Hate, Bigotry, and Ignorance did their best to banish African Americans into a social wilderness of perpetual despair so the banished used their genius and turned that wilderness into a network of playgrounds where they rested and gathered strength to keep battling for first-class citizenship. Join Hope College History Professor Fred L. Johnson as he concludes his discussion of the system of African American resorts that were built across the US in the early 20th century.
This program took place on Thursday, September 28, 2023
Holland Museum Spark!Lab
Free Adult Cultural Lens Program
Watch the Video Now!
Learn More
This program is related to the Holland Museum exhibition, “Black Eden: Idlewild Past, Present, and Future.”
To learn more about the exhibit and related programming click here.
Biography

Professor Fred L. Johnson III
Professor Fred L. Johnson III has taught history at Hope College since 2000. His primary field of study is 19th-century US history, specifically the Civil War as well as 20th-century US History, US military history, and African history. An award-winning speaker, he is a member of the Michigan chapter of the National Speakers’ Association since 2004. Dr. Johnson holds a B.S. from Bowie State College, an MA from Kent State University, and MDiv. From Western Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Kent State University.
Media Sponsor:
Cultural Lens Program Premier Sponsors:
This exhibit is supported in part by an award from:
![]() |



