mt. Airy and beyond. She has been a board member and Vice President of Weaver's Way and a member of the board of Allens Lane Art Center. Sylvia was a member of the board of Henry Home and School Association and has raised money for the school through her involvement in the Henry School Fair. Sylvia has represented Mt. Airy in various meetings in other communities, trying to spread the word about the success of integration in Mt. Airy. In recent years, Sylvia has led efforts to help the elderly.

Barbara Green has been involved in many community activities over the years and has served in elective office. Among her most important efforts in Mt. Airy was her work on behalf of Betak, an AIDS Hospice. Barbara rallied her neighbors in support of Betak and served on its board until it closed.