1990 Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Categories: Multiple Sports
The Johnson family (Al and two brothers) contributed greatly to the sports program at Flint Central High School. Al left his mark at Central during the years 1944-46. In 1945, Al became the first Negro captain of a Central High football team. He was All-City in 1944-45, All-Valley in 1944-45 and All-State Team in 1945. He was captain of the first football team at Central to win the coveted Wildanger Trophy by winning three straight Thanksgiving Day games.
He also lettered in track and basketball. In 1960, Al became the first black basketball director for the City of Flint. He has also been a softball director for the City of Flint and was District Commissioner of the Michigan Amateur Softball Association in 1974. He was named the Michigan District Softball Commissioner of the year in 1985 and named Michigan Softball Commissioner of the year by the Michigan Amateur Softball Association in 1985 and Director of City League Flag Football. Johnson has played on city league basketball teams in Class AA and city league softball in the Buick Recreation Association.
Al treasures all the moments he shared with his former teammates and friends and has made a tremendous sports impact to the City of Flint.
