With Black History Month kicking off this week, the Delaware Public Archives is bringing a unique presentation about a lesser-known local African American to the capital.
“Delaware’s Invisible Hero: The Life and Times of William Julius “Judy” Johnson” will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at 121 Duke of York St., Dover.
Johnson was the first Delawarean elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975, and is considered by many to be the best third baseman to every play in the Negro Leagues.
Ellen Rendle, curator of images at the Delaware Historical Society and author of “Judy Johnson: Delaware’s Invisible Hero,” will give an approximately hour-long presentation on Johnson and said she hopes to make a few First State residents aware of his contributions.
“What really caught my attention about him was people’s love for him,” Rendle said. “The people that knew him were so undeniably attracted to him.”
She said it never made sense to her why Johnson was a hidden secret in Delaware history, adding that many players in the Negro Leagues were unfortunately forgotten.
“It’s hard not to be in awe of those men because they achieved greatness in their game, but they’re not famous,” Rendle said. “They struggled so hard to make a living in really tough circumstances and yet they really don’t harbor any resentment or anger.”
Under her theory, the history of great players like Johnson has been brushed aside because those men did not make a fuss when they had every right to with the treatment they received.
“They worked with the system and were happy they were being paid for something they loved,” Rendle said. “The way the league was structured, they knew that to survive they couldn’t be militant. It’s a little easier to push it aside because of that.
“The whole story is full of moments where you say, ‘that’s a shame,’” she added. “They were gentleman. They became invisible because there was no incentive for anyone to have to listen to them.”
Tom Summers, manager of outreach services for the Archives, said having Rendle come in seemed like a fitting way to kick off Black History Month, as well as something else coming up this month.
“For those people that enjoy baseball, it’s a nice way to get excited for the season since pitchers and catchers are reporting in a few weeks,” Summers said.
Following Rendle’s presentation, she will conduct a question-and-answer session.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 744-5047.
IF YOU GO
WHAT Delaware’s Invisible Hero: The Life and Times of William Julius “Judy” Johnson
WHEN 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6
WHERE Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York St., Dover
ADMISSION Free
MORE INFO Call 744-5047
Email Brian Citino at brian.citino@doverpost.com
