DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson to receive Power of the Woman Award

Award is presented by the Hank Stewart Foundation in honor of Rita Samuel, an advocate of women, human and civil rights

On March 15, the Hank Stewart Foundation announced DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson as the 2022 Rita Samuel “Power of the Woman” award recipient in honor of Women’s History Month. The award is given to women who embody the spirit of Rita Samuel of speaking “truth to power” with the goal to strengthen and empower youth in communities. These sheroes serve selflessly in their community and their impact is felt throughout the state of Georgia and beyond.

Commissioner Davis Johnson will be honored on Saturday, March 19, at 10 am during a virtual program, which will be livestreamed on Zoom. Members of the public who would like to participate, can join the event by using the following information: Zoom Meeting ID: 845 3785 9738 and Password: 319347.

“I am humbled to receive this high honor in the spirit of Rita Samuel who was my shero. Her life’s example teaches us to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves,” Davis Johnson said.

“Dr. Dorothy Irene Height once said, ‘Black Women seldom do what they want to, but always do what they have to,’” said Hank Stewart, president and CEO of the Stewart Foundation. “Dr. Height had to be talking about Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson. Commissioner Davis Johnson handles the business of the people. We’re fortunate to have her serving in DeKalb County, and I’m blessed to be able to call her my friend and sister.”