In Memoriam of Takeia Johnson
In July of 2021, we lost our beloved and radiant colleague, Takeia Johnson. Takeia was a loving member of the UIC Sociology community, a fierce comrade in the struggle for racial and social justice, a caring and calm friend to many, a quiet but brilliant and knowing presence in classrooms, hallways, offices, communities, and an honest and vulnerable human who set an example for many of us about how to live unapologetically everyday.
Before her time at UIC, Takeia received a B.A. in English and Political Science at the University of Southern California and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. During her time at DePaul, she supported the work of the Black Law Students’ Association. After she graduated, she worked as a law clerk, an attorney, and writer. At UIC, she studied how race and gender influences access to and experiences in the legal profession, particularly for Black women.
She was a valuable member of the Affinity community, and published a “brown paper” on the impact of immigration policy on same sex couples, which resulted in funding for the organization.
Her smile, wit, and willingness to always be of service to others will forever be cherished. In addition to her brilliance in the classroom and scholarly pursuits, she will be remembered for her unmatched sense of humor, her impeccable style, and her passion for writing that spanned all genres.
Please consider donating to the UIC Sociology Department's Takeia Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund in her honor. The fund will support annual fellowships to current students who combine social justice activism and academia in the Department of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago.