The History of Johnson Park

On June 14, 2025, The Resile One Foundation proudly launched our Resile One Heritage Summit in Paris-Henry County, Tennessee with five panel discussions. Panel 1: The History of Johnson Park set the stage for meaningful conversations about our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

The objective of this panel was clear: educate the audience on Johnson Park’s historical significance, its role in the community, and the ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy. Johnson Park holds a special place in our community, and it bears the name of Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, a figure whose story and contributions deserve to be remembered and shared.

During the discussion, hosted by Resile One’ executive director, Yolanda Tyler, Keinonya Tharpe presented the history of the park and shared insights about Mordecai Johnson’s life and influence. Dr. Tiffany McCutcheon joined the conversation, offering thoughtful perspectives and adding depth to the dialogue.

What made this session especially powerful was the interactive exercise with the audience. Participants were invited to share their ideas on how the community can spread the story of Mordecai Johnson and envision what they would like to see for the future of Johnson Park. Their responses highlighted a collective desire to honor the past while creating spaces that bring people together.

The entire panel was recorded on video, capturing the knowledge, wisdom, and energy of the day.

This conversation was just the beginning. Through the Heritage Summit series, The Resile One Foundation is committed to uplifting stories that connect us to our history and inspire us to shape a stronger, more resilient future.

📹 Watch the video to hear these powerful ideas and see the passion of a community determined to protect its history while shaping its future.

👉 Stay tuned for the video recording and highlights from the next four panels.