The Rev. Charles Johnson has been awarded the United Way of Henderson County’s Impact award.
United Way Executive Director Melissa Clements presented the award Wednesday to Johnson, who is the executive director of the Henderson-Henderson County Human Rights Commission and the senior pastor at the Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church.
He said there are a lot of people who are doing so many things for the Henderson community, and the award recognizes both his work representing the African-American community and people as a whole.
“I’m honored,” Johnson said. “I say that with sincere humility.”
He said his work with human rights commission is important so that “people know they have a voice and are treated fairly.”
The Impact Award was determined by the United Way staff this year, said Kelsi Dunham, the community impact manager of the local UW.
The Impact Award goes to a Henderson County citizen who goes “above and beyond” in volunteer work, advocacy, board service and in other work that benefits the community—or “just being a great human all around,” Dunham said.
Johnson serves on many board, including the United Way board and the Henderson Community College’s Foundation Board. He is also president of the Henderson Homeless Coalition.
“I stay busy,” he said.
Dunham said the United Way does not give the award every year, but instead when leadership determines there is a worthy recipient.
Last year the award was given to Bill Fidler, a founding member and member of the advisory board of the current Boys and Girls Club on North Elm Street, Dunham said.
